Bam Bam Bigelow was one of the most iconic and impressive wrestlers of his generation. He was known for his massive physique, his distinctive flame tattoo on his bald head, and his incredible agility and athleticism for a man of his size. He had a successful career in various promotions, such as WWE, WCW, ECW, and NJPW, where he won several championships and headlined major events. However, behind the scenes, he struggled with personal issues, injuries, and substance abuse, which ultimately led to his tragic death in 2007. Here is a look at the life and death of Bam Bam Bigelow.
Early Life and Career
Scott Charles Bigelow was born on September 1, 1961, in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He was a natural athlete who excelled in wrestling and football in high school. He dropped out of school and worked various jobs, such as a bodyguard, a bouncer, and a bounty hunter. He claimed that he was shot in the back by a fugitive and imprisoned for six months in Mexico City while working as a bounty hunter.
He decided to pursue a career in professional wrestling and trained at Larry Sharpe’s Monster Factory wrestling school in New Jersey. He made his debut in 1986 as Bam Bam Bigelow and quickly gained attention for his size and skill. He signed with WWE in 1987 and became part of Hulk Hogan’s team at the first Survivor Series. He left WWE in 1988 and joined WCW, where he feuded with Ric Flair and Sting.
He also wrestled in Japan for NJPW, where he formed a tag team with Big Van Vader and won the IWGP Tag Team Championship. He returned to WWE in 1992 and became a fan favorite. He had memorable matches with Bret Hart, Tatanka, Doink the Clown, and Luna Vachon. He also headlined WrestleMania XI in 1995 against NFL star Lawrence Taylor.
ECW, WCW, and Independent Circuit
Bigelow left WWE in 1995 and joined ECW, where he became a heel (villain) again. He joined the stable of Shane Douglas called The Triple Threat and won the ECW World Heavyweight Championship and the ECW World Television Championship. He had brutal matches with Taz, Rob Van Dam, Spike Dudley, and The Sandman.
He jumped to WCW in 1998 and became part of the New World Order (NWO) faction. He feuded with Goldberg, Kevin Nash, Diamond Dallas Page, and Rey Mysterio Jr. He won the WCW World Tag Team Championship with Page. He left WCW in 2001 after the company was bought by WWE.
He continued to wrestle on the independent circuit for various promotions, such as USA Pro Wrestling, Juggalo Championship Wrestling, Hardcore Homecoming, and Jersey All Pro Wrestling. He also made appearances for TNA and MLW.
Personal Life and Death
Bigelow had three children with his ex-wife Dana Fisher, whom he married in 1987 and divorced in 2000. He had several legal troubles throughout his life, such as arrests for assault, drug possession, theft, and endangering the welfare of a child.
He also suffered from various health problems due to his wrestling career and drug abuse. He had multiple surgeries on his knees, shoulders, neck, and back. He also had hepatitis C and diabetes.
On July 4, 2000, he rescued three children from a burning house near his home in New Jersey. He suffered second-degree burns on 40% of his body and spent two months in a hospital recovering from his injuries.
He moved to Florida in 2004 and lived with his girlfriend Janis Remiesiewicz. On January 19, 2007, she found him dead in his home in Hudson, Florida. He was 45 years old.
An autopsy revealed that he died of a drug overdose. His system contained toxic levels of cocaine and benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety drugs). His death was ruled accidental.
Legacy
Bam Bam Bigelow is widely regarded as one of the best big men in wrestling history. He was praised by his peers and fans for his charisma, versatility, and athleticism. He influenced many wrestlers who followed him, such as Kane, Rikishi, Umaga, Samoa Joe, Kevin Owens, Bray Wyatt, Keith Lee, and Braun Strowman.
He was honored by several wrestling organizations after his death. He was inducted into the Hardcore Hall of Fame by ECW alumni in 2008. He was also inducted into the USA Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame by Mick Foley in 2012.
He was featured in several documentaries about wrestling history, such as The Rise & Fall of ECW (2004), The Self Destruction of the Ultimate Warrior (2005), The Spectacular Legacy of the AWA (2006), and Dark Side of the Ring (2020).
He was also a popular character in many wrestling video games, such as WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game (1995), WCW Nitro (1997), WCW/nWo Revenge (1998), ECW Hardcore Revolution (2000), WWE 2K16 (2015), and WWE 2K18 (2017).
Bam Bam Bigelow was a wrestling legend who left a lasting impact on the industry and the fans. He was a larger-than-life performer who entertained millions with his unique style and personality. He was also a troubled soul who battled with his demons and paid the ultimate price. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest of all time.
