This day in Wrestling History the October 10th edition

 

                                               GIANT HAYSTACKS

Martin Austin Ruane, better known by his ring name "Giant Haystacks" (and "Loch Ness" in the US), was a British professional wrestler. With his massive size and stature, he became one of the most iconic figures in British wrestling during its television heyday in the 1970s and 1980s.

**Early Life & Career:**

Born on 10th October 1947 in Bingley, West Yorkshire, England, Ruane's family moved to Lancashire when he was still young. He started his working life in a number of labor-intensive roles including as a nightclub bouncer, which likely influenced his future career in wrestling.

**Wrestling Career:**

- **British Scene:** Giant Haystacks made his name in the UK's wrestling scene primarily with Joint Promotions and later All-Star Promotions. His towering presence (standing around 6 feet 11 inches and weighing as much as 685 pounds at his heaviest) made him an unforgettable figure in the ring.

  

- **Feuds:** His most notable feud was with Big Daddy (Shirley Crabtree). Their matches were main events, drawing huge television audiences and filling arenas throughout the country.

- **International Appearances:** Beyond the UK, Giant Haystacks also wrestled in various countries, including Canada and parts of Asia.

- **WCW Appearance:** In the 1990s, Ruane had a brief stint in the United States with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the ring name "Loch Ness". His tenure was short-lived, and he primarily feuded with Hulk Hogan.

**Later Life & Death:**

Ruane was diagnosed with cancer in 1996, and he passed away on 29th November 1998 at the age of 51.

**Legacy:**

Giant Haystacks left an indelible mark on the British wrestling scene. His matches and feuds, particularly with Big Daddy, are still fondly remembered by many who grew up watching wrestling during its peak on British television. Despite his imposing and often villainous on-screen persona, those who knew him often spoke of his gentle and kind nature outside the ring.

While he may not have achieved the same international recognition as some of his contemporaries, in the UK, Giant Haystacks is a true wrestling legend and is remembered as one of the most iconic figures of the sport in the country.

The Life and Times of Haystacks Calhoun

Haystacks Calhoun

**Bio:**

Born on August 3, 1934, in McKinney, Texas, William Dee Calhoun, better known by his ring name "Haystacks Calhoun," was an iconic professional wrestler during the 1960s and 1970s. Known for his gargantuan size and trademark overalls and white shirt, Calhoun was a mountain of a man who typically sported a length of rope around his waist and a horseshoe necklace around his neck. He stood out not only because of his immense size – often billed at over 600 pounds – but also because of his surprisingly agile in-ring ability given his stature.

**History:**

1. **Early Life**: William Dee Calhoun's enormous size was noticeable from an early age. By the time he was in his late teens, he was already weighing around 300 pounds. 

2. **Discovery**: His natural strength became the stuff of local legend, and stories about him lifting heavy farm equipment and carrying large amounts of feed spread across McKinney. His feats of strength caught the attention of local promoters, and he was soon trained to be a professional wrestler.

3. **Ring Name**: The "Haystacks" or "Country" part of his gimmick came from the rural, farm-based background, portraying him as a simple, country farm boy. The "Calhoun" was added to give a more identifiable surname.

4. **Wrestling Career**: Making his professional debut in the 1950s, Haystacks Calhoun quickly became a popular attraction because of his size and personality. He was frequently billed as a gentle giant, a babyface (or good guy) in wrestling parlance. Despite his massive frame, Calhoun was known to perform dropkicks and other moves that wrestlers half his size would execute. 

5. **Rivalries and Partnerships**: During his career, Haystacks feuded with many notable wrestlers and was also part of tag teams. One of his most famous tag team partnerships was with Tony Garea.

6. **Legacy**: Haystacks Calhoun's legacy in wrestling can be seen in the large wrestlers that followed him, who combined size with agility. He paved the way for other "giant" wrestlers to become major attractions in the wrestling world.

7. **Health and Later Life**: As with many super-heavyweight wrestlers, the stresses of his size and the demands of the wrestling business took a toll on Calhoun's health. He faced mobility issues later in life and used a wheelchair.

8. **Death**: Haystacks Calhoun passed away on December 7, 1989. His contributions to the wrestling industry, however, ensure that he is remembered as one of the most iconic big men in the sport's history.

Certainly, Haystacks Calhoun's career wasn't limited to just one region. His immense stature and unique in-ring abilities made him an international attraction.

**International Appearances**:

1. **Canada**: Haystacks made appearances in Canadian territories. Given the close ties between the American and Canadian wrestling circuits, it wasn't uncommon for major American stars like Calhoun to make their presence felt in Canadian promotions.

2. **United Kingdom**: Calhoun's legend even crossed the Atlantic, influencing the naming of another large wrestler, Martin Ruane, who initially performed as "Haystacks Calhoun" in the UK before famously becoming "Giant Haystacks."

**Career Accomplishments**:

1. **Tag Team Champion**: In addition to his single's success, Haystacks Calhoun achieved championship gold in the tag team division. Along with partner Tony Garea, they secured the WWWF World Tag Team Championship, showcasing that Calhoun wasn't just an attraction but also a title contender.

2. **Trailblazer for Super-Heavyweights**: Arguably, Calhoun's most significant accomplishment wasn't a title or a particular match but the path he paved for other super-heavyweights. He proved that larger wrestlers could be more than just sideshow attractions, and they could combine size with genuine wrestling ability. 

3. **Main Event Attraction**: At his peak, Calhoun was a major draw, main-eventing cards and being a significant attraction wherever he wrestled. His matches were often billed as special attractions, given the rarity of seeing such a massive man in action.

4. **Legendary Feuds**: Over his career, Calhoun faced off and feuded with several notable names in the wrestling world. These feuds and matches further solidified his status as a top-tier wrestler.

Overall, Haystacks Calhoun's career was marked by significant accomplishments both inside and outside the ring. He wasn't just an attraction based on his size but was a genuine wrestling talent who left an indelible mark on the industry.

Across his career, Haystacks Calhoun's persona as the gentle giant from the South became a staple in wrestling promotions, and his legacy can be seen in the many super-heavyweight wrestlers who have come after him.