**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.
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