DragonKingKarl Classic Wrestling Show: Earthquake/John Tenta biography
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John Tenta (aka WWF’s Earthquake, WCW’s Avalanche and Shark) wrestled at LSU and then became a sumo competitor where he was a standout Westerner.
But, he soon became disgruntled and switched to pro wrestling, first in Japan and then in the U.S., becoming a star in WWF as an opponent for Hulk Hogan, as well as a Tag Team champion. He had multiple stints in Japan and in WCW as well.
He passed away in 2006 at just 42 years old due to bladder cancer.
This is the story of Earthquake.
Karl Stern is a pro wrestling historian specializing in the 1980s and pioneer era (pre-1900) of pro wrestling. He is an author who has written several books on wrestling and independently runs the When It Was Cool retro pop culture website.