Shane Bigelow has opened up about long-lost plans to form a tag team featuring his father, the legendary Bam Bam Bigelow, alongside the formidable Bruiser Brody. He revealed that a young Paul Heyman was instrumental in promoting Bam Bam during the early stages of his career.
During an appearance on Stu’s Wrestling Podcast, Shane Bigelow shared insights while reviewing family photographs. One photo, captured by Paul Heyman, highlighted an event at Studio 54 in New York where Heyman showcased Bam Bam Bigelow. This was part of Heyman’s early efforts in event promotion, long before he founded ECW, during his time as a photographer and magazine writer.
Shane recalled, “They were looking to pair them up, which would have been a remarkable partnership.” He noted that the tag team was likely set to materialize in Japan, but the plans fell through. Tragically, Bruiser Brody was murdered in Puerto Rico in July 1988, preventing the collaboration.
The topic of Japan was a recurring theme. Shane documented that his father traveled to Japan over 80 times, citing his tenure with Antonio Inoki and New Japan Pro Wrestling as the highlight of his career. Additionally, Shane received footage from a fan of Andre the Giant’s final match in Mexico, a six-man tag team event that featured Bam Bam. Shane mentioned that Andre initially made it difficult for his father, but seeing them together in Andre’s last match was a poignant full-circle experience.
Shane discussed his father’s rivalries, particularly with Bret Hart during the 1993 King of the Ring storyline. He mentioned an unaired promo where Bam Bam burned a photo of Hart, which has recently emerged online. Shane recalled his father practicing the flash paper trick at home. He also fondly remembered Hart being kind to him as a child backstage, often giving him single-pane sunglasses.
Regarding the WrestleMania XI main event involving Lawrence Taylor, Shane countered online criticism. He stated that Taylor has consistently praised his father, considering him one of the finest athletes he’s encountered. Shane emphasized the tradition of celebrity main events in wrestling, citing examples from Mr. T at the inaugural WrestleMania to Mike Tyson and Dennis Rodman.
Shane recounted various family anecdotes. He shared that his father would spend entire nights attempting the same level in Super Mario 64. He also told of the Anoa’i family bringing a pig to their backyard, burying it before a show, and returning to eat it afterward. Additionally, Ray Apollo, the last Doink the Clown and godfather to Shane’s brother, was a longtime road partner for Bam Bam, with Dink often riding in the back of a cold Lincoln Continental. Shane highlighted the ECW Living Dangerously 1999 match against Taz in Asbury Park as his favorite, which he watched from the top row.
Shane mentioned that the family retains the iconic flame jacket from Bam Bam’s ring gear. WWE had borrowed it for a display during WrestleMania 29 weekend. He noted that wrestlers typically aren’t allowed to keep such gear, but his father was never instructed not to take it.
Bam Bam Bigelow passed away in 2007 at the age of 45. His story was featured in the 2023 Dark Side of the Ring episode titled “Bam Bam Bigelow: The Beast from the East.” Shane, who is now a teacher in New Jersey, believes that discussing his father helps keep his legacy alive. He encourages fans to connect with him on Instagram at big_low78, where he shares photos and footage sent by fans.
The complete episode of Stu’s Wrestling Podcast, number 224, can be accessed on the show’s YouTube channel and Spotify.