5 Best Wrestler-Celebrity Physical Altercations In Pro Wrestling History

Pro wrestling and celebrities willing to get physical: name a better combination. Well, in fairness, not *every* instance of actors and athletes from another world stepping inside the ring has gone smoothly. In fact, a few have turned out rather poorly, and didn't exactly leave fans swelling with pride towards their promotion of choice. But when done right, a brawl between wrestlers and outside celebrities can be magical.

This comes to mind after last Wednesday's AEW Dynamite, when Chris Jericho (one of few people in wrestling that can recall things that happened on Raw more than six Raws ago) called out Mike Tyson over a decade-old skirmish, and a huge pull-apart ensued. Some felt this segment didn't come off well, but with more than two million views on YouTube less than 48 hours after the segment (plus a few mainstream headlines), AEW's getting some desired attention.

While we wait and see how the quarrel between "Le Champion" and "Iron Mike" plays out, let's take a look back at a few prime physical scuffles between the stars of both worlds.

Pro wrestling and celebrities willing to get physical: name a better combination. Well, in fairness, not *every* instance of actors and athletes from another world stepping inside the ring has gone smoothly. In fact, a few have turned out rather poorly, and didn't exactly leave fans swelling with pride towards their promotion of choice. But when done right, a brawl between wrestlers and outside celebrities can be magical.

This comes to mind after last Wednesday's AEW Dynamite, when Chris Jericho (one of few people in wrestling that can recall things that happened on Raw more than six Raws ago) called out Mike Tyson over a decade-old skirmish, and a huge pull-apart ensued. Some felt this segment didn't come off well, but with more than two million views on YouTube less than 48 hours after the segment (plus a few mainstream headlines), AEW's getting some desired attention.

While we wait and see how the quarrel between "Le Champion" and "Iron Mike" plays out, let's take a look back at a few prime physical scuffles between the stars of both worlds.

5. Bam Bam Bigelow Shoves Lawrence Taylor

The WWF was in desperate need of a jolt following a very dismal 1994, and turned to legendary linebacker LT for that boost. Sitting ringside at the 1995 Royal Rumble, Taylor watched as Bigelow stumbled his way to defeat in a Tag Team title bout, which Bam Bam didn't take well.

After yelling at various ringsiders who laughed at his misfortune, Bigelow caught Taylor chuckling, and quickly confronted him. When a smiling Taylor tried to make nice, Bigelow sent him flying backwards with a hard shove, paving the way for a match at WrestleMania 11.

4. Floyd Mayweather Slugs The Big Show

The Mayweather-Show match at WrestleMania 24 received mixed reviews, with some praising it as one of the better celebrity matches in history, and others finding it to be as lukewarm as the build itself. But man, did that saga begin on a rousing note or what?

After a year away from WWE, Show returned to the company at the 2008 No Way Out, and ended up in a confrontation with unbeaten pugilist Mayweather, who was in attendance. Show stooped down to allow Mayweather his best shot, and paid for it when Floyd's punches drew blood.

3. Jerry Lawler, Andy Kaufman Continue Their War

There may have been better celebrity *matches*, but few rivalries will ever equal the multi-fold genius of the King of Memphis' grudge with noted eccentric Kaufman. In 1982, viewers of NBC's Late Night With David Letterman got a taste of their pair's amazing chemistry.

On the show, Kaufman accused Lawler of being reckless, and Lawler fired back that Kaufman was milking his neck injury. Words were exchanged, leading to Lawler smacking Kaufman out of his chair. After commercial, an irate Kaufman threw Letterman's coffee at The King, before security dragged him out of the studio.

2. Roddy Piper Kicks Cyndi Lauper

The Rock n Wrestling Connection, the first WrestleMania - both owe their oxygen to the presence of famed pop star Lauper, whose personal connection with Captain Lou Albano (guest star in the music video for "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun") benefited the expanding WWF immensely.

When Lauper presented Albano with an award for his charitable work at MSG one night, noted agitator Piper crashed the ceremony. "Hot Rod" smashed a novelty gold record over Albano's head, and when the lightweight Lauper dove at Piper's leg, he harshly kicked her away.

2. Roddy Piper Kicks Cyndi Lauper

The Rock n Wrestling Connection, the first WrestleMania - both owe their oxygen to the presence of famed pop star Lauper, whose personal connection with Captain Lou Albano (guest star in the music video for "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun") benefited the expanding WWF immensely.

When Lauper presented Albano with an award for his charitable work at MSG one night, noted agitator Piper crashed the ceremony. "Hot Rod" smashed a novelty gold record over Albano's head, and when the lightweight Lauper dove at Piper's leg, he harshly kicked her away.

1. Steve Austin Gets In Mike Tyson's Face

Rock n Wrestling had Lauper and Mr. T, while Attitude had "The Baddest Man on the Planet." And when Vince McMahon innocently introduced Tyson by that modifier, he incurred the wrath of Stone Cold, who took umbrage with the idea that somebody could be "badder" than him.

Though initially playing nicely, Tyson stood his ground as Austin rattled off pointed barbs at the former heavyweight champion, culminating his remarks with that famous pair of middle fingers. Furious, Tyson shoved Austin, and the mother of all pull-aparts ensued.