Everything about pro wrestling is designed to be larger than life: Epic throwdowns, melodramatic storylines, and of course, physiques that are much, much bigger than a human body really should be. But pro wrestlers are people, too! They weren’t always the hulking monstrosities we know and love. Presumably, at one time they had to at least somewhat resemble people like you and me.
Today, we’re bringing you photos of pro wrestlers that were taken during one of the most awkward times in a person’s life: high school. If you’re a wrestling fan, maybe looking at their yearbook photos will ruin the mystique. But if you ask me, these photos are inspiring. Because with a little charisma, a lot of hard work, and a shitload of steroids, you can accomplish anything.
1. Hulk Hogan
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-2.jpg)
Photo Credit: Imgur
2. The Macho Man
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-1.jpg)
Photo Credit: Imgur
3. The Undertaker
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Screen-Shot-2018-01-05-at-5.50.55-PM.jpg)
Photo Credit: Imgur
4. The Rock
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-5.jpg)
Photo Credit: Imgur
5. John Cena
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-7.jpg)
Photo Credit: Wrestling News Source
6. Sable
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/17.jpg)
Photo Credit: Imgur
7. Stone Cold Steve Austin
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-6.jpg)
Photo Credit: Imgur
8. Mick Foley
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-9.jpg)
Photo Credit: Imgur
9. The Miz
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-10.jpg)
Photo Credit: Imgur
10. Rikishi
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-16.jpg)
Photo Credit: Imgur
11. Goldberg
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-11.jpg)
Photo Credit: Imgur
12. Brock Lesnar
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-12.jpg)
Photo Credit: Imgur
13. Triple H
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-8.jpg)
Photo Credit: Imgur
14. Vince McMahon
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-15.jpg)
Photo Credit: Pinterest
15. Andre the Giant
![](https://awkward.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/wrestler-4.jpg)
Photo Credit: Buzzfeed
Note: the photo on the left is not Andre when he was in high school. It’s actually Andre when he was a toddler.
h/t: Ranker