Author: From farm boy to wrestling phenomenon, Haystacks Calhoun wasn’t just big – he was larger than life. At 600+ pounds, he could lift a cow with his bare hands, pack arenas across the globe, and still find time to charm millions on national television. But behind the overalls and horseshoe necklace lay a story few fans knew.
Haystacks Calhoun: From Farmboy to Wrestling Legend
Born William Dee Calhoun on August 3rd, 1934, in McKinney, Texas, Calhoun’s early life was marked by constant movement as his family sought work across various farms. His extraordinary size manifested early – by age 14, he already weighed over 300 pounds, with a legendary appetite that included devouring a dozen eggs for breakfast.
Life on Texas farms helped forge the incredible strength that would later define his wrestling career. Despite the social challenges his size presented, young “Billy” maintained a remarkably positive attitude. He studied wrestling techniques throughout his high school years, and by graduation in 1953, The Bobcat Year Book recorded numerous encouraging messages from friends supporting his dream of becoming a wrestling star.
By his early twenties, Calhoun’s weight had climbed to over 600 pounds. His personal physician warned him about his life expectancy, but the young giant chose to ignore these medical concerns, instead focusing on his growing wrestling aspirations.
His discovery became wrestling folklore when a traveling promoter witnessed the farm worker performing an incredible feat – picking up and moving full-grown cows across a field. This led to his 1955 debut under the guidance of promoter Orville Brown, competing primarily throughout Houston, Kansas City, and various Canadian territories.
Recognizing the entertainment potential of his unique appearance, Calhoun crafted his signature persona – a lovable hillbilly from the fictional Morgan’s Corner, Arkansas. His trademark look included a bushy beard, pristine white t-shirt, blue overalls, and his lucky horseshoe necklace, a cherished gift from his father that became an integral part of his character.
The Lovable Giant: Haystacks Calhoun’s Fan-Favorite Status
Despite his imposing size, Haystack Calhoun’s gentle nature and charismatic personality made him an instant fan favorite across the wrestling territories. His breakthrough into mainstream consciousness came through his memorable appearance on Art Linkletter’s House Party, where he amazed television audiences by effortlessly tossing heavy hay bales into a high loft. This feat not only earned him his famous “Haystacks” moniker but also established him as a household name.
His entertainment appeal extended beyond the wrestling ring. In 1962, Calhoun appeared in an uncredited role in the critically acclaimed film “Requiem for a Heavyweight.” He was also a frequent guest on popular television programs, including appearances on “You Bet Your Life” and talk shows hosted by Jack Parr and Merv Griffin.
Haystacks Calhoun: In-Ring Feats and Global Appeal
In the ring, Calhoun was primarily showcased as a special attraction, often competing in handicap matches where he would take on multiple opponents simultaneously. His signature moves included “The Big Splash,” where he would crush opponents beneath his 600-pound frame, and a devastating corner sit-out that would force immediate submission. Despite his massive size, he displayed remarkable agility that consistently amazed audiences.
While he never captured a world singles championship due to weight difference rules, Calhoun achieved significant success in tag team competition. His most notable partnership was with Mountain Man Mike, forming what remains the heaviest tag team in professional wrestling history with their combined weight exceeding 1,200 pounds. Wrestling lore long maintained that only Bruno Sammartino could lift Calhoun off his feet, though records show Bulldog Brower also accomplished this feat.
His international appeal was particularly strong in Japan, where his arrival would draw thousands of curious onlookers. During one tour, over 3,000 fans gathered at the airport just to catch a glimpse of the gentle giant. Calhoun’s popularity transcended cultural barriers, making him one of wrestling’s most successful international attractions of his era.
Calhoun took his role model status seriously, especially regarding his younger fans. “I am careful how I behave, particularly in front of kids,” he once remarked in an interview with Celebration Magazine. “So many adults ignore the kids, particularly the athletes. I try to cater to them, which is why they like me. Kids look up to athletes, so I try to set a good example.”
The Final Chapter: Haystacks Calhoun’s Passing
The final years of Haystacks Calhoun’s life were marked by the devastating effects of diabetes, a condition that had plagued him throughout his later career. After retiring from the ring in the late 1970s, his health declined rapidly. In 1986, complications from diabetes led to the amputation of his left leg, confining the once-mighty wrestler to a double-wide trailer in Collin County, Texas.
Despite his earlier success and popularity, Calhoun faced significant financial hardship in his final years. His daughter would later donate many of his wrestling mementos to the Collin County Museum, preserving his legacy for future generations.
On December 7th, 1989, William Dee Calhoun passed away at his home from diabetic complications. He was just 55 years old.
His impact on professional wrestling continued long after his death. In Britain, wrestler Martin Ruane achieved fame as “Giant Haystacks,” a modified version of Calhoun’s gimmick, carrying on his legacy across the Atlantic.
In 2003, WWE recognized Calhoun’s contributions by naming him one of the 50 greatest WWE superstars of all time.
His journey from farm boy to wrestling legend was further immortalized when he was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2017.
More recently, Calhoun’s story reached new audiences when he was portrayed by Steve Moulton in NBC’s “Young Rock” series, appearing in a 2022 episode that told the story of how Dwayne Johnson’s parents met and fell in love.
He is buried at Scott Cemetery in McKinney, Texas, not far from where his remarkable journey began.
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