Al Burke Revisits WWF Glory in Throwback Instagram Moment
Veteran star unveils glimpse of classic pro wrestling days and his path to film stunts!
Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.
Read full bio of Sakshi
Image: Instagram
Los Angeles — Pro wrestling veteran Al Burke recently surprised his Instagram followers with a historic throwback image, whisking fans back to his mid-1980s World Wrestling Federation days. The snapshot, now trending under the hashtag #prowrestlingking, captures a younger Burke hoisting Hacksaw Jim Duggan above his head in a show of strength and showmanship. His caption read, “Back in my days at the WWF. Carrying out Hacksaw Jim as the King. Thanks Alexander for finding me 💪🏾 💜 💙 💚 💛 😁 😎 🎥 🎬,” reminding readers exactly why his ring persona Mr. Outrageous earned a devoted following.
Flashback To The Wwf Ring
In 1985, when the WWF was expanding into cable television and pay-per-view, Burke emerged as one of the promotion’s most colorful characters. Born Alan Eugene Burke on October 8, 1958, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he debuted on the regional circuit and adopted the moniker “Mr. Outrageous,” complete with flashy attire and over-the-top promos. Wrestling historian Simon Reynolds notes that matches featuring Duggan remain among the most replayed archival bouts, and Burke’s memorable team-ups with legends like Duggan and tag partners cemented his reputation as both a competitor and crowd-pleaser.
Roots In Bay Area Wrestling
Before stepping into Madison Square Garden-style venues, Burke honed his craft in smaller promotions. An earlier Instagram post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ2d7mehw-b/) showed him in a Bay Area Wrestling ring, crediting promoter Woody Farmer for giving him his first break. “Loved working for Woody Farmer,” Burke wrote alongside heart and fist emojis. Photos from the Oakland Civic Auditorium reflect a time when wrestling territories served as incubators for future WWE stars. Burke’s aerial maneuvers and in-ring psychology stood out early on, drawing local crowds and catching the eye of national scouts.
Mr. Outrageous Goes Hollywood
After nearly a decade in the ring, Burke transitioned to Hollywood — not as a conventional actor, but as a stuntman whose athleticism made him a natural fit for demanding on-screen roles. His IMDb resume lists appearances in television shows such as TV Cops and feature films like Beehive, where he worked opposite actress Ellie Patrikios. In a recent Instagram update (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJmqoDoygtx/), he shared behind-the-scenes selfies from the Los Angeles Center Studios, giving fans a taste of his day-to-day on set.
Legacy And Hall Of Fame Recognition
Burke’s contributions have not gone unnoticed by nostalgia-focused promotions. He was inducted into the BKB Grindhouse Hall of Fame for his influence on wrestling tropes and his crossover into stunt work. At the induction ceremony, Burke remarked, “This honor reflects years of bruises, cheers, and the belief that larger-than-life characters can inspire real fans.” His social media community, now numbering over 25,000 followers, remains active, with tributes flowing in whenever he posts archival footage or commentary on current wrestling trends.
Fan Reactions And Impact
Within hours of the recent throwback, followers chimed in with enthusiastic responses. Fan account @ringside_chris wrote, “Classic! You owned that ring, Mr. Outrageous.” Pro wrestler turned commentator Krusher Kowalski added, “Still got it, brother,” referencing Burke’s enduring strength. Online polls by wrestling blogs have even asked whether Burke should make a cameo at next year’s WrestleMania to celebrate the federation’s 40th cable anniversary. Though Burke has given no official word, his nostalgic posts continue to fuel speculation.
What’s Next For Burke
Despite celebrating the past, Burke isn’t resting on old glories. He’s set to appear in Saturday Night Scrap, an indie action film, and is rumored to be in talks for stunt coordination on an upcoming streaming drama. Additionally, he hosts monthly seminars for aspiring wrestlers and stunt performers at a gym in Burbank, sharing lessons on ring psychology and safe stunt execution. These workshops, documented on his Instagram Story, reveal Burke’s passion for teaching and preserving the craft.
Burke’s Instagram flashback is more than a glimpse at a single angle lift; it’s a bridge between eras. From the territorial wrestling boom of the 1980s to Hollywood stunt sets today, his journey illustrates how the fundamentals of performance — athleticism, charisma, and timing — transcend any stage. As fans revisit that iconic image of Mr. Outrageous carrying Hacksaw Jim, they’re reminded that legends endure not just through titles, but through the stories they share and the legacies they build.
Trivia
Read full bio of Sakshi
