Who Was the First WWE Wrestler? Explained

By Sarah Miller · June 28, 2036

The first WWE wrestler, in the context of the modern era and global recognition, is widely considered to be André the Giant, who signed with the then-WWF (World Wrestling Federation) in 1973 and became its inaugural marquee superstar. However, if considering the earliest professional wrestler associated with the organization's origins, Johnny Rodz was among the first officially contracted wrestlers when the WWWF (precursor to WWE) launched in 1963 under Vince McMahon Sr..

Understanding the Origins of WWE and Its First Wrestlers

The question "Who is the first WWE wrestler?" can be interpreted in multiple ways depending on historical context, organizational evolution, and contractual milestones. The answer varies between foundational figures in the 1960s and breakout global stars of later decades.

The Birth of the WWWF and Early Signings

The World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), which later became WWE, was established in 1963 after a split from the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). The promotion needed credible in-ring talent to build its brand from the ground up.

1963: The WWWF was founded by Vincent J. McMahon and Toots Mondt.
Bruno Sammartino became the first WWWF World Heavyweight Champion on May 17, 1963, just weeks after the company's formation.
While not the first champion, Johnny Rodz was one of the first official contract wrestlers signed by the WWWF.
Rodz wrestled regularly for the promotion from its inception and also later served as a trainer at the WWE Performance Center.

Key Pioneers in Early WWE History

Several athletes played critical roles in establishing the foundation of what would become WWE. These early performers helped define the style, presentation, and storytelling that shaped professional wrestling in North America.

Notable Early WWE Contracted Wrestlers

Johnny Rodz – Among the first signed talent; debuted in 1963.
Bruno Sammartino – First champion; held the title for nearly eight consecutive years.
Ivan Koloff – Ended Sammartino's historic first reign in 1971.
Superstar Billy Graham – Popularized bodybuilding aesthetics in wrestling during the 1970s.
André the Giant – Signed in 1973; became the first true international star of the WWF.

André the Giant: The First Global WWE Superstar

While not the very first wrestler signed, André the Giant is often regarded as the first globally recognized WWE wrestler. His larger-than-life persona, combined with his dominance in the ring and media appearances, elevated the WWF into mainstream American culture.

Why André Stands Out as a Pioneer

Appeared in the iconic film The Princess Bride (1987), increasing his worldwide fame.
Main evented the first WrestleMania in 1985 against Hulk Hogan — a landmark moment in sports entertainment.
Held the WWF World Heavyweight Championship once, though his legacy transcends titles.
His feud with Hulk Hogan helped transition the WWF from regional promotion to national powerhouse.

Wrestler	First WWE/WWWF Contract Year	Championships Won	Notable Achievements	Tenure Duration (Years)
Johnny Rodz	1963	0	One of first signed wrestlers; later WWE trainer	1963–1985
Bruno Sammartino	1963	2x WWWF Champion	Held first reign for 2,803 days	1963–1981
André the Giant	1973	1x WWF Champion	Main evented WrestleMania I	1973–1991
Hulk Hogan	1983	6x WWF Champion	Face of 1980s wrestling boom	1983–1993
Rick McGraw	1976	0	Early developmental talent; son of promoter	1976–1985

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data highlights that Johnny Rodz and Bruno Sammartino were part of the original wave of talent in 1963, making them the earliest documented contracted wrestlers. André the Giant, while joining a decade later, achieved unprecedented global visibility, effectively becoming the first true international ambassador for WWE. His inclusion in major films and mainstream media set a precedent for future crossover stars.

Defining "First" in the Context of WWE History

The term "first" can refer to chronological signing, championship recognition, or cultural impact. Each interpretation leads to a different answer:

Chronologically First: Johnny Rodz and Bruno Sammartino (1963).
First Champion: Bruno Sammartino (May 17, 1963).
First International Star: André the Giant (1970s–1980s).
First Modern Era Icon: Hulk Hogan (1980s).

Therefore, the designation of "first WWE wrestler" depends on the criteria used — official contract date, title achievement, or global influence.

Frequently Asked Questions About the First WWE Wrestler

Who was the first person to sign with WWE?

Johnny Rodz was among the first wrestlers to officially sign with the WWWF (now WWE) in 1963. He was a foundational talent during the promotion's early years and remained active in WWE programming into the 1980s.

Who was the first WWE Champion?

Bruno Sammartino was the first WWE Champion, winning the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship on May 17, 1963, by defeating Buddy Rogers in less than a minute. His reign lasted 2,803 days, the longest in WWE history.

Was André the Giant the first WWE wrestler?

No, André the Giant was not the first WWE wrestler chronologically, as he joined in 1973. However, he is often considered the first global superstar of WWE due to his international fame and role in popularizing the brand.

Did Hulk Hogan come before other WWE legends?

Hulk Hogan signed with WWE in 1983, long after pioneers like Bruno Sammartino and André the Giant. However, he became the face of the 1980s wrestling boom and led WWE into national prominence.

Is there an official record of the first WWE contract?

While WWE does not publicly release its earliest contracts, historical records and biographies confirm that Johnny Rodz and Bruno Sammartino were among the first wrestlers under contract when the WWWF launched in 1963.