Although it reached new levels of popularity in the late 1990s, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) has actually been around since the early 1960s. The professional wrestling circuit, which bills itself as the world's "highest form of sports entertainment," has grown into a multibillion-dollar empire thanks to its unique mix of violent mayhem and soap opera. Stars who emerged from the WWF ranks include Hulk Hogan (1973–), Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (1972–), and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (1964–).

The World Wrestling Federation, at first known as the Worldwide Wrestling Federation, began in 1963 as an offshoot of another wrestling circuit, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). The owner and promoter of the new organization was Vince McMahon Sr. (1915?–1984). By developing such stars as Bruno Sammartino (1935–), Andre the Giant (1946–1993), and Haystacks Calhoun (1933–1989), McMahon was able to turn the floundering business of professional wrestling into a regional powerhouse. Some critics complained...