It’s official: The Natural Disasters, a legendary tag team from the WWE, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. The duo, comprised of Earthquake (John Tenta Jr.) and Typhoon (Fred Ottman), made waves in the wrestling world with their impressive size and entertaining matches, taking home the WWF Tag Team Championships in 1992. They will be honored as part of the Class of 2025 on April 18, during a ceremony at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, Nevada, just hours after Friday Night Smackdown wraps up.
Fred Ottman recently shared his reaction to this major announcement in an interview with Sportskeeda. “I couldn’t believe it,” he stated, recalling the moment he found out about the induction. “I was like, wow, what an incredible thing, you know? I always say, there are so many guys that are so worthy to be in there that aren’t yet. For this to happen is amazing.” Ottman’s surprise captures the sentiment felt by many fans and colleagues who remember the energy and excitement the Natural Disasters brought to wrestling.
The Natural Disasters were active as a tag team from 1991 to 1993 and boasted a whopping combined weight of 852 pounds. Together, Tenta and Ottman quickly made a name for themselves, ultimately challenging Money Inc. at Wrestlemania VIII. While they would come up short in that particular match, their later successes included an 85-day reign as the WWF Tag Team Champions, a title they captured on July 20, 1992, by defeating Money Inc.
What made the Natural Disasters stand out was not just their size but their ability to connect with the audience. Their dynamic as a tag team was palpable; the ring often trembled when they entered, their presence commanding attention. The duo's signature move involved Ottman trapping an opponent in the corner with a body avalanche, while Tenta followed with his devastating Earthquake Splash, a formidable wrestling tactic that left fans in awe.
Before joining forces, both Tenta and Ottman had their distinct wrestling journeys. John Tenta was born in Surrey, British Columbia, and began his career as a legitimate amateur wrestler. By 1981, he had earned a Canadian junior championship title and even finished sixth in the super heavyweight division at the World Junior Wrestling Championships. His journey took him from a wrestling scholarship at Louisiana State University to Japan, where he trained in sumo wrestling under the name Kototenta. There, he garnered an impressive undefeated record across the three lower divisions before transitioning to professional wrestling.
In contrast, Fred Ottman took a different route to wrestling fame. A Miami native born in 1956, he was a powerlifter whose strength was well-known. In 1981, he boasted incredible physical stats, including 23-inch arms and a chest exceeding 60 inches, with the ability to bench press 590 pounds. Ottman initially joined the wrestling scene as Big Steel Man and later gained recognition in the WWF with his playful persona as Tugboat. Eventually, he transformed into Typhoon, teaming up with Tenta.
Although the Natural Disasters’ reign was relatively short, their legacy has persisted throughout wrestling history. Their impressive formations reclaimed them as fan favorites after a betrayal from manager Jimmy Hart. This remarkable shift in narrative led to their championship win and showcased their undeniable impact on the tag team landscape.
Sadly, John Tenta passed away on June 7, 2006, just weeks shy of his 43rd birthday after battling bladder cancer. His untimely death left a void in the wrestling world, but his spirit and character remain cherished by fans and peers alike. Fellow Canadian wrestler Bret Hart noted, “When [Tenta] first came in, he was this massive 6'8" 450-pound guy yet he was this quiet, demure gentle giant who said please and thank you to everyone and called everyone 'sir.'” Tenta was known for his kindness, a remarkable trait in an industry that often emphasizes bravado.
Ottman, on the other hand, faced his share of challenges after their split. He became infamous for perhaps the most embarrassing debut in wrestling history as the Shockmaster in WCW, but he took it all in stride, showcasing humor and positivity about the incident over the years. After retiring from wrestling, he stayed connected to the sport, frequently making appearances at conventions.
Together, the Natural Disasters dominated wrestling during their time, leaving their mark on WWE history by proving that two big men can deliver explosive performances that resonate with fans. Their 800-pound impact on the tag team scene emphasized raw power combined with entertaining techniques that delighted audiences.
Their induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to their achievements and the joy they brought to wrestling fans worldwide. As the announcement circles within fan communities, many eagerly await the ceremony that promises to honor not just their accomplishments but the legacy of two incredible talents who embraced their identities as larger-than-life wrestling figures.
