Martin Ruane
Ring name(s)	Giant Haystacks Loch Ness The Loch Ness Monster
Billed height	6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
Billed weight	672 lb (305 kg; 48.0 st)
Born	October 10, 1947(1947-10-10)[1][2] Camberwell, London, England[1][2]
Died	November 29, 1998 (aged 51)
Debut	1967

Martin Ruane (October 10, 1947 - November 29, 1998) was a British professional wrestler of Irish descent. Best known by his ring name, Giant Haystacks, he wrestled in such places as England, the United States, Canada, India, and Zimbabwe. Ruane was known for his massive physical size, weighing over 48 stone (670 lb; 300 kg) at his heaviest.

Contents 1 Early life 2 Career 3 In wrestling 4 Championships and accomplishments 5 Personal life 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Early life

Ruane's family originated from County Mayo in Ireland. When he was 3 in 1949, Ruane's family moved North from London to Salford, which remained his home. Ruane worked as a labourer and as a nightclub bouncer before a friend suggested he take up professional wrestling as a career.

[edit] Career

Under the promoter Brian Dixon, Ruane was named Giant Haystacks after the American wrestling star William Calhoun who had wrestled in NWA All-Star Wrestling and the World Wide Wrestling Federation under the name Haystacks Calhoun.

Ruane began wrestling in 1967, becoming a household name during the 1970s and 1980s wrestling all over the world. He had a long running feud with Big Daddy, resulting in high ratings on Britain's ITV any time they battled one another. He also had a long feud with the legendary Kendo Nagasaki.

Ruane wrestled in Calgary, Canada for Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling promotion as The Loch Ness Monster and was managed by J.R. Foley from Liverpool, England. Other notable wrestlers that emerged from Stampede Wrestling included Bret Hart, Owen Hart, Brian Pillman, and Michael Alphonso.

In 1996, Ruane appeared in the United States in World Championship Wrestling under the ring name Loch Ness. He would serve as a member of Dungeon of Doom to create a long running feud with Hulk Hogan; however, this was short-lived, and the tour was called off when Ruane was diagnosed with cancer and returned to the United Kingdom. He died two years later from the condition.

[edit] In wrestling

• Finishing moves
  • Standing or running Elbow drop
  • Standing splash

[edit] Championships and accomplishments

British Wrestling Federation

• BWF European Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Joint Promotions British Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

Stampede Wrestling

• Stampede International Tag Team Championship (2 time w/Dynamite Kid and Bret Hart)

[edit] Personal life

Ruane was a deeply religious man and refused to fight on Sundays.^{[citation needed]}

In addition to his wrestling career, he also appeared in the 1981 movie 'Quest For Fire' and the 1984 movie "Give My Regards To Broad Street", written by Sir Paul McCartney who was a noted fan of his.^[3]

Martin Ruane invested, unsuccessfully, in the motor trade and ran, more successfully, a debt-collection agency. He died on November 29, 1998 at the age of 51, following a two year battle with cancer.

A son, Noel, is the founder of successful British construction company 'The Freemont Group' ^[4] having studied his degree in Construction Management at the University of Salford.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Where Are They Now: Giant Haystacks
• OWW Profile
• British Wrestling