Collection: George the Animal Steele

WWE has been home to some of the wildest and most unpredictable Superstars in sports-entertainment history. However, with his trademark green tongue, hairy torso and penchant for eating turnbuckles, George "The Animal" Steele might be the most unorthodox man to step foot in a WWE ring.

While he was always seen as a savage during his WWE tenure, Steele is actually a very well-educated man. Prior to breaking into sports-entertainment, Steele received his Masters Degree from Central Michigan University and became a high school teacher and wrestling coach in the Detroit area.

It was during his teaching stint that he began moonlighting in sports-entertainment, working in the Detroit-area promotions. His first WWE appearances took place in 1967, when he came to WWE and began a heated rivalry with champion Bruno Sammartino.