Frank Andersson
Quick Facts
Biography
Frank Öivind Stefan Andersson, generally referred to as Frank Andersson (born 9 May 1956 in Trollhättan) is a Swedish semi-retired professional wrestler, entertainer and retired amateur wrestler. He started in amateur wrestling, winning several world championship gold medals as well as a bronze medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He later became a professional wrestler with mixed success. He was also a participant on Let's Dance 2011, the Swedish version of Strictly Come Dancing / Dancing with the Stars where he finished second.
Amateur wrestling career
Frank Andersson's amateur wrestling career included Gold medals at the 1973 and 1975 Junior World Championships and as he got older he wrestled at a number of Greco-Roman wrestling World Championships over the years. In 1977, 1979 and 1982 he won the Gold Medal in the 90 kg (200 lb; 14 st) division. He also took the Silver Medal in 1978 and 1981, The pinnacle of his amateur wrestling career came in 1984 at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles where won a bronze medal in the 90 kg weight division. In addition to his in ring achievements, Andersson was awarded the Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal in 1977. He was inducted in the Amateur Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2006.
Professional wrestling career
New Japan Pro Wrestling (1991–1993)
Andersson was trained for his professional career by Brad Rheingans, a former Olympian as well, and made his debut in 1991. Initially he worked in Japan, wrestling for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) in 1991.
World Championship Wrestling (1993–1995)
In 1993 he signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), based out of Atlanta, Georgia. He retired in 1995.
Return to wrestling (2014–present)
Andersson made his comeback in 2014 for STHLM, a promotion based in Stockholm, Sweden. He won the STHLM title on 6 September when he defeated Ken Malmsteen in the main event.
A year later on 12 September, he lost the title to The Beast.
In wrestling
- Finishing moves
- Northern Lights suplex
- Signature moves
- Armbar
- Corkscrew elbow drop
- Diving body splash
- Hip toss variations
- Modified rolling armbar
Championships and accomplishments
- STHLM Wrestling
- STHLM Wrestling Championship (1 time)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI ranked him #115 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1994