The Big Machine in WWF was a masked persona adopted by the legendary professional wrestler Blackjack Mulligan.
During the mid-1980s, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) introduced the enigmatic character known as The Big Machine. This masked individual was part of a storyline involving André the Giant, who had a kayfabe (storyline) injury and was suspended, leading to various "Machine" wrestlers appearing to fill his void and assist Hulk Hogan. While the identity was officially kept secret, it was widely known that the imposing figure behind the mask was veteran grappler Blackjack Mulligan.
The Man Behind the Mask: Blackjack Mulligan
Blackjack Mulligan, born Robert Lee Windham, was a prominent and feared figure in professional wrestling for decades. Known for his towering stature and gruff demeanor, he was a perfect fit for the "Big Machine" moniker. His career spanned various territories, but he had significant stints in the WWWF/WWF.
Here's a closer look at key details about Blackjack Mulligan, the man behind The Big Machine:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Ring Name(s) | Big Bob Windham, Big Machine, Blackjack Mulligan, The Texan |
| Billed Height | 6 ft 9 in (206 cm) |
| Billed Weight | 300 lb (136 kg) |
| Billed From | Eagle Pass, Texas, U.S. |
The Gimmick and Its Purpose
The "Machine" gimmick, which also saw other wrestlers like Hulk Hogan (Hulk Machine), Bill Eadie (Super Machine), and André the Giant (Giant Machine) adopt similar personas, was a creative way to introduce familiar faces under new guises. For Mulligan, it allowed him to work for the WWF in a prominent role without directly conflicting with any previous character associations he might have had, particularly given the fluid nature of wrestling territories at the time.
His imposing size, as indicated by his billed height of 6 ft 9 in and weight of 300 lb, perfectly complemented the "Big Machine" persona, making him a believable and formidable presence in the ring. Blackjack Mulligan's legacy extends far beyond this specific gimmick, as he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017.
