Who Is Giant Haystacks? Age, Biography and Wiki
Giant Haystacks, born on October 10, 1946, in London, England, captivated audiences throughout his wrestling career. He became a household name in the 1970s and 1980s in the UK, known for his towering height and incredible strength. His real name was Martin Ruane, but he embraced the Giant Haystacks persona, which would define his legacy in professional wrestling until his passing in 1998.
As of 2025, Giant Haystacks would have been 78 years old.
| Occupation | Wrestlers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 10, 1946 |
| Age | 52 Years |
| Birth Place | Camberwell, London, England |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 29 November, 1998 |
| Died Place | Prestwich, Greater Manchester, England |
Popularity
Giant Haystacks's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Giant Haystacks was known for his impressive physique that set him apart from many of his contemporaries. His height was approximately 6 feet 11 inches (211 cm), and he weighed around 50 stones (approximately 700 pounds or 317 kg) at his peak. His enormous size was a key factor in his wrestling persona, making him a formidable opponent in the ring.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Despite his fame, Giant Haystacks maintained a relatively private life. There is limited information available regarding his dating history, relationships, or any significant others he may have had during his lifetime. It is known that he was not married at the time of his death and thus had no recorded spouse or children. His focus on wrestling and his professional career often overshadowed his personal life.
He weighed 14 lbs and 6 oz at birth. His father was from Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, Ireland. In 1949, when he was three years old, Ruane and his family moved from London to Broughton in Salford, Lancashire, which remained his home. He attended St. Thomas' School until he left aged 14.
He worked as a scraper driver building motorways, and as a nightclub bouncer before a friend suggested he take up wrestling.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Giant Haystacks' estimated net worth was reportedly around $1 million to $5 million. His earnings were derived primarily from his wrestling career, along with appearances on television and in various wrestling promotions, including World of Sport. Although unlikely to amass the wealth of contemporary wrestling stars due to the era's pay scale, his popularity and marketability ensured a significant income during his peak years.
Career, Business and Investments
Giant Haystacks began his wrestling career in the early 1960s and quickly rose to prominence. He competed in various promotions throughout the UK and Europe and was known for his rivalries with well-known wrestlers like Big Daddy. His wrestling style combined traditional grappling with the theatrics of sports entertainment, captivating audiences across generations.
Aside from wrestling, Giant Haystacks had a brief stint in acting, appearing in British television shows and documentaries that showcased his wrestling accomplishments. However, information regarding specific business ventures or investments outside wrestling is limited.
Ruane was known for his massive physical size, billed as standing 6 ft 11 inch (2.11 m) tall and weighing from 31 st at the beginning of his career to 48 st by the end of it; at his heaviest, he weighed 49 st. In the 1970s he formed a heel team with Big Daddy.
After Big Daddy turned face and the team broke up, the two engaged in a long-running, high drawing feud. During his career, Ruane held the European Heavyweight Championship and British Heavyweight Championship in the UK, and won the Stampede International Tag Team Championship in Canada, with the Dynamite Kid.
Social Network
Although social media was not a platform available during Giant Haystacks' lifetime, he remains a subject of interest to wrestling fans worldwide. In 2025, several wrestling forums, fan pages, and documentary channels discuss his legacy and contributions to the wrestling industry. Fans continue to honor his memory through various platforms, ensuring that the Giant Haystacks persona remains alive in popular culture.
In February 2022 writer Rob Cope released a memoir Giant Haystacks: My Heavyweight Hero via online publisher lulu.com detailing his meetings with Haystacks, then in the last months of his life and the story the wrestler had told him of his life and career. The book was released to raise funds for the Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester.
Education
While specific details about Giant Haystacks' formal education are scarce, it is known that he pursued athletic interests from a young age. His passion for wrestling and physical training undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his future career.
Conclusion
As an icon of British wrestling, Giant Haystacks left an indelible mark that resonates with fans even decades after his passing. His unique personality, unmatched charisma, and contributions to the sports entertainment landscape continue to inspire new generations of wrestlers and fans alike. This article highlighted key aspects of his life, reminding us of the legacy he created within the wrestling world.
