This week on Retro Wrestling w/Gene Jackson, Gene sits down with one of the most fascinating figures in wrestling history, “The World’s Strongest Man” Ted Arcidi for a long form conversation covering bodybuilding, powerlifting, WWF, movies, television, and the wild ride that took him from setting world records to stepping inside the wrestling ring.

Best known to wrestling fans as “Mr. 705” after becoming the first man to officially bench press over 700 pounds, Ted discusses:

• Breaking world records in powerlifting
• Training and competing during the golden era of strength sports
• Transitioning from bodybuilding and lifting into professional wrestling
• His time in the WWF during the mid-1980s boom period
• Working alongside Hulk Hogan, Vince McMahon, and many of wrestling’s biggest stars
• The reality of being pushed as a powerhouse attraction during wrestling’s national expansion
• Traveling the territory system before the wrestling business completely changed
• Stories from behind the scenes during one of wrestling’s hottest eras
• And the physical and mental discipline it took to compete at such an elite level

This is a fascinating deep dive into the life of a man who has lived in multiple worlds: strength sports, bodybuilding, professional wrestling, and entertainment and succeeded in all of them.

Follow Ted Arcidi on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ted.arcidi.2025

Subscribe to Ted Arcidi’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@TedArcidiYouTube

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