The Grapplers first appeared in "Marvel Two-in-One" #54-56 (August–October 1979), and were created by writers Mark Gruenwald, Ralph Macchio, and artist John Byrne. Joe Sinnott was the inker of their first appearance, John Costanza was the letterer and Bob Share was the colorist. The Grapplers were later brought back as part of the Unlimited Class Wrestling Federation storyline in the Thing comic book series, with new members introduced in "The Thing" #33, with new members of the team being created by the writer Mike Carlin and artist Ron Wilson.