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One bout with Jackie Pallo was seen by 20 million fans. aaaaaahhhAndre the Giant one of my chidhood heroes, Davey "The British Bulldog" Smith November 27, 1962- May 18, 2002 Smith, who shot to fame wrestling as the British Bulldog in the World Wrestling Federation, was trained by the legendary Stu Hart. 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From 1972 to 1978, in an age when tag team wrestling actually meant a lot, Fuji portrayed the stereotypical heel Japanese persona, and he was often involved in anti-American storylines. Nina Hagens Nunsexmonkrock: Greatest (and weirdest) unsung masterpiece of the postpunk era? 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However, like many on this list, his potential was not pursued to its extent as he tragically died in 2001 at the age of 46 due to being shot to death after a dispute with his former roommate. 3. Think about Yokozuna or Big Daddy V but wearing a farmer boy outfit and carrying a horseshoe necklace from 1955 to the late '70s. Wrestling Heritage celebrates the glorious days of British professional wrestling. Wrestling stars of the 60s/'70s3 of 18. He didn't fail to bring his aggressive style with him when he joined the WWWF in the mid-60s. These are the men who became heroes of the ring as Midget Wrestlers during the 1960s and 1970s. The mostly overweight men in leotards, often facing off at The Dome in Brighton, were a world away from todays slick, toned stars. Monsoon lost the match, but he once again proved he could hold his own against the largest wrestlers in the business at the time, being himself a 6'5", 400-pounder. Something went wrong, please try again later. [Photo: @WrestlingIsKing on Twitter]In his first three years in wrestling, he claimed the Light Heavyweight Championship and the British Commonwealth Tag Team Titles with Marty Jones. Doncaster-born Gary Cooper took on the TV wizards moniker and came up with many bizarre gimmicks, including licking a lucky toad between rounds. 1961-09-29 - National Wrestling Association (source: LegacyOfWrestling.com) Adrian Street with his valet and wife, Miss Linda. Chances are that grandmother or aunt would not be quite so respectable and may well have been prone to threatening the wrestlers with her handbag, umbrella or any other inanimate object that may have been close to hand. 1. Mexican actor, wrestling announcer and baseball broadcaster. Wrestled for NWA Vancouver and AWA from 1960 to 1972, Japanese female wrestler. With Cold War fears lessening slightly compared to the previous decade, spy movies still often focused on Russian defectors, nuclear annihilation, and East German intrigue. Then, in June 1971, he and Tarzan Tyler became the inaugural WWWF World Tag Team Champions. No matter where he wrestled, Koloff generated heat like no other with his Russian gimmick, all that right in the middle of the Cold War. After testing his trade in carnivals and holiday camps, Darren soon gained exposure working for ITVs World of Sport, like many others on this list. Television became a universal habit in the 60s. While never wrestling across the pond in the WWF, Jones did a stint in NJPW in the early 80s, where he faced off against the original Tiger Mask and also participated in tag team matches alongside and against well-known international names at the time, such as Antonio Inoki and even Andre The Giant. Warner Bros. Everyone can stop writing love songs now. In 1968 he was crowned 'WWWF Champion' in a tournament but would hold it (and his all-time record reign) for an unprecedented eight years without being defeated. Due to the lack of complete records, it is believed that Farmer Pete was World Champion for seven days in 1957, after beating Sonny Boy Cassidy, who won the title back in a rematch in October the same year. From 1970 to 1973, Pedro Morales left a permanent mark on WWE. Wrestled in her last match in a tag team match with Stormy Apple as they lost to Josie Navarro and Margaret Garcia at Ladies International Wrestling Association in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jack Ernest Gutteridges alter-ego had an 11-year grudge with McManus and developed moves such as the cross-shoulder backbreaker. Wrestling stars of the 60s/'70s4 of 18 . Most recently wrestled for Pro Wrestling King in Fort Wayne, Indiana, teaming with Shawna Reed and Shotgun Shuler to defeat the team of Jensyn, NERD 5th and Steven Drochner. Tag team: Little Bruiser and Billy the Kid, September 23 1972. The Promoters A-Z lists many of those promoters who made it all happen between 1930 and 1988. This series of highly regarded matches would also lead to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) contacting Rocco, leading to the birth of the "Black Tiger" persona and some of the most highly rated matches in Japanese television history against Sayamas Tiger Mask. In the 1st 5 years of the '60s the following wrestlers showed in the Spanish rings: from Britain, John Foley, Chic Purvey, Michael Gale, Ian Campbell , ClayThompson, Bill Robinson (years later became a tag team champ in the AWA), Lord B. Tophan, Bob Anthony, Vick Faulkner, Jackie "Mr. TV" Pallo, Tony Cassio, Lindey Caulder, Peter Berg, Dave Wrestling stars of the 60s/'70s1 of 18. Dynamite famously also teamed up with Davey Boy Smith as The British Bulldogs. He started his career as a circus acrobat before taking up wrestling in the 1950s. Danny Hodge - World Champion, Challengers (listed alphabetically): Clark was to finish the mid-1960s as the second most famous drummer in the . Wrestled his last match defeating Rat Ferraro at a wrestling event in Montreal, Canada. He was in movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, and played Bomber in TV series Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. In 1971, he and Bruno Sammartino put the hand on the short-lived WWWF International Tag Team Championship, a secondary Title. From Martinique wrestled for Pacific Northwest and Stampede Wrestling. On April 7th, 1986, at WrestleMania 2, The Bulldogs dethroned Greg The Hammer Valentine and Brutus Beefcake, successfully capturing the WWF World Tag Team Championships. Click here to watch Luke Graham in the ring; it's probably not a WWWF footage, but that's all I could find. [Photo: mirror.co.uk]Nagasaki had superhuman powers, such as the power of healing and the ability to hypnotize. This rivalry would continue throughout 1982 and extend to the WWWF, where Mark briefly competed against the likes of Bob Backlund and even Terry "Hulk Hogan" Bollea, captivating audiences with a faster, higher-flying style than many had ever witnessed before. He became good friends with fellow wrestler Andre the Giant and has a career as a movie actor. Joy Division. He was a top draw in Australia and in Europe when he headed to America to join the company. 30 Wrestlers You May Not Know Were Related! His biography has been translated into 21 different languages. published 12 September 2017. Click here to watch The Fabulous Moolah facing one of her toughest rival in the '70s. Knowing every heel tactic in the tag team action environment, he became the manager known as "Luscious" Johnny V who introduced Demolition to the WWF and who worked with The Dream Team (Greg Valentine / Brutus Beefcake) among others. The pedigree of the two sports were linked; combined professional wrestling and boxing shows had taken place in the early 1930s under the auspices of the British Boxing Board of Control. Wrestling has been represented well in Vancouver with cards almost every week since as early as 1929 under the enterprising promotion of pioneer, Emil Klank. But the mostly overweight men in leotards, often facing off at The Dome in Brighton, were a world away from todays slick, toned stars. With his rising popularity, he eventually won the WWWF Tag Team Championship on two occasions. We're a brand new wrestling site dedicated to the most superb of sports - Wrestling! There's no Buddy Rogers WWWF footage available but click here to watch a little gem from the '50s between him and Johnny Valentine. Dozens of wrestling tournaments were held every night of the week, (with a handful on Sunday), whilst boxing in the doldrums struggled to put on a couple of shows a night. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Profile aside, however, there were many reliable independent promoters and, although statistics do not exist, it seems quite credible that on any one night the independent shows presented would outnumber the Joint Promotion shows, albeit many being in small halls and clubs. source Cauliflower Alley Club, Spanish announcer in boxing and wrestling in Los Angeles. Wrestled in AWA. He is even credited as the inventor of the figure-four leglock. I found no singles action for Haystacks Calhoun, but you can click here to watch some three-against-three action and click here to watch him in a WWWF World Tag Team title defense. Prestons unchoreographed no-sells to McManus strikes led to McManus reacting and throwing legitimate strikes to get the referee to disqualify him during the match, thus giving Preston the unscheduled technical victory. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Initially unpopular with the crowds, he became much loved after his acting career took off. It's an impossible task, surely. Yet, he doesnt get as much recognition outside of Britain. He became one of the most infamous heels ever in the late '70s when he injured many babyface wrestlers with his signature swinging full nelson he didn't release after the bell. The Master of the Heart Punch had one of the shortest reigns as world champion in WWE history, but he holds the unique distinction to have ended Pedro Morales' 1,027-day reign. In London and the urban conurbations of northern England it was not unknown for independent wrestlers to work two, even three programmes in one night. Share. It's amazing to see how things in our corner of the Golden State have changed and transformed over time. His reputation is tarnished for many due to several violent interactions with fellow wrestlers andmean-spirited ribbing, though he leaves behind an incredible legacy in the ring. He was a fierce brawler but also a sound technician. The iconic Bun Boy building located in Baker as captured in this picture from the 1960s. So with news that World of Sport is back on ITV in June, we salute the great grapplers of yesteryear. Jamaica Kid and Little Beaver backstage at a wrestling arena April 25, 1969. He won the WWWF United States Tag Team Championship in June 1964 with Dr. Jerry and they held the title for nearly eight months. Wrestled mainly in Mexico and WCCW. Our free email updates are the best way to get headlines direct to your inbox. Despite he never broke out of the tag team division, he was very over with the fans, and he was one of the best technical wrestlers of his time. Click here to watch the only excerpt I found of Backlund winning the WWWF Championship and click here to watch him against Pat Patterson in a cage match in 1979. Peter Thornley from Stoke, England, was an iconic character in ITVs World of Sport. Following that, he made sporadic appearances in various territories to eventually retire for good in the late '70s. The Russian Bear was with the WWWF for only two years, but he claimed the most shocking world championship victory of all times when he defeated Bruno Sammartino on January 18, 1971. Zbyszko slowly climbed the ladder in singles competition until he won the WWWF Tag Team Championship along with Tony Garea, for a 105-day reign. He can also brag to have faced all the greats of the era, such as Bruno Sammartino and Billy Graham. Click here to watch history being made when Ivan Koloff defeated Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF; and click here if you want to see The Russian Bear in a cage match again vs. Sammartino, in 1975. Jackie Pallo (Mr TV! David Fit Finlay began his wrestling career in 1974, though his first mainstream exposure came when he debuted as the Belfast Bruiser in WCW in 1996. [Photo: huckmag.com]Street played by his own rules, and, according to his peers, was known to be able to hurt you in the ring if needed! Oldest surviving Mexican women wrestler. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. She took part in a Falls Count Anywhere 2-on-1 Handicap Match against. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. ITVs World of Sport was a household name in Britain, where it saw millions of viewers weekly. Top 10 hit-makers After asking for your nominations, we asked you to vote in our poll to determine just who was the best producer of the 1960s. Worthington 'E' Ind Coope Double Diamond Draught (launched 1962) Whitbread Tankard (launhed 1957) Watneys Red Barrel If you can provide further information please get in touch. Born Murray Downs in Wallaceburg, Ontario, Little Bruiser was the only son among four sisters. We do not accept responsibility for views expressed in the forum, articles by Heritage members, or photographs posted in the Heritage Galleries. *Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin postal code, destination postal code and time of acceptance, and will depend on shipping service selected and receipt of cleared payment. t.co/O5GfUklP1O", "Cowboy" Bob Ellis profile, from LegacyOfWrestling.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_oldest_surviving_professional_wrestlers&oldid=1142721943. Label boss, former Cathedral singer and late 60s/early 70s music aficionado Lee Dorrian picks the best forgotten prog-psych albums of the 1960s. Not all boxing came under the control of the BBBC. As for any similar list, I considered many factors to rank the wrestlers. It is said that his disillusion with his career direction led to a return to the Texas independent scene in late 99. Thornley was the original performer who used the Kendo Nagasaki character, but other variations have been used over the years. In it you will find wrestlers who have died in the last ten years, twenty years, and going all the way back to the late 19th century. He was a master of the heel tactics, but he was also very agile in the ring. And, with his trademark war dance, the fans went as crazy as when Hogan was "Hulking" up in the '80s. After I completed my previous top 25 lists covering the 1990s and the 2000s, I thought about doing one more list with the '80s, but there are already two of those that have been published recently. He especially made his mark in handicap bouts and in what would become his specialty, the battle royal matches. At just 5 feet, 6 inches (1.68 m) tall, and 175 lbs (79 kg), he was known for his brutal way of punishing opponents of all sizes. In the '50s, '60s, and '70s, female solo singers were ever-present on radio, TV and the pop charts -- as they should have been! He built his reputation with a hardcore side that disappeared in the early '80s due to health issues. 1962-08-10 - National Wrestling Association (source: LegacyOfWrestling.com) In a way, the espionage genre did not develop much from the '60s to the '70s. Click here to watch Zbyszko turning on his mentor at the end of 1979; then, treat yourself by clicking here to watch their classic cage match in August 1980. In fact, he was more than a pro wrestling top draw; he was, with his size, an attraction wherever he went. Born in Golborne, Lancashire, Smith is best known for his appearances in the United States with the then World Wrestling Federation . Excellent and Psycho Mike. Billy the Kid with Cowboy Bob Bradley (aka Robert Bradley). The 10 best music producers of the '60s By Simon Arblaster ( Future Music ) published March 04, 2016 MusicRadar users have voted, so here's the countdown. Both were combat sports, millions of fans believed both were competitive, contests were split into rounds, combatants were introduced by a Master of Ceremony wearing a dinner jacket, and referees were smartly dressed, usually in white shirts. Get the latest wrestling news and takes direct to your inbox. Antonio Inoki He later would become a regular performer on WCW Saturday Night and WCW Thunder. Many icons paved the way to what would become an empire in the world of wrestling. Peter S. Beagle (Goodreads Author) 4.16 avg rating 103,279 ratings. He was a master of in-ring psychology and an ace on the mic who could generate heat like no others. Bobo Johnson also wrestled under the name the Brown Panther. Best known for his tag performances with Louie Louie and later Rocky Johnson, Bobo was one of the earliest Black midget wrestlers alongside Haiti Kid. Wrestled in the WWWF from 1964 to 1969. Brazil was the Jackie Robinson of wrestling, opening the door to future generations of African-American wrestlers. The former undisputed World Heavyweight Champion last wrestled. He did it so often that he was named the PWI Most Hated Wrestler in 1977. The '60s: With Josh Hamilton, Julia Stiles, Jerry O'Connell, Jeremy Sisto. Wrestlers fell in two categoriesthe goodies and the baddies, who would either seek the cheers or loud disapprobation of the audience by skill or pantomime cheating. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars. Fit Finlay David "Fit" Finlay began his wrestling career in 1974, though his first mainstream exposure came when he debuted as the Belfast Bruiser in WCW in 1996. We have taken a lot of time and careful attention to detail in bringing you our free to use and access Wrestler's Database. McManus has been described as the greatest name in British wrestling history, yet he remains mostly unknown outside of the United Kingdom. It is said that Gustav Fritensk wrestled until the age of 72. It would be squaring off against the likes of Satoru Sayama (Tiger Mask), Keiichi Yamada (Jushin Liger), and Dynamite Kid (more on him a little later), among others, which would earn the British grappler his initial acclaim and start him on the path towards leaving an indelible mark on the profession. Around this time in his career, Matthews began earning more money touring throughout Europe and Africa. The Genius Cast with Lanny Poffo (2018-19), HOMAGE.com Our favorite in retro wrestling attire! Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Disclosure. Cowboy Bob Bradley and Joey Russell, February 23 1968. He was so popular that the fans wanted him to wrestle against opponents who were not exclusively African American in the racial segregation era in USA. This page was last edited on 4 March 2023, at 00:57. Share. Even today, there are wrestlers who won't dare try the now 75-year-old Jerry. 5 Times The Forbidden Door Opened in Wrestling, 10 Surprising Moments WWE Deceived Their Fans, 11 WrestleMania Matches That Surprisingly Didnt Main Event, Bruce Hart Explains How He Revolutionized Pro Wrestling, 10 Wrestlers Who Turned Scraps to Gold in ECW. It featured geometric edges that became a hit all over the world while super out-there for the time. Wrestled in the UK, Asia, Middle East and India. Kieran Hamilton finds joy in all things wrestling. Let's get straight to the wrestlers information, which we've split up in the following handy sections below: Wrestling tickets currently on offer - click to see more! For most, there were no high spots; the German suplex and a bodyslam were finishers, and nobody knew what a hurricanrana, five-star frog splash, Swanton bomb, and outside dive were. Want to Read. Wrestler Movie Appearances You May Have Missed! He died in 2013 at 93. Matthewss extensive knowledge of wrestling holds aided him, even in some of Britains most ruthless towns. He managed to win two Tag Team Championships in the '70s, once with Sonny King and once with Billy White Wolf. For many, including myself, that name is totally unknown, but he left a big mark on the WWWF from 1966 to 1975. Little Bruiser was a demon in the ring, but a gentleman outside. I hope you enjoyed that ride back to the old school universe, and as usual, your comments are more than welcomeespecially if I missed anyone on the list and/or if you disagree with the order. Best known as a top showjumper who occasionally flicked a V-sign, Yorkshires finest, 78, also grappled in the 1970s. He held the new championship 233 days, then he hung his boots a couple years after his historic reign. 10. But the oldest in the wrestling industry was promoter Harry Elliott (1904-2006) who lived 101 years, 314 days. There always was, and still are, boxing shows operating outside the jurisdiction of the BBBC. An example is Kazuo Sakurada, a Japanese wrestler who used the gimmick in the late 80s. Marty Jones perhaps might be the least known of the names mentioned on this list but is one of the best all-around grapplers of the bunch. From January 1965 to September 85, British wrestling was the hottest it may have ever been. Visits to Wrestling Heritage are recorded by Google Analytics. Little Tokyo (aka Shigeri Akabane) who was inspired to quit homeland and join Lord Littlebrook and his troupe after they visited Japan in the 1960s. By M.A LeBlanc Ring Of Honor Tag Team Champion Jay Briscoe Passes Away At 38. As might be expected, Jones is now a trainer for several British-based wrestling promotions and, in recent years, even mentored multiple members of the current NXT UK roster. Though he never won a title, he was a firm favorite with fans. In WWE, he was recognized as one of the companys best and most reliable workers. Admittedly, we've had a lot of fun putting this wrestler information together and we hope you enjoy reading it too! Former. [Photo: dailymail.co.uk]McManuss main catchphrase was Not the ears! He would win tag team titles in All Star Wrestling alongside fellow Liverpudlian Doc Dean before eventually being signed to WCW in the mid-90s. Wrestling stars of the 60s/'70s. When it debuted, everyone in the world was like, "That's it! In 1978 DeNucci enjoyed his second reign with Dino Bravo as his partner, and they held the belt for 104 days. Patera made a name for himself as a dominant strongman wrestler who had a successful weightlifting career behind him. On an interesting side note, Santino Marella's name is a tribute to Monsoon, who's real name is Robert Marella. The long-running debate over the best Muscle Cars from the 60s and 70s finally ends in this article. His most notable feud, that lasted for over two decades in and out WWWF, was against Bobo Brazil, and in the process, he became a two-time WWWF US Champion. The contest ended after an hour-and-16 minute time limit draw in front of a crowd that went nuts after the officials declared they had to comply with a curfew. Just like Hogan or Stone Cold, he could not do it all by himself. This ultimately proved to be a waste of his ability during a time when he didnt have many years left in the squared circle as a performer. Privacy Here are twelve British wrestlers who were critical to the evolution of British wrestling and influenced some of the very best of today. However, before his run as manager, Mr. Fuji was one of the greatest tag team specialist ever. He was also a trainer even when he was an active wrestler. ALL STAR WRESTLING IN THE 50's, 60's, 70's and 80'S (BCTV ) Once Mia Farrow rocked the style, it was a spiral of everyone and their mother wanting to do the same. When they formed their alliance they left out in the cold many other promoters who were not invited to the party. 13. Pro Wrestling Stories - Your daily source of nostalgia and a peek behind the curtain wall of wrestlings past! He was an instant top babyface who battled Gorilla Monsoon and The Sheik among others. By 1960, nearly three quarters of the population had television, and by the end of the sixties, nearly ninety-five percent. Known as Sammy Berg. When he joined the WWWF in 1977, he quickly made his way into the world championship picture as a top heel. Cinemas were closing in large numbers and there was good reason to believe that the small screen would destroy the cinema entirely. In the 1960s British professional wrestling was a credible rival to professional boxing for the position of Britain's most popular combat sport. I also considered the longevity with the WWWF, a point not very important after the early '80s and the death of the territories concept. Instead, he relied on his judo background. We're always happy to receive your e-mails and comments regarding our British wrestler database, so please don't hesitate to shout in our lug holes if you'd like a word! You can also click here to watch another poor quality video (Sammartino defeating Stasiak for the WWWF Title). In the '70s, this was hands-down the most romantic song on the radio. When he was not in singles competition, he teamed up with many other villains, and with Gorilla Monsoon, he won the WWWF United States Tag Team Championship in 1963. Farmer Pete wrestling in Milwaukee, December 3, 1972. He was a real animal in the ring, and his brutality was matched by only few other hardcore legends. Father of Bret "The Hitman" Hart, and the late wrestler Owen Hart. 6 Antonio Inoki There were more than 4,000 different brews available in the 60s, so we cannot list them all. Cause of death: Heart attack, Tony St. Clair v Doug Joyce- WRESTLING HERITAGE, Steve Veidor vs Kendo Nagasaki 1969 - WRESTLING HERITAGE. He died of cancer in 1990, aged 53. He was so popular in Britain that in one of his performances, he pulled in twenty million viewers against Jackie Mr.