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Lou Thesz was a no-nonsense, technician who would become one of wrestling's
all time greats. He was also a second generation wrestler, born in Michigan
in 1916 before the family moved to Missourri. Thesz began his career at
the age of 17 and went on to win an unbelievable six World Heavyweight
Titles, including the National Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Title
after being trained and managed by legendary hooker, Ed "Strangler" Lewis.
He and Mae Young, are also credited as being the only wrestlers to compete
in matches spanning 7 different decades, proving unbelievable longevity
in the ring.
Thesz won his first NWA World Title from Everett Marshall in 1937 at the age of 21 and would hold the NWA World Title 5 more times for a total reign time of 13 years, doubling the record title reign of Bruno Sammartino in the WWWF. It was Lou Thesz who won the NWA World Heavyweight TItle from "Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers in 1963, leading to a monumental split between the NWA and the WWWF. Thesz' legacy can be seen in the stars of the modern era where the "Lou Thesz Press" has been used extensively by Stone Cold Steve Austin. He wrote his autobiography in the mid 1980s, "Hooker", which is a must read for any wrestling fan. He would be inducted into various Halls of Fame including the NWA, WCW and had one named after him: the Lou Thesz / George Tragos Hall of Fame. Thesz would also appear on a live WWF pay per view in 1997 to receive special honours as part of St. Louis Wrestling alongside other NWA legends Sam Muchnick, Harley Race and the Funk brothers. Thesz would wrestle his last match in the 1990s, dropping a match to Masa Hiro Chono, who Thesz had trained. Thesz passed away in 2002 after living a very healthy and vigorous life right up unto the end. There is no doubt that the great Lou Thesz belongs here in the UWOW Hall of Fame and we welcome him with humble pride. |
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