| WRESTLING REPORT 05/19/02 THE BRITISH BULLDOG DIES It was brought to my attention last night (Thanks Keith) that Davey Boy Smith passed away. The former WWF tag Team Champion, Intercontinental Champion, European Champion, and Hardcore Champion was just 39. Details of his death are not clear except that it was likely a heart attack. Smith, who was married to a member of the famous Hart family, first gained fame in the WWE as one half of The British Bulldogs. Together with The Dynamite Kid The British Bulldogs were one of the most famous Tag Teams in the '80's and held the WWF tag team titles. When that team broke up, Davey Boy Smith became known as "The British Bulldog" At first his singles career seemed to sputter but he then defeated his brother-in-law Bret Hart for the Intercontinental Championship in his home town in 1992. Shortly afterwards he jumped to WCW for a brief stay. He was also the first ever European Champion and to date has held that title longer than anyone else has. Tag team gold returned to him again in the 90's and in 1999 and 2000 he briefly held the Hardcore title. The only title to elude Smith was the World title. It was well documented that Smith was suffering from personal problems with both his life and family. One has to wonder if it was drugs that ultimately caused his death but it is too soon to say what the cause was. He was vacationing in British Columbia with his girlfriend Andrea Hart at the time of his death. No doubt that either tonight at JUDGEMENT DAY and/or on RAW tomorrow night there will be a tribute for him. Here is a timeline of some of his accomplishments in the WWE: April 7, 1986 - Along with the Dynamite Kid, defeated Greg Valentine & Brutus Beefcake to win the WWF Tag Team titles. August 29, 1992 - Defeated Bret Hart to win the Intercontinental title. September 22, 1996 - Along with Owen Hart, defeated The Smoking Gunns to win the Tag Team title. March 3, 1997 - Defeated Owen Hart in the final round of a tournament to determine the first European Champion. September 7, 1999 - Defeats the Big Bossman to win the Hardcore title. October 28, 1999 - Defeated D-Lo Brown to win the European Championship. May 6, 2000 - Defeats Crash Holly to win the Hardcore title. GO TO: NEXT HEADLINE PREVIOUS HEADLINE CHAMPIONSHIP INVENTORY KING OF THE RING PREVIEW JUDGEMENT DAY RESULTS HOME |