Abdullah the Butcher
Abdullah the Butcher | |
---|---|
Birth name | Lawrence Robert Shreve |
Born | [1][2][3] Windsor, Ontario, Canada | January 11, 1941
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Abdullah the Butcher Kuroi Jujutsushi[4] Saladin Pikens[4] Zelis Amara[4] |
Billed height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm)[5] |
Billed weight | 360 lb (163 kg)[5] |
Billed from | Sudan[4] |
Debut | 1958 |
Retired | October 9, 2010 (last match), 2019 |
Lawrence Robert Shreve
One of Shreve's trademarks is a series of divot-like scars on his head that he has due to excessive use of blading during his career. The scars are so deep that, according to Mick Foley, Shreve is able to put gambling chips into them.[6] An amateur martial artist, Shreve also has knowledge of judo and karate, often including this knowledge in his wrestling matches through throws and chops.
Early life
Shreve was born on January 11, 1941
Professional wrestling career
Shreve caught the attention of
(Jack Britton's real-life son), the Abdullah the Butcher character first distinguished himself as one of the world's most feared rule breakers when he broke a chair over Brito's head and then beat him senseless with a chair leg.Since his gimmick required him to speak no English (though it was his native tongue), he had a number of managers over the course of his long career, including Gary Hart, Paul Jones, Eddie Creatchman, Black Baron, The Grand Wizard, J. J. Dillon, Damien Kane, Larry Sharpe, Hugo Savinovich, Chicky Starr, Oliver Humperdink, Buddy Colt, George Cannon, Bearcat Wright, Big Bad John, Tony Montana, Gentleman Jim Holiday, and Rock Hunter. All were portrayed as "handlers" commissioned to control the Sudanese madman, while also doing most of the talking in promos and interviews. He has, however, spoken for himself in English-language promos while in Japan.
Due to his frequent traveling, Abdullah the Butcher usually served as more of a special attraction than as a consistent championship contender. Accordingly, Abdullah never did win a world heavyweight championship, though he would capture several regional titles during his career. He won his first major championship on October 23, 1967, when he teamed with
In addition to his successes in North America, Abdullah the Butcher performed in the
He arrived in
Legacy
Throughout his career, many video games have included depictions of Abdullah the Butcher, either as playable characters or as enemies. Some of these, such as Legends of Wrestling II, have included his name and direct likeness, whereas others such as HammerLock Wrestling and Appoooh include original characters inspired by Abdullah. Characters in Japanese anime or manga are also frequently designed to resemble Abdullah the Butcher, often with his signature scars. Examples include Abdullah from Kinnikuman, Abdullah the Criminal from One Piece, and Mr. Heart from Fist of the North Star.
In 2007, the WWE and Jakks Pacific released an Abdullah the Butcher "WWE Classic Superstars" figure complete with the blade marks on top of his head. A DVD was also released named The Triumph and Tragedy of World Class Wrestling which included a bloody cage match between Abdullah and his famous rival Bruiser Brody. The 2007, WWC's anniversary show was dedicated to Abdullah the Butcher's contributions to WWC.
On April 2, 2011, Abdullah the Butcher was inducted into the
Shreve has been accused of infecting other wrestlers with hepatitis C through sharing a blade and/or cutting wrestlers without their knowledge.[14] Canadian wrestler "Hannibal" Devon Nicholson, who said he contracted hepatitis C when Shreve bladed him without consent, pursued legal action.[14] On June 3, 2014, an Ontario court ruled in favor of Nicholson and ordered Shreve to pay $2.3 million in damages.[15] The Fulton County Court of Georgia ruled that the Canadian judgment would be upheld in the state of Georgia where Shreve resides.[16] Shreve was the trainer of Japanese wrestler Abdullah Kobayashi, whose style of wrestling and ring name were both directly inspired by Shreve's.
Other media
Shreve has appeared in Japanese TV commercials for
Shreve has appeared in 12 video games, debuting in one of the first
Business endeavors
Shreve previously owned two restaurants (one in
Championships and accomplishments
- All Japan Pro Wrestling
- NWA International Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Ray Candy[26]
- NWA United National Championship (1 time)[27]
- PWF United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[28]
- PWF World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[29]
- Champion Carnival (1976, 1979)[30][31]
- January 4 Korakuen Hall Heavyweight Battle Royal (2008)[32]
- Champion Carnival Fighting Spirit Award (1977)[33]
- Champion Carnival Outstanding Performance Award (1981)[34]
- World's Strongest Tag Determination League Distinguished Service Medal Award (1978) – with The Sheik
- Big Japan Pro Wrestling
- Big Time Wrestling
- NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Detroit version) (1 time)
- Killer Tim Brooks
- Canadian Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2023[36]
- Central States Wrestling
- NWA Central States Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Roger Kirby
- Georgia Championship Wrestling
- International Wrestling Association
- IWA International Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
- International Wrestling Association (Montreal)
- Montreal Heavyweight Championship (3 times)
- Lutte Internationale
- Midwest Wrestling Federation
- MWWF Heavyweight Championship (2 times)[40]
- NWA All-Star Wrestling
- NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship (Vancouver version) (2 times) – with Dr. Jerry Graham (1) and Armand Hussein (1)[41]
- NWA World Tag Team Championship (Vancouver version) (1 time) – with Dr. Jerry Graham[42]
- NWA New Zealand
- 1 time)
- NWA Southwest
- National Wrestling Federation
- NWF Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- NWF International Championship (1 time)
- Ohio Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Ohio Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2018)
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Ranked No. 35 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the PWI 500 in 1991[45]
- Ranked No. 54 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the PWI Yearsin 2003
- Ranked No. 35 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the
- Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
- Class of 2019
- Stampede Wrestling
- Tokyo Pro Wrestling
- TPW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Benkei
- Tokyo Sports
- Match of the Year Award (1979) with Tiger Jeet Singh vs. Antonio Inoki and Giant Baba on August 26[48]
- Popularity Award (1978, 1980)[48][49]
- World Class Wrestling Association
- World Wrestling Council
- Trinidad and Tobago Wrestling Association
- Trinidad & Tobago Heavyweight Championship (1 time)[54]
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
- WWE
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2011)
References
- ^ a b Saalbach, Axel. "Wrestlingdata.com – The World's Largest Wrestling Database". wrestlingdata.com.
- ^ Devon Nicholson (February 17, 2014). "Abdullah The Butcher Hep C Blood Test Results". Archived from the original on November 17, 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b c d e f "Man or Madman? Abdullah in Hull". slam.canoe.ca. Archived from the original on January 1, 2013. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b c d e "Abdullah The Butcher profile at OWW". onlineworldofwrestling.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2008. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ a b "Abdullah the Butcher". WWE. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
- ISBN 978-0-06-039299-4.
- ^ Slagle, Steve. "Hall of Fame Inductee - Abdullah the Butcher". wrestlingmuseum.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
- ^ Fausset, Richard (May 6, 2007). "Ex-wrestler takes a bite out of political correctness". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
- ^ ISBN 0-06-103101-1.
- ^ "Podcasts | the Score". Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2011.
- ^ "WWE Hall Of Famer Gave Away Ring, JR Confirms RAW Status – Wrestlezone". February 3, 2012.
- ^ "Superstar Graham would spit on Jericho's grave, wants out of WWE HOF". SLAM! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on April 20, 2014. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ truenorth1968 (February 28, 2015). "Abdullah the Butcher Selling his WWE Hall of Fame Ring". Archived from the original on November 17, 2021 – via YouTube.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b "Ottawa wrestler claims WWE legend gave him hep C". CBC News. July 29, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
- ^ "Ottawa wrestler 'Hannibal' wins $2.3M hepatitis C lawsuit". CBC News. June 3, 2014. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
- ^ "Daily Update: WWE returns, Smackdown ratings, ROH matches". July 27, 2016.
- ^ "Appoooh - FAQ - Arcade Games - By Fire_Pro_Fan - GameFAQs". gamefaqs.gamespot.com. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
- ^ Badwool, Andy. "SuperStar Pro Wrestling - WWE Games & Wrestling Games Database". The SmackDown Hotel. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
- ^ Badwool, Andy. "Fire Pro Wrestling - WWE Games & Wrestling Games Database". The SmackDown Hotel. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
- ^ Badwool, Andy. "Fire Pro Wrestling 2 - WWE Games & Wrestling Games Database". The SmackDown Hotel. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
- ^ Badwool, Andy. "King Of Colosseum Red - WWE Games & Wrestling Games Database". The SmackDown Hotel. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
- ^ Badwool, Andy. "Fire Pro Wrestling Returns - WWE Games & Wrestling Games Database". The SmackDown Hotel. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
- ^ "Alas, only plastic forks at Abdullah's restaurant". SLAM! Sports. October 31, 2007. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ISBN 0-06-103101-1.
- ^ "Abdullah the Butcher shutters restaurant". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved July 24, 2016.
- ^ "ALL JAPAN/NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL TAG TEAM TITLE HISTORY". solie.org. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "ALL JAPAN/NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE UNITED NATIONAL HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY". solie.org. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "PWF United States Heavyweight Title". wrestling-titles.com. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "ALL JAPAN/PACIFIC WRESTLING FEDERATION HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY". solie.org. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "Champion Carnival 1976". prowrestlinghistory.com. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "Champion Carnival 1979". prowrestlinghistory.com. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "PUROLOVE.com". www.purolove.com.
- ^ "Champion Carnival 1977 " Tournaments Database " CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database". www.cagematch.net. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
- ^ "PUROLOVE.com". www.purolove.com. Retrieved May 27, 2019.
- ^ "BJPW DEATH MATCH HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY". solie.org. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "2023 Class". Canadian Pro-Wrestling Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
- ^ "NWA GEORGIA HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY". solie.org. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "NWA GEORGIA TELEVISION TITLE HISTORY". solie.org. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "International Heavyweight Title". wrestling-titles.com. Archived from the original on July 5, 2008. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "MWWF HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY". solie.org. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "NWA CANADIAN TAG TEAM TITLE HISTORY". solie.org. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "NWA WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE (Vancouver)". wrestling-titles.com. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
- ^ "Texas Brass Knucks Title [East Texas]". Wrestling-Titles. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- ^ "PWI 500 1991". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
- ^ "N.W.A. Canadian Heavyweight Title". wrestling-titles.com. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "NORTH AMERICAN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE HISTORY". solie.org. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ a b 東京スポーツ プロレス大賞. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). Retrieved January 20, 2014.
- ^ 東京スポーツ プロレス大賞. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). Retrieved January 20, 2014.
- ^ "WWC CARIBBEAN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE". solie.org. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "WWC North American Heavyweight Title". wrestling-titles.com. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "WWC PUERTO RICAN HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE". solie.org. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "WWC WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT/UNIVERSAL HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE". solie.org. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
- ^ "Trinidad & Tobago Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com.
- ^ "Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame". pwi-online.com. Archived from the original on July 14, 2008. Retrieved July 18, 2008.
External links
- Abdullah the Butcher BIO from SLAM! Wrestling[usurped]
- TRIBUTE PAGES for Abdullah The Butcher
- Abdullah the Butcher's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database