Al Williams (wrestler)
Al Williams | |
---|---|
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | Al Williams Whitey Williams |
Debut | 1935 |
Retired | 1976[1] |
Al Williams was an American
Professional wrestling career
Early career
Williams began his career in 1933 in
USO plane crash
In 1945, he was a part of a
Williams returned to the United States soon after the tragedy and at the same month, headlined a Fred Kohler NWA Chicago event, the proceeds of which went to the children and widows of his colleagues who perished in the crash. All six wrestlers had been wrestling for Fred Kohler prior to the wreckage.
Television era and championship victories
In September 1945, Williams became the Midwest Junior Heavyweight Champion.[3] He was a standout wrestler for the following decade in the NWA's junior heavyweight division, becoming the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion in August 1948[3] and having memorable feuds with wrestlers such as Billy Goelz.[5]
During the 1940s and 50s, Williams was a prominent competitor in the early
His in-ring career lasted until the mid-1970s, taking Williams throughout the United States and Canada. He wrestled his last recorded match while working for Vince McMahon's World Wide Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in a time limit draw against Pete Doherty in Albany, New York[8]
Championships and accomplishments
- National Wrestling Alliance[3]
- NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship
- NWA World Tag Team Championship (Indianapolis version) (2 times)[9]
- NWA Midwest Junior Heavyweight Championship
- Rocky Mountain Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- Intermountain Junior Heavyweight Championship
References
- ^ a b Saalbach, Axel. "Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database". www.wrestlingdata.com.
- ^ a b c d "The ultimate sacrifice".
- ^ a b c d Saalbach, Axel. "Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database". www.wrestlingdata.com.
- ^ Saalbach, Axel. "Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database". www.wrestlingdata.com.
- ISBN 9781613218754– via Google Books.
- ISBN 9781554902743– via Google Books.
- ^ "Rudy Kay".
- ^ Saalbach, Axel. "Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database". www.wrestlingdata.com.
- ^ "NWA World Tag Team Title (Illinois & Wisconsin)". Wrestling-Titles.com.