A legendary wrestler and trainer who dominated the sport in the mid-20th century, holding multiple world championships and influencing generations of grapplers.
Lou Thesz, a name synonymous with excellence in professional wrestling, is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers and wrestling world champions in history. With a career spanning over six decades, Thesz was a three-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion, holding the championship for a combined total of 3,749 days, longer than anyone else in history.
Born Aloysius Martin Thesz on April 24, 1916, in Banat, Michigan, Lou grew up in a working-class family of Hungarian and German descent. His family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, when he was a young boy, where he developed a passion for wrestling. Thesz's amateur wrestling career was impressive, with multiple championships and accolades, including the 1934 Missouri State Championship.
Lou Thesz's professional wrestling career began in 1932, and he quickly made a name for himself as a skilled and formidable wrestler. He was known for his technical grappling skills, speed, and conditioning, earning him the nickname "Ironman" in Japan. Thesz's career was marked by three reigns as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, a feat that solidified his position as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
Thesz's influence on professional wrestling and mixed martial arts is immeasurable. He was one of the last true "shooters" – legitimate wrestlers who could defend themselves in a real fight. Thesz's expertise in catch wrestling, a style that emphasizes submission holds and ground fighting, made him a sought-after trainer for young Japanese wrestlers and mixed martial artists. He, along with Karl Gotch and Billy Robinson, helped establish the foundation of modern mixed martial arts in Japan.
Thesz was an ardent supporter of amateur wrestling and believed in the importance of a strong amateur wrestling background for professional wrestlers. He was also a proponent of the "shoot style" of professional wrestling, which emphasizes legitimate wrestling skills and athleticism over theatrics and showmanship.
"A wrestler should always be prepared to back up what he says."
Lou Thesz's legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of professional wrestlers, mixed martial artists, and amateur wrestlers alike. His commitment to excellence, athleticism, and the development of the sport have cemented his place as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
77 Years Old
A charismatic, flashy, and iconic wrestling superstar known for his extravagant ring attire, signature "Woooo!" catchphrase, and 16 world championship titles.
73 Years Old
A legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling, known for his iconic matches and feuds, particularly against Ric Flair, showcasing his technical grappling skills and charismatic persona.
81 Years Old
A hardcore wrestling legend known for his intense and physical in-ring style, as well as his iconic feuds and championship reigns.
80 Years Old
A charismatic professional wrestler and promoter, known for his rugged, working-class persona and iconic feuds in the National Wrestling Alliance and World Championship Wrestling.
90 Years Old
A legendary wrestler and trainer who held the WWF Championship for over 11 years, known for his charismatic persona and in-ring prowess.
Born in 1877
A renowned wrestler and strongman of the early 20th century, known for his impressive physique and undefeated championship reign in the early 1900s.
96 Years Old
A pioneering wrestler and promoter who revolutionized the sport with his innovative in-ring style and entrepreneurial spirit, creating a lasting impact on the industry.
Born in 1926
A pioneering wrestler and trainer who dominated the ring in the 1950s and 1960s, known for his charismatic persona and innovative grappling techniques.
