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Born December 5, 1958, in Golborne, Lancashire, England, a young Tom Billington was initially destined to follow in his father's footsteps and become a boxer. All that changed, when, at the age of 13, he was `discovered` by former wrestler turned trainer Ted Betley.
Under Betley`s tutelage, Tom Billington combined his natural athleticism and fearlessness to develop his innovative style that would set new standards in pro wrestling. He trained briefly at the legendary Snake Pit in Wigan, Lancashire, where some of the world's top shooters had learned their craft, and by the age of 16, had no doubts about where his future lay. In 1975 he left school to join the British wrestling circuit, making his name as The Dynamite Kid. Just three years later, having claimed the British and European titles, a chance encounter with Bruce Hart, son of the legendary Stu Hart, saw Dynamite leave the UK for Canada, and a five year run with Stampede Wrestling.
Memorable match ups against Bret Hart, Bad News Allen, Great Gama, ensured The Dynamite Kid's place in the affections of Western Canada's wrestling fans throughout the early 80s. But that was only the start. Following a brief tour of Japan wrestling with Yoshihara`s IWE promotion in 1979, Dynamite Kid was soon in demand by New Japan Pro Wrestling, as he entered into a series against then NJPW WWF Junior heavyweight champion Tatsumi Fujinami. The matches were fast and furious, among the most exciting that Japanese audiences had ever seen, but as many fans will recall, the best was still to come.
It was Dynamite Kid versus Tiger Mask, alias Satoru Sayama, with an amazing combination of Japanese, American and Mexican styles, which fired the imagination of the crowds and set new standards of wrestling for future generations of junior heavyweights.
In 1982, Dynamite marries Michelle, sister of Julie Hart, the former wife of Bret. Back home in Canada, Dynamite began teaming with his younger cousin Davey Boy Smith, who had joined Stampede fresh from the British circuit. Late in 1983, New Japan was rocked by the sudden departure of Tiger Mask Sayama. A tournament for the vacant NJPW WWF junior heavyweight title took place in February 1984, and was won by The Dynamite Kid who defeated The Cobra and Davey Boy Smith in a thrilling three-way final. His reign was short-lived. Just a few months later, rival promotion All Japan Pro Wrestling persuaded Billington and Smith to jump ship.
At the same time, the North American wrestling scene was seeing massive change, not least of which was WWF owner Vince McMahon plan to extend the WWF beyond its native New York territory and into every corner of the North American continent. Stampede Wrestling was just one of many independent promotions to close. For two of its biggest stars, the outcome couldn't have been better with the Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith joining the WWF as The British Bulldogs. Feuds with the Hart Foundation, Nikloai Volkoff and Iron Sheik, and The Dream Team, pushed them to the top of the card, culminating in March 1986, with their WWF Tag Team title win at WM II against Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake.
Nine months into their championship reign, disaster struck. During a match in Hamilton Ontario, Dynamite crosses the ring to hurdle Don Muraco, but instead, collapses to the mat in agony. He sustains a major back injury; two torn lumbar discs, which see him rushed to hospital for surgery and possibly facing the end of his career. Just five weeks later, but several months too soon, Dynamite makes a superhuman effort to join Davey Boy Smith in Tampa, Florida, where the Hart Foundation relieve The Bulldogs of the belts.
Following months of recuperation, in and out of hospital, and against the advice of doctors, Dynamite returns to work full time. Although his work rate never falters, the gruelling schedule begins to take its toll, and in November 1988, at the Second Annual Survivor Series, the British Bulldogs make their final appearance for the WWF.
The Bulldogs divide their time between Stampede Wrestling and tours of Japan for AJPW. In 1990, with the final closure of Stampede, The British Bulldogs split as Davey Boy Smith returns to the WWF. The pair are destined never to speak to each other again. Just a year later, he departs Calgary for good, leaving behind his three children.
Between bookings on the UK circuit, Dynamite continues to work for AJPW, teaming with Johnny Smith. But by late 1991, it is clear that his body has had enough. He retires from AJPW on December 6 1991, the day after his 33rd birthday.
In 1996, he makes a brief comeback for Michinoku Pro in a six man tag match which includes his old nemesis Satoru Sayama. It was to be his final match. Just a year later, the punishment, the wear and tear, and the injuries accumulated over the previous 18 years, finally catch up with him. No longer able to walk, the man who sparked such excitement in the ring is now confined to
wheelchair.
If there is a positive ending to his story, it is an inner strength which pulled him through his darkest days, the friends and family who have stood by him, and the thousands of fans who never stopped wondering what happened to one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
Courtesy www.dynamitekid.com
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