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Probably one of the greatest wrestlers I have ever met was Lou Thesz. His big, meaty hand would grab you in a vise-like grip when he wanted your attention. Or, if he wanted to, he could be as gentle as a feather hitting you in a mild wind.
The many Cauliflower Alley Club reunions I have attended, with Lou present, were times that I will treasure. The get together times at the Newton wrestling museum during the induction weekends are other memories that I will take to my grave with me.
Lou was as huge as life itself. He was a master of his craft. His legacy continues to this day with the use of many of the moves that he is credited with inventing. The STF, the Thesz Press and the original power bomb were his babies.
Lou was born Aloysius Martin Thesz on April 24, 1916 in Michigan, and, soon after that, he and his family moved to St. Louis, Missouri. During his teen years, he took up amateur wrestling, and, in 1932, at age 16, he made his professional debut.
Five years later, under the guidance of Ed "Strangler" Lewis, on December 29, 1937, Lou met Everett Marshall for the National Wrestling Association Championship. He set a record that has stood for the NWA title of being the youngest champion of record, just 21 years old.
Six weeks later, in Boston, Lou lost the title to Steve “Crusher” Casey. Two years later, he once again defeated Marshall, who had regained the belt. Lou sought a unification match with Orville Brown, who was a Midwest holder of the title.
Unfortunately, just weeks before the scheduled bout, Brown was involved in an automobile accident that ended his career. He was forced to vacate the championship, and the NWA awarded the title to the #1 contender, Thesz.
Lou Thesz, 1954
Between 1949 and 1956, Lou defeated Baron Michelle Leone in Los Angeles for his version of the belt. Thesz battled opponents on an average of 250 nights a year during the first three decades of his career. In a match in 1956 against Whipper Billy Watson in Toronto, Thesz had his ankle shattered and lost the title. Seven months later, he would emerge with that same title from Watson during a rematch.
In 1957, Lou became the first champion to defend the belt in Japan, against Rikidozan. Later that year, he lost the belt to Dick Hutton of Oklahoma.
In 1963, Thesz came out of retirement and defeated Buddy Rogers and became a six-time holder of the coveted title. He held the belt for another three years before being beaten by Gene Kiniski.
Lou was the only man to have wrestled in seven consecutive decades, 1930-1990. He won his last major title in Mexico at the age of 62. He wrestled his last professional match in 1990 against Masahiro Chono, who beat him with his own STF move.
After his final retirement match in 1990, Lou became involved with promoting, color commentating and being a special referee in special events, mostly in Japan. He was the special guest referee for the NWA title match with Dusty Rhodes vs. Ric Flair in 1981.
In 1992, Lou became the president of the Cauliflower Alley Club and led the group to many new levels. He was succeeded by Red Bastien in 2000.
Lou also opened the George Tragos - Lou Thesz Wrestling Hall of Fame in Newton, Iowa, and, in 1999, he was in the first group inducted into its professional wing. The museum also had a marvelous display of amateur wrestling as well. The museum closed in Newton just last year, and it's contents were moved to Waterloo and renamed the Dan Gable International Wrestling Museum.
Lou authored a book called "Hooker," a wonderful addition to anyone's library that enjoys writings about professional wrestling.
Thesz underwent a successful triple bypass surgery for an aortic valve replacement on April 9, 2002, but died due to complications on April 28, 2002 in Orlando, Florida, four days after turning 86.
Lou, you gave wrestling a great name and something that everyone can speak good of. You left a mark on life that has been unequalled. You made a lot of friends in the travels that you did during your time.
You made my life a lot better by knowing you.
Rest in Peace, Sir.
Percival A. Friend,
Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers
2003 BWC Hall of Fame Inductee
2004 CAC Hall of Fame Inductee
2006 LWA Hall of Fame Inductee
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