Weight: 228 lbs.

Finishing Maneuver(s): Superplex, Flying Head Butt

Dynamite Kid combined his natural athleticism and fearlessness to develop his innovative style that 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. 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, and other Stampede greats, 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 married Michelle Hart, sister of Julie Hart, the former wife of Bret Hart. 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 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's 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 (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart), Nikloai Volkoff and Iron Sheik, and The Dream Team (Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake), pushed them to the top of the card, culminating in March 1986, with their WWF Tag Team title win at WM II against the Dream Team.

Nine months into their championship reign, disaster struck. During a match, Dynamite crosses the ring to hurdle an opponent, 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 divided 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 returned to the WWF to take the moniker British Bulldog.

Title Summary:

Britain Joint Promotions British Lightweight Championship
Britain: Joint Promotions British Welterweight Championship
Britain: Joint Promotions European Welterweight Championship
Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship (4)
Stampede World Mid-Heavyweight Championship (2)
Stampede International Tag Team Championship w/ Davey Boy Smith (5)
NWA Pacific NW Title
NWA Paific NW Tag Team Championship w/ Smith
WWF World Junior Heavyweight Championship
Stampede North American Championship
NWA International Junior Heavyweight Championship
WWF World Tag Team Championship w/ Smith
All Japan All-Asian Tag Team Championship w/ Smith