Wednesdaymania 26

I didn't know what I was going to write in here until about 30 seconds ago, since I hadn't watched much wrestling in a while. The last thing I'd watched was Being the Elite, which is always a joy, but I won't be talking about the Money Shakes or Marty's New Year's Day party or the premonitions.

I'll be talking about Dynamite Kid, who just passed.

Davey Boy Smith, Matilda, & Dynamite Kid

Dynamite Kid was one half of the British Bulldogs back in the 80s. He'd been wrestling since he was 13 years old, eventually being picked up by Stampede Wrestling, run by Stu Hart (Bret Hart's dad). Together with the British Bulldog (Davey Boy Smith), Dynamite Kid raked in the gold. And for good reason.

The man was a genius in the ring. His athletic style inspired everyone from Owen Hart to Jyushin Thunder Liger, and he amazed everyone he performed in front of. Then, in 1986 he broke his back in the ring during a match. Somehow, he managed to get back in the ring, and he had nearly a decade more of matches, but just like with other wrestlers who've fought their way through such horrific injuries, it took its toll. By the end of his life, Dynamite Kid was confined to a wheelchair.

Like many famous wrestlers from the 1980s, Dynamite had a serious drug problem. There are stories of him doing anabolics with Junkyard Dog, speed with Jake the Snake, and LSD with Dan Spivey. These abuses were not handled well by his body, and he suffered several seizures and heart problems and strokes.

I've had mixed feelings about the guy, since he would torment the British Bulldogs' mascot, Matilda, and he once shoved a shotgun under his wife's chin and excused the behavior by saying that it was okay because it wasn't loaded. He was generally just a cruel, unkind person, but he was also a genius in the ring. It's the same way I would feel really weird about other wrestlers and personalities who have truly influenced the business while also being terrible people.

That said, it's still quite sad to know that he has passed on his 60th birthday. My thoughts go out to Davey Boy Smith Jr and Dynamite's wife, children, and siblings.

Rest in Peace, Thomas Billington, aka Dynamite Kid.

FC