Dynamite Kid was considered one of the most trailblazing and influential wrestlers of all time and was a key figure in the early days of the WWF’s expansion in the 1980s
The daughter of late British wrestling legend the Dynamite Kid has called for him to be inducted into the WWE’s Hall of Fame. The trailblazing Wigan-born grappler, real name Tom Billington, was one of the most influential wrestlers of all time.
The former tag team champion, one half of legendary tag team the British Bulldogs, was once described by three-time Hall of Famer Bret Hart as the best wrestlers ever and fellow WWE legend Mick Foley said he would be on his Mount Rushmore of wrestling.
Now his daughter Bronwyne has launched a petition for him to join his cousin and tag team partner Davey Boy Smith into the star-studded gallery.
She wrote on Instagram: “It’s time to get you into the WWE Hall of Fame, where you truly belong. All the sacrifices you made, all the battles you fought – they deserve to be recognized. I promised you I would always try for you, and I always will.
“It’s so important for your children and grandchildren to see this happen, to know that your legacy lives on. The strength, passion and determination you showed throughout your wrestling career instilled that in me, and I want to honour your legacy.
“As your eldest, I feel it’s my duty to keep your name alive and to ensure you get the recognition you deserve. Please join me in signing this petition and help us get this incredible man where he needs to be.”
Dynamite, who died in 2018, began wrestling as a teenager and made his debut in 1975 for the legendary British promoter Max Crabtree, brother of “Big Daddy” Shirley Crabtree.
He later worked in Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling in Canada and Japan, where he made his name before getting his big break with the then-WWF, where he was teamed up with Davey Boy.
Despite his short stature, Dynamite was considered among the best wrestlers in the world and is often credited with paving the way for smaller grapplers to be taken seriously in a sport dominated by big men.
Dubbed by Bret Hart as “pound-for-pound, the greatest wrestler who ever lived”, Dynamite’s career was cut short due to injury and he was confined to a wheelchair after losing his leg in 1997, a year after he officially retired from the squared circle. He died on December 5, 2018, his 60th Birthday.
Writing on the online petition, Bronwyne wrote: “Losing my father, known to the world as The Dynamite Kid, was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. As his eldest child, I carry his memory in my heart every day.
“His contributions to the world of professional wrestling were not only significant, but revolutionized the industry as a whole. Wrestling fans worldwide remember him not just as a performer but as a pioneer who changed the face of the sport with his unique style and undeniable stage presence.”
She added: “My father undeniably left a mark on wrestling history. His contributions have been recognized by fans, sports writers, and wrestlers alike, making his exclusion from the WWE Hall of Fame a notable oversight.
“Many wrestling legends cite him as one of the best to ever step into the ring, and his influence is evident in the styles and approaches of numerous WWE Hall of Famers today.
“For many fans and family members, seeing him recognized posthumously would be a dream come true, offering a final tribute to a man who gave so much to the wrestling world.”
Dynamite’s long-time tag partner Davey Boy Smith was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021 after a campaign from your Daily Star. Click here to sign the petition for him to be inducted too.
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