Iconic British wrestling Tommy ‘Dynamite Kid’ Billington has passed away at the age of 60.
Tommy Billington died on his 60th birthday, after suffering from numberous illnesses for over two decades. He was also wheelchair bound due to the leg and back injuries he sustained in the ring.
Legendary British wrestler Marty Jones broke the news earlier today via his twitter;
It's with great sadness I have to inform you all that THE "DYNAMITE KID" TOMMY BILLINGTON ON HIS BIRTHDAY HAS PASSED AWAY.. A TRUE BRITISH AMBASSADOR FOR WRESTLING WORLDWIDE RIP "KID' CONDOLENCES TO MARK & HIS FAMILY MARTY JONES pic.twitter.com/TRYbBTpTgf
— Marty Jones (@martyleglockno1) December 5, 2018
Tom BIllington was born in Golborne, Lancarshire in 1958. He made his wrestling debut in 1975, where he worked for Max Crabtree on World Of Sport. He won numerous titles, including the British Welterweight and Light-Heavyweight Titles. He moved on to Stampede Wrestling, where his stature grew further leading to a tour with New Japan Pro Wrestling.
His run in Japan is known for his legendary battles with Tiger Mask which many people see as putting junior heavyweight wrestling on the map. Billington went on to win the WWF Light Heavyweight Title, which was only defended in Japan, defeating The Cobra in a tournament final.
He then gained notoriety in the WWF, where he teamed with Davey Boy Smith to form ‘The British Bulldogs’. Alongside their faithful dog Matilda, they captured the WWF Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania II, defeating Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake.
In 1986, Billington suffered a serious back injury in a tag match in Hamilton, Ontario. His final match in the WWF was as a part of a victorious team at the 1988 Survivor Series. After leaving the WWF, he went back to Stampede Wrestling (winning the International Tag Team Championship) and also worked in All Japan Pro Wrestling (winning the All Asia Tag Team Championship.
Billington announced his retirement in 1991, but return to All Japan in ’93, and wrestled his final match in Michinoku Pro in 1996.
The wrestling world has already been pouring in it’s condolences;
Professional Wrestling as we now it today. He flew high, and gave it his all every match. Thanks for everything and sad to have lost another family member. 😞 Rest In Peace Dyno. 🙏 🇬🇧 🐶 😢😢 pic.twitter.com/0p57E6dLwx
— Harry Smith, “Davey Boy Smith JR” (@DBSmithjr) December 5, 2018
RIP Dynamite Kid. One of the best to every come from these islands.
Everyone take seventeen minutes of your life to watch the man in action in his prime. https://t.co/Ob83Bqq9Lj
— Jim Smallman – ジム・スモールマン (@jimsmallman) December 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/WillOspreay/status/1070259106701815808
https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/1070296361487269890
TWM News UK sends its condolences to the entire Billington family.