“Whipper” was a top-notch professional wrestler and a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Billy Watson was a legend in Ontario and throughout the world. Professional wrestling was first introduced to Watson as a career choice by his brother, George. Interested in the mat game, he ventered into the basement of Toronto’s All Hallows Church and met a talented instructor by the name of Phil Lawson. Under Lawson’s tutalage, Watson made his professional debut in 1935. Lawson became Billy’s manager and he competed under his real name, “William Potts.” Potts toured England in 1936 and while overseas he changed his name to “Watson.” He returned to Toronto, where he quickly became a star. On February 21, 1947 at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis, Watson received a shot at the National Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Title. The bout was scheduled by promoter Tom Packs to be only one-fall with more then 8,500 fans in attendance. The defending champion at the time was Bill Longson, a hated champion, known for his cruelty. He should have known better. Longson punched referee, Charley Schwartz at the 18:36 mark and was disqualified for his actions. Watson was awarded the NWA World Championship. Watson lost to Lou Thesz in St. Louis on April 25th after 25-minutes and 41 seconds. The World Title changed hands. 10,462 fans were in attendance. Nine years went by before Watson captured his second “NWA” World Title. This time, though, it was the National Wrestling Alliance version. On March 15, 1956, Watson won by countout over Thesz with Jack Dempsey standing in the ring making the count. He lost the title to Thesz on November 9th in St. Louis. Watson wrestled in more than 2,500 matches and hit that numeral at age 42, probably in 1959 or 1960. He had suffered many serious injuries throughout his battles in the squared circle. He was forced to retire from wrestling in 1971 after nearly severing his left leg in a car accident on November 30th. Mr. Watson died of a heart attack on February 4, 1990 in Orlando. Mr. Watson was 74 years of age. The WWF gave him a special 10-bell salute on a WWF Card at Maple Leaf Gardens to pay tribute to the man. The newspapers in Toronto devoted several articles on his life both in the Toronto Sun and the Toronto Globe and Mail. Hundreds of fans mourned him upon his burial. Research by Tim Hornbaker |
"Whipper" Billy Watson Wrestling History |
Career Record Legends of Pro Wrestling |