Wrestling legend Dynamite Kid dies on his 60th birthday
Pro wrestler Dynamite Kid has died.
The star of the ring, who was born Tommy Billington, died Wednesday on his 60th birthday, according to his family. WWE also confirmed the news.
WWE is saddened to learn that The Dynamite Kid has passed away. https://t.co/r41WiVPrOb
— WWE (@WWE) December 5, 2018
Billington, who began wrestling at age 13, hailed from Golborne, Lancashire, in England, and made his debut with WWF (now known as WWE) in 1984. He soon teamed up with his cousin Davey Boy Smith to become the popular tag team known as the British Bulldogs. With their mascot, a bulldog named Matilda, and hype man/manager Lou Albano by their side, they won the World Tag Team title at WrestleMania II after a bout against the Greg “the Hammer” Valentine and Brutus “the Barber” Beefcake. Billington also competed in Stampede Wrestling, All Japan Pro Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Billington was plagued with injuries. He broke his back during a 1986 match at Madison Square Garden, nearly ending his career, but he recovered. His final match was in 1996, when, after competing, he suffered a seizure. The next year he lost the use of a leg and had to start using a wheelchair. Then in 2013 he suffered a stroke.
Captain Lou interviews the Bulldogs before their WrestleMania II victory:
A documentary came out that year called The Dynamite Kid — A Matter of Price, which was described as an “emotional journey into a career cut short by the abuses of steroids, alcohol, drugs, and a complete disregard for his own physical limitations.” In 2016 his wife, Dot, started a GoFundMe to help bring him home from a health care facility and pay his medical bills as he lived out his final days at home.
Billington’s nephew — and Smith’s son — Davey Boy Smith Jr. paid tribute to his uncle on Twitter early Wednesday. He called him an “inspiration.”
It deeply saddens me to announce the passing of Tom Billington the “Dynamite Kid.” 😭😢🙏I was really happy and glad I got to see Dynamite one last time last June in the UK. 🇬🇧 ??🙏. Dynamite was certainly an inspiration to myself and many others and really revolutionized pic.twitter.com/req7CWTdxm
— Davey Boy Smith Jr. (@DBSmithjr) December 5, 2018
He added that Billington “gave it his all every match.”
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
— Davey Boy Smith Jr. (@DBSmithjr) December 5, 2018
Smith’s daughter also paid tribute:
— Georgia Smith (@georgiasmith87) December 5, 2018
World of Sport Wrestling also honored him.
Condolences to the friends and family of British wrestling legend Tommy Billington "The Dynamite Kid". https://t.co/IWPS8p4Syw
— WOS Wrestling (@WOSWrestling) December 5, 2018
As well as wrestling trainer Marty Jones.
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
Billington’s cousin and partner Smith died in 2002 at the age of 39, so many of the other online tributes suggest they will be “reunited in the stars.”
Two true wrestling icons reunited together in the stars! @DBSmithjr @georgiasmith87#RIPTomBillington#DynamiteKid#BritishBulldogs
🐶🐶🇬🇧🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/bULwtURK39— Adam Evans (@IAmAdamEvans) December 5, 2018
RIP Dynamite! The Bulldogs are back together breaking necks up there. https://t.co/IP3kpcyGym
— Buster (@FMBuster) December 5, 2018
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