The wrestling world has long a legend today, as Dynamite Kid whose real name is Tommy Billington has passed away at the age of 60.
Mary Jones, the trainer from the United Kingdom was the first to break the sad news.
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
Kid wrestled for WWE in the ’80s and was part of The British Bulldogs. He spent the last few years of his wrestling career in Japan. He won the then WWF Junior Heavyweight Championship while working for New Japan Pro Wrestling, and the tag team titles in WWE along with Davey Boy Smith.
Dynamite Kid at the later stage of his life was confined to a wheelchair due to all the injuries he had suffered throughout his wrestling career.
He was truly a legend in the ring and would captivate fans with his excellent storytelling skills and moveset. He will sorely be missed.
WWE would give the following statement on his passing:
WWE is saddened to learn that Thomas Billington, known to his fans as Dynamite Kid, has passed away at age 60.
Born in Golborne, Lancashire, England, Billington pursued sports-entertainment as a means to avoid a life as a coal miner. Although somewhat undersized, he possessed a ferocity and determination that earned him the nickname The Dynamite Kid.
As a singles competitor, he made his mark in WWE Hall of Famer Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, developing a style that was both technically brilliant and wildly aggressive. It was in Japan, however, where Dynamite Kid set a new standard for junior heavyweight competition in a legendary series of matches against Tiger Mask, which would influence an entire generation of competitors, and help set the stage for brands like WWE’s 205 Live.
Dynamite Kid joined WWE in 1984 alongside his cousin, Davey Boy Smith, forming one of the most popular tag teams of their era, The British Bulldogs. Alongside their mascot, an English bulldog named Matilda, the duo battled it out in classic matches against Bret “Hit Man” Hart & Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart of The Hart Foundation, and defeated Greg “The Hammer” Valentine & Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake to win the World Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania II.
WWE extends its condolences to Billington’s family, friends and fans.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dynamite Kid’s family, friends, and fans during this sad time.
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