Ed Lewis (wrestler)

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Ed "Strangler" Lewis (real name: Robert Herman Julius Friedrich June 30, 1891 - August 8, 1966), was a professional wrestler whose career spanned four decades. He was a seven time World Heavyweight Champion.

Contents

[edit] Wrestling career

Born in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, Friedrich began wrestling at the age of 14, using the stage name Ed "Strangler" Lewis, in tribute of 1890s star Evan "Strangler" Lewis, and because his parents did not approve of him wrestling.

Lewis became the biggest star in wrestling during the late 1910s and throughout the 1920s. He was the pivotal figure in the "Gold-Dust Trio", along with promoters Toots Mondt and Billy Sandow, a travelling road show that was the precursor to wrestling tours, and which revolutionized wrestling by creating undercards, promoting full events instead of one match shows. They also developed the first wrestling storylines, creating "worked" feuds between wrestlers.

Lewis participated in perhaps one of the longest matches in pro wrestling history, when he battled Joe Stecher for five and a half hours, earning only "a draw."

Later in his career, Lewis befriended a young wrestler by the name of Lou Thesz, he taught him the art of "hooking" (the ability to inflict pain on a person using various holds). Lewis himself was one of the greatest hookers of his day and passed his knowledge onto Thesz.

Ed "Strangler" Lewis is considered to be the creator of the sleeper hold. It was actually probably a cross between the modern day sleeper hold and a side headlock.

[edit] Post wrestling

Lewis went into semi-retirement in 1935, but came out of retirement in 1942 despite being legally blind. He retired from wrestling for good in 1948, later becoming the manager of his good friend, and reigning NWA Champion, Lou Thesz. He died in New York on August 8, 1966. Near his death, he suffered blindness, which would eventually be cured because of what Lewis thought to be because of a prayer. However, for the last few years of his life, he became blind again.

[edit] Profile

  • Birthday: June 30, 1891
  • Town of birth: Nekoosa, Wisconsin
  • Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
  • Weight: 265 lb (120 kg)
  • Finishing and Signature moves: sleeper hold

[edit] Notable Feuds

[edit] Titles held

  • World Heavyweight Championship (4 times)
  • AWA {Boston} World Heavyweight Championship (once)
  • NYSAC World Heavyweight Championship (once)
  • MWA {Kansas City} World Heavyweight Championship (once)

[edit] Trivia

  • According to Lewis' own notes, he appeared in over 6,200 matches (with only 33 losses).
  • A Wisconsin state historical marker commemorates his achievements in his hometown of Nekoosa.
  • Lewis' father worked as a South Wood County, Wisconsin, police officer.
  • Lewis lectured widely across America about perseverance and stamina, as well as his deeply held beliefs in God, his country and family.
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