Ricky Romero
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ricky Romero was a professional wrestler better known as "Rapid" Ricky Romero. Romero was best known for being a huge draw in the State of Texas in the 1970's.
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[edit] Before Pro-Wrestling
Ricky Romero began his career as a catcher for The San Francisco Giants AAA Team.
[edit] Rise to Fame
He wrestled in every major market between 1955 into the 1980's. Ricky tagged with the likes of Pedro Morales in The WWA, Terry Funk and Nick Bockwinkel in The NWA and Rito Romero in The W.W.W.F. He got his huge break, when Dory Funk Sr. brought him into The Amarillo, TX area during a time of segregation between races. A young Ricky Romero broke attendance records as well as breaking racial barriers and became loved by all people, the first hispanic wrestler in the area that gained a top babyface spot and a fan given nickname "SuperMex".
[edit] Legacy in Amarillo
In 1972 he beat Terry Funk in a most popular wrestler contest in Amarillo, was a top draw for Gory Guererro in El Paso, TX as well as for Fritz von Erich in Dallas, TX and Paul Boesh in Houston, TX. He was such a top draw in the Rocky Mountain area Colorado, New Mexico and Texas, that Dory Sr. invented the Rocky Mountain Title just for Ricky which he retired in the early 80's.
[edit] Singles Wrestler
Ricky Romero as a singles wrestler, went up against the likes of Lou Thesz, Gorgeous George, Wild Red Berry, and Jack Brisco. Romero was also one of the first pioneers to work for Giant Baba and Antonio Anoki in Japan, wearing a mask as Mexico Grand as a heel.
Ricky Romero retired as a professional wrestler in The early 1980's.
[edit] Personal Life
Ricky Romero was married to Stella Marrujo on December 17, 1949. He is the father of wrestling superstars Steven Romero, Mark Romero and Chris Romero. All three wrestled using the gimmick last name "Youngblood". Ricky also served as a manager to sons Mark and Chris throughout the late 1980's.
[edit] Death
On January 15, 2006 Ricky Romero passed away at the age of 74 after years of complications due to diabetes.
[edit] Profile
- Height: 6 ft 0 in
- Weight: 245 lbs.
- Birthday: May 24, 1931
- Hometown: Born in San Bernardino, CA. Moved to Amarillo, TX.
- Trained By:Mike DiBiase ,Bob Geigel and Dory Funk Sr.
- Debut: 1955
- Other Gimmicks: Mexico Grand in Japan (masked)
- Finishing Move: The Sleeper Hold
[edit] Championships
- 1-time WWA World Tag Team Championship (with Pedro Morales)
- 1-time NWA Southwestern Tag Team Championship (with Dory Funk Sr.)
- 6-time NWA Western States Tag Team Championship (twice with Terry Funk, one with Moose Morowski, one with Dory Funk Jr., one with Silver Streak (his son Steven Romero) and one with Akihisa Takachiho)
- 1-time NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas version) (with Nick Bockwinkel)
- 1-time NWA North American Tag Team Championship w/ (with Eddie Gilbert)
- 1-time NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (original version)
- 1-time NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship
- 5-time Rocky Mountain Championship
