Shag Thomas
| Shag Thomas | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Birth name | James Thomas |
| Born |
August 11, 1924 Columbus, Ohio |
| Died |
July 25, 1982 (aged 57) Portland, Oregon |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) |
Shag Thomas King Toby |
| Billed height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Billed weight | 255 lb (116 kg) |
| Billed from | Portland, Oregon |
| Retired |
1969 1972 |
Shag Thomas (born James Thomas, August 11, 1924 – July 25, 1982) was an American professional wrestler during the 1950s and 1960s. He was one of the few African-American wrestlers of his day.
Career
Born in Stewartsville, Ohio, Thomas began wrestling during a time when segregation in professional wrestling was still taking place in some territories and promotions throughout the United States. He gained prominence while wrestling in the NWA Pacific Northwest Territory for promoter Don Owen. Owen did not segregate his wrestlers, and Thomas flourished there winning the Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship twice and the Tag Team Championship 16 times.
Thomas retired in 1969 after defeating Roger Kirby by disqualification in his final match. After retirement he refereed wrestling matches until 1972 when he briefly came out of retirement to battle the Royal Kangaroos.
Personal
Thomas died of a heart attack on July 25, 1982.
In wrestling
- Finishing moves
Championships and accomplishments
- NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship (2 times)
- NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship (16 times) - with Luther Lindsey (4), Pepper Martin (3), Tony Borne (2), Bearcat Wright (2), Billy White Wolf (1), Danny Hodge (1), Don Manoukian (1), Armand Hussein (1), and Rene Goulet (1)
- NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship (Calgary version) (1 time) - with Mighty Ursus
- NWA International Tag Team Championship (Calgary version) (1 time) - with Mighty Ursus