Athletes - Ed Lewis

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	Athletes - Ed Lewis

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 four time World Heavyweight Champion.

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" fueds between wrestlers.

Lewis participated in perhaps one of the longest matches in pro wrestling history, when he battled Joe Strecher for five and a half hours, earning only "a draw." Among his other opponents, each noted for his prowess in the ring, were Ed Don George, Stanislaus Zbyszko, and Joe Malcewicz.

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.

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.

Profile

Birthday: June 30, 1891
Town of birth: Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Height: 5'10
Weight: 265 lbs.
Finishing and Signature moves: sleeper hold

Notable Feuds

Stanislaus Zbyszko
Orville Brown
Joe Stecher
Jim Londos
Dick Shikat
Freddie Beel
Jack Leon

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.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Ed Lewis ]

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