The world of professional wrestling has again lost another star. Buddy “Jack” Roberts passed away today at the age of 67. The cause has not yet been released, but he had a severe bout of throat cancer years ago, which may have played a factor in his declining health.
Born Dale Hey, he first made his mark in the ring as the fictitious brother of the legendary star, Johnny Valentine. Despite being a very good in ring worker, Hey would spend the bulk of his twenty plus years in the ring as a tag team star. After changing his name to “Buddy Roberts” he would team with Jerry Brown to form the “Hollywood Blondes” where he would win regional titles all over the United States.
It was at the start of the 1980’s however that Roberts would become a part of one of the most dynamic and influential teams yet. Actually a triumvirate, Roberts joined Michael Hayes and Terry Gordy to form the Fabulous Freebrids; a hard drinking, Southern Rock influenced squad that took the World Class area by storm and made that territory with their feud with the Von Erichs.
This threesome had it all. Even at a young age, Hayes had few equals on the microphone and could fill arenas with his words. Gordy looked like he escaped from Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory, and Roberts brought the veteran presence and workrate. We have championed this group for the WWE Hall of Fame since we started our site, and they have them currently ranked at the #16 slot on our Notinhalloffame list. With the passing of Terry Gordy years ago, any induction would only have Hayes (unless they induct Jimmy Garvin with the group) as the lone acceptor.
We offer our condolences to the friends and family of Buddy Roberts at this time.
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