74. “Whipper” Billy Watson

Arguably the first major star from the nation of Canada, “Whipper” Billy Watson was a fixture in main eventer in the hallowed Maple Leaf Gardens for nearly two decades and was also the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Watson would be an excellent choice for the new Legends Wing and one representing the great history of Toronto and Canadian wrestling in general.

Should “Whipper” Billy Watson be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 85.4%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 4.9%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%

No opinion. - 4.9%

No way! - 4.9%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Billy Potts (Real Name)
Wild Bill Potts
The Whip
Billed From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Key Championships Held: NWA (Toronto) British Empire Heavyweight (9)
NWA (National Wrestling Association)
NWA (Toronto) Canadian Open Tag Team (12) 1w/ Pat Flanagan, 1w/Yvon Robert, 1w/ Hombre Montana, 2w/ Tex McKenzie, 1w/ Antonino Rocca, 1w/ Pat O’Connor, 2w/Yukon Eric, 1w/ Bobo Brazil, 1w/ Bernard Vigal & 1w/Ilio Dipaolo
NWA World Heavyweight
NWA (Calgary) Canadian Heavyweight
NWA (Vancouver) Pacific Coast Tag Team (3) 1w/Roy McClarty, 1w/Mr. Kleen & 1w/ Bearcat Wright
NWA (Toronto) International Tag Team (9) 1w/Yukon Eric, 1w/Bill Soloweyko, 1w/Billy Red Lyons, 1w/Bruno Sammartino, 2w/Johnny Valentine, 2w/Bulldog Brower & 1w/Mark Lewin
Why they will get in: Watson built the Toronto territory, which is still a hotbed of professional wrestling
Why they won't get in: Watson name is huge in Canada still, but not so much in the United States.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1.   Beat Nanjo Singh for his first major title when he captured the NWA (Toronto) British Empire Heavyweight Championship (4/30/42)
2.   Won the NWA (National Wrestling Association) Heavyweight Title over Wild Bill Longson (2/21/47)
3.   Defeated Lou Thesz for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (3/15/56)
4.   Lost the belt back to Thesz (11/9/56)
5.   Beat Gorgeous George in a career VS hair match (3/12/59)