41. Wild Bill Longson

Published in WWE
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A standout professional wrestler in the 1940’s, “Wild” Bill Longson, was a three time National Wrestling Association Champion. His final reign came at the hands of the legendary Lou Thesz and Longson is credited as being the last National Wrestling Association Champion and one of the top heels of the 1940’s.

Wild Bill is also credited with the creation of the pile driver move, which alone qualifies him for any serious wrestling hall of fame.

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: The Purple Shadow
Billed From: U.S.A. (St. Louis, Missouri)
Key Championships Held: NWA Pacific Coast Heavyweight (3)
NWA World Heavyweight (3)
NWA Central States Heart of America
NWA World Tag Team (Texas) w/Ike Eakin
NWA Brass Knuckles (Texas)
Why they will get in: Thesz is closely associated with Longson and Thesz is now in.
Why they won't get in: Is this a name ever mentioned on WWE programming?
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1.   Defeated Sandor Szabo for the NWA Pacific Coast Heavyweight Title, his first major championship (11/15/38)
2.   Beat Sandor Szabo for his first NWA World Title (2/19/42)
3.   Reclaimed his championship by defeating Bobby Managoff (2/19/43)
4.   Beat Lou Thesz for his third and final NWA World Title (11/21/47)
5.   Enters the Pro Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame (2000)