Lou Thesz

A true legend and pioneer in the industry, he was NWA Heavyweight Champion 6 times. He is regarded as on of the greatest wrestlers in history and held the title for 10 years, 3 months and 9 days, more than anyone else in history. He is credited with creating the belly to back suplex, STF, the powerbomb and the Lou Thesz press. He ade his professional wrestling debut in 1932 at the age of 16. He formed a long lasting friendship with Ed "Strangler" Lewis who tought him how to stretch a man. In 1937, Thesz would win his first National Wrestling Associations Heavyweight Championship.

In 1948, The National Wrestling Alliance(NWA) was formed to create 1 world champion amongst all the wrestling territories. Thesz would become the champion as the number one contender when the champ was permananently injured in a car accident. He was the first wrestler to defend his title in Japan. He fought a series of fights with Rikidozan which popularized American wrestling in Japan. Realizing the big money available in Japan, he petitioned the NWA to defend his title in Japan. He was turned down so he relinquished his title and started wrestling in japan and Europe. He would call hiself the NWA International champion, a title still recognized in Japan today.

He fought his last match in 1990 at age 74 against Masahiro Chono. He was NWA champ six times, AWA champ twice, TWWA Heavyweight Champion, Japanes Champion and is in EVERY wrestling Hall of Fame across the world.