In light of Colt Cabana joining New Japan Pro Wrestling, I thought it was appropriate to re-release this piece I wrote for my Sheriff of Parts Unknown blog for WrestleTalk.Tv. This has been edited for context, but the story still stands. Comedy is a draw in the right place at the right time.
The beginning of the TV era in British wrestling showed off a lot of pioneers in this class, Catweazle being a
prime example. Named after a ‘70’s TV show about an 11th Century wizard displaced in time to 1969 (how did
he tell the difference?). His wrestling namesake had the physical similarities down to the goatee beard and
medieval/psychedelic attire, his image complete with rubber toad that kept stoic guard on the ring post during
his matches. His given name Gary Cooper, clearly was not for the wrestling world, already far too famous, but
under his ring name he found his stride. He was the king of audience participation spot, “Shall I?” and sending
heels on speedy criss cross patterns off the ropes while all he did was lift his foot and watch them go by. Not
the biggest draw to come out of Doncaster, that would be Jack and the rest of The Pie Clan, but his notoriety
grew wider because of TV. Perhaps his career highlight, he wasn’t exactly a title contender, was being chosen to
round out Mick MacManus’ in ring TV career. Both men shook hands at the end of the match, one of the era’s
truly loved faces, and perhaps the most loved heel a fitting end to both their TV careers.
prime example. Named after a ‘70’s TV show about an 11th Century wizard displaced in time to 1969 (how did
he tell the difference?). His wrestling namesake had the physical similarities down to the goatee beard and
medieval/psychedelic attire, his image complete with rubber toad that kept stoic guard on the ring post during
his matches. His given name Gary Cooper, clearly was not for the wrestling world, already far too famous, but
under his ring name he found his stride. He was the king of audience participation spot, “Shall I?” and sending
heels on speedy criss cross patterns off the ropes while all he did was lift his foot and watch them go by. Not
the biggest draw to come out of Doncaster, that would be Jack and the rest of The Pie Clan, but his notoriety
grew wider because of TV. Perhaps his career highlight, he wasn’t exactly a title contender, was being chosen to
round out Mick MacManus’ in ring TV career. Both men shook hands at the end of the match, one of the era’s
truly loved faces, and perhaps the most loved heel a fitting end to both their TV careers.
 |
| Catweazle pic courtesy of http://www.britishwrestlersreunion.com |
On the heel side of things was “Cyanide” Sid Cooper who to me always had the look of quiet resignation. Another
South Yorkshire native, whether it was his sixties crew cut, or his seventies curtains, and back to the crew cut
again in the eighties, he always had a scowl and a distinct hint of failure about him. The Wylie Coyote of the
middleweight and lower divisions, it actually wasn’t that he was bad, there was always a sense that he would get
his comeuppance from his cheating ways. His facial expressions were second to none, partly the reason why he
was a safe pair of hands for any new comers, the odd celebrity that would come into the game during the 60’s
would end up with Sid. He also helped get over Japanese sensation Sammy Lee, better know now under his real
name Satoru Sayama, or Tiger Mask. Sammy Lee was a massive hit for Joint promotions in the early eighties, but
before he got to the major money of his feud with Mark Rocco it was “Cyanide” Sid he set him on his way, his
beleaguered look of resignation coming in handy as Sayama’s incredibly fast and impressive offence befuddled
him time and time again. His patience and work ethic would give him championship acclaim in 1985 as he beat
Danny “Boy” Collins for his only British Welterweight title. He is a great influence on the reigning King of British
Cool, William Regal who took as many facial expressions as he could from the Yorkshire man. Coming out of
Kraków in 1957 was the Polish Eagle, Johnny Czeslaw was another physical comedy act that swung in the UK.
Playing towards his heritage, and the large Polish population here by choice after World War Two, or by exile
after the communist party took power in 1945. Again his facial expressions were part of his charm, and he was
another beloved wrestler in the TV era.
South Yorkshire native, whether it was his sixties crew cut, or his seventies curtains, and back to the crew cut
again in the eighties, he always had a scowl and a distinct hint of failure about him. The Wylie Coyote of the
middleweight and lower divisions, it actually wasn’t that he was bad, there was always a sense that he would get
his comeuppance from his cheating ways. His facial expressions were second to none, partly the reason why he
was a safe pair of hands for any new comers, the odd celebrity that would come into the game during the 60’s
would end up with Sid. He also helped get over Japanese sensation Sammy Lee, better know now under his real
name Satoru Sayama, or Tiger Mask. Sammy Lee was a massive hit for Joint promotions in the early eighties, but
before he got to the major money of his feud with Mark Rocco it was “Cyanide” Sid he set him on his way, his
beleaguered look of resignation coming in handy as Sayama’s incredibly fast and impressive offence befuddled
him time and time again. His patience and work ethic would give him championship acclaim in 1985 as he beat
Danny “Boy” Collins for his only British Welterweight title. He is a great influence on the reigning King of British
Cool, William Regal who took as many facial expressions as he could from the Yorkshire man. Coming out of
Kraków in 1957 was the Polish Eagle, Johnny Czeslaw was another physical comedy act that swung in the UK.
Playing towards his heritage, and the large Polish population here by choice after World War Two, or by exile
after the communist party took power in 1945. Again his facial expressions were part of his charm, and he was
another beloved wrestler in the TV era.
However the premier pure entertainers of the industry in the 1970’s were two more Yorkshiremen of Barnsley
and Bradford respectively; Leon Arras (originally billed as The Man From Paris which was fine until he opened his
mouth) and the man himself, Les Kellett. Brian was a second generation wrestler whose father had promoted and
wrestled in the forties, enlightened for his environment and time he was also a School teacher and
Shakespearean actor, but it was wrestling that brought him national fame first. Les was a former conscientious
objector during World War Two and a complete hard case in real life, or head case depending on who you talk
too. One thing is for sure they both had comedy timing in spades. The pair had a classic match in 1974 that is
still incredibly entertaining today. Glover working heel, and Kellet working face they set the standard for comedy
wrestling in that era. Every trick in the book, and they wrote some new ones as they went along. My personal
favourite happens early in the match, whilst Brian is working a leg hold from the kneeling position Les is on the
receiving end of the stick. He lifts his left and hits Brian between the eyes with his calf. “You can hit that bugger
all night long boy you’ll not shift me.” comes the nasal West Yorkshire whine from Brian in a clear as day school
teacher’s voice in what sounded like a well practiced tone. Of course Les tries again and Brian comes out with
his retort, the third time Les reaches up and pushes Brian’s jaw shut mid sentence, hence the title of this week’s
blog’ Brian’s reaction.
and Bradford respectively; Leon Arras (originally billed as The Man From Paris which was fine until he opened his
mouth) and the man himself, Les Kellett. Brian was a second generation wrestler whose father had promoted and
wrestled in the forties, enlightened for his environment and time he was also a School teacher and
Shakespearean actor, but it was wrestling that brought him national fame first. Les was a former conscientious
objector during World War Two and a complete hard case in real life, or head case depending on who you talk
too. One thing is for sure they both had comedy timing in spades. The pair had a classic match in 1974 that is
still incredibly entertaining today. Glover working heel, and Kellet working face they set the standard for comedy
wrestling in that era. Every trick in the book, and they wrote some new ones as they went along. My personal
favourite happens early in the match, whilst Brian is working a leg hold from the kneeling position Les is on the
receiving end of the stick. He lifts his left and hits Brian between the eyes with his calf. “You can hit that bugger
all night long boy you’ll not shift me.” comes the nasal West Yorkshire whine from Brian in a clear as day school
teacher’s voice in what sounded like a well practiced tone. Of course Les tries again and Brian comes out with
his retort, the third time Les reaches up and pushes Brian’s jaw shut mid sentence, hence the title of this week’s
blog’ Brian’s reaction.
 |
| Les Kellett in Action |
Kellett is only now getting the credit he is due thanks to the popularisation of the “Kellet Lariat” by Nigel
McGuinness, Dean Ambrose and now Chase Owens, but in Colt Cabana they have found their champion for more
modern times. After years on the camps, and a true appreciation for the style, as well as learning from masters
like Johnny Saint and William Regal, he exemplifies what the style was about. Simple and safe entertainment. I
hope he has a long run in the New Japan Cup and showcases this highly influential element of pro wrestling.
McGuinness, Dean Ambrose and now Chase Owens, but in Colt Cabana they have found their champion for more
modern times. After years on the camps, and a true appreciation for the style, as well as learning from masters
like Johnny Saint and William Regal, he exemplifies what the style was about. Simple and safe entertainment. I
hope he has a long run in the New Japan Cup and showcases this highly influential element of pro wrestling.
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