List of oldest surviving professional wrestlers
This is a list of oldest surviving professional wrestlers. As of 2017, there are 42 living veterans from the "Golden Age of Wrestling" (1950s–1970s) over 75 years old. The last surviving wrestler from the "Pioneer Era" (1900s–1940s) was American wrestler Angelo Savoldi (born April 21, 1914, died September 13, 2013, aged 99 years, 145 days). The title of the oldest verified wrestler of all time belongs to Polish-born American wrestler Abe Coleman (1905–2007), who lived 101 years, 189 days. But the oldest in the wrestling industry was promoter Harry Elliott (1904-2006) who lived 101 years, 314 days. The current oldest living in the wrestling industry is Bill Mercer from the United States. The oldest female wrestler was Princess Bonita (1919–2014), aged 94 years, 273 days. But the oldest female in the wrestling industry was Betty Wagner, the valet of Gorgeous George who lived to 98 years old in 2011.

The oldest female wrestler to have a match is Mae Young, who defeated LayCool in a WWE Raw handicap match on November 15, 2010, at the age of 87. The oldest male wrestler was Killer Kowalski, who won on an independent show in Massachusetts on March 14, 2008, at age 81.
List
Oldest wrestlers ever
Rank | Name | Sex | Age | Birth | Death | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Harry Elliott | M | 101 years, 313 days | August 16, 1904 | June 25, 2006 | (8/16/04-6/25/06) Was the promoter of Seattle wrestling, from 1958 to 1969 he was the sole promoter in Washington, Idaho, and Northeast Oregon. Oldest in the wrestling industry ever verified.[1] |
2 | Abe Coleman | M | 101 years, 189 days | September 20, 1905 | March 28, 2007 | (9/20/05-3/28/07) Oldest wrestler ever verified. Born in Poland.[2] |
3 | Joe D'Orazio | M | 99 years, 225 days | July 27, 1922 | March 9, 2022 | Oldest British wrestler in history, Second oldest worldwide. Referee, and British Wrestlers Reunion President until BWR ended in January 2022 after 30 years. |
4 | Angelo Savoldi | M | 99 years, 152 days | April 21, 1914 | September 20, 2013 | Last surviving veteran of the "Pioneer Era". |
5 | Jackie Stallone | F | 98 years, 297 days | November 29, 1921 | September 21, 2020 | Manager and promoter for Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling from 1986 to 1989. Mother of Sylvester Stallone. |
6 | Dan McLeod | M | 98 years, 6 days | June 14, 1860 | June 20, 1958 | Last surviving American Heavyweight Champion and veteran of the "Farmer" Burns-Frank Gotch era.[2] |
7 | Betty Wagner | F | 98 years | 1912–1913 | June 3, 2011 | First wife and valet of Gorgeous George.[3] |
8 | Jarvis Astaire | M | 97 years, 319 days | October 6, 1923 | August 21, 2021 | Promoter for Joint Promotions in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s. |
9 | Pedro Septién | M | 97 years, 273 days | March 21, 1916 | December 19, 2013 | Mexican actor, wrestling announcer and baseball broadcaster. |
10 | Bill Mercer | M | 97 years, 254 days | February 13, 1926 | Living | Voice of World Class Championship Wrestling. |
11 | Gerry Hoggarth | M | 97 years, 119 days | April 17, 1922 | August 14, 2019 | Second oldest British wrestler ever behind Joe D'Orazio. Began his career in the 1940s. source Cauliflower Alley Club |
12 | Luis Magana | M | 97 years | 1910 | March 23, 2008 | Spanish announcer in boxing and wrestling in Los Angeles |
13 | Jack LaLanne | M | 96 years, 119 days | September 26, 1914 | January 23, 2011 | World-famous fitness guru had a brief pro wrestling career in 1938. |
14 | Milo Steinborn | M | 95 years, 328 days | March 18, 1893 | February 9, 1989 | Promoted wrestling in Florida[2] |
15 | Abe Jacobs | M | 95 years, 125 days | April 18, 1928 | August 21, 2023 | New Zealand wrestler. Former NWA World Tag Team Champion. |
16 | Hélio Gracie | M | 95 years, 120 days | October 1, 1913 | January 29, 2009 | Brazilian martial artist who wrestled occasionally. |
17 | Meshulam Riklis | M | 95 years, 54 days | December 2, 1923 | January 25, 2019 | Turkish-Israeli businessman that owned Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling from 1986 to 2001. |
18 | Andrew Tsimpides | M | 95 years, 34 days | August 16, 1916 | September 19, 2011 | Former manager of Gorgeous George |
19 | Princess Bonita | F | 94 years, 273 days | May 31, 1919 | February 28, 2014 | Oldest female, mainly wrestled as Princess White Dove |
20 | Cowboy Bob Ellis | M | 94 years, 224 days | March 15, 1929 | Living | Inventor of the bulldog. |
21 | Samson Burke | M | 94 years, 200 days | April 8, 1929 | Living | Canadian Wrestler actor, bodybuilder, wrestler, swimmer. Known as Sammy Berg during his wrestling career. |
22 | Don Brinton | M | 94 years, 121 days | October 3, 1927 | February 1, 2022 | Canadian broadcaster. Won the Order of Canada. Promoter for AWA in Winnpieg from 1979 to 1986. |
23 | Lloyd Antonation | M | 94 years, 111 days | December 22, 1922 | April 10, 2017 | Wrestled only in Winnipeg, Canada. |
24 | Octavio Gaona | M | 94 years, 96 days | March 22, 1902 | June 26, 1996 | First ever to participate in a Luchas de Apuestas. |
25 | Charles Lutkie | M | 94 years, 74 days | December 20, 1918 | March 4, 2013 | Wrestled in the Central States and was a light heavyweight champion. |
Oldest female wrestlers ever
Rank | Name | Sex | Age | Birth | Death | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Princess Bonita | F | 94 years, 273 days | May 31, 1919 | February 28, 2014 | Oldest female, mainly wrestled as Princess White Dove |
2 | Mae Young | F | 90 years, 308 days | March 12, 1923 | January 14, 2014 | Oldest person to wrestle ever at 87 years old. Wrestled for WWF from 1999 to 2000, 2004 and 2010. |
3 | Lorraine Johnson | F | 90 years, 217 days | March 2, 1930 | October 5, 2020 | [4] |
4 | Ethel Brown | F | 90 years, 57 days | May 25, 1931 | July 21, 2021 | |
5 | Gladys Gillem | F | 89 years, 218 days | January 6, 1920 | August 12, 2009 | Feuded with Mildred Burke. |
6 | Cora Combs | F | 88 years, 96 days | March 17, 1927 | June 21, 2015 | |
7 | Yukiko Tomoe | F | 87 years, 358 days | November 1, 1935 | Living | Oldest living female wrestler. First Japanese woman to win the NWA World Women's Championship in 1968. |
8 | Kathy Starr | F | 87 years, 139 days | June 8, 1936 | Living | Wrestled mainly in Hawaii. |
9 | Beverly Shade | F | 87 years, 74 days | March 21, 1936 | June 3, 2023 | Wrestled in the WWF in 1980. |
10 | Irma Gonzalez | F | 87 years, 66 days | August 20, 1936 | Living | Wrestled mainly in Mexico and WCCW. Oldest surviving Mexican women wrestler. |
Oldest wrestlers currently living
Rank | Name | Sex | Age | Birth | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bill Mercer | M | 97 years, 254 days | February 13, 1926 | Voice of World Class Championship Wrestling. |
2 | “Cowboy” Bob Ellis | M | 94 years, 224 days | March 15, 1929 | Known as the inventor of the bulldog.[5] |
3 | Samson Burke | M | 94 years, 200 days | April 8, 1929 | Oldest Canadian Wrestler. Known as Sammy Berg. Also was a bodybuilder, swimmer, and actor. |
4 | Allan Pinfold | M | 93–94 years | 1929 | Wrestled in Australia and was a 3 time Australian Light Heavyweight Champion. |
5 | Bill Verna | M | 93–94 years | 1929 | Aussie wrestler won the British Empire/Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship. |
6 | Bob Caudle | M | 93 years, 84 days | August 2, 1930 | Voice of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. Later announced in South Atlantic Pro Wrestling and Smoky Mountain Wrestling. |
7 | Octavio Gaona Jr. | M | 92 years, 21 days | October 4, 1931 | Son of Octavio Gaona. |
8 | Hank Garrett | M | 91 years, 364 days | October 26, 1931 | Wrestled as The Minnesota Farm Boy from 1957 to 1966. |
9 | Nick Kozak | M | 90 years, 356 days | November 3, 1932 | Raised in Texas. Wrestled for Pacific Northwest, WCCW and NWA Georgia. |
10 | Steve Novak | M | 90 years, 335 days | November 24, 1932 | Wrestled in Studio Wrestling out of Pittsburgh in the 1950s and 1960s. Also wrestled as The Battling Bohemian and Red Menace. |
11 | Caswell Martin | M | 90–91 years | 1932 | Wrestled in the UK, Germany and Japan. |
12 | Sam Betts | M | 90 years, 226 days | March 13, 1933 | Wrestled in the UK, Asia, Middle East and India. |
13 | Keita Meretana | M | 89–90 years | 1933 | Former NWA New Zealand Heavyweight Championship |
14 | Guillotine Gordon | M | 88 years, 284 days | January 14, 1935 | Wrestled in the WWWF from 1964 to 1969. Also, later on in his career he wrestled as Enforcer Luciano in NWA Hollywood. |
15 | Dory Dixon | M | 88 years, 266 days | February 1, 1935 | First Jamaican wrestler in the WWWF |
16 | Hisashi Shinma | M | 88 years, 217 days | March 22, 1935 | President of the WWF from 1978 to 1984. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2019. |
17 | Horst Hoffman | M | 88 years, 26 days | September 29, 1935 | Czechoslovakian wrestler. Wrestled in Germany, France, Japan and AWA. |
18 | Paul Diamond | M | 88 years, 1 day | October 24, 1935 | Wrestled for NWA Vancouver and AWA from 1960 to 1972 |
19 | Yukiko Tomoe | F | 87 years, 358 days | November 1, 1935 | Japanese female wrestler. Oldest living female wrestler. Former NWA World Women's Champion |
20 | Earl Maynard | M | 87 years, 331 days | November 28, 1935 | From Barbados former Mr. Universe, a bodybuilder wrestler in the 60s and 70s and teamed with Rocky Johnson. He wrestled for Pacific Northwest, Stampede, NWA, and WWWF. |
21 | Tony Kontellis | M | 87–88 years | 1935 | Wrestled in Australia and WWWF |
22 | Eddie Sharkey | M | 87 years, 263 days | February 4, 1936 | Wrestled in AWA. Owns Pro Wrestling America. Also has trained many wrestlers like Rick Rude, Bob Backlund, Jesse Ventura, etc. |
23 | Beauregarde | M | 87 years, 179 days | April 29, 1936 | Musician and wrestled in the Pacific Northwest. |
24 | Kathy Starr | F | 87 years, 139 days | June 8, 1936 | Wrestled mainly in Hawaii. |
25 | Irma Gonzalez | F | 87 years, 66 days | August 20, 1936 | Wrestled mainly in Mexico and WCCW. Oldest surviving Mexican women wrestler. |
26 | Black Gordman | M | 87 years, 20 days | October 5, 1936 | Mexican wrestler who teamed with the Great Goliath. Well known in Los Angeles, Texas and WWWF from 1972 to 1974. |
27 | Eddie Morrow | M | 86–87 years | 1936 | From Martinique wrestled for Pacific Northwest and Stampede Wrestling. Brother of Gerry Morrow. Resides in Calgary, Canada. |
28 | Mark Lewin | M | 86 years, 223 days | March 16, 1937 | Multi-time regional champion. Worked as Purple Haze. |
29 | Paul Vachon | M | 86 years, 18 days | October 7, 1937 | Former AWA Tag Team Champion. Brother of Maurice Vachon. |
30 | Raúl Reyes | M | 85 years, 317 days | December 12, 1937 | Wrestled in Mexico. |
31 | Steve Veidor | M | 85 years, 288 days | January 10, 1938 | British wrestler. Former European Heavyweight Champion. |
32 | Omar Atlas | M | 85 years, 186 days | April 22, 1938 | Venezuelan wrestler. Former NWA Central States Heavyweight Champion. Worked for WWF from 1986 to 1992. |
33 | Brian Maxine | M | 85 years, 73 days | August 13, 1938 | British musician and wrestler. Former British Middleweight Champion and British Welterweight Champion. |
34 | Lumberjack Pierre | M | 84 years, 254 days | February 13, 1939 | French-Canadian wrestler. Former WWWF World Tag Team Champion. |
35 | Lars Anderson | M | 84 years, 225 days | March 14, 1939 | Five-time NWA Polynesian Pacific Heavyweight Champion. |
36 | Jim Herd | M | 84 years, 215 days | March 24, 1939 | Executive vice president for World Championship Wrestling from 1988 to 1992. |
37 | Bill Watts | M | 84 years, 173 days | May 5, 1939 | Three time NWA Florida Heavyweight Champion and promoter of Mid-South/UWF Wrestling. |
38 | Tinieblas | M | 84 years, 139 days | June 8, 1939 | Mexican wrestler. One time WWA World Heavyweight Champion. |
39 | Fred Peloquin | M | 83 years, 358 days | November 1, 1939 | Canadian wrestler. Known as Mad Dog Peloquin in Winnipeg and AWA. Three-time WFWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion. |
40 | Paul LeDuc | M | 83–84 | 1939 | French Canadian wrestler. Brother (kayfabe) of Jos LeDuc. |
Oldest wrestlers to ever perform 70 and over
Rank | Name | Sex | Age in last match | Birth | Death | Date of last match | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mae Young | F | 87 years, 248 days | March 12, 1923 | January 14, 2014 | November 15, 2010 | She took part in a Falls Count Anywhere 2-on-1 Handicap Match against LayCool (Layla) and (Michelle McCool) on WWE's Old School Raw, when she put her foot over Layla for a pinfall victory outside the ring. |
2 | Killer Kowalski | M | 81 years, 153 days | October 13, 1926 | August 30, 2008 | March 14, 2008 | Kowalski wrestled his last match as he defeated Gino Giovanni with the clawhold at Top Rope Promotions in Fall River, Massachusetts. |
3 | Great Kojika | M | 81 years, 99 days | April 28, 1942 | Living | August 5, 2023 | Most recently wrestled on August 5, 2023, at Big Japan Pro Wrestling in Yokohama, Japan, where he teamed with Isami Kodaka, and Yuko Miyamoto defeating Yuichi Taniguchi, Brahman Brothers, (Brahman Kei and Brahman Shu). |
4 | The Fabulous Moolah | F | 81 years, 61 days | July 22, 1923 | November 2, 2007 | September 21, 2004 | Teamed with Mae Young to defeat Dawn Marie and Torrie Wilson in a tag team match at the WWE SmackDown taping. The match aired on TV two days later. |
5 | Jimmy Valiant | M | 80 years, 84 days | August 6, 1942 | Living | October 29, 2022 | Last wrestled at the 2022 C-K Autumnfest in Kenova, West Virginia, where he teamed with Doink the Clown to defeat Shane Matthews and Tyson Smith. |
6 | Dominic DeNucci | M | 80 years, 82 days | January 23, 1932 | August 12, 2021 | April 14, 2012 | DeNucci wrestled his last match at a PWS card in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, teaming up with Shane Douglas to defeat the team of Lord Zoltan and Shawn Blanchard. |
7 | Tinieblas | M | 80 years, 71 days | June 8, 1939 | Living | August 18, 2019 | Last wrestled at the 2019 Expo Lucha convention in San Diego, California, teaming up with Dr. Wagner Jr. and Octagón to defeat the team of Fuerza Guerrera, Misterioso Jr., and Pirata Morgan. |
8 | Ox Baker | M | 80 years, 0 days | April 19, 1934 | October 20, 2014 | April 19, 2014 | Wrestled his last match on his 80th birthday against Bobo Brazil Jr. at a CCW card in Marion, Ohio.[6] |
9 | Dave Kidney | M | 79–80 years | 1931 | July 21, 2020 | January 28, 2011 | Last known match took place in Carnoustie, Scotland. |
10 | Mr. Chile | M | 79 years, 279 days | November 21, 1942 | Living | August 28, 2022 | Most recently wrestled for Valparaiso Lucha Libre in Valparaiso, Chile, teamed with Angel Blanco defeated La Momia Porteña and Zaddam.[7] |
11 | Bob Armstrong | M | 79 years, 220 days | October 3, 1939 | August 27, 2020 | May 11, 2019 | Armstrong's last match was for Continental Championship Wrestling in Dothan, Alabama, where he defeated The Assassin. |
12 | Dory Funk Jr. | M | 79 years, 26 days | February 3, 1941 | Living | February 29, 2020 | Last match was at his own FC !Bang! promotion in Belleview, Florida, teaming with The Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner) to defeat the team of Blain Rage, Jake Logan, and Shane Chung. |
13 | Frank Hickey | M | 78 years, 66 days | March 10, 1915 | December 8, 1993 | May 15, 1993 | Wrestled his last match at a USWA event in Nashville, Tennessee, teaming with Brian Christopher in a loss to Frank Morrell and Koko B. Ware. He died a few months later. |
14 | KY Wakamatsu | M | 77 years, 45 days | January 1, 1942 | Living | February 15, 2019 | Last wrestled on a show independently produced by Keiji Muto in Tokyo, Japan, where he teamed up with Great Kojika and Tiger Toguchi in a loss to the team of Heisei Ishingun (Akitoshi Saito, Masashi Aoyagi, & Shiro Koshinaka). |
15 | Gypsy Joe | M | 77 years, 36 days | December 2, 1933 | June 14, 2016 | January 7, 2011 | Joe wrestled his last match at the Gypsy Joe retirement show held in Tullahoma, Tennessee by the Southern Wrestling Federation. |
16 | Bushwhacker Luke | M | 76 years, 290 days | January 8, 1947 | Living | Still Active | Most recently wrestled on July 8, 2023, for MCW Pro Wrestling in Hollywood, Maryland teaming with Diego Cruz and Lor Diaz defeating Austin Kingsley, LDJ and Steven Fuerte. |
17 | Mil Máscaras | M | 76 years, 237 days | July 15, 1942 | Living | March 9, 2019 | Last wrestled for Lucha Libre Acapulco in Acapulco, Mexico, teaming with Capitan Atomo and Dragon Lee to defeat the team of La Bestia del Ring, Rey Bucanero, and Valiente. |
18 | Chick Donovan | M | 76 years, 232 days | March 7, 1947 | Living | Still Active | Most recently wrestled on June 23, 2023 for Impact Wrestling TV taping in Atlanta, Georgia losing to Johnny Swinger. |
19 | Vince McMahon | M | 76 years, 222 days | August 24, 1945 | Living | April 3, 2022 | Wrestled his last match at WrestleMania 38 in Arlington, Texas, defeating Pat McAfee. |
20 | José González | M | 76 years, 141 days | March 18, 1946 | Living | August 6, 2022 | Most recently wrestled on August 6, 2022, for IWA Puerto Rico, teaming with Savio Vega defeated Manny Ferno, Mr. Big and El Bronco in a handicap match. |
21 | Claude Roca | M | 76 years, 127 days | March 18, 1945 | Living | July 23, 2021 | Last wrestled for ABC Wrestling in Béziers, France, losing to Matthew Ford. |
22 | Jackie Fargo | M | 76 years, 82 days | June 26, 1930 | June 24, 2013 | September 16, 2006 | Wrestled in a tag team match with Jeff Justice and Officer McKenny to defeat Dr. Tom Prichard, Beau James and The Sheik of Araby for Big Time Wrestling in Granite Quarry, North Carolina. |
23 | Frank Durso | M | 76 years, 52 days | January 30, 1937 | December 7, 2018 | March 23, 2013 | Wrestled in a tag team match with Shawn Blanchard and Lou Martin to defeat Bobby O, Kris Kash, Shane Starr and Justin Sane for Keystone State Wrestling Alliance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. |
24 | Bill Dundee | M | 76 years, 51 days | October 24, 1943 | Living | December 14, 2019 | Wrestled last for Bobby Eaton: A Night Of Appreciation event in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he teamed with George South, Beau James, and Stan Lee as they lost to Bobby Fulton, Brad Thomas, Ryan Dookie, and Shane Williams. |
25 | Kenny Jay | M | 75 years, 77 days | March 27, 1937 | February 2, 2023 | June 16, 2012 | Last wrestled in an 11-person Royal Rumble style match, where he entered last and won, last eliminating Erik Lockhart, for Rock n Roll Wrestling in Wahpeton, North Dakota. |
26 | El Matematico | M | 75 years, 27 days | April 20, 1940 | Living | May 17, 2015 | Wrestled his last match for FMLL teaming with Mano Negra and Jalisco as they lost to Blue Panther, Damián 666, and Negro Navarro in El Monte, California. |
27 | Octavio Gaona | M | 74 years, 304 days | March 22, 1902 | June 26, 1996 | January 20, 1977 | Wrestled his last match at a show in Guadalajara, Mexico teaming with his grandson, Arturo Gaona and Bucanero I defeating Babe Sharon, Comando I and Luis Chavir. |
28 | Lou Thesz | M | 74 years, 246 days | April 24, 1916 | April 28, 2002 | December 26, 1990 | The former undisputed World Heavyweight Champion last wrestled Masahiro Chono for New Japan Pro Wrestling in Hamamatsu, Japan. He lost to Chono. |
29 | Yoshiaki Fujiwara | M | 74 years, 181 days | April 27, 1949 | Living | Still Active | Most recently wrestled on September 24, 2023 for Pro Wrestling HEAT UP in Kawasaki, Japan, teaming with Shingo and Hiroshi Watanabe losing to Akira Jo, Kengo and Nobutaka Moribe. |
30 | Kim Duk | M | 74 years, 113 days | February 7, 1948 | Living | May 31, 2022 | Wrestled his last match at the Jumbo Tsuruta 23rd Anniversary Memorial Show in Tokyo, Japan, where he teamed with Tatsumi Fujinami and Yoshiaki Yatsu defeating Masanobu Fuchi, Masao Inoue and Shiro Koshinaka. |
31 | Mighty Inoue | M | 74 years, 101 days | April 12, 1949 | Living | July 22, 2023 | Most recently wrestled for All Japan Pro Wrestling's Summer Action Series- Day 3 teaming with Lowther and Yoshi Tatsu losing to Takao Omori, Black Menso-Ra and ATM. |
32 | The Great Gama | M | 73–74 years | May 22, 1878 | May 23, 1960 | 1952 | Sources say that Gama remained active as a wrestler until 1952. |
33 | El Satanico | M | 73 years, 364 days | October 26, 1949 | Living | Still Active | Most recently wrestled on September 22, 2023, for CMLL in Mexico City, Mexico, teaming with Black Terry, Aguila Solitaria, El Solar, Octagon (wrestler), and Felino losing to Atlantis, Blue Panther, El Pantera, Negro Navarro, Panterita del Ring and Rocky Santana. |
34 | Johnny Saint | M | 73 years, 349 days | June 29, 1941 | Living | June 13, 2015 | Wrestled his last match for Italian Championship Wrestling in Brescia, Italy, teaming with Manuel Majoli to defeat Mr. Excellent and Psycho Mike. |
35 | Mike Jackson | M | 73 years, 348 days | November 11, 1949 | Living | Still Active | Most recently wrestled on September 1, 2023, for Southern Wrestling Federation in Tullahoma, Tennessee defeating Poncho. |
36 | Adrian Street | M | 73 years, 191 days | December 5, 1940 | July 31, 2023 | June 14, 2014 | Wrestled his last match for NWA Wrestle Birmingham, in Birmingham, Alabama. |
37 | Ric Flair | M | 73 years, 156 days | February 25, 1949 | Living | July 31, 2022 | Wrestled his last match in Nashville, Tennessee, teaming with his son-in-law Andrade El Idolo to defeat the team of Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett at the Ric Flair's Last Match pay-per-view. |
38 | Estrella Blanca | M | 73 years, 92 days | January 15, 1938 | November 15, 2021 | April 17, 2011 | Wrestled his last match on a AAA show in a loss to El Pistolero in San Pedro Cholula, Mexico. |
39 | Terry Funk | M | 73 years, 85 days | June 30, 1944 | August 23, 2023 | September 23, 2017 | Last wrestled for Big Time Wrestling in Spartanburg, South Carolina where he teamed with The Rock N' Roll Express as they defeated Doug Gilbert, Jerry Lawler and Brian Christopher. |
40 | Jerry Lawler | M | 73 years, 53 days | November 29, 1949 | Living | January 21, 2023 | Most recently wrestled for AML Acts Of War Games 2 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina defeating Beer City Bruiser. |
41 | Mr. Wrestling II | M | 73 years, 33 days | September 10, 1934 | June 10, 2020 | October 13, 2007 | Last wrestled for Hawaii Championship Wrestling as he teamed up with Steve Corino and won the HCW Kekaulike Heritage Tag Team Championship title. |
42 | George Julio | M | 73 years, 27 days | March 10, 1946 | Living | April 6, 2019 | Last wrestled for New Age Wrestling in Australia, defeating Bo Boman. |
43 | Mitsuo Momota | M | 73 years, 8 days | September 21, 1948 | Living | September 29, 2021 | Wrestled last match for Asakusa Pro Wrestling in Tokyo, Japan, where he teamed with Chikara defeating Destroyman and Mr. Atomiko. |
44 | Sergio El Hermoso | M | 72–73 years | 1946 | May 14, 2021 | August 17, 2019 | Wrestled his last match teaming with Zoraya defeating Carta Brava and Fantasma de la Opera by disqualification at Promociones HUMO in Mexico City, Mexico. |
45 | Bob Orton Jr. | M | 72 years, 240 days | November 10, 1950 | Living | July 8, 2023 | Most recently wrestled for Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling in Belleville, Illinois where he teamed with Flash Flanagan losing to Bradley Driggs and Lamonte Potts. |
46 | John Cena Sr. | M | 72 years, 155 days | (June 16, 1944) (6/16/44) | Living | November 18, 2016 | The biological father of John Cena. He wrestled his last match defeating Chad Epik at House of Bricks Pro Wrestling in New Bedford, Massachusetts. |
47 | Woody Farmer | M | 72 years, 109 days | December 25, 1935 | February 29, 2012 | April 12, 2008 | Wrestled his last match for Bay Wrestling Federation in Alameda, California, teaming with his son Shane Kody and his grandson Riot defeating Boom Boom Comini, Johnny Starr and Mr. Frost. |
48 | The Cuban Assassin | M | 72 years, 92 days | January 27, 1945 | Living | April 29, 2017 | Wrestled last match as a replecement for Nick Strong, teaming with Bushwhacker Luke and Dillon Sharpe as they defeated Brett Howett, Jakob Moore and Kris Hicks in a 6 Tag match at Ultimate Championship Wrestling 10th Anniversary show in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. |
49 | Cien Caras | M | 72 years, 27 days | October 18, 1949 | Living | November 14, 2021 | Last wrestled on November 14, 2021, for an event in Guadalajara, Mexico where he defeated El Gallo for the Arena Jalisco Heavyweight Title. |
50 | Billy Riley | M | 71–72 years | June 22, 1896 | August 27, 1977 | 1968 | Last known match took place in 1968. |
T-51 | Gustav Frištenský | M | 72 years (unverified) | May 18, 1879 | April 6, 1957 | 1951 | It is said that Gustav Frištenský wrestled until the age of 72. |
Warren Bockwinkel | M | 72 years (unverified) | May 21, 1911 | March 25, 1986 | 1983 | It is said that Warren Bockwinkel, father of Nick Bockwinkel, wrestled until the age of 72. | |
Les Kellett | M | 72 years (unverified) | May 11, 1915 | January 9, 2002 | 1987 | It is said that Les Kellett wrestled until the age of 72. | |
52 | Jimmy Snuka | M | 71 years, 362 days | May 18, 1943 | January 15, 2017 | May 15, 2015 | His last match was at an ECPW event, where he teamed up with Frankie Flow to defeat the team of Andrew Anderson and Jason Knight. |
53 | Ron Fuller | M | 71 years, 328 days | March 3, 1948 | Living | January 25, 2020 | Last wrestled on January 25, 2020, for Continental Championship Wrestling in Dothan, Alabama, teaming with Jimmy Golden to defeat The Dirty Blondes (Leo Brien and Mike Patrick). |
54 | Ultraman | M | 71 years, 321 days | July 14, 1947 | Living | May 31, 2019 | His last match was teaming with El Solar and Super Astro as they defeated Black Terry, Negro Navarro, and Mano Negra at an event in Cuautitlan, Mexico. |
55 | Masanobu Kurisu | M | 71 years, 304 days | November 15, 1946 | Living | September 15, 2018 | His last match was teaming with Shigeo Okumura and Felino as they defeated, Mano Negra, Solar I, and Villano IV at the ExpoMuseo event in Benito Juarez, Mexico. |
56 | Mae Weston | F | 71 years, 138 days | January 30, 1923 | October 14, 1999 | June 17, 1994 | Wrestled in her last match in a tag team match with Stormy Apple as they lost to Josie Navarro and Margaret Garcia at Ladies International Wrestling Association in Las Vegas, Nevada. |
57 | John Pesek | M | 71 years, 124 days | February 21, 1894 | March 21, 1978 | June 25, 1965 | Wrestled in his last match defeating Frenchy Roberre at a Pacific Northwest Wrestling event in Portland, Oregon. |
58 | Afa Anoa'i | M | 71 years, 100 days | November 21, 1942 | Living | March 1, 2014 | Wrestled his last match with his sons Afa Anoa'i Jr., LA Smooth, Samu and his grandson Lance Anoa'i. They defeated Homicide, AC Anderson, Eric Cobain, Havok and Mustafa Aziz in a 10-tag match for his promotion World Xtreme Wrestling in Allentown, Pennsylvania. |
T-59 | Ivan Koloff | M | 71 years, 83 days | August 25, 1942 | February 18, 2017 | November 16, 2013 | Wrestled his last match as he lost to Bob Armstrong at Superstars of Wrestling 1 in Rome, Georgia. |
Stu Hart | M | 71 years, 83 days | May 3, 1915 | October 16, 2003 | July 25, 1986 | Wrestled his last match in a tag team match with his son, Keith defeating Honky Tonk Wayne and JR Foley at Stampede Wrestling in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. | |
60 | Black Terry | M | 71 years, 52 days | September 3, 1952 | Living | Still Active | Most recently wrestled on September 22, 2023, for CMLL in Mexico City, Mexico, teaming with El Satanico, Aguila Solitaria, El Solar, Octagon (wrestler), and Felino losing to Atlantis, Blue Panther, El Pantera, Negro Navarro, Panterita del Ring and Rocky Santana. |
61 | Dick the Bruiser Jr. | M | 71 years, 15 days | August 4, 1952 | Living | August 19, 2023 | Most recently wrestled for Pro Wrestling King in Fort Wayne, Indiana, teamed with Top Gun and Jensyn defeated Mitchell Taylor, Bliar onyx and Kendell Beck. |
62 | El Canek | M | 70 years, 349 days | June 19, 1952 | Living | June 3, 2023 | Most recently wrestled on June 8, 2023, for Lucha Libre Boom 10. Aniversario in Tlalnepantla, Mexico teaming with Dr. Wagner Jr. and Tinieblas Jr. losing to El Hijo de LA Park, LA Park and LA Park Jr. |
63 | Jaque Mate | M | 70 years, 351 days | September 29, 1948 | Living | September 15, 2019 | Wrestled his last match at the VerdugoMania 3rd Anniversary show in Tonala, Jalisco, Mexico, teaming with Jaque Mate Jr., Rafaga, and Rayman in a loss to the team of Américo Rocca, El Gallego, Huracán Ramirez, and Starman. |
64 | Bobo Brazil Jr. | M | 70 years, 312 days | September 14, 1952 | Living | July 23, 2023 | Most recently wrestled for FEW Unbreakable in Greenfield, Indiana, defeating Jacob Rose. |
65 | Katsuji Ueda | M | 70 years, 236 days | December 15, 1945 | April 20, 2017 | August 7, 2016 | Wrestled his last match for Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling in Tokyo, Japan, defeating HASEGAWA and The Shooter in a MMA Three Way match. |
66 | El Sicodelico | M | 70 years, 226 days | April 4, 1944 | Living | November 16, 2014 | Wrestled his last match in an event in Mexico City, Mexico, teaming with Mil Mascaras and Dos Caras defeating Brazo de Oro, Brazo de Plata and Brazo de Platino. |
67 | Nikolai Volkoff | M | 70 years, 203 days | October 14, 1947 | July 29, 2018 | May 5, 2018 | Wrestled his last match for Battleground Championship Wrestling in Feasterville, Pennsylvania, teaming with Jim Duggan to defeat the team of Mecha Mercenary and Nicky Benz. |
68 | Baron Michele Leone | M | 70 years, 67 days | June 8, 1909 | November 26, 1988 | August 14, 1979 | Wrestled his last match defeating Rat Ferraro at a wrestling event in Montreal, Canada. |
69 | The Great Kabuki | M | 70 years, 22 days | September 8, 1948 | Living | September 30, 2018 | Wrestled his last match at a show that was independently produced by Masakatsu Funaki in Osaka, Japan, teaming with Giant Small Baba, Small Antonio Inoki, and Teruko Kagawa to defeat the team of HIRO Dai Circus Yasuda, Mitsukuni Daiso, Waka Shoyo, and Yamaishi Meijin in an 8-person tag team match. |
Oldest wrestlers still wrestling
Rank | Name | Sex | Age | Birth | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bushwhacker Luke | M | 76 years, 290 days | January 8, 1947 | Still wrestles in independent shows as of July 2023. |
2 | Chick Donovan | M | 76 years, 232 days | March 7, 1947 | Still wrestles in independent shows and Impact Wrestling as of 2023. |
3 | Yoshiaki Fujiwara | M | 74 years, 181 days | April 27, 1949 | Still wrestles in Japan as of 2023. |
4 | El Satánico | M | 73 years, 364 days | October 26, 1949 | Still wrestles for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre as of 2023. |
5 | Mike Jackson | M | 73 years, 348 days | November 11, 1949 | Still wrestles for independent shows and Impact Wrestling. |
6 | Black Terry | M | 71 years, 52 days | September 3, 1952 | Wrestles in Mexico as of May 2023. |
7 | Fuerza Guerrera | M | 69 years, 316 days | December 13, 1953 | Wrestles in Mexico as of August 2023. |
8 | Tatsumi Fujinami | M | 69 years, 301 days | December 28, 1953 | Wrestles in Japan as of 2023. |
9 | El Solar | M | 67 years, 152 days | May 26, 1956 | Wrestles in Mexico as of 2023. |
10 | Tommy Rich | M | 67 years, 91 days | July 26, 1956 | Still wrestles for independent shows. |
References
- Oliver, Greg. "Seattle promoter Harry Elliott dead at 101". canoe.com. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
- Will, Gary (December 1998). "Gary Will: Deceased Pro Wrestlers – A Tribute to Mat Stars of the Past". GaryWill.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2015. Retrieved November 4, 2009.
- "Betty Wagner, first wife of WWE Hall of Famer Gorgeous George, dead at 98".
- Mooneyham, Mike [@ByMikeMooneyham] (October 6, 2020). "Deepest condolences to @nicklaroberts and family on the passing of her mom Lorraine Johnson at age 90. One of the most beautiful and athletic women wrestlers during the '50s and '60s ... she and Penny Banner were women's world tag-team champions with looks and talent to spare. t.co/O5GfUklP1O" (Tweet). Archived from the original on October 7, 2020. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via Twitter.
- "Cowboy" Bob Ellis profile, from LegacyOfWrestling.com
- Wrestling Promo - Ox Baker Final Match. Dave Burzynski. April 2, 2014. Archived from the original on March 30, 2017. Retrieved August 22, 2021 – via YouTube.
- Mr Chile & Angel Blanco vs Zaddam & La Momia Porteña - Inmortales, Valparaíso Lucha Libre 2022. wrestling mundial. August 28, 2022 – via YouTube.