The grapplers are back in town with a tribute to one of the world’s oldest wrestlers.
Teesside based promoters EPW American Wrestling are in Ellesmere Port’s Civic Hall on Friday with what is billed as ‘the world’s greatest family show’.
The evening features a world title match and a tribute bout to Ellesmere Port legend Buddy Ward who died aged 80 in June just days after making his last appearance in the ring in the Civic Hall.
The promoters said at the time: “The world’s oldest wrestler and a true professional till the end, Buddy made his last wrestling appearance on our Ellesmere Port show and was given a standing ovation for his years of service to the wrestling business.”
Son Gary Woodward was one of several family members to add a tribute to Buddy via the EPW American Wrestling Facebook page.
He wrote: “However you knew my dad, or by what name, could have been Buddy or Alf, or Kojak is his legal name. He was a character, life and soul of the party and lived life to the full.
“I have so many crazy happy memories, just like so many of his friends, and family. RIP xxxx.”
Buddy's career
The wrestler terrified generations of fight fans as ‘Doctor Death’ from 1957 through to his retirement in the 70s.
The Ellesmere Port hard man fought 3,999 matches around the world and counted the most famous wrestler of the day, Big Daddy, as a friend.
Liverpool-born Buddy, real name Alfred Woodward, was one of many wrestlers who featured on ITV’s World of Sport in the 1970s and 80s.
The show, back in town due to popular demand, will also include a 30 man royal rumble.
Doors open at 7pm with VIP tickets, offering a free backstage pass, at £15 (children £10.)
Adults are £12 and there is a family ticket at £36.
Will you be going to show? Did you know Buddy? Let us know in the comments below
