Big Daddy

This article is about the late Professional Wrestler; Big Daddy is also the title of a 1999 movie starring Adam Sandler.

Shirley Crabtree, better known as Big Daddy (November 30, 1930 – December 2, 1997) was an English professional wrestler.

Profile

• Height: 6' 6
• Weight: 375 lbs (170 kg)
• Hometown: Halifax, West Yorkshire
• Trained By: George Hackenschmidt
• Previous Identites: Big Daddy, The Blonde Adonis, Mr. Universe, Battling Guardsman
• Finishing/Signature Move(s): "belly butts" followed by a "belly splash", his weight and age precluding many other moves.

Career

After stints as a miner and in the army he followed his father and became a professional wrestler in 1952.

Shirley became a big hit in the late 50s and early 60s with heel gimmicks, called "The Blonde Adonis" or "Mr. Universe". He won two titles in the British Wrestling Federation before he quit out of frustration and 'retired' for roughly 15 years.

With the rising popularity of the spectacle on television (World of Sport on ITV), Shirley's brother, Max Crabtree , the most powerful wrestling promotor in British history, brought Shirley back to wrestling with All Star "Joint Promotions" and took on the Big Daddy persona in 1976, playing the "good guy" and feuding with Mick McManus & Giant Haystacks.

In August 1987, Big Daddy was devastated by an accident in which fellow wrestler Mal "King Kong" Kirk died after taking one of his belly splashes. Shirley retired from wrestling.

Crabtree suffered a stroke in 1993 and suffered from failing health. He died of a heart attack in 1997.

Trivia

• Big Daddy would often team with Dynamite Kid, Davey Boy Smith, and Steven Regal.
• The Queen of England was publicly linked to being a fan of Big Daddy.
• Then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was another fan.
• While scouting Britain for talent, Bruce Hart (Stu Hart's son) stole the "Big Daddy" gimmick for someone back at Stampede, Sylvester Ritter became "Big Daddy" Ritter (best known now as the Junk Yard Dog).

Championships/Accomplishments

• BWF British Heavyweight Championship
• BWF European Heavyweight Championship
• Joint Promotions Mythical Champion of all Mankind