The daughter of the late British wrestling icon Tom Billington, known as the Dynamite Kid, has initiated a petition calling for his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. This move follows the recognition of his cousin and tag team partner, Davey Boy Smith, who was inducted in 2021 after a campaign by the Daily Star.
Petition Highlights Legacy and Impact
Bronwyne Billington, the eldest child of the wrestling legend, expressed her desire to honor her father’s legacy through a heartfelt message on social media. She stated, “It’s time to get you into the WWE Hall of Fame, where you truly belong. All the sacrifices you made, all the battles you fought – they deserve to be recognized.” In her message, Bronwyne emphasized the importance of this recognition for her family, noting that it is vital for her children and grandchildren to see their grandfather’s impact acknowledged.
The Dynamite Kid, who passed away on December 5, 2018, began his wrestling career as a teenager. He made his debut in 1975 under the renowned British promoter Max Crabtree, who is the brother of the famous wrestler Big Daddy. Over the years, he gained acclaim in various wrestling promotions, including Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling in Canada and Japanese wrestling circuits, before joining the then-WWF where he formed a legendary tag team with Davey Boy Smith.
A Pioneer in Professional Wrestling
Despite his relatively short stature, the Dynamite Kid is often regarded as one of the most skilled wrestlers in history. Bret Hart, a three-time Hall of Famer, described him as “the best wrestler ever,” while fellow WWE legend Mick Foley included him on his personal Mount Rushmore of wrestling. His innovative style and tenacity have inspired countless wrestlers and have changed the landscape of professional wrestling, particularly for smaller athletes.
Bronwyne’s petition highlights the significant contributions her father made to the sport, stating, “His contributions to the world of professional wrestling were not only significant, but revolutionized the industry as a whole.” She pointed out that many wrestling legends acknowledge him as one of the best to ever step into the ring, and his exclusion from the WWE Hall of Fame is seen as a notable oversight.
In her emotional plea, she wrote, “Many wrestling legends cite him as one of the best to ever step into the ring, and his influence is evident in the styles and approaches of numerous WWE Hall of Famers today. For many fans and family members, seeing him recognized posthumously would be a dream come true, offering a final tribute to a man who gave so much to the wrestling world.”
The Dynamite Kid’s career was ultimately cut short due to injuries sustained over the years. He was confined to a wheelchair after losing his leg in 1997, just a year after retiring from active competition. His death on his 60th birthday left a significant void in the wrestling community.
To support Bronwyne Billington’s initiative, wrestling fans and supporters can join the petition to push for the recognition of the Dynamite Kid in the WWE Hall of Fame, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
