List of oldest surviving professional wrestlers
Abe Coleman celebrating his 100th birthday in 2005.
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. The oldest person ever to be involved in the wrestling industry was promoter Harry Elliott (1904–2006), aged 101 years, 314 days.
The current oldest male living to be involved in the wrestling industry is retired WCCW announcer Bill Mercer , aged 98 from the United States. The oldest male living retired wrestler is Cowboy Bob Ellis , aged 95 (also American). The oldest female wrestler was Princess Bonita (1919–2014), aged 94 years, 273 days. The oldest female to be involved in the wrestling industry was Gorgeous George 's valet Betty Wagner, who lived to the age of 98.
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 to have a match is Dory Funk Jr. , who wrestled in a tag team deathmatch in Japan aged 83.
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
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
Oldest wrestler ever verified.[ 2]
3
Joe D'Orazio
M
99 years, 225 days
July 27, 1922
March 9, 2022
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
Bill Mercer
M
98 years, 308 days
February 13, 1926
Living
Voice of World Class Championship Wrestling .
6
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 .
7
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]
8
Betty Wagner
F
98 years
1912–1913
June 3, 2011
First wife and valet of Gorgeous George .[ 3]
9
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.
10
Pedro Septién
M
97 years, 273 days
March 21, 1916
December 19, 2013
Mexican actor, wrestling announcer and baseball broadcaster.
11
Gerry Hoggarth
M
97 years, 119 days
April 17, 1922
August 14, 2019
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
“Cowboy” Bob Ellis
M
95 years, 277 days
March 15, 1929
Living
Inventor of the bulldog .
16
Abe Jacobs
M
95 years, 125 days
April 18, 1928
August 21, 2023
New Zealand wrestler. Former NWA World Tag Team Champion.
17
Hélio Gracie
M
95 years, 120 days
October 1, 1913
January 29, 2009
Brazilian martial artist who wrestled occasionally.
18
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.
19
Andrew Tsimpides
M
95 years, 34 days
August 16, 1916
September 19, 2011
Former manager of Gorgeous George
20
Princess Bonita
F
94 years, 273 days
May 31, 1919
February 28, 2014
Oldest female, mainly wrestled as Princess White Dove
21
Samson Burke
M
94 years, 253 days
April 8, 1930
Living
Canadian Wrestler actor, bodybuilder, wrestler, swimmer. Known as Sammy Berg during his wrestling career.
22
Darkie Arnott
M
94 years, 240 days
July 24, 1029
March 20, 2024
Northern Irish wrestler and referee
23
Fritz Von Goering
M
94 years, 135 days
March 31, 1930
August 13, 2024
Former NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Champion
24
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.
25
Lloyd Antonation
M
94 years, 111 days
December 22, 1922
April 10, 2017
Wrestled only in Winnipeg, Canada.
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
Yukiko Tomoe
F
89 years, 46 days
November 1, 1935
Living
Oldest living female wrestler. First Japanese woman to win the NWA World Women's Championship in 1968.
7
Kathy Starr
F
88 years, 192 days
June 8, 1936
Living
Wrestled mainly in Hawaii.
8
Irma Gonzalez
F
88 years, 119 days
August 20, 1936
Living
Wrestled mainly in Mexico and WCCW. Oldest surviving Mexican women wrestler.
9
Cora Combs
F
88 years, 96 days
March 17, 1927
June 21, 2015
10
Beverly Shade
F
87 years, 74 days
March 21, 1936
June 3, 2023
Wrestled in the WWF in 1980.
Oldest wrestlers currently living
Rank
Name
Sex
Age
Birth
Notes
1
Bill Mercer
M
98 years, 308 days
February 13, 1926
Voice of World Class Championship Wrestling .
2
“Cowboy” Bob Ellis
M
95 years, 277 days
March 15, 1929
Known as the inventor of the bulldog .[ 5]
3
Allan Pinfold
M
94–95 years
1929
Wrestled in Australia and was a 3 time Australian Light Heavyweight Champion .
4
Bill Verna
M
94–95 years
1929
Aussie wrestler won the British Empire/Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship .
5
Samson Burke
M
94 years, 253 days
April 8, 1930
Oldest Canadian Wrestler. Known as Sammy Berg. Also was a bodybuilder, swimmer, and actor.
6
Bob Caudle
M
94 years, 137 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
93 years, 74 days
October 4, 1931
Son of Octavio Gaona .
8
Hank Garrett
M
93 years, 52 days
October 26, 1931
Wrestled as The Minnesota Farm Boy from 1957 to 1966.
9
Nick Kozak
M
92 years, 44 days
November 3, 1932
Raised in Texas. Wrestled for Pacific Northwest, WCCW and NWA Georgia.
10
Steve Novak
M
92 years, 23 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
91–92 years
1932
Wrestled in the UK, Germany and Japan.
12
Keita Meretana
M
90–91 years
1933
Former NWA New Zealand Heavyweight Championship
13
Dory Dixon
M
90 years, 320 days
February 1, 1934
First Jamaican wrestler in the WWWF.
14
Guillotine Gordon
M
89 years, 338 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
Hisashi Shinma
M
89 years, 270 days
March 22, 1935
President of the WWF from 1978 to 1984. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2019.
16
Horst Hoffman
M
89 years, 79 days
September 29, 1935
Czechoslovakian wrestler. Wrestled in Germany, France, Japan and AWA.
17
Paul Diamond
M
89 years, 54 days
October 24, 1935
Wrestled for NWA Vancouver and AWA from 1960 to 1972
18
Yukiko Tomoe
F
89 years, 46 days
November 1, 1935
Japanese female wrestler. Oldest living female wrestler. Former NWA World Women's Champion
19
Earl Maynard
M
89 years, 19 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.
20
Tony Kontellis
M
88–89 years
1935
Wrestled in Australia and WWWF
21
Eddie Sharkey
M
88 years, 317 days
February 4, 1936
Wrestled in AWA. Owns Pro Wrestling America. Also has trained many wrestlers like Rick Rude , Bob Backlund , Jesse Ventura , etc.
22
Kathy Starr
F
88 years, 192 days
June 8, 1936
Wrestled mainly in Hawaii.
23
Irma Gonzalez
F
88 years, 119 days
August 20, 1936
Wrestled mainly in Mexico and WCCW.
24
Black Gordman
M
88 years, 73 days
October 5, 1936
Well known in Los Angeles, Texas and WWWF from 1972 to 1974.
25
Eddie Morrow
M
87–88 years
1936
From Martinique wrestled for Pacific Northwest and Stampede Wrestling. Brother of Gerry Morrow . Resides in Calgary, Canada.
26
Mark Lewin
M
87 years, 276 days
March 16, 1937
Multi-time regional champion. Worked as Purple Haze.
27
Raúl Reyes
M
87 years, 5 days
December 12, 1937
Wrestled in Mexico.
28
Steve Veidor
M
86 years, 342 days
January 10, 1938
Former European Heavyweight Champion .
29
Omar Atlas
M
86 years, 239 days
April 22, 1938
Former NWA Central States Heavyweight Champion . Worked for WWF from 1986 to 1992.
30
Harvey Smith (equestrian)
M
85 years, 354 days
December 29, 1938
British show jumping champion. Wrestled occasionally in the 1970s.
31
Lumberjack Pierre
M
85 years, 308 days
February 13, 1939
Former WWWF World Tag Team Champion.
32
George Hultz
M
85 years, 285 days
March 7, 1939
Former NFL football player. Had a short career in Tri-State and Alabama from 1969 to 1974.
33
Lars Anderson
M
85 years, 278 days
March 14, 1939
Five-time NWA Polynesian Pacific Heavyweight Champion.
34
Jim Herd
M
85 years, 268 days
March 24, 1939
Executive vice president for World Championship Wrestling from 1988 to 1992.
35
Bill Watts
M
85 years, 226 days
May 5, 1939
Three time NWA Florida Heavyweight Champion and promoter of Mid-South/UWF Wrestling .
36
Tinieblas
M
85 years, 192 days
June 8, 1939
One time WWA World Heavyweight Champion .
37
Fred Peloquin
M
85 years, 46 days
November 1, 1939
Known as Mad Dog Peloquin in Winnipeg and AWA. Three-time WFWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion .
38
Paul LeDuc
M
84–85
1939
Brother (kayfabe) of Jos LeDuc .
39
Joe Carollo
M
84 years, 267 days
March 25, 1940
Former NFL football player. Had a short career in Japan and Mid-Atlantic from 1965 to 1967.
40
Bruce Swayze
M
84 years, 254 days
April 7, 1940
Canadian wrestler who worked as The Black Baron in Cleveland. Cousin of Patrick Swayze .
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
Dory Funk Jr.
M
83 years, 203 days
February 3, 1941
Living
August 24, 2024
Wrestled on Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling -Explosion Terry Funk Memorial & Atsushi Onita 50th Anniversary event teaming with Osamu Nishimura to defeat Atsushi Onita and Raijin Yaguchi in Kawasaki, Japan.
3
Kendo Nagasaki
M
83 years, 45 days
October 11, 1941
Living
November 25, 2024
Wrestled on an LDN Wrestling show, teaming with the tag team Dead Gorgeous to defeat Sanjay Bagga and the tag team of The Filthy Pikeys in Croydon, England.
4
KY Wakamatsu
M
82 years, 153 days
January 1, 1942
Living
June 2, 2024
Last wrestled for Asian Pro Wrestling in Takachiho, Japan in a battle royal won by Shota .
5
Great Kojika
M
82 years, 78 days
April 28, 1942
Living
July 15, 2024
Most recently wrestled on July 15, 2024, for Niigata Pro Wrestling in Niigata, Japan, teaming with Atsushi Onita and Hioryuki Suzuki to defeat the team of Abdullah Kobayshi , Onryo , and Ryuji Ito .
6
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.
7
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.
8
Jimmy Valiant
M
81 years, 7 days
August 6, 1942
Living
August 13, 2023
Last wrestled for Revolution Wrestling Authority in High Point, North Carolina, teaming with Rob McBride in a 3-on-2 Handicap Match to defeat the team of Jonny Fairplay , Julian Strauss, and Steven Frye.
9
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.
10
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 .
11
Popoff
M
80 years, 6 days
March 12, 1943
Living
March 18, 2023
Last wrestled for Rixe Catch in Plouasne, France, defeating Charles Crowley.
12
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]
13
Dave Kidney
M
79–80 years
1931
July 21, 2020
January 28, 2011
Last known match took place in Carnoustie, Scotland.
14
Mr. Chile
M
79 years, 279 days
November 21, 1942
Living
August 27, 2022
Last wrestled for Valparaiso Lucha Libre in Valparaiso, Chile, teaming with Angel Blanco to defeat La Momia Porteña and Zaddam.[ 7]
15
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.
16
John Cena Sr.
M
79 years, 170 days
June 16, 1944
Living
December 3, 2023
The biological father of John Cena . He wrestled his last match for LIVE Pro Wrestling in New Bedford, Massachusetts, defeating Smart Mark Sterling .
17
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.
18
George Julio
M
78 years, 27 days
March 10, 1946
Living
April 6, 2024
Last wrestled for Victoria Professional Wrestling in Strathmore, Victoria, Australia, defeating Mason Stoneheart in a Street Fight.
19
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.
20
Bushwhacker Luke
M
76 years, 265 days
January 8, 1947
Living
September 30, 2023
Most recently wrestled on September 30, 2023 for WCPBTW in Chillicothe, Ohio, teaming with Caleb Konley and Tommy Rich in a loss to Haku and The Barbarian .
21
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 .
22
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 .
23
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.
24
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.
25
Chick Donovan
M
76 years, 108 days
March 7, 1947
Living
June 23, 2023
Most recently wrestled on June 23, 2023 at an Impact Wrestling TV taping in Atlanta, Georgia, losing to Johnny Swinger .
26
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.
27
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.
28
King Cobra
M
76 years, 52 days
March 14, 1948
Living
May 5, 2024
Teamed with Michael as they defeated the Hollywood Clique (Jimmy Blaylock and Van Vicious) at Championship Wrestling From Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee.
29
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.
30
Yoshiaki Fujiwara
M
75 years, 234 days
April 27, 1949
Living
Still Active
Most recently wrestled on September 8, 2024 for Daiwa Entertainment Pro Wrestling in Kariya, Japan, teaming with Tomohiko Hashimoto and Gamerasu defeating Dragoon, Takaku Fuke and Takaya Shibayama.
31
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.
32
El Satanico
M
75 years, 52 days
October 26, 1949
Living
Still Active
Most recently wrestled on October 15, 2024 for CMLL in Guadalajara, Mexico, teaming with Felino in a loss to Atlantis , and Blue Panther Jr. by disqualification.
33
Mike Jackson
M
75 years, 36 days
November 11, 1949
Living
Still Active
Most recently wrestled on October 26, 2024 defeating Maniac O'Malley Spartan Pro Wrestling in Gadsden, Alabama.
34
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.
35
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.
36
Lou Thesz
M
74 years, 246 days
April 24, 1916
April 28, 2002
December 26, 1990
The former undisputed World Heavyweight Champion last wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling in Hamamatsu, Japan, losing to Masahiro Chono .
37
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 .
38
Oriental
M
74 years, 46 days
November 1, 1950
Living
Still Active
Most recently wrestled on November 5, 2024 in Pachuca, Mexico for MaxProad teaming with Negro Navarro and Rugido as they lost to Aguila Solitaria , Falcon Jr., and Halcon 78.
39
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.
40
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.
41
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.
42
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.
43
Father Time
M
73 years, 114 days
August 25, 1951
Living
Still Active
Most recently wrestled on November 2, 2024, for Pure Pro Wrestling King of the Castle in Owosso, Michigan, defeating Eli Drfitwood.
44
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.
45
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 .
46
Jerry Lawler
M
73 years, 53 days
November 29, 1949
Living
January 21, 2023
Last wrestled for AML Acts Of War Games 2 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina defeating Beer City Bruiser .
47
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.
48
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 to defeat Destroyman and Mr. Atomiko.
49
Sergio El Hermoso
M
72–73 years
1946
May 14, 2021
August 17, 2019
Wrestled his last match teaming with Zoraya to defeat Carta Brava and Fantasma de la Opera by disqualification at Promociones HUMO in Mexico City, Mexico.
50
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.
51
El Canek
M
72 years, 181 days
June 19, 1952
Living
Still Active
Most recently wrestled on November 5, 2024 in Pachuca, Mexico at MaxProad teaming with Atlantis (wrestler) and Felino to as they defeated Blue Panther , Ultimo Guerrero and Black Demon.
52
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.
53
Black Terry
M
72 years, 105 days
September 3, 1952
Living
April 21, 2024
Most recently wrestled on October 17, 2024, for IWRG The Last Dance in Naucalpan de Juarez, Mexico as he teamed with Carta Brava Jr. and Fandango defeating to Rocky Santana , Romano Garcia and El Gallego.
54
The Cuban Assassin
M
72 years, 92 days
January 27, 1945
Living
April 29, 2017
Last wrestled for Ultimate Championship Wrestling in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, teaming with Bushwhacker Luke and Dillon Sharpe to defeat the team of Brett Howett, Jakob Moore and Kris Hicks.
55
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.
56
Billy Riley
M
71–72 years
June 22, 1896
August 27, 1977
1968
Last known match took place in 1968.
T-57
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.
60
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 .
61
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).
62
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.
63
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.
64
Américo Rocca
M
71 years, 121 days
September 22, 1952
Living
January 21, 2024
Most recently wrestled on January 21, 2024, for CROM Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico, teaming with Mortis and Funebre to defeat the team of Avigor, Principle Dragon and Shezmu.
65
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.
66
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.
67
Afa Anoaʻi
M
71 years, 100 days
November 21, 1942
August 16, 2024
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.
68
Dick the Bruiser Jr.
M
71 years, 85 days
August 4, 1952
Living
October 28, 2023
Most recently wrestled for Supreme Pro Wrestling in Goshen, Indiana, teaming with Slim Trimmons to defeat Austin Martin and Rusty Nailz.
T-69
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.
71
Fuerza Guerrera
M
71 years, 4 days
December 13, 1953
Living
Still Active
Most recently wrestled on October 6, 2024, for Todo X El Todo in Leon, Mexico, teaming with Dr. Wagner Jr. , and Heddi Karaoui losing to El Hijo del Santo , LA Parka and Santo Jr. .
72
Tatsumi Fujinami
M
70 years, 355 days
December 28, 1953
Living
Still Active
Most recently wrestled on October 14, 2024 for Niigata Pro Wrestling in Niigata, Japan, teaming with LEONA as they defeated Koji Doi and Kuma Arashi for the Niigata Tag Team titles.
73
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.
74
Bobo Brazil Jr.
M
70 years, 312 days
September 14, 1952
Living
July 23, 2023
Wrestled for FEW Unbreakable in Greenfield, Indiana, defeating Jacob Rose.
75
Ricky Knight
M
70 years, 246 days
December 24, 1953
Living
August 26, 2024
Teamed with his son Zak Knight defeating PJ Knight and Brad Slayer at his promotion World Association Of Wrestling Let's Be Aving You in Norwich, England.
76
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.
77
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 .
78
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.
79
Masanobu Fuchi
M
70 years, 188 days
January 14, 1954
Living
July 20, 2024
Most recently wrestled on July 20, 2024 for All Japan Pro Wrestling in Tokyo, Japan, losing to Yuma Anzai.
80
Águila Solitaria
M
70 years, 108 days
August 31, 1954
Living
Still Active
Most recently wrestled on November 5, 2024 in Pachuca, Mexico for MaxProad teaming with Falcon Jr., and Halcon 78 as they defeated Negro Navarro , Oriental and Rugido.
81
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.
82
Tony Atlas
M
70 years, 53 days
April 23, 1954
Living
June 15, 2024
Most recently wrestled on June 15, 2024 for Gatineau Pro Wrestling Guerre Civile IV in Gatineau, Quebec in a battle royal won by The Joker.
83
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
Yoshiaki Fujiwara
M
75 years, 234 days
April 27, 1949
Still wrestles in Japan as of 2024.
2
El Satánico
M
75 years, 52 days
October 26, 1949
Still wrestles for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre as of 2024.
3
Mike Jackson
M
75 years, 36 days
November 11, 1949
Still wrestles for independent shows.
4
Oriental
M
74 years, 46 days
November 1, 1950
Wrestles in Mexico as of 2024.
5
Father Time
M
73 years, 114 days
August 25, 1951
Still wrestles for independent shows.
6
El Canek
M
72 years, 181 days
June 19, 1952
Wrestles in Mexico.
7
Black Terry
M
72 years, 105 days
September 3, 1952
Wrestles in Mexico.
8
Fuerza Guerrera
M
71 years, 4 days
December 13, 1953
Wrestles in Mexico as of 2024.
9
Tatsumi Fujinami
M
70 years, 355 days
December 28, 1953
Wrestles in Japan as of 2024.
10
Águila Solitaria
M
70 years, 108 days
August 31, 1954
Still wrestles in Mexico.
11
Ultra Seven
M
69 years, 183 days
June 17, 1955
Wrestles in Japan as of 2024.
12
Rocky Santana
M
69 years, 144 days
July 26, 1955
Still wrestles in Mexico.
13
Super Parka
M
68 years, 207 days
May 24, 1956
Still wrestles in Mexico.
14
El Solar
M
68 years, 206 days
May 25, 1956
Still wrestles in Mexico.
15
Tommy Rich
M
68 years, 144 days
July 26, 1956
Still wrestles for independent shows.
See also
References
^ Oliver, Greg. "Seattle promoter Harry Elliott dead at 101" . canoe.com . Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2020 .
^ a b c 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. https://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 .
External links