News about Giant Haystacks

Between 1955 to 1988 British wrestling reigned supreme and was so popular it drew bigger crowds than the FA Cup Final. In fact, the Queen Mother was said to be a fan of ITV's World of Sport Wrestling, which saw legendary fighters such as Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks and Mark 'Rollerball' Rocco slug it out. Today there is still a demand for Great British wrestling as in June it was announced World Of Sport Wrestling will return with a taping at Epic Studios, Norwich on Saturday, September 14. Even legendary villain Kendo Nagasaki has announced he is training for a return to the ring at the ripe age of 82, which will make him the world's oldest professional wrestler. Although the performers are less recognisable today we take a look at the cream of UK talent who entertained millions on World of Sport - which aired every Saturday at 4pm.

Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy (both photographed left in 1981), to Mick McManus (right), the heyday of British wrestling was a world of colorful characters. The hulks of a bygone age entertained millions between 1965 and 1985, and the hulks of a bygone age appeared on ITV's primetime show World of Sport. Big Daddy, who had a 64-inch chest, was known for his signature leotard, which carried a letter "D" sewn on by his wife Eunice. Giant Haystacks, his tag teammate-turned-opponent who weighed 48 stones at his heaviest weight, was also afraid and was known for his trademark beard and costume. Mick McManus, on the other hand, was much smaller, standing at just 5ft 6in, but he was regarded as the 'guy you hate to hate' due to the way he was bent the rules to his advantage. Kendo Nagasaki (actually Peter Thornley of Stoke) who was known for his signature 'Kamikaze Crash' slam) will not have been forgotten by World of Sport fans. The family-friendly games are a far cry from some violent modern wrestling matches, including one last year (inset) where competitors competed against each other with glass lighting tubes and wooden sticks. Last week, MPs said wrestling is desperately in need of proper legislation to increase control and drive out 'cowboys.'