Davey Boy Smith Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 25, 2024
Davey Boy Smith Then
Davey Boy Smith, born on November 27, 1962, in Golborne, England, was a prominent professional wrestler whose early life was marked by both challenges and interests that shaped his character.
Raised in a close-knit family, Smith grew up with his father Sid, his mother Joyce, and his siblings Terrence, Joanne, and Tracy.
His family connections extended into the world of wrestling through Joyce’s nephew, Tom Billington, better known as the Dynamite Kid.
This familial bond led to a successful partnership between Smith and Billington in the wrestling ring, where they made a significant impact as a tag-team duo.
As a child, Smith faced a difficult challenge due to a medical condition known as measles in his eyes, which led to frequent bullying at school.
This condition affected his vision and contributed to his struggles during his formative years.
However, Smith’s resilience was evident as he overcame this adversity, later undergoing laser surgery in his 30s to address the issue.
Despite these early hardships, Smith found solace and joy in various hobbies.
He was passionate about cricket, football, and diving, which provided him with outlets for his energy and interests outside of wrestling.
These activities not only served as a form of recreation but also contributed to his physical development and discipline, qualities that would later benefit him in his wrestling career.
Smith’s journey from a bullied child to a celebrated wrestler is a testament to his strength and determination.
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Davey Boy Smith Wrestling Career
Davey Boy Smith, also known as The British Bulldog, began his wrestling career at a young age.
Under the guidance of Ted Betley, Smith’s early involvement in wrestling was encouraged by his family, who recognized the positive direction it provided.
At just 15, Smith started competing on ITV’s World of Sport, where he wrestled as “Young David” against the 18-year-old “Wonderboy” Bernie Wright.
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His entry into the professional wrestling scene was a notable one, especially as he took on the role previously held by his cousin, the Dynamite Kid, who had moved on to Calgary.
Smith’s early career saw him mentored by Alan Dennison and involved in notable matches, including a controversial British Welterweight Championship bout against Jim Breaks in 1979.
Smith’s wrestling career took a significant turn when he was spotted by Bruce Hart and moved to Canada to train further in the infamous “Dungeon” at Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling.
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Here, he honed his skills and developed a fierce rivalry with his cousin Dynamite Kid.
In 1982, Smith captured the Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship, marking the beginning of his ascent in the wrestling world.
His career continued to flourish as he engaged in feuds with prominent wrestlers such as The Cobra and Dynamite Kid in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and he later formed the iconic tag team, The British Bulldogs, with Dynamite Kid.
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Their successful run in both NJPW and Stampede Wrestling set the stage for their transition to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).
Smith’s tenure in the WWF began with significant success. The British Bulldogs, managed by Lou Albano and accompanied by Ozzy Osbourne, won the WWF Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 2 in 1986.
They held the titles for nearly nine months, engaging in memorable feuds with teams like The Dream Team and The Hart Foundation.
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After their WWF stint, personal conflicts and backstage issues, including an altercation involving Dynamite Kid, led to their departure.
Smith returned to Stampede Wrestling and All Japan Pro Wrestling but faced personal challenges, including a serious car accident in 1989 that required extensive recovery.
Smith’s return to the WWF in 1990 saw him rebranded as “The British Bulldog” and thrust into the spotlight as a singles competitor.
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His career highlights included winning the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam 1992 in front of a home crowd in Wembley Stadium.
However, his time in the WWF was marked by controversies, including allegations of HGH use, leading to his release from the company.
Smith briefly joined Eastern Championship Wrestling before moving to World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1993.
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In WCW, he had notable feuds with top stars like Vader and Sid Vicious but faced another setback due to a severe spinal infection from an injury in 1998.
Smith’s final return to the WWF in 1999 was marked by a transition to a more edgy “Attitude Era” persona.
He pursued various championships, including the Hardcore Championship and the European Championship, before leaving the WWF once again in 2000.
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Smith’s wrestling career was characterized by its ups and downs, marked by notable successes, intense feuds, and significant injuries.
His legacy as The British Bulldog remains a testament to his impact on professional wrestling, both in the UK and internationally.
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Davey Boy Smith Wrestling Competition
- ITV’s World of Sport (1978–1979)
- Stampede Wrestling (1978–1984)
- New Japan Pro-Wrestling (1983–1984, 1988–1990, 1993)
- All Japan Pro Wrestling (1984, 1988–1989)
- World Wrestling Federation (WWF) (1984–1988, 1994–1997, 1999–2000)
- Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW) (1992–1993)
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW) (1993–1994, 1997–1998)
- Ring Wrestling Stars (RWS) (1994)
Davey Boy Smith’s Wife and Children
Davey Boy Smith and Diana Hart, members of two renowned wrestling families, were married in October 1984 at the Hart family home in Calgary, Alberta.
Their union was a notable event in the wrestling world, intertwining the legacies of the Smith and Hart families, both prominent in the sport.
During their marriage, Smith and Diana welcomed two children: a son, Harry, and a daughter, Georgia.
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However, their relationship faced significant challenges over the years.
In early January 2000, after nearly 16 years of marriage, Smith and Diana decided to divorce. The separation marked a turbulent period for both parties.
Following the divorce, Diana Hart was awarded custody of their son, Harry.
This arrangement reflected the complexities and personal struggles that can accompany high-profile relationships, particularly within the intense and often demanding world of professional wrestling.
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Davey Boy Smith Now
Davey Boy Smith’s life was tragically cut short on May 18, 2002, at the age of 39.
He suffered a heart attack while vacationing in Invermere, British Columbia, with his girlfriend, Andrea Redding.
Redding, who was Bruce Hart’s estranged wife, added an additional layer of personal complexity to the situation.
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Smith’s sudden death was a profound shock to his family, friends, and fans.
Despite being a celebrated figure in professional wrestling, his passing highlighted the often-overlooked pressures and health risks associated with the high-intensity lifestyle of professional athletes.
Smith’s untimely death underscored the fleeting nature of life and the personal challenges that many wrestlers face, both in and out of the ring.
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FAQs
Davey Boy Smith, also known as The British Bulldog, died on May 18, 2002, from a heart attack while vacationing in Invermere, British Columbia. He was 39 years old.
Yes, Davey Boy Smith Jr., the son of Davey Boy Smith, is still active in wrestling. He performs under the ring name “Davey Boy Smith Jr.” and has competed in various promotions, including New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Major League Wrestling (MLW).
The “other British Bulldog” often refers to Tom Billington, known as The Dynamite Kid. He passed away on December 5, 2018, due to health complications after a long battle with multiple ailments, including a series of strokes.
Davey Boy Smith is buried at the Harrogate Cemetery in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England.
Yes, Davey Boy Smith was renowned for his exceptional strength and physical prowess. He was known for his impressive wrestling ability and power, which earned him a reputation as one of the strongest wrestlers in the industry.
At the time of his death, Davey Boy Smith was living in England. He had previously lived in various locations throughout his career, including the United States during his time with WWE.