Dynamite Kid Then and Now

Dynamite Kid Then

Dynamite Kid, was born on December 5, 1958, in Golborne, Lancashire, England. 

His upbringing was deeply rooted in a tradition of physical prowess and competitive sports. 

His family background played a significant role in shaping his future career. 

Both his father, Bill Billington, and his uncle, Eric Billington, were boxers in their youth, embodying a legacy of athleticism and fighting spirit. 

Additionally, his grandfather, Thomas Billington, was a bare-knuckle boxer, further emphasizing the family’s rich history in combat sports. 

The influence of his family’s athletic achievements was substantial, as it provided a strong foundation for Billington’s own aspirations.

Growing up, Billington was less focused on academic pursuits and more engaged in sports activities. 

His time at comprehensive school was marked by a keen interest in wrestling and gymnastics. 

These activities were pivotal in developing his physical attributes—he became known for his relatively small but incredibly powerful and agile physique. 

This early focus on wrestling and gymnastics, combined with additional training in boxing during his formative years, helped instill a significant degree of toughness and resilience in him. 

His family’s legacy, coupled with his rigorous training, set the stage for his future success in professional wrestling, where he would become renowned for his high-flying style and technical prowess.

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Dynamite Kid Wrestling Career

Thomas Wilton Billington, known in the wrestling world as the Dynamite Kid, began his professional wrestling journey at a young age. 

His introduction to the sport came through a meeting at his father’s workplace, which led him to train under the guidance of former wrestler “Dr. Death” Ted Betley. 

This training, starting when Billington was just 13 years old, laid the foundation for his wrestling career. 

At Riley’s Gym, famously known as The Snake Pit, he learned the nuances of freestyle wrestling, which played a crucial role in shaping his distinctive in-ring style.

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Dynamite Kid’s professional debut occurred in 1975 under the tutelage of Max Crabtree. 

His first televised match on June 30, 1976, was a notable moment, though it ended in defeat against the veteran “Strongman” Alan Dennison. 

Despite this loss, Dennison was so impressed by the Dynamite Kid’s technical prowess that he chose to forgo his victory and change his ways, becoming a friend to Billington. 

This early encounter highlighted the respect Dynamite Kid earned in the wrestling community for his skill and dedication.

Billington quickly made a name for himself in the UK wrestling scene, winning the British Lightweight title in April 1977 and the Welterweight title in January 1978. 

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His success in the UK set the stage for his move to Canada in 1978, where he joined Stampede Wrestling. 

His time in Stampede Wrestling saw him form impactful alliances and rivalries, particularly with the Hart family, including Bruce and Bret Hart. 

Despite some personal and professional differences with Bret Hart, Dynamite Kid’s contributions were highly valued, with Bret regarding him as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

In 1979, Dynamite Kid expanded his horizons to Japan, where he worked for International Wrestling Enterprise and later New Japan Pro-Wrestling. 

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His feud with Tiger Mask became legendary, with their matches often cited as defining moments in Junior Heavyweight wrestling. 

The rivalry not only showcased Dynamite Kid’s technical skills but also helped elevate the Junior Heavyweight division to new heights.

In the United States, Dynamite Kid’s career continued to flourish with his debut in Pacific Northwest Wrestling in 1983. 

He captured the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight title and the Pacific Northwest Tag Team titles before transitioning to the WWF. 

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In the WWF, he gained fame as part of the British Bulldogs tag team with Davey Boy Smith. 

Their victory in the WWF World Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania II in 1986 marked a high point in their careers.

However, Dynamite Kid’s career was marred by injury and personal struggles. 

A severe back injury in December 1986 led to significant health issues and challenges within the WWF. 

Despite his injury, he refused to drop the tag titles to teams other than The Hart Foundation, showcasing his dedication and pride. 

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His subsequent departure from the WWF and return to Stampede Wrestling and All-Japan Pro Wrestling marked a period of both continued success and personal decline.

The years following saw a decline in Dynamite Kid’s health, partly due to his steroid use, cocaine addiction, and the high-impact nature of his wrestling style. 

His final matches were characterized by a noticeable deterioration in his physical condition, culminating in his retirement in 1991. Although he made occasional returns to wrestling and appeared as a special guest, his health continued to be a concern. 

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His final wrestling match took place on October 10, 1996, at a Michinoku Pro event, where his deteriorated condition was evident, and he experienced a seizure shortly after.

Dynamite Kid’s career, marked by extraordinary talent and significant contributions to professional wrestling, also highlighted the physical and personal toll that the sport can exact. 

Despite these challenges, his legacy endures through his remarkable in-ring achievements and the impact he had on the wrestling world.

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Dynamite Kid Wrestling Competition

• Stampede Wrestling
• International Wrestling Enterprise (IWE)
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
• Pacific Northwest Wrestling (PNW)
• World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
• All-Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)
• Michinoku Pro Wrestling

Dynamite Kid Wife

In 1991, Thomas Wilton, known as Dynamite Kid, experienced a significant personal change when he divorced his first wife, Michelle Smadu. 

Michelle was the sister of Julie Hart, the then-wife of Bret Hart, a fellow wrestler and close friend. 

During their marriage, Billington and Michelle had three children: Marek, Bronwyne, and Amaris. 

Following the end of this marriage, Billington returned to his roots in Golborne, England, moving back in with his parents.

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Once back in Golborne, Billington married for the second time to a woman named Dot. 

This marriage brought new family dynamics into Billington’s life, as he became a stepfather to Dot’s three sons: John, Steven, and Mark. 

The couple shared a life together until Dot’s passing on July 9, 2024. 

Despite the ups and downs in his personal life, Billington’s family grew with the addition of two granddaughters, Miami and Taya, before his death. 

He is also survived by two more grandchildren, Madix and Harlow, who are part of his extended family legacy.

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Billington’s personal life, marked by these relationships and the growth of his family, reflects a journey of both personal and professional evolution. 

His familial ties, including his role as a father and grandfather, added depth to his life outside the wrestling ring.

Dynamite Kid Now

Dynamite Kid, born Thomas Billington, passed away on December 5, 2018, at the age of 60. 

The exact cause of his death remains unconfirmed; however, it is widely acknowledged that his passing was influenced by the long-standing health issues he had faced. 

Throughout his later years, Billington struggled with various medical problems, many of which were related to his intense wrestling career and lifestyle choices. 

His health issues were compounded by chronic pain and injuries sustained from his years of high-impact wrestling, along with complications from steroid abuse and other substances.

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In the context of his death, reports from the BBC highlighted the broader impact of these health challenges on Billington’s well-being. 

His siblings revealed that his physical health problems led to significant emotional distress, contributing to a state of depression. 

To manage his ailments, Billington was on numerous medications, which were part of his ongoing struggle to cope with the long-term effects of his wrestling career. 

The combination of physical pain, emotional struggles, and the effects of medication paints a picture of the difficulties he faced in his final years.

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Billington’s passing was a poignant reminder of the physical and emotional toll that professional wrestling can have on its performers. 

Despite his legendary status in the ring, his later years were marked by health challenges that ultimately overshadowed his illustrious career.

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