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Skandor Akbar, a true legend of Texas wrestling, has died at 75

Posted: Aug 20th 2010 By: mikeiles

If you are a longtime fan of professional wrestling in the state of Texas, you will no doubt recognize the name General Skandar Akbar. It is with great sadness to report that General Akbar has passed away tonight, at the age of 75.

Born as Jim Wehba, he began his professional wrestling career in 1963 under his real name. After a 14-year wrestling career that included teaming with Danny Hodge for the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), he retired from active competition and focused on his managerial skills. He began working for Bill Watt's UWF during their 1980s run, the UWF, as well as a very notable run for World Class Championship Wrestling at the Sportatorium in Dallas. As a suggestion from Fritz Von Erich, Wehba changed his name to Skandor Akbar to fit a more Arabic description. His father was from Lebanon and his mother from Syria. Von Erich felt the lineage would fit the name change and he was correct in saying so.

He spent the majority of his managing days at World Class and Mid-South Wrestling. He would heckle the fans during the matches, and would be a massive distraction to the opponents of the person he was cornering that night. He was also known for throwing fireballs in the faces of the opposition. In total, Akbar managed nearly 50 superstars during his career and they include some very recognizable names. Abdullah The Butcher, Cactus Jack, WWE star Goldust,, Steve Austin, Ted DiBiase, and The Punisher (who would later go onto fame as WWE's Undertaker) were among the laundry list of superstars that Akbar managed during his tenure as manager.

Akbar was a true legend to the state of Texas and to its rich heritage of professional wrestling and will be sorely missed by friends, family, and those in the industry who had the pleasure of working with him at any point in his career. WWE Hall of Fame announcer Jim Ross has a tribute to Akbar, as he looks back on stories regarding the General. You can see the post from Jim Ross at his website by clicking HERE. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.

Tags: Skandar Akbar. Jim Wehba, Danny Hodge, Bill Watts, UWF, WCCW, Fritz Von Erich, MSW, Abdullah the Butcher, Cactus Jack, Ted DiBiase, Jim Ross,