Apr 30th 2026 07:16pm

Sign Up / Sign In|Help

 

Southern wrestler from 1960s Leon Baxter dies

Southern wrestler from 1960s Leon Baxter dies

Posted: Aug 16th 2019 By: WTVY.com

A professional wrestler who dazzled fans for decades has died. Leon Baxter, best known as
“Wrestling Pro” passed away Thursday, his friend Charlie Platt confirmed.

Born in Malone, Florida, Baxter rose from humble beginnings to international fame with his masked man gimmick.

He performed for Gulf Coast, Southeast, and Continental wresting promotions and also toured Japan.

Leon Baxter began his career as “Tarzan” Baxter, winning his first National Wrestling Alliance championship in 1969.

Not long after that, he donned the mask, changed his name to “Wresting Pro” and won dozens of other prestigious championships.

After retiring from the ring in the 1980's, Baxter served as a Houston County Sheriff Deputy.

He was 81.

 

Printable version Email to a friend

Supplemental Information

Latest News

1
The Scoop

The Scoop

NEWS A&E starts back on Sundays with a WWE block. From 7-9pm will be part one of a two part biography series on the Von Erichs, followed by “LFG”... Read More

All Columns

Upcoming Events

There are currently no upcoming appearences.

Complete Calendar

Card Results

1