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.
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