Lou Thesz - Class of 2017

(Banat)

Born in 1916, he launched his professional wrestling career at age 16 under the direction of Ed "Strangler" Lewis. His first pro title came in 1937, he won the American Wrestling Association title in 1938 and won National Wrestling Association world crowns in 1939, 1947 and 1948. He participated in more than 6,000 matches in a career that spanned more than 50 years, retiring in 1992.