Wrestling Heritage

By Graeme Cameron

A British History of Australian Wrestling
By Graeme Cameron

Part 4: The International Stars

While William Miller was the stand-out wrestler of the late 19th century, he had a strong supporting cast, including some with outstanding international achievements themselves. In part 4, we look at three internationally famous British wrestlers who played their part in establishing pro wrestling in Australia.

DONALD DINNIE (1884-89, 1895-98)

The big Scotsman from Bagnacraig, near Aboyne in Aberdeenshire had already achieved great success in the UK and America by the time he came down under in 1884, He was to stay for 14 years, living in Australia until late 1889, then New Zealand for 5 years, finally coming back to Australia until late 1898, when returned to his homeland via South Africa, 

He spent most of 1884-85, putting on wrestling and strong-man exhibitions around Eastern Australia, ably assisted by wrestlers John (Jack) Thomas and Jack (L.J) Graham, and competing in Caledonian Games carnivals and strongman competitions. His first big match was in August 1885, a loss to American Clarence Whistler. As already noted, most of 1886 and early 1887 was taken up by his series of matches against William Miller. Dinnie then had two matches with Lancashire’s Tom Cannon, drawing the first and losing the second, also drawing with another Lancastrian, Harry Dunn. He wrestled American Sam Matthews in 1889 (result unknown). He had two further matches with Dunn in 1890-91, a win each, then had two matches with fellow Scot, Duncan C Ross in 1891, also winning one each. He continued with exhibitions and competitions until departing for New Zealand where he remained for the next five years. He returned to Australia for further exhibitions, then returned to Scotland in late 1889, touring South Africa on the way back. 

He later moved from Scotland to London. He fell on hard times and was still competing and performing just to make ends meet four years prior to his death in 1916, aged 79.

Opponents: “The Professor” William Miller, Tom Cannon, Clarence Whistler, Harry Dunn, Sam Matthews

TOM CANNON (1886-87)

Born in Tyldesley, Lancashire, now part of Greater Manchester, to Irish parents, Tom Cannon had already established himself as one of the top wrestlers in the world when he arrived in Australia in late 1886, having already had success in the UK and America. The former police officer and coal miner made an almost immediate impression by defeating “The Professor” William Miller in December, followed by an exhibition with Italian Signor Sali. In the first quarter of 1887, he had two matches with Donald Dinnie, the first a 7-styles match which went to a curfew draw 3-3. He then defeated Dinnie 3-1 (5-styles). In May, he opposed Wigan’s John Connor, (a win 2-1 and a loss 0-1), followed by an exhibition match with Miller. He completed his time in Australia in July with another battle of Lancastrians, twice facing Harry Dunn (a loss 0-3 and a win 1-0) 

Tom Cannon would go to play a role in establishing the first undisputed world title in 1904 by losing his European Greco-Roman title to Georges Hackenschmidt, who then defeated Tom Connors for the British version of the world title and Tom Jenkins for the US title to become the first undisputed world champion. Cannon later ran a hotel in Manchester.

Opponents: “The Professor” William Miller, Donald Dinnie, John Connor, Harry Dunn  

CAPTAIN DUNCAN C. ROSS (1889-91)

By the time Duncan C. Ross arrived in Australia in November 1889, he had already accomplished more than most people do in a lifetime. Born in Turkey in 1856 to Scottish parents, Ross had served in the Royal Army, and was a Victoria Cross recipient. He billed himself as “Captain” though I could find no evidence of him rising above the rank of corporal. The Victoria Cross is genuine, placing his own life at risk to lead his men out of danger.  After tournament success in the UK, he travelled to America where he was twice American Collar-and Elbow Style champion and once American Mixed-Style champion between 1880 and 1884. He was a multi-sport athlete, also competing in strong man competitions, sword fighting and long-distance walking, once losing a walking race to William Miller but defeating him in a wrestling match. 

In 1890, he had four matches with Miller in Australia, losing three and drawing one. In one match, Ross suffered a dislocated shoulder, and a benefit show was held. He also competed in Caledonian Games and sword fighting contests. In 1891, he had two contests with Donald Dinnie, honours being even at one a piece. He toured Queensland with Dinnie, giving exhibitions.

He was also in the news outside the ring for the wrong reasons. He may have been suffering from PTSD as he was three times arrested for assault after minor disputes with people in which he became violent. He moved on to appear in New Zealand and India before returning to America, where he was now a citizen. He died in 1919, aged 63. 

Opponents: “The Professor William Miller, Donald Dinnie, 

These men were all internationally famous athletes. Part 5, we’ll meet some of the lesser-known men who made a contribution to Australia’s wrestling history.