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Newspapers described Alec Bray’s wrestling style as robust or aggressive, which was no doubt fitting for another Wigan man who shared a ring with some of the best in the business during his short career.
He was born in Ince on 28th September, 1926, the youngest son of Ralph and Margaret. In the 1939 Register the family had moved to Manchester Road in Ince, Norman was at school, whilst dad was still working underground at a local coal mine.
When it came to professional wrestling Norman chose the name Alec Bray. Although we have unverified reports of appearances in 1952 our earliest verified appearance is in June, 1953, wrestling Vic Stewart at New Brighton.
It was a short career, barely ten years, though Alec was kept busy, working mostly in northern England and the midlands for promoters Wryton, Morrell-Bereford and Relwyskow Green. Alec was also a frequent passenger on the Manx ferry to wrestle often on the Isle of Man.
His list of opponents was impressive, with wins noted over some of the more well known wrestlers such as Alan Colbeck, Francis Sullivan and Cliff Beaumont. Although his weight increased by a little over the years Alec never became a fully fledged heavyweight, though this didn’t prevent him wrestling heavier men such as Tibor Szakacs and Mike Marino. A young Billy Robinson was another opponent, as were overseas visitors Vittoria Ochoa, Wolfgang Ehrl, and Axel Dieter. The conclusion must be that Alec Bray was a talented wrestler to work regularly against opposition of such a high standard.
Our last sighting of Alec Bray was wrestling Lew Roseby at Skegness in August, 1960. Why he retired whilst only 33 years old we do not know. . Alec Bray died on 11th November, 1980, aged just 54.
Page added 22/04/2026
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