Also known as The Phantom
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Watching the wrestling on his parents tiny black and white set in the early 1960s generated a passion for a sport that he knew he wanted to be his life. For Brian Manelli the deam came true, though his was not one of those names that would appear top of the bill and be known by all and sundry. But he was a man who made his mark and devoted his life to wrestling, combatant, mentor and promoter.
Born in Chertsey, Surrey and brought up in Orpington Brian was twenty-one years old when he stepped into the professional ring for the first time.That was back in 1964 in Leysdown, a coastal village on the east side of the Isle of Sheppey, and fans cheered as the MC introduced, “The Anglo Italian Glamour Boy, Brian Manelli.”
Most of Brian’s life was spent working in the south of England, not just wrestling, but putting on his own shows under the name Phoenix Promotions, started in the 1960s and continuing into the 1990s, loyal to the traditional British style. Brian was a regular attendee at the British Wrestlers Reunion in Kent.
Long after the Heritage Years of Wrestling a night at the theatre inspired Brian to pull on a mask and create the villainous persona of The Phantom. Away from the ring Brian was a kitchen and bathroom designer, with many television and film personalities amongst his customers.
Brian Manelli died on February 5th, 2013, aged 68. The Manelli name lived on with Brian’s son Steve, and grandson Sid, going into the business.
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