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Jon LaPaque
Also known as Jon Howard
He was the Leicester tearaway who turned pro in 1961, billed in the early days as John Howard. He was one of the Jack Taylor stable who became a fixture on the midlands and northern independent circuit of the 1960s against the likes of Mick Collins, Ron Marino and Taffy Jenkins. The move across to Joint Promotions in 1970, alongside brother Pete brought national exposure and thousands of more fans to jeer their villainy. He soon became a regular in televised tag matches alongside brother Pete. Fared better in local halls than on the small screen and the brothers had verdicts over established teams such as The White Eagles and The Dennisons. Their tactics didn’t go down well with the crowd, particularly in Digbeth where they were always assured a hostile reception.
Pete LaPaque
Also known as Pepe LaPaque, The Helsinki Express, Young Pierre
Like his brother Jon, Leicester’s Pete Lapaque emerged from the Jack Taylor weekend gymnasium to become an independent regular who went on to find fame on television and throughout the country in Joint Promotion rings.
A youngster on the East Midlands independent scene of the early sixties known variously as Young Pierre, Pierre La Toure, Pierre Du Barry, Pierre Du Prey, Pierre De Roma a quick change of nationality to the Helsinki Express before finding success as Pepe, soon to become anglicised into Peter Lapaque. Wrestler Al Tarzo also told us that the name Pierre LaTour was also used by another of Taylor’s wrestlers, Peter Jordan.
Whatever the name, and whether in singles combat or with his brother Pete Lapaque was one of the ring’s rogues, in the nicest possible way of course.
A World of Sport regular right up until 1988’s final bell, losing against Johnny Saint just six weeks before wrestling disappeared from our television screens.
Frequently disqualified in tag action alongside brother Jon, or as The Rockers with Tommy Lorne. Disqualified even in single combat against Iron Man Steve Logan. Career highlight must rate as the family’s sole tv success when Pete defeated Ricky Wiseman.
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