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Behind the Smoke and Mirrors, More Smoke and Mirrors
Years before Billy Two Rivers ignited the emotions of the nation the United Kingdom was visited by an equally colourful American, Red Eagle, six feet tall and weighing around 16 stones. Without the aid of televised wrestling the fans had to go along to their local hall to see Red Eagle, and the lack of national television exposure meant he didn’t receive the enduring national fame that has been enjoyed by Billy Two Rivers.
Our earliest find was Red Eagle wrestling The Farmer, George Broadfield, at Lincoln on 19th March, 1952. It was an impressive performance by all accounts, with the exceptional strength of the American overpowering the experienced and strong Farmer for a second round knock out. Red Eagle travelled extensively during his five month stay, and other opponents included British champion Ernest Baldwin, Robert McDonald, Jack Atherton, Norman Walsh and Masambula; all top of the range opponents. When he left the UK he took home with him a souvenir of Yorkshire craftsmanship, a six feet square blanket incorporating native American colours and symbols. The gift had been arranged by the Norman Berry, who was at the time a publicity man for Norman Morrell Promotions. With his work permit expiring in July Red Eagle left British shores.
Ignoring a copycat Red Eagle on independent shows in 1960 the genuine article returned for Joint Promotions in 1962, now following in the footsteps of the original Chief Thunderbird and Billy Two Rivers. By now he was a seasoned international traveller who had worked in the USA, Canada and Australia. As on his previous visit Red Eagle travelled extensively around the country, with our last sighting against Frank Hurley in September, 1962. We were told he was heading for France, from where we received reports in early 1963.
Initially that was the end of our Red Eagle story.
Having lived a life in the smoke and mirror’s world of professional wrestling Red Eagle retired in 1979. The mystery, however, did not end.
Red Eagle mysteriously disappeared in 1992 whilst believed to be travelling from Pueblo, Colorado to a business meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a journey of some 300 miles. No body was found and eventually Red Eagle was presumed dead.
But, as so often happens in professional wrestling, another piece of the wrestling history jigsaw is found and fits into place.
Fast forward to 2001 and the Santa Fe National Forest, near Cuba, New Mexico, USA. Wild animals unearthed a grave north of Albuquerque. The now visible human remains were discovered by hikers and reported to the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office.
Years of investigation failed to identify the skeletal remains. For more than twenty years the identity of the individual remained unknown.
A breakthrough came when the police called in the services of Othram. Advanced DNA profiling was carried out by the company, who work with law enforcement to solve particularly difficult cases that require DNA profiling.
A Press release from Othram stated, “Initially, investigators believed it may have been the remains of more than one person, but later evidence showed it was one adult male. Despite years of investigative efforts, the identity of this individual remained a mystery, and he became known as Sandoval County John Doe. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.“
Kristen Mittelman, the Chief Development Officer for Othram, said, “People should know that it doesn’t matter how old a case is or whether it was hopeless in the past; there is technology here today that is able to bring answers to families like in this case”
Othram scientists successfully built a comprehensive DNA profile from which a family tree for the unknown man was developed. A possible daughter was identified and she submitted a DNA sample to Othram which enabled the identification of the remains.
In April, 2025 the man was identified as Keeble K. Wofford. who was also known as actor Kimo Mahi, and professional wrestler Red Eagle. Keeble K. Wofford was born on 12th October, 1930, believed died in 1992. A death certificate was issued and Keeble Wofford’s remains returned to the family. Whatever happened that fateful night remains unknown.
Rest In Peace Red Eagle.
Page added 01/05/2025
Page revised 19/05/2025
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