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The Chicago Express

Billy Torontos, the maniacal Greek American who arrived Britain 1963 and to the promoters’ surprise was not a full-blown heavyweight. Thus he had to fulfil some interestingly mis-matched initial bookings, typically against Maori giant John Da Silva and bizarrely, in a 1964 preview, as first opponent for The Outlaw.

Wrestling enthusiast Ballymoss recalled: “I was a regular at the Dominion,, in the early to mid 1960’s and remember witnessing the worst mismatch I ever saw when the top of the bill pitched Billy Torontos against the best heavyweight I had seen, George Gordienko. This venue staged ten minute rounds and in the opener Billy did his familiar wild dervish act which did not go down well with the audience or with Gordienko who made little effort to catch him. In the second round this nonsense was terminated by George who knocked out Torontos and ended this ridiculous ‘contest’.”

He then squeaked his way through 17 years of diligent service with a gradually developing repertoire of self-deprecating antics and failures, but status alone ensured that the promoters insisted upon occasional unlikely victories, like televised wins over Bob Kirkwood Sid Cooper and John Elijah. Billy was a tv favourite, notching up more than thirty appearances between 1964 and 1981. They say the Chicago Express was a lovely fellow, always with time for the fans: this writer could never understand a word he said!

Whilst fans were often critical of Billy’s predictability, lack of versatility and limited skill fellow wrestler Paul Mitchell caused some surprise when he told us, “Billy was used to test the mettle of newcomers to Dales. and by this not the skills of ex amateurs but established workers from the northern promoters. Billy could scurf and be heavy and their reaction was the measure of potential bookings.”

Bill famously resembled tv contemporary Peter Falk as another cigar chewing American, Columbo, and ultimately died a tragic dressing room death in Peterborough in September 1981. His unbelievable routines did as much or as little for the game as Catweazle or Big Daddy, but he is remembered fondly by fans.

We believe Billy was born in Greece, lived his childhood in Toronto, Canada, and moved to Chicago after leaving school. In the early 1960s he wrestled in the United States but lacked the weight to make an impact.

Tornado Torontos died in the dressing room at the Wirrina Stadium on on 24^th September, 1981, following his match with Blondie Barratt. We have awarded him the posthumous award as the most atrocious autograph signatory of all time.

Page added 09/04/2025

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