Looking at the updated list of Fifties Greats still with us, I just can't believe how we have rather overlooked Barry Douglas.
Apart from his long and noble wrestling career facing all the big names, in the true understated style of similar greats such as Bob Kirkwood and Romany Riley, here is a man who must have been at the very heart of Joint Promotions. He probably kept his low profile due to an important office role. One of the most modest silver spoons imaginable.
Burly Barry would be able to plug so many of the gaps we still have; he must know absolutely everything!!!
Does anyone know anything about him?
This show was at Bridlington, which I would think was still run by Relwyskow in 1987.
Grear posters shared on this thread, thanks Main Mask.
I tried to be clear in stating that Barry CHOSE frequently to be a jobber, acknowledging the importance of that role. He sacrificed his own reputation in that tv bout with Red Ivan. That is very noble jobbing.
Of course he was a title contender and even challenger when the time was right. I repeat that he CHOSE that role, when he could easily have created a higher profile for himself.
Looking at all these bills, I have to come up with a basic question: did he ever wrestle for any promoter other than R&G?
That's a bill that really needed a visionary promoter/mc/ manager to uinte the five bouts with all manner of challenges and interventions.
No idea where it was, who the promoter was. So my comment is pure, like me.
Didn't happen, for sure. They we stuck in six cats mode.
Thanks Main Mask!
I am trying to make a point that goes against what Graham said: "Always felt as though he didn’t quite get the recognition he deserved"
The silver spoon brigade got what they wanted. Steve Clements had a world title; little Wolfgang Saturski won the RAH Trophy at its peak; Bartelli & Naggers - who on earth really knows what was going on there.
Burly Barry must have chosen his niche. So frequently a jobber. I agree with Graham that he could have had a higher profile but my point is that he didn't want it. He must have been very happy with his lot. Putting Red Ivan over so generously remains awkward viewing.
How active was Burly Barry as a promoter? I've never heard a word about this.
Geo del Rel was famous for housing international visitors (never heard of anyone on McManus's sofa) and Barry would have been involved in this, possibly scouting abroad.
Hack - we just have to stalk him!
True to say Burly Barry was one of the all time greats. Always felt as though he didn’t quite get the recognition he deserved. Barry Douglas from a famous wrestling family.