James Morton is right about Joe's tag team achievements. His regular tag partner was "Drop Kick" Johnny Peters and they were very popular and extremely fast and agile, no mean feat considering their size. They were usually pitted against "heels" of the calibre of Bruno Elrington and Roy "Bull" Davis and never failed to have the crowd in uproar.Johnny Peters retired a few years before Joe to run a greengrocery business in Brighton and I recall dabbled as a independent promoter in the Brighton and Hove area.
I only saw Joe once at Brighton Sports Stadium in tag with Johnny Peters against I think Elrington and Davies.They had the crowd in an absolute uproar. My girlfriend was in tears and wanted to be taken out! I think Joe wrote about it in Thumbs Up.
Joe was one of the real stars of British wrestling during it's best years. He was abundant in his skill,style, ability to entertain and possessed that most valuable of assets- wonderful charisma. In a relatively short career he quickly established himself as one of our leading heavyweights, quickly gaining top of the bill status and a confirmed crowd pleaser-no east task.
I saw him several times live and of course on television and always thought he shined best when pitted against a "heel". I fondly remember his response when Alan Garfield bellowed "I am going to give you a sound thrashing Cornelius". He replied with a perfectly executed dropkick which floored his opponent. Then of course there
was the famed "feud" with Roy "Bull" Davis which never failed to thoroughly entertain and was I believe transferred to television and naturally enthralled viewers.
Joe Cornelius combined the mixture of wresting skill, charisma and sheer entertainment perfectly. A true Titan.
A truly great wrestler. I saw him many times on TV and don’t recall him ever losing, despite often giving away considerable weight. ( Paul Vachon, Ian Campbell, Roy Bull Davies ….)
A handsome specimen in his sequinned cloak and black tights, I consider that photo of Joe pinning the 23 stone Zebra Kid, to be the greatest ever wrestling image.
I became really involved in wrestling in 1965 though had watched on the television for acouple of years before. Dazzler Joe retired in 1967 and I didn't see him live. But he was one I only saw in black and white that really made an impression. That was a challenge for anyone we only saw on tv. But Joe did, and I was shocked and disappointed when he retired.
Deaths come frequently but some seem more of a milestone than others. Joe's death is one of those milestones.
It was good the Joe was able to have a good retirement which he was able to enjoy.
I remember him at Wembley Town Hall
Lucky Summonovitch was a hoot. Lucky got a fall 5 seconds in the first round. Ut was a really nasty but our Joe won. Against Josef Kovacs it was interesting as he body slammed Josef a few times... another tasty rumble which our Joe won.
Such a shame that modern fans have never heard of him and there's nothing on YouTube. But we have memories
R I P Joe a true Star,I was told very early when I started by Tony Mancelli that Joe and Alan Garfield were different class at working a crowd value for money skillfull and creative.
I can just remember Joe in black and white on a Saturday afternoon, never saw him live, but was one of my grandads favourite wrestlers when we watched together and he was a good judge. R.I. P Joe.
James Morton is right about Joe's tag team achievements. His regular tag partner was "Drop Kick" Johnny Peters and they were very popular and extremely fast and agile, no mean feat considering their size. They were usually pitted against "heels" of the calibre of Bruno Elrington and Roy "Bull" Davis and never failed to have the crowd in uproar.Johnny Peters retired a few years before Joe to run a greengrocery business in Brighton and I recall dabbled as a independent promoter in the Brighton and Hove area.
I only saw Joe once at Brighton Sports Stadium in tag with Johnny Peters against I think Elrington and Davies.They had the crowd in an absolute uproar. My girlfriend was in tears and wanted to be taken out! I think Joe wrote about it in Thumbs Up.
Am in shock Joe was very good to me when I got to uk to start my wrestling life.
Had a Great life Joe and we loved you.
George Passalaris (Golden Greek)
Joe was one of the real stars of British wrestling during it's best years. He was abundant in his skill,style, ability to entertain and possessed that most valuable of assets- wonderful charisma. In a relatively short career he quickly established himself as one of our leading heavyweights, quickly gaining top of the bill status and a confirmed crowd pleaser-no east task.
I saw him several times live and of course on television and always thought he shined best when pitted against a "heel". I fondly remember his response when Alan Garfield bellowed "I am going to give you a sound thrashing Cornelius". He replied with a perfectly executed dropkick which floored his opponent. Then of course there
was the famed "feud" with Roy "Bull" Davis which never failed to thoroughly entertain and was I believe transferred to television and naturally enthralled viewers.
Joe Cornelius combined the mixture of wresting skill, charisma and sheer entertainment perfectly. A true Titan.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Mr. Regal commenting.
RIP Dazzler.One of the greats
A truly great wrestler. I saw him many times on TV and don’t recall him ever losing, despite often giving away considerable weight. ( Paul Vachon, Ian Campbell, Roy Bull Davies ….)
A handsome specimen in his sequinned cloak and black tights, I consider that photo of Joe pinning the 23 stone Zebra Kid, to be the greatest ever wrestling image.
I became really involved in wrestling in 1965 though had watched on the television for acouple of years before. Dazzler Joe retired in 1967 and I didn't see him live. But he was one I only saw in black and white that really made an impression. That was a challenge for anyone we only saw on tv. But Joe did, and I was shocked and disappointed when he retired.
Deaths come frequently but some seem more of a milestone than others. Joe's death is one of those milestones.
Matey Dave:
It was good the Joe was able to have a good retirement which he was able to enjoy.
I remember him at Wembley Town Hall
Lucky Summonovitch was a hoot. Lucky got a fall 5 seconds in the first round. Ut was a really nasty but our Joe won. Against Josef Kovacs it was interesting as he body slammed Josef a few times... another tasty rumble which our Joe won.
Such a shame that modern fans have never heard of him and there's nothing on YouTube. But we have memories
So sad news. One of the best, never a dull moment in his bouts. RIP Joe.
rest in peace great champion
Such very sad news indeed.One of our all time greats.I've still got his book which I will read again. R.I.P '' Dazzler Joe''.
R I P Joe a true Star,I was told very early when I started by Tony Mancelli that Joe and Alan Garfield were different class at working a crowd value for money skillfull and creative.
Always a sad moment when we loose one of the truly greats.
R.I.P. Joe
So sad, remember reading all about the Dazzler in Kent Walton’s book, This Grappling Game. One of the all time greats. RIP.
RIP to the Dazzler. A headliner, a fan favourite, a gem.
I can just remember Joe in black and white on a Saturday afternoon, never saw him live, but was one of my grandads favourite wrestlers when we watched together and he was a good judge. R.I. P Joe.
RIP Joe Cornelius.
When you Think About it-I Suppose 93 is a Very Good Age for a Former Wrestler
to Reach!!-JOE Was a Very Important Character in The Wrestling in The '50's and
'60's-with his Flamboyant Ring Persona!!-He Soon Rose to The Very Top of The
Game and his Contribution to The Sport will Always be Remembered!
Sadly-I Never Saw him Wrestle Live-but his Bouts were Always Exciting and Even
'Controversial' at Times!-So We Lose yet Another Wrestling Great!
Thanx JOE- for Everything you Gave to BRITISH Professional Wrestling!!
MAIN MASK
Very sad news, R.I.P. Dazzler Joe.