I was interested to see the name of Mike De Metre on one of the bills on the "Beech" thread.
The bill was from New Brighton, 12/4/39.
I saw Mike Demitre (I'm sure it's the same man) at Newcastle in the 1950's. He only came to Newcastle the one time when I was going, but I remember him because he was one of the several that I showed the way to Newcastle Central Station.
In those days he was still trim, perhaps on the 15 stone mark,and the way that he talked, very conscious of his physique.
I would say a very capable wrestler, at the time able to hold his own with the heavyweights, but just did not have the sparkle to excite me overmuch.
Mike Demitre was my dad in the 60s after I was born he became a referee
We are just putting the finishing touches to our Mike Demitre piece. We've had help from a couple of wrestlers with only Bernard seeing him in action. It's a long time ago but if anyone else has any memories please let us know.
Some splendid additions here. We are currently working on a tribute to Mike and would welcome any memories of Mike as a wrestler or one of the country's top referees.
Mike Demitre at his prime. World's Champion Wrestler.
Belts held by Mike Demitre.
Euro and World Jr. Hwt Champion
A good idea to move on hebuckz and not prolong this discussion. Except to say we will have a tribute to Mike Demitre in the near future.
Thanks John.It is a few years since I read Adrian Street's books and so I can't remember exactly what he said but I do remember him moaning a bit about having to have Mike DeMitre as a manager and having to give him some of his earnings. I do not know the full story behind that, so I cannot judge. However, I do remember Adrian Street saying that when he did receive some training from Mike DeMitre in the gyms, that Mike was a very good wrestler and he taught him a lot of things.
Just coming back to Sebastian's post that provoked the discussion, always our objective, the way he wrote is the way we all write on here. Believing what we can from the literature, because we have few other sources. He was very careful in couching his quotation as "According to Adrian..."
Every now and then an insider pops up with specific information and we are pleased to be able to set records straight. And we progress.
So well done Sebastian!
Yes neat photos and memories, thanks for sharing. Here's a snap of Mike from the early 1960's outside the wrestling office:
Hello hebuckz. Your step father was a very important part of our wrestling heritage. The best way to celebrate him will be to help us improve his presence on our website. Wrestling Heritage and Talk Wrestling is a positive place to celebrate the contribution of all wrestlers. I'm sure Sebastian meant no disrespect to your step-father. We have emailed you and look forward to receiving your help.
Always wonderful to get comments from wrestlers or their families on here.
Every wrestler is important to wrestling history.
Great that you posted hebuckz
I was Mike Demitres step daughter from 1953 until his death in 1988. He was an amazing gentleman with integrity.
Mike Demitre was also Adrian Street's "manager" when he went to work for Joint Promotions and Adrian had to give him 10% of his earnings. Demitre had several new wrestlers in his stable and they were known as the "10 Percenters"; each giving up 10% of their earnings to Mike. I should mention that Demitre was a behind the scenes manager who was supposed to be teaching the young lads submission wrestling. According to Adrian's books, it was a struggle to get that tuition
Thanks Ron. He still had the moustache way back when I saw him. A very dapper gentleman.
I think it is great to have you on here Bernard. Mike Demitre was still wrestling in 1960 and had begun in the early 1930's. Not so many of us have seen any wrestler who wrestled in the 1930's.
I am only just scraping in with the odd one like Count Bartelli who wrestled as Conda or Condor and a few others of that Ilk.
Keep giving us your anecdotes , I am still chasing Johnny Bates.
Here is a young 1930's Mike