Joe Reid wrestled as an Amateur in the 1920s and 30s and besides being British champion wrestler he also competed in the Lancashire County Amateur Wrestling Association league, and was undefeated for years at his weight class. LCAWA had their own titles and belts of course. That title and belts symbolic of it were the most precious things for Lancashire wrestlers.
I'm surprised with Ruslan's comment "What he did in the ring is the CLOSEST to how Lancashire wrestlers were performing during the Golden Era of Catch in the 1860s."
Vic was a flyer, dropkicks galore, flying off the ropes, that repetitive playing dead act. To my mind he was a very good show wrestler.
Great information on Joe Reid. One of the finest Lancashire wrestlers. As mentioned, Joe Reid trained Bert Royal and other wrestlers. Catch as catch can wrestling at its best. Vic Faulkner, was amazing in the ring and always enjoyed his wrestling. Bert brought a more serious scientific side to his wrestling and it showed. Bert and Vic, two of Lancashire’s finest.
it's good to see you back Graham. You're right about Vic's unique style. As I said earlier I was never a great fan but he was very fast and could be exciting to watch. So sickeningly nice though.
Vic's style was totally unique. He really was the golden boy of wrestling when he started out. Vic's mentors were of course his father and brother Bert Royal.
Vic was okay but I can't share any enthusiasm above the respect I have of all wrestlers, and Vic was a good one.
I don't share the enthusiasm, but that's a bit harsh because he was undoubtedly one of the most popular and skilled wrestlers of the 1960s and 70s. He deserved the success he achieved. But,and there's got to be a but. Whilst skill,agility and fitness could not be denied there was a predictably and repetitiveness to all his matches. Every wrestling match required Co operation from the opponent but Vic's took it to the extreme. The acting dead, repeated dropkicks, criss crossing between the ropes, hand shooting upwards to distract the opponent. All great fun, all part of the colour and excitement. But if it was so predictable to us fans what does that tell us of the opponents? All Co operative. All good professionals allowing another professional to shine.
Based on my experience with 1860s newspapers I can tell - Vic Faulkner would have made it to the very top of profession during the Golden Era of Catch. No doubts he would have been among the top contenders for the championship of Lancashire at his 11st (or was he a little heavier?).
Vic didn't talk much about his wrestling career once he retired , so I wonder how much his wife etc knew about his beginnings in the game, it would have to be Bert or a cousin who may provide the answer
Unquestionably silky smooth style, but as we always say, it takes two to make it look so good and it is all too easy to overlook the opponents.
For me, a rounded pro wrestler has such skills in offence but also great skills in selling his opponents' moves. In this respect I greatly admired a similarly skilful wrestler in Steve Viedor - he suffered so magnificently.
Joe Reid trained the great Bert Royal, also from Lancashire. Doesn’t get better than that.
Joe Reid wrestled as an Amateur in the 1920s and 30s and besides being British champion wrestler he also competed in the Lancashire County Amateur Wrestling Association league, and was undefeated for years at his weight class. LCAWA had their own titles and belts of course. That title and belts symbolic of it were the most precious things for Lancashire wrestlers.
I'm surprised with Ruslan's comment "What he did in the ring is the CLOSEST to how Lancashire wrestlers were performing during the Golden Era of Catch in the 1860s."
Vic was a flyer, dropkicks galore, flying off the ropes, that repetitive playing dead act. To my mind he was a very good show wrestler.
Great information on Joe Reid. One of the finest Lancashire wrestlers. As mentioned, Joe Reid trained Bert Royal and other wrestlers. Catch as catch can wrestling at its best. Vic Faulkner, was amazing in the ring and always enjoyed his wrestling. Bert brought a more serious scientific side to his wrestling and it showed. Bert and Vic, two of Lancashire’s finest.
it's good to see you back Graham. You're right about Vic's unique style. As I said earlier I was never a great fan but he was very fast and could be exciting to watch. So sickeningly nice though.
Vic's style was totally unique. He really was the golden boy of wrestling when he started out. Vic's mentors were of course his father and brother Bert Royal.
https://www.wrestlingheritage.co.uk/joe-reid
Having had some lessons myself from Joe Reid, I can only add that as a trainer you had one of the best in the business.
Here a reminder of his pedigree (see also the A - Z section):
Won British title in Bantamweight every year from 1931 till 1935
Took part in the 1930 Olympic championships
Took part in numerous Commonwealth games
Cheers
Joe Reid the best Lancashire wrestler of XX century.
Vic was okay but I can't share any enthusiasm above the respect I have of all wrestlers, and Vic was a good one.
I don't share the enthusiasm, but that's a bit harsh because he was undoubtedly one of the most popular and skilled wrestlers of the 1960s and 70s. He deserved the success he achieved. But,and there's got to be a but. Whilst skill,agility and fitness could not be denied there was a predictably and repetitiveness to all his matches. Every wrestling match required Co operation from the opponent but Vic's took it to the extreme. The acting dead, repeated dropkicks, criss crossing between the ropes, hand shooting upwards to distract the opponent. All great fun, all part of the colour and excitement. But if it was so predictable to us fans what does that tell us of the opponents? All Co operative. All good professionals allowing another professional to shine.
Based on my experience with 1860s newspapers I can tell - Vic Faulkner would have made it to the very top of profession during the Golden Era of Catch. No doubts he would have been among the top contenders for the championship of Lancashire at his 11st (or was he a little heavier?).
Vic didn't talk much about his wrestling career once he retired , so I wonder how much his wife etc knew about his beginnings in the game, it would have to be Bert or a cousin who may provide the answer
is anyone in touch with Vic's family?
May be Colin Joynson would know the answer...but yeah, Faulkner's style of wrestling was an ARTFORM !!!
Yes, sorry Hack,I was. One to you Again.
Unquestionably silky smooth style, but as we always say, it takes two to make it look so good and it is all too easy to overlook the opponents.
For me, a rounded pro wrestler has such skills in offence but also great skills in selling his opponents' moves. In this respect I greatly admired a similarly skilful wrestler in Steve Viedor - he suffered so magnificently.