Shooter. Hooker. Grappler. Perhaps one of the most underrated catch-as-catch-can wrestlers of his era, Billy Wicks was also one of the biggest draws in Memphis wrestling history. Wicks got his start in wrestling at age 15 but found it was something that didn’t quite come naturally to him. He began training in earnest with a protege of Farmer Burns, and his determination and desire propelled him to an undefeated streak on the carnival circuit and championship status while serving in the US Army. After his time in the Army, Wicks competed in Canada against names like Larry Hennig and Red Bastien, even winning a title in the Gulf Coast from Gorgeous George. But it was his time in Memphis and legendary rivalry with Sputnik Monroe that sold out auditoriums everywhere and set an attendance record that stood in Memphis until the era of the Monday Night Wars. That match was refereed by former heavyweight boxing champion Rocky Marciano and saw the promoters put a brand new Cadillac on the line. Billy was the clean-cut babyface adored by the fans, including a certain King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Wicks even spent some time teaching Elvis Presley catch techniques! Wicks’ career never saw him reach the national acclaim or recognition of some of his peers, but there are many historians and students of the game that contend he was as good if not better than the likes of Lou Thesz. After retiring from his in-ring career, Billy worked in law enforcement, as a bodyguard, and opened his own catch school in North Carolina. His students carry on his teachings to this day and remember the one they called “Pops” fondly.
Filsinger Games is proud to include Billy Wicks in the upcoming Legends of Wrestling Expansion IX alongside his legendary rival Sputnik Monroe.
Legends Expansion IX, Best of Indies Tag Teams 2022, KRONOS: Return to Civilization, and the 1st quarter of Promoter Prime will begin shipping in late March.
Preorder the 3 new game editions HERE.
To check out all of the Promoter Prime options for 2022 go HERE.
