Alexis Smirnoff was a Canadian Professional wrestler.
Career[]
Early Career[]
Michel Lamarche was trained by Edouard Carpentier, having amateur wrestling experience from when he was a teenager. Lamarche made his debut in 1970, wrestling for promoter Bob Langevin in Montreal under the name Michel "Justice" DuBois. DuBois soon became a heel, teaming with Fidel Castillo to win the Montreal International Tag Team Championship. The team were dubbed the "European Tag Team Champions" when they defended their title in a tour of Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW). While in the Georgia territory, DuBois took part in a tournament to crown a new NWA Georgia Heavyweight Champion, but was eliminated by Assassin #2 in the first round on February 5, 1971.
National Wrestling Alliance[]
Jim Crockett Promotions (1972-1973)[]
In 1972, under the new name Mike DuBois, he headed to Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP), where he formed a team with Freddie Sweetan. Their team was relatively successful, but DuBois did not win any championships in his two year stint in the territory.
NWA Western States (1974)[]
DuBois then spent a year in the Texas-based NWA Western States under the name Mike "The Judge" DuBois. During his year in the territory, he captured the Texas Heavyweight Championship.
Return to Jim Crockett Promotions (1975-1977)[]
On his return to the Jim Crockett Promotions, DuBois formed a tag team with Jacques Goulet. The pair came close to winning the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship in a tournament, but were defeated by Dino Bravo & Tim Woods in the final.
NWA Big Time Wrestling (1977)[]
DuBois then headed to NWA Big Time Wrestling, where he began wrestling under the name Alexis Smirnoff. Smirnoff was a participant in a 10-man tournament for the vacant NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (San Francisco version), and after defeating Pepper Gomez and Peter Maivia in the opening rounds, Smirnoff was defeated by Pat Patterson in the final. On March 30, 1977, Smirnoff teamed with Bob Roop to defeat Pat Patterson & Pepper Gomez to win the vacant NWA World Tag Team Championship (San Francisco version). Then, on April 16, 1977, Smirnoff defeated Patterson to win the NWA United States Heavyweight Championship.
On June 15, 1977, Smirnoff & Roop defended the NWA World Tag Team Championship against Alberto Madril & Pepper Gomez, but were defeated, ending their 77 day reign. Then, on July 16, 1977, Smirnoff was defeated by Dean Ho in a two out of three falls match, ending his 91 day reign as NWA United States Heavyweight Champion. Smirnoff attempted to win back the title on August 20, 1977 in a No Rules Match, but was defeated.
American Wrestling Association (1978-1979)[]
After a brief 40 day run as NWA Central States Heavyweight Champion, Smirnoff appeared in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) under the name Cecil DuBois. DuBois mainly competed in singles competition while also participating in battle royals. Smirnoff also had a run as NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Champion, defeating Ronnie Garvin to win the championship, before losing it on June 1, 1979, ending a 14 day reign.
Team with Ivan Koloff (1979-1981)[]
After returning to Georgia Championship Wrestling in 1979, Smirnoff formed a team with Ivan Koloff. Smirnoff & Koloff quickly won the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship from Jerry Brisco & Ole Anderson on December 7, 1979. Smirnoff & Koloff defended their title against the likes of the Brisco Brothers (Jack & Jerry Brisco) and the Minnesota Wrecking Crew (Lars Anderson & Ole Anderson), before losing the championship to Kevin Sullivan & Tony Atlas on April 6, 1980.
Smirnoff & Koloff quickly won back the NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship on April 26, 1980 before losing it again to Lars Anderson & Ole Anderson on June 8, 1980. After wrestling in singles competition and failing to win the NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship, Smirnoff eventually left Georgia.
Return to Canada (1982)[]
In 1982, DuBois returned to Canada, wrestling under his original name Michel DuBois in Lutte Internationale (International Wrestling), where he won the Canadian International Tag Team Championship with Pierre Lefebvre. DuBois & Lefebvre later lost the championship to Pat Patterson & Raymond Rougeau.
World Wrestling Federation (1983-1986)[]
After a stint with All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW), Smirnoff began wrestling for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). Smirnoff had multiple matches with WWF Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana while also teaming with other heels in predominantly losing efforts. Smirnoff also substituted for Nikolai Volkoff, teaming with The Iron Sheik against WWF Tag Team Champions The Dream Team (Brutus Beefcake & Greg Valentine). Smirnoff eventually left the WWF after he was asked to cancel the contract he had in Japan, but declined.
Later career (1986-1988)[]
After leaving the WWF, Smirnoff returned to the American Wrestling Association. Smirnoff joined forces with Yuri Gordienko in a feud with The Midnight Rockers (Marty Jannetty & Shawn Michaels), eventually being defeated in a Six Man Tag Team Match at AWA Battle By The Bay. Smirnoff retired in 1988.
In wrestling[]
- Finishers and signature moves
- Heart Punch
- Nicknames'
- "The Mad Russian"
