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Luther Jacob Goodall (December 30, 1924 – February 21, 1972) was an American professional football player and wrestler, known by his ringname Luther Lindsay or Lindsey, who competed throughout the United States with the National Wrestling Alliance as well as international promotions such as All Japan Pro Wrestling, Joint Promotions and Stampede Wrestling.
One of the first African American wrestlers to become a major star,[1] he was extremely popular in the Pacific Northwest and Mid-Atlantic territory.[2] A frequent rival and tag team partner of Shag Thomas, he also teamed with Bearcat Wright, Nick Bockwinkel, Pepper Gomez and was involved in feuds with "Iron" Mike DiBiase, Mad Dog Vachon, Beauregarde, Moondog Mayne, Tony Borne and Pat Patterson & The Hangman.
For much of the early 1950s and '60s, Lindsay was billed as the U.S. Colored (or Negro) Heavyweight Champion and took part in the first interracial professional wrestling matches held in the United States. Between 1953 and 1956, he faced NWA World Heavyweight Champion Lou Thesz in a series of matches. Although largely resulting in time limit draws, he was the first African-American to make a challenge to the title and earned Thesz's respect during these bouts publicly praising his wrestling ability.
He was considered one of the top submission wrestlers of his day working with Don Leo Jonathan and Stu Hart.[3] Lindsay was one of the few men who bested him in the infamous "Hart Dungeon" and later became one of Hart's best friends. Hart reportedly carried a picture of him in his wallet until his death.[4] He was held in high regard by his fellow wrestlers [5] such as Lou Thesz, J.J. Dillon, Rip Hawk [6] and Les Thatcher.[7]
In wrestling
- Finishing and signature moves
- Diving Bellyflop
- Teams and stables
- Entrance Music
- Nicknames
- "Pistol"
- All Japan Pro Wrestling
- All Asia Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Ricky Waldo [8]
- Maple Leaf Wrestling
- NWA Canadian Open Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Jack Claybourne [9]
- NWA Mid-Pacific Promotions
- Pacific Northwest Wrestling
- NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship (1 time) [13]
- NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship (10 times) - with George Dussette (1), Bing Ki Lee (1), Herb Freeman (1), Shag Thomas (5) and Pepper Martin (2) [14]
- Stampede Wrestling
- NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship (Calgary version) (1 time) [15]
- NWA International Tag Team Championship (Calgary version) (1 time) - with Oattem Fisher [16]
- NWA Canadian Tag Team Championship (Calgary version) (1 time) - with Ray Villmer
- Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame [17]
- World Wrestling Entertainment
- WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2017)
References
