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Former professional wrestler Tom Billington – known to fans as Dynamite Kid and a member of Canada's Stampede Wrestling – died Wednesday in England on his 60th birthday.
He was best known as half of the British Bulldog team, along with his real-life cousin Davey Boy Smith and his mascot, a bulldog named Matilda.
Smith's son, Harry, who now fights under the name of Davey Boy Smith Jr., called Billington the inspiration.
"I was very happy and happy to have seen Dynamite for the last time last June in the UK," he tweeted. "Dynamite was certainly an inspiration to me and to many others …"
Each fighter under 200 pounds should owe a debt of gratitude to the Dynamite Kid. He inspired many and helped change the sport. In the ring he was incredible. The only wrestling shirt I ever bought was a British Bulldog shirt, which I wore at WrestleMania IV #REST IN PEACE
& mdash;@LanceStorm
News of Billington's death was shared on social media, with current and former stars offering condolences.
"Every fighter weighing less than 100 pounds should owe a debt of gratitude to the Dinamite Kid," Lance Storm tweeted.
"He inspired a lot and helped change the sport.In the ring he was amazing.The only wrestling shirt I bought was a shirt from the British Bulldogs, which I used at WrestleMania IV.
It saddens me deeply to announce the death of Tom Billington, the "Dynamite Kid". I was very happy and happy to have seen Dynamite for the last time last June in the UK. ?? ❤️? Dynamite was certainly an inspiration to me and to many others and really revolutionized pic.twitter.com/req7CWTdxm
& mdash;@DBSmithjr
DetailsBorn in England, Billington made his professional wrestling debut in 1975.
At six-foot-seven and weighing 228 pounds, Billington was considered somewhat small for a pro wrestler, but used a high-tech, high-flying style that charmed the fans.
He arrived in Calgary in 1978 to join the Stampede Wrestling, run by the legendary Hart family.
From there, he spent some time working in Japan before joining the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) – known today as World Wrestling Entertainment, or WWE – when the company bought Stampede Wrestling in 1984.
Billington held the double champion belt at Stampede Wrestling and once at the WWF.
He retired from pro wrestling in 1996.
Years of wrestling had its impact on Billington as he suffered numerous serious injuries, mostly on his back, and lost the use of his left leg about a year after retiring. He ended up being limited to a wheelchair and needed care.
He also reportedly suffered a stroke in 2013.
The cause of Billington's death was not disclosed.
Today would be the 60th anniversary of Dynamite Kid. There will be many of your old friends waiting to celebrate with him today in heaven … ?❤️?? pic.twitter.com/G2VaGHWqI1
& mdash;@NatbyNature
WWE is sad to hear that Kid Dynamite has passed away. https://t.co/r41WiVPrOb
& mdash;@WWE
It is with great sadness that I have to inform everyone that the "DYNAMITE KID" TOMMY BILLINGTON ON HIS BIRTHDAY WAS PAST .. A TRUE BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO FIGHT AROUND THE WORLD RIP "CHILD CONDITIONS TO MARK AND HIS FAMILY MARTY JONES pic.twitter.com/TRYbBTpTgf
& mdash;@ martyleglockno1
Dynamite Kid was one of the big names of the time. So influential. Every pamphlet today owes you a debt. And he revolutionized the territory of Stampede Wrestling. He was the anti-hero of my youth. Damn it. #RIPDynamite pic.twitter.com/OQP4Bi7Voc
& mdash;@VanHeathen
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