‘- Thomas Billington, known to wrestling fans as Dynamite Kid, passed away earlier today. The Dynamite Kid passed on his birthday as he turned 60 years old.
Throughout his career, the Dynamite Kid competed in Japan and WWE. He memorably won the tag team titles with the late Davey Boy Smith at WrestleMania II. He would later suffer a serious back injury and the past two decades saw the Dynamite Kid have to use a wheelchair.
WWE sent out the following press release on the passing of the Dynamite Kid.
WWE is saddened to learn that Thomas Billington, known to his fans as Dynamite Kid, has passed away at age 60.
Born in Golborne, Lancashire, England, Billington pursued sports-entertainment as a means to avoid a life as a coal miner. Although somewhat undersized, he possessed a ferocity and determination that earned him the nickname The Dynamite Kid.
As a singles competitor, he made his mark in WWE Hall of Famer Stu Hart’s Stampede Wrestling in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, developing a style that was both technically brilliant and wildly aggressive. It was in Japan, however, where Dynamite Kid set a new standard for junior heavyweight competition in a legendary series of matches against Tiger Mask, which would influence an entire generation of competitors, and help set the stage for brands like WWE’s 205 Live.
Dynamite Kid joined WWE in 1984 alongside his cousin, Davey Boy Smith, forming one of the most popular tag teams of their era, The British Bulldogs. Alongside their mascot, an English bulldog named Matilda, the duo battled it out in classic matches against Bret “Hit Man” Hart & Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart of The Hart Foundation, and defeated Greg “The Hammer” Valentine & Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake to win the World Tag Team Titles at WrestleMania II.
WWE extends its condolences to Billington’s family, friends and fans.
– We might have not seen the end of Rhyno after being fired on RAW after losing to Heath Slater. During the Wresling Observer Radio, Dave Melzter mentioned some other roles Rhyno could be used in.
“It’s possible they could do that [trainer at the PC],” said Meltzer. “They could also send him to NXT because [Triple H] at the last conference call was talking about how guys that aren’t being used on the main roster may start becoming regulars in NXT.”
After losing on Monday’s RAW, Rhyno told the live crowd he was retiring. But with Rhyno’s lengthy wrestling career, WWE could easily keep him around to help up and coming superstars.
This is Rhyno’s second stint with WWE, as he was brought back to help add depth to the rosters due to the brand split. The former ECW Champion has not commented since RAW.
