Pioneer Singles Wrestler
Ernie Ladd
Ernie Ladd started wrestling in 1961. As a publicity stunt, some wrestlers in the San Diego area challenged Ladd to a private wrestling workout. Before long, Ladd was a part-time competitor in Los Angeles, during football's off-season. Ladd became a huge draw in short order. Ladd became one of wrestling's most hated heels during the 1970s, as well as one of the first black wrestlers to portray a heel character. He riled crowds with his arrogant and colorful demeanor during interviews, all without being portrayed with any stereotyping, Ladd also gained infamy through use of his controversial taped thumb, which Ladd claimed was from an old football injury.Often, when Ladd appeared to be in serious trouble during a match, he'd walk out of the arena and accept a countout loss. This practice has since become known as "pulling an Ernie Ladd" in some circles.
Ladd wrestled for a number of different wrestling associations, including the World Wide Wrestling Federation where he was managed by The Grand Wizard of Wrestling. Known for his immense size and power, it was a natural for Ladd to engage in feuds with other giants, including a famous feud with André the Giant (whom Ladd referred to as "Andre the Dummy" during interviews). In certain areas, Ladd's wrestling nickname was "The King", and he would wear an ornate crown to emphasize it.. In other wrestling associations, he was "The Big Cat," and walked in with a big cowboy hat.
After leaving the WWWF, Ladd ventured to the Mid-South territory promoted by Bill Watts. While in the Mid-South area, Ladd feuded with Paul Orndorff, Ray Candy, and Junkyard Dog. He also served as a manager to Afa & Sika, the Wild Samoans. Ladd also had a decent run as part of a tag team with "Bad" Leroy Brown in the early 1980s.
Ladd retired from wrestling in 1986. He was inducted into the WWF Hall of Fame in 1995. Ladd died on March 10, 2007, having battled cancer since 2004.
It has been reported in various wrestling magazines that he was friends with President Bush and that he actively followed his career.
Ladd also owned and operated Big Cat Ernie Ladd's "Throwdown" BBQ Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana until August 29, 2005, when it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. In the hurricane's aftermath, he ministered to Katrina evacuees at the Astrodome. He was a friend of WWE Raw commentator Jim Ross. Ernie Ladd also appeared in the tv show That 70's Show entitled "That Wrestling Show." He was in the locker room with The Rock, who was playing his father "Soul Man" Rocky Johnson, whom Eric & Red were seeking an autograph from.
Ladd held the following titles during his career:
NWA Central States Tag Team Championship
NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship
NWA Florida Southern Heavyweight Championship
NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship
NWA American Heavyweight Championship
NWA Texas Brass Knuckles Championship
NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship
NWA Americas Heavyweight Championship
Mid-South Louisiana Heavyweight Championship
Mid-South North American Heavyweight Championship
Mid-South Tag Team Championship
NWA Arkansas Heavyweight Championship
NWA North American Heavyweight Championship
NWA United States Tag Team Championship
NWF Brass Knuckles Championship
NWF Heavyweight Championship
NWF North American Heavyweight Championship
WWA World Heavyweight Championship
WWA World Tag Team Championship
WWC North American Heavyweight Championship
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(compiled by Brett Schwan)
