Ray Apollon
#PWHS #Bio #Biography #Wrestling #ProWrestling #GrapplingWithColor #GWC #RayApollon #GoldenApollon #BlackSuperman #CatchAsCatchCan #CatchWrestling #CACC
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This was originally posted in our Facebook Group as part of a series called Grappling With Color for Black History Month.
When many think of pro-wrestling in Trinidad and Tobago most think of the blood feud that spilled from Puerto Rico between Abdullah The Butcher versus Carlos Colon, or the place where many fans theorize the beginnings of the real-life rivalry between Bruiser Brody and Invader I took place, or where Victor Jovica defeated then NWA Champion Ric Flair on February 8, 1983 (sadly the ruling was overturned because Jovica had his foot on the ropes), or heck some may remember when a match was dedicated to Trinidad during the 1983 Starrcade, which of course featured the never-ending feud of Abdullah the Butcher and Carlos Colon, but let me tell you about the father of the Trinidad wrestling scene, Ray "Golden" Apollon.
Born Cyril Joseph in New York City in 1924, son of a famous doctor - Cyril followed the footsteps of his dad with wanting to become a doctor. After finishing up with his local college, St Mary's in Trinidad, Cyril would be sent to Howard University in Washington D.C. There he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Arts Honours. He continued his studies abroad, studying medicine in France, and it was there where he would catch the wrestling bug. Much to his father's dismay he trained anyways.
Traveling to the United Kingdom in 1952, now know as Ray Apollon he battled against Ernie Baldwin where the youngster would lose in two clean falls. Though in defeat Ray would continue to train as he was an avid weightlifter and would soon learn the Catch-as-Catch-Can style.
In 1956 he would enter the Royal Albert Hall Heavyweight Tournament alongside Judo Al Hayes (later Lord Alfred Hayes), Black Butcher Johnson, Mike Marino, a young Billy Robinson and the eventual winner Dennis Mitchell. "The Black Prince" would still travel to sharpen his skill whether it was facing Dara Singh in Nairobi, versus Prince Kumali in Kenya, or being one of the first major black wrestler to wrestle in Japan for the International Wrestling Enterprises (IWE) promotion.
Apollon was never settled and wanted to have his legacy cemented! During his tenure as a pro-wrestler, Apollon was made Chief of Nigeria where he was dubbed the "Lion King." Somewhat of a "Black Superman" Apollon spoke several languages and showed superhuman strength (something like that is somewhat alien to certain people haha), but was intelligent to boot, speaking on topics ranging from medicine to political happenings.
He was billed as a Heavyweight Champion during his time in Germany. He was the Trinidad Heavyweight Champion (after Abdullah forfeited the belt). When Carlos Colon promoted shows in Trinidad, Ray Apollon was one of the top draws as well as receiving top billing, being a hero of the locals.
Before passing away at the age of 73, he passed his knowledge onto Ted Herbert. The master of the "Single Arm Back Body Drop" truly dined with Kings and Queens thus making a true legend of the game.
Born Cyril Joseph in New York City in 1924, son of a famous doctor - Cyril followed the footsteps of his dad with wanting to become a doctor. After finishing up with his local college, St Mary's in Trinidad, Cyril would be sent to Howard University in Washington D.C. There he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Arts Honours. He continued his studies abroad, studying medicine in France, and it was there where he would catch the wrestling bug. Much to his father's dismay he trained anyways.
Traveling to the United Kingdom in 1952, now know as Ray Apollon he battled against Ernie Baldwin where the youngster would lose in two clean falls. Though in defeat Ray would continue to train as he was an avid weightlifter and would soon learn the Catch-as-Catch-Can style.
In 1956 he would enter the Royal Albert Hall Heavyweight Tournament alongside Judo Al Hayes (later Lord Alfred Hayes), Black Butcher Johnson, Mike Marino, a young Billy Robinson and the eventual winner Dennis Mitchell. "The Black Prince" would still travel to sharpen his skill whether it was facing Dara Singh in Nairobi, versus Prince Kumali in Kenya, or being one of the first major black wrestler to wrestle in Japan for the International Wrestling Enterprises (IWE) promotion.
Apollon was never settled and wanted to have his legacy cemented! During his tenure as a pro-wrestler, Apollon was made Chief of Nigeria where he was dubbed the "Lion King." Somewhat of a "Black Superman" Apollon spoke several languages and showed superhuman strength (something like that is somewhat alien to certain people haha), but was intelligent to boot, speaking on topics ranging from medicine to political happenings.
He was billed as a Heavyweight Champion during his time in Germany. He was the Trinidad Heavyweight Champion (after Abdullah forfeited the belt). When Carlos Colon promoted shows in Trinidad, Ray Apollon was one of the top draws as well as receiving top billing, being a hero of the locals.
Before passing away at the age of 73, he passed his knowledge onto Ted Herbert. The master of the "Single Arm Back Body Drop" truly dined with Kings and Queens thus making a true legend of the game.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
Biography of Ray Apollon.
Author: John Hubert Williams (Dantethescrub_ on InstaGram).
Published: October 31, 2019.
Biography: #186.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.