Wrestler

Chapter Four: Part One - Tom Connors

#PWHS #Interview #Wrestling #ProWrestling #TomConnors #CatchWrestling #CACC #CatchAsCatchCan #Lancashire #Salford #Wigan 
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Tom Connors (1861-1939) of Salford, Lancashire (late of Wigan, Lancs.), who in his early years and at his prime wrestled at the 154lb weight limit (11 stone championship of Lancashire). In his later years he wrestled at catch-weights, weighing only 162lb, he was thought of as being among the greatest Catch-as-Catch-Can wrestlers after the Lancashire fashion of the 1880s, 1890s and early 1900s. He achieved a great popularity both in his native East Lancashire and in the United States. Besides being a great catch wrestler and performer, Tom Connors remained in the memories of his contemporary as a fearless all-in fighter.

Just like the other great Lancashire pioneers in North America such as: Edwin Bibby, of Ashton, and Joe Acton, of Wigan, he also claimed mythical a “heavyweight championship” (sometimes “middleweight” or even "welterweight") of England, or even of the “whole entire world.” Connors became very famous in the United States after his notorious “world championship” match against the first major, American-born catch wrestling star, "The Strangler" Evan Lewis. That match resulted in the former’s victory even if it was a disputed championship win.

Unlike Bibby and Acton, Connors didn't stay in America when at his peak. Instead he returned back home to England, but from time to time he was made sporadic "wrestling" tours to the United States.

This series of interviews with Tom Connors were conducted in 1928 and appeared in a local Salford newspaper called “The Reporter”. There were thirteen parts to the series, which were originally published one part per week, so we shall publish them exactly the same way they originally were.

With some irony and “professional’ humor, Tom cuts through the myths and legends that have grown up around his “untouchable persona.” They give a unique insight, which helps us to better understand him and pro-wrestling of his time. Now I will let Mr. Tom Connors speak for himself. I hope everyone enjoys this read.

[editors note: Jerry Nield pointed out that the below article is actually from the 1890s and not a part of the 13 week series of interviews released. Ruslan has confirmed it's from August 15, 1896. Ruslan had sent this one to me as an introductory piece to the 13 week series. Somewhere along the lines a misunderstanding happened and what it actually was got misrepresented as part of the 1928 series.]
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​​Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.

Interview with Tom Connor: Part One.
Interviewer: The Salford Reporter.
Intro: Ruslan C. Pashayev.
Published: June 12, 2020 (originally August 15, 1896).
Wrestler Interview: #4, part one.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
An interview with Tom Connors: Part Two - Read Here
An interview with Tim Parks - Read Here