'Dynamite Kid', British Wrestling Legend, Dies Aged 60, Tributes Pour In

Wrestling legend Thomas Billington popularly known as the ‘Dynamite Kid’ died at the age of 60 Wednesday. Coincidentally, the former World Wrestling Federation (WWF), now known as the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), star’s death occurred on the same day he was celebrating his 60th birthday.

The cause of death remained unclear at this moment but the Dynamite Kid had been battling a number of health issues in recent years and had been wheelchair-bound since the end of his career.

The Lancashire-born wrestler started his career in the United Kingdonm before moving to Japan and then to the United States. He created a name for himself in WWF after partnering with fellow British star Davey Boy Smith, who was known popularly as the ‘British Bulldog’.

The duo formed a strong partnership and even went to capture the company’s tag team titles before going on their separate ways. Dynamite Kid was a revered wrestling star across the world and tributes have poured in from current and former wrestlers.

“It deeply saddens me to announce the passing of Tom Billington the “Dynamite Kid.” I was really happy and glad I got to see Dynamite one last time last June in the UK. Dynamite was certainly an inspiration to myself and many others and really revolutionized,” Davy Boy Smith Jr. wrote on Twitter following the wrestler’s passing.

British publication TMW News called him a “pioneer in British Wrestling”, stating: “A pioneer in British Wrestling, it's with great sadness we have to report that "Dynamite Kid " Tom Billington has passed away this morning on what would be his 60th Birthday. Rest in Peace, Dynamite.”

There were many other tributes from former and current wrestling stars from across the globe.