Bill Ross Inducted Into The Professional Wrestling Hall Of Fame For Scotland

Courtesy of Bradley Craig of The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame for Scotland:

Bill Ross was inducted into The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame for Scotland. His induction plaque was presented by Dennis Melloy, Provost of Perth and Kinross, at Blackford Highland Games.

He was a former two time Scottish Lightweight Champ, two time European Lightweight Champ, Three time British Commonwealth Lightweight Champ, and World Middleweight Champ, beating Adrian Street at Aberdeen’s Music Hall in 1979

He retired undefeated World Middleweight Champion in 1980. He actually started wrestling at the Blackford Highland Games, and is this years Chieftain of the games, which is in its 149th year.

Information courtesy of Wrestling Heritage:

The high flying Scot was a popular figure on the lightweight scene from the mid sixties and into the 1980s. Little wonder he was popular because his wrestling skill, agility and speed made him an equal of those other top men of the time Al Miquet, Jon Cortez, Jim Breaks etc.

The etc. is of significance because the lightweight division had a surplus of talent during the late 1960s and 1970s, with Johnny Saint, Jim Breaks, George Kidd, Al Miquet, Zoltan Boscik, Jon Cortez (need we go on?) ensuring that only the very best could be uttered in the same breath. Even in Scotland Kidd, McKenzie and Ross could ensure the Scottish title was worth having.

Bill’s wrestling commitments were limited to the midlands, north of England and Scotland, which we can only imagine was of his own chosing. It was only this lack of national exposure that prevented him being classed as an equal with Breaks, Saint, Boscik and other lightweight greats.

Trained by Andy Robin and Jim Bell, neighbours of his in Auchterarder, the youngster found success in both singles matches, winning both the Scottish, Commonwealth and European lightweight titles, and in a tag partnership with Jim McKenzie, a pairing that were a match for the Royal brothers, Jet Set and just about every other tag team of the time.

Another tag partner was his mentor, Andy Robin. The oddly matched pair (Andy being a good five stones heavier and of a more rugged style) wrestled together in both Britain and overseas.

At a competitive level Bill Ross also found success. He held the Commonwealth lightweight title for five years, from 1971 until 1976, and on three occasions had the European lightweight belt secured around his waist.