Shag Thomas (born James Thomas, August 11, 1924 â€" July 25, 1982) was
an American professional wrestler during the 1950s and 1960s. He was
one of the few African-American wrestlers of his day.Thomas was a
World War II veteran and member of the 1950 Rose Bowl champion Ohio
State Buckeye squad that entered that game at 6-1-2 (number 6 in the
AP poll). In July 1950, he signed a contract with the Green Bay
Packers and appeared in pre-season games that year, but was cut prior
to the final exhibition game.Born in Stewartsville, Ohio, Thomas began
wrestling during a time when segregation in professional wrestling was
still taking place in some territories and promotions throughout the
United States. He gained prominence while wrestling in the NWA Pacific
Northwest Territory for promoter Don Owen. Owen did not segregate his
wrestlers, and Thomas flourished there winning the Pacific Northwest
Heavyweight Championship twice and the Tag Team Championship 16
times.Thomas retired in 1969 after defeating Roger Kirby by
disqualification in his final match. After retirement he refereed
wrestling matches until 1972 when he briefly came out of retirement to
battle the Royal Kangaroos.
an American professional wrestler during the 1950s and 1960s. He was
one of the few African-American wrestlers of his day.Thomas was a
World War II veteran and member of the 1950 Rose Bowl champion Ohio
State Buckeye squad that entered that game at 6-1-2 (number 6 in the
AP poll). In July 1950, he signed a contract with the Green Bay
Packers and appeared in pre-season games that year, but was cut prior
to the final exhibition game.Born in Stewartsville, Ohio, Thomas began
wrestling during a time when segregation in professional wrestling was
still taking place in some territories and promotions throughout the
United States. He gained prominence while wrestling in the NWA Pacific
Northwest Territory for promoter Don Owen. Owen did not segregate his
wrestlers, and Thomas flourished there winning the Pacific Northwest
Heavyweight Championship twice and the Tag Team Championship 16
times.Thomas retired in 1969 after defeating Roger Kirby by
disqualification in his final match. After retirement he refereed
wrestling matches until 1972 when he briefly came out of retirement to
battle the Royal Kangaroos.
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