1. Dick Beyer: The Masked Destroyer and Doctor X
2. Professional Wrestling Career: The Destroyer
3. Doctor X
4. Unmasking and AWA Departure
5. Japanese Success
6. Later Career and Retirement
7. Legacy

Dick Beyer: The Masked Destroyer and Doctor X

Early Life and Education

Dick Beyer, born in 1933, was an American professional wrestler known for his iconic personas as "The Destroyer" and "Doctor X." Before embarking on a wrestling career, he played football and wrestled at Syracuse University, and even appeared in the 1953 Orange Bowl with the university team.

Professional Wrestling Career: The Destroyer

In 1953, Beyer earned a Master's degree in Physical Education. He briefly taught before transitioning to professional wrestling. Initially a "babyface" wrestler in the mid-1950s, he adopted the masked persona of "The Destroyer" in 1962.

The Destroyer debuted in Los Angeles and quickly gained fame, primarily due to his signature "Figure-Four Leg Lock." On July 27, 1962, he defeated Freddie Blassie (who had encouraged him to wear a mask) to become the Worldwide Wrestling Associates (WWA) Champion. Beyer held the title for ten months.

In early 1963, he faced Shohei "Giant" Baba in a series of three sold-out matches in Los Angeles. In May 1963, he traveled to Japan for the first time, facing Rikidozan in a match that drew over 70 million television viewers.

Doctor X

From 1966 to 1972, Beyer wrestled as "Doctor X" in Minneapolis, while still known as The Destroyer elsewhere. During this period, he fought notable opponents such as his brother-in-law, Billy Red Lyons. Lyons defeated Doctor X in 1971, using Beyer's signature leg lock.

Unmasking and AWA Departure

In August 1970, Doctor X unmasked during a match against former partner Black Jack Lanza, revealing his true identity as Dick Beyer. However, he continued to wrestle unmasked as "Bruce Marshall" in other cities.

In early 1972, Beyer suffered a broken leg in a match against Ray Stevens, prompting him to leave Minneapolis for Japan.

Japanese Success

Settling in Japan in 1973, Beyer spent six years wrestling for Tokyo's NTV and Giant Baba. He had a renowned feud with Mil Máscaras, leading to a seven-match series. Beyer also helped establish All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) and became a popular television personality on the late-night show "Uwasa No Channel." He held the PWF American Heavyweight Championship until his departure from AJPW in 1979.

Later Career and Retirement

After leaving Japan, Beyer wrestled in Montreal and Toronto until 1984. He faced notable opponents such as Bob Backlund, André the Giant, and Terry Funk. In 1984, he semi-retired and spent the next 11 years teaching physical education in Akron, New York, where he coached football, swimming, and wrestling.

Legacy

Despite his retirement, Beyer remained an active figure in the wrestling community. He served on the Cauliflower Alley Club's board of directors and was a member of Toastmasters International. In 2011, he returned to Japan with his son for an AJPW charity event. Wearing the Destroyer mask once more, he presented the Destroyer Cup to Kentaro Shiga.

Martial art