Len Denton

Len Denton

A professional wrestler best known by his ring name 'The Grappler'.
Date of Birth: 25.08.1958
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Len Denton: The Grappler
  2. The Dirty White Boys
  3. Grappler
  4. Pacific Northwest Success
  5. DDT Controversy
  6. WCW
  7. Recent Career
  8. Managerial Role

Len Denton: The Grappler

Early Career

Len Denton began his wrestling career under various pseudonyms, performing across North America. His early breakthrough came in the South, where he captured several regional championships.

Len Denton

The Dirty White Boys

In Memphis, Denton teamed with Tony Anthony as "The Dirty White Boys" under manager Jim Cornette. After losing their hair in a match, they adopted masks to continue their partnership as "Grappler #1" and "Grappler #2". This gimmick earned them the AWA Southern Tag Team Championship and a feud with The Fabulous Ones.

Len Denton

Grappler

After leaving Memphis, Denton and Anthony split and Denton retained the "Grappler" moniker. He wrestled in Texas and the Pacific Northwest, briefly crossing paths with another wrestler using the "Dirty White Boy" alias.

Len Denton

Pacific Northwest Success

In the Pacific Northwest, Grappler excelled as a wrestler, promoter, trainer, and manager following neck surgery. He is one of the few active competitors remaining from the NWA Pacific Northwest era.

DDT Controversy

Jake "The Snake" Roberts claims to have invented the DDT after stumbling over Denton's foot in a match, dropping Denton onto his head. This story is generally discredited, but it highlights the longstanding nature of Denton's career.

WCW

In the late 1990s, Denton competed in World Championship Wrestling under his real name. He faced undefeated United States Champion Goldberg in a memorable match on Monday Nitro.

Recent Career

Denton continued to wrestle sporadically after leaving WCW. From 2001 to 2006, he worked with Portland Wrestling as a wrestler and booking committee president. He announced his "retirement from retirement" in January 2010, joining North West Wrestling Alliance in Portland, Oregon. Denton has also appeared for DOA, NWWA, Portland Wrestling, and Portland Wrestling Uncut.

Managerial Role

In August 2013, Grappler announced his intention to become a manager for up-and-coming wrestlers. In October 2013, his trainee, Jeremy Blanchard from West Coast Wrestling Connection, won the local championship. In December 2013, Grappler formed the Wrecking Crew with Blanchard, Erik Baeden, Othello, and Alexander Hammerstone.

© BIOGRAPHS