MASAMBULA
Masambula, the wrestling Witchdoctor from West Africa was one of wrestling's most colourful characters. He always entered the ring draped in a full leopard skin and celebrated the gaining of a fall by doing a head stand on the corner post. Masambula came to the UK in the 1950's and settled in Bradford. At just a little over 13 stone, he was perfectly suited to go on with people like Mick McManus, Jackie Pallo and Adrian Street or the heavier men like Lee Sharron, Steve Haggetty and Steve Logan. Standing 6'2" tall and being of slim build, he seemed to be all arms and legs when he was wrestling. He topped the bill all over the country and with his rolling eyes and sense of fun he brought joy to millions of fans at the halls and on television. But at the height of his fame, his 23 year career ended suddenly in 1975 when he injured his back while being 'posted' in a televised match against Pete Roberts at Preston. It seems that the hook holding the ropes to the corner post was faulty and didn't 'give' with the impact. Masambula badly injured his spine and later sued the promoters and the ring man responsible. He was awarded £20,000 which was a lot of money at the time. The court case got a lot of coverage and once again the business was exposed in the newspapers. Masambula was loved by wrestling fans everywhere and some of his matches still pop up from time to time on the Wrestling Channel. |
Credit: Peter McNolte |
