Billy Goelz

William Charles Goelz (January 3, 1918 – November 20, 2002) was an American professional wrestler, booker and trainer who was a prominent competitor in the National Wrestling Alliance throughout the 1940s, 50s and 60s. He held 16 championships throughout his career including two reigns as NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion and had perhaps his most memorable feuds with Verne Gagne, Gypsy Joe, Al Williams, and Angelo Poffo father of "Macho Man" Randy Savage. He was a two-time world champion in the NWA, having won the Junior-Heavyweight Championship twice in 1949, defeating Marshall Esteppe and Al William respectively. Goelz was a fan favourite and was popular among fans for his clean, technical style of wrestling.

Later life and passing A veteran of World War II, Goelz was a member of the American Legion in Fox Lake, Illinois. He was also a member of the American Association of Retired Persons and Teamsters local 301 in Waukegan, Illinois. Goelz and his wife, Ruth, had five children. He eventually moved to Corpus Christi, Texas with his daughter Gloria Childs and her husband Kent. There he trained, managed, and promoted pro wrestlers for the Texas territories, as well as training his two grandsons in the process. He continued his wrestling mentorship at the local level into his late 70's. After retiring for good in 1996, Billy spent time back home in the Chicago area close to family. He died at St Joseph's Hospital, Florida on November 20, 2002. e is buried in the Grass Lake Cemetery in Antioch, Illinois.

Championships and accomplishments National Wrestling Alliance NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship (two times) NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship (one time) Midwest Junior Heavyweight Championship (four times) Midwest Heavyweight Championship (three times) Midwest Tag Team Championship (two times) Wisconsin Junior Heavyweight Championship