George Kidd

George Kidd (1925 – 5 January 1998) was a Scottish professional wrestler and television broadcaster.

Early life George Kidd was born in Dundee, Scotland, one of three brothers. He spent his childhood in the Hilltown area and attended Clepington Primary and Stobswell Secondary School. Kidd later left an apprenticeship to join the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm in 1943 and served as a mechanic during World War II.

Professional wrestling career In 1946, after leaving the army, Kidd started to work as a professional wrestler. At only 5' 6", weighing in at less than , Kidd had the odds stacked against him. Yet he was able to enjoy great success during his career by developing an elaborate, clever, and sometimes whimsical so-called ”British” style of wrestling. Kidd’s first paid match took place in 1946 at the Caird Hall in Dundee, where he was "booked" (professional wrestling term for being hired for one match) by promoter George de Relwsykow. In only a four-year span, he went on to conquer numerous championship titles, making a name for himself internationally. Kidd briefly lost his titles to, but regained the next month from, French wrestler René Ben Chemoul, adding Chemoul's FFCP World Lightweight Title to the crown. By 1952 he had also defeated Spanish and Belgian claimants to become undisputed World Lightweight champion (inasmuch as Kidd's was the only active version worldwide of the title). He held onto the combined title for 24 consecutive years, defending it 49 times.

On 2 March 1976, after more than 1000 matches, suffering only 7 defeats, Kidd resigned his championship and retired. He believed that over-exposure would turn the sport he loved into a pantomime.

Broadcasting career Kidd also worked for Grampian Television, which started transmitting in 1961. He hosted The Wednesday People and The George Kidd Show as well as Ask George Kidd. In 1965, viewers voted him Grampian Television Personality of the Year.

In 1965 Kidd he was awarded the Dundee’s ‘‘First Citizen’’ title.

George Kidd died on 5 January 1998. He had moved to Lawrence Street in the Broughty Ferry suburb of Dundee. His wife Hester had already died before him. He was survived by a son.

Championships and accomplishments Wrestling Observer Newsletter Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (2023)