OK, so Baron Michele Leone was not a real baron. But pro wrestling made him as rich as one. One of the biggest stars in Los Angeles wrestling history, Leone and NWA Champion Lou Thesz drew the first $100,000 house in the history of wrestling. Now his widow has given that $100,000 in his name to the Santa Monica Historical Society Museum.
"My husband moved to Santa Monica in 1949, and that began his lifelong love affair with Santa Monica," Billie Leone said.
"He loved everything about the city, from the people to its many scenic attractions like the [Santa Monica] Pier, but he especially loved the sun, the beach and the ocean," she added. "He was very active and physically fit, and he would go to the beach every day when he was not out of town wrestling."
After the jump, the good Baron in action. Old School!
Lord James Blears vs Baron Michele Leone (via GoldenAge2008)