BILL MELBY
2004 CAC HONOREE
Bill Melby was a popular, dependable figure in the wrestling business during the 1950s and 1960s. He wrestled all over the country and had legions of fans in every town. “No matter where he went, he was a top guy,” said CAC president Red Bastien. “It was just a matter of time before the CAC honored Bill Melby.”
Melby’s career when he caught the eye of the Swedish Angel, who was the promoter in Salt Lake, UT. “I was a bodybuilder, in top physical condition,” said Melby. “Angel asked me if I would be interested in a career in professional wrestling. He was impressed with my build and the fact I had amateur experience. I said I’d give it a try, and that’s how it all started.”

He was an immediate success, working the top regions of his era: Portland, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago. “Working for Fred Kohler in Chicago was the thing all wrestlers hoped for,” said “Melby. “That was one of the first TV shows seen all over the country, and you could get jobs in any territory after appearing on it.”

Melby was in the mold of the classic babyface. “I was always a clean wrestler, “said Melby. He would vanquish his opponents with his Cobra Twist (abdominal stretch). Melby won a tournament in Los Angeles and was presented with his award afterwards by film star Kim Novak. When Roy Shire started promoting Francisco, he was one of the first stars brought in. Melby won a tournament in San Francisco and captured one of the first titles under the Shire banner. He even challenged NWA World Heavyweight champion Dick Hutton.

But as successful as he was as a single star, Melby was just as adept in the tag team ranks. Melby’s most famous run took place in Chicago, as he and Billy Darnell captured the NWA World Tag Team titles. “I had a few other partners, but that’s certainly the team everyone remembers best. We were together for about two years. Great times.”

Melby dabbled in real estate while still an active wrestler, then decided to hang up the boots after 15 years to pursue it full time. He also wanted to be close to his family, whom he missed so much while on the road. Melby added, “I really enjoyed being a wrestler – I traveled all over, and met some wonderful people in and out of the business -- it was just my time to go elsewhere.”

Though his wrestling career might be little more than a happy memory to him, it’s the memories that he gave all of us that have made Bill Melby worth honoring.