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Proclamation honoring the astounding wrestling career of James J. Dillon.
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WHEREAS, on December 7, 1968, 51 years ago, James J. Dillon had his first match in Pittsburgh, on WIIC’s Channel 11 and Studio Wrestling against “Killer” Kowolski; and
WHEREAS, hoping to break into professional wrestling, Mr. Dillon wrote to Italian-born American professional wrestler, Bruno Sammartino. It was Sammartino who gave Mr. Dillon, born James Morrison, a chance at wrestling; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dillon, who previously worked as a referee, started to wrestle regularly in the Northeast and as far west as Detroit. It was here that he started an in-ring rivalry with Dusty Rhodes that helped to define Mr. Dillon’s career. However, Pittsburgh always had a special place in his heart; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dillon’s wrestling career lasted for many years; he was best known as the manager of the Legendary 4 Horsemen. During that time, Mr. Dillon would accompany NWA World Heavyweight Champions to defenses at what was the then Civic Arena; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dillon, at his very last appearance as an active wrestler, headlined a Deaf Wrestlefest card at the Western Pennsylvanian School for the Deaf on May 3, 2009 that featured the grappler participating in a six-man competition with Frank Stilleto and Lou Marconi against the legendary Dominic DeNucci, Shane Douglas and Cody Michaels; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dillon had the honor of being inducted into the Hall of Fame by the WWE; and
WHEREAS in 2015, Mr. Dillon was accompanied by long-time friend Nick Busick in being inducted into the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance (KSWA) Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, in addition, Mr. Dillon accompanied Shawn Blanchard to the ring and advised his client to a 6th KWSA Heavyweight Championship reign; and
WHEREAS, last December, near the anniversary of his first match in Pittsburgh, Mr. Dillon once again accompanied Shawn Blanchard to the ring in an attempt to ...
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