title
Proclamation honoring the astounding wrestling career of James J. Dillon.
body
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 capture the NWA Heavyweight Championship at Spirit Hall in Pittsburgh;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Allegheny County Council Member John P. DeFazio, do hereby commend and honor the astounding wrestling career of James J. Dillon which began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. May his inductions into the WWE Hall of Fame and Keystone Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame inspire others to achieve their dreams as wrestlers and to serve as a reminder that anything is possible to those who are determined.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 20th day of July 2019.