Ed Lewis (wrestler)

Edward "Strangler" Lewis (real name: Robert Herman Julius Friedrich; he changed his name because his parents didn't approve of wrestling) was born June 30 1891, in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, and died August 8 1966 in New York, New York). His career spanned an unbelievable four decades and he held the world championship in wrestling an amazing four times. After retirement, he managed famed wrestlerLou Thesz. Lewis was inducted in the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, Latham, New York, in 2002.

"Strangler" Lewis began wrestling at the age of fourteen. According to Lewis' own notes, the wrestler appeared in over 6,200 matches (with only 33 losses). A Wisconsin state historical marker commemorates his achievements in his hometown of Nekoosa, Wisconsin. Lewis' father worked as a South Wood County, Wisconsin, police officer.

Lewis participated in perhaps one of the longest matches in the history of professional wrestling, when he battled Joe Strecher for five and a half hours, earning only "a draw." Among his other opponents, each noted for his prowess in the ring, were Ed Don George, Stanislaus Zybyszko, and Joe Malcewicz.

Retiring from wrestling in 1948, Lewis lived in California. Eventually, he went blind (yet still lectured widely across America about perseverance and stamina, as well as his deeply held beliefs in god, country and family).

Height: 5'10 Weight 265 lbs. Finisher: varration of the Sleeper Hold

Notable Feuds: Stanislaus Zybyszko

               Orville Brown
               Joe Stecher
               Jim Londos
               Dick Shikat
               Freddie Beel
               Jack Leon