Roger Kirby wrestler

Willis Kirby (December 14, 1939 – March 18, 2019) was an American professional wrestler. He primarily competed within the National Wrestling Alliance, where he is a former NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion. He also competed in promotions such as the World Wrestling Association, World Wrestling Federation and Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre. Fellow wrestlers have called Kirby "one of the greatest performers to ever work in the squared circle" Kirby was born in Muncie, Indiana, and raised in Dunkirk, Indiana. He is a cousin of fellow professional wrestler Les Thatcher. Kirby was a Golden Gloves boxer prior to entering professional wrestling, and trained in grappling by Dick the Bruiser and The Sheik. He took on the moniker "Nature Boy", wrestling as a heel and taking on numerous world champions, including Pat O'Connor. In 2010, he was honoured by the Cauliflower Alley Club and awarded their annual Men's Men's Award. He died in Kansas City, Kansas, in March 2019, at the age of 80. He had both knees replaced along with his shoulder in 1986.