Marvellous question During the 50,s the territory's were in full force and there were a lot of amazing companies producing wrestlers that were true 'in ring' technicians bringing grace and awe to the squared circle. A time period where many a classic bout occurred that sadly will get overlooked by today's generation of wrestling fans who only want flashy spots jumping off the top rope, no sells and gimmicks a plenty sigh. But back to the question. My pick would be the above mentioned Lou Thesz a true wrestling legend who graced us with his sheer presence. Those lucky to witness his bouts draw my utter envy. Rikizodan in Japan who entertained a post war depressed Japanese wrestling crowd Danny Hodge as well, was real wrestling royalty.
My vocabulary can not do this wrestling God among mere mortals justice but it wasn't just scienctific wrestlers who were great in the 50's. Click the bruiser made many a brawl an enthralling back and forth contest filled with stamina and brutality - just look at the famous Reggie Lisowski bout in where the bruiser needed countless stitches afterwards. But to reiterate my previous comments concerning submission catch as can technicians. How can one forget Pat o Connery and the original nature boy Buddy Rogers. Btw these two legends also fought eventually for the nwa world heavyweight title but this happened in 1961, in my opinion one of the greatest matches ever. The sheer raw emotion and intensity it almost makes me cry. Now wrestling will never return to this state of perfection it was once in.
I will very briefly mention some other wrestlers from this time frame but it won't do these guys justice and for that I apologise these wrestlers include Angelino Poffo , El blue demon. The high flying Argentine Rocca , John Tolos , Crusher Verdu , Sputnik Monroe , Jerry jarret , Yukon eric , Paul Boesch. This was before he retired and became a legendary Booker but his wrestling career was underrated -and last but certainly not least Verne Gange.
I'm truly sorry to all the legends I didn't mention to all the wrestlers who gave their bodies to entertain us thank you. Sorry for the long rant but this is a subject that is very important to me and that I hold wrestling in the upmost highest manner especially old school
