Summary: Abdullah the Butcher is a retired Canadian professional wrestler who has a net worth of $2 million. He is known for his hardcore wrestling style, which often involved the use of foreign objects such as steel chairs and garbage cans. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
1. Early Life
Abdullah the Butcher was born Lawrence Robert Shreve on January 11, 1941, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He grew up in a poor family and dropped out of school after the sixth grade to take odd jobs to help support his family. When he was a teenager, he began training to become a wrestler and made his debut in 1958 at the age of 17.
Abdullah the Butcher traveled around Canada and the United States, working for various wrestling promotions and building a reputation as a fierce competitor. He was known for his distinctive look, which included a wild beard and turban, and his intimidating demeanor in the ring.
Despite his success as a wrestler, Abdullah the Butcher faced discrimination and racism throughout his career due to his ethnicity. He continued to work hard and prove himself as a top performer in the industry.
2. Career Highlights
Abdullah the Butcher had a long and successful career in professional wrestling, spanning over five decades. He competed in various promotions, including the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), World Championship Wrestling (WCW), and Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). He was known for his hardcore wrestling style, which often involved the use of foreign objects and violent tactics.
Abdullah the Butcher won numerous championships throughout his career, including the NWA World Tag Team Championship and the International Wrestling Alliance World Heavyweight Championship. He also competed in high-profile matches against legendary wrestlers such as Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and Ric Flair.
In addition to his in-ring career, Abdullah the Butcher has trained and influenced many other wrestlers, including Bam Bam Bigelow, The Great Muta, and Sabu. He is widely respected for his contributions to the industry and his dedication to his craft.
3. Controversies
Abdullah the Butcher has been involved in several controversies throughout his career, particularly related to his use of foreign objects in matches. In 2007, he was sued by Hannibal Buress, a wrestler who claimed that Abdullah the Butcher had given him hepatitis C during a match in Puerto Rico. Buress alleged that Abdullah the Butcher cut him with a razor blade that had been contaminated with his own blood, which led to him contracting the virus.
The lawsuit was eventually settled out of court for an undisclosed amount. However, it tarnished Abdullah the Butcher’s reputation and led to criticism of his hardcore wrestling style and use of dangerous tactics in matches.
Despite these controversies, Abdullah the Butcher remains a beloved figure in the wrestling community and is widely respected for his contributions to the industry.
4. Personal Life
Abdullah the Butcher is notoriously private about his personal life. He has been married multiple times and has several children, although little is known about his family or personal relationships.
Abdullah the Butcher currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where he runs a restaurant called Abdullah the Butcher’s House of Ribs and Chinese Food. He is also involved in charity work and has donated money to various causes over the years.
Despite his fame and success, Abdullah the Butcher remains humble and grounded, never forgetting his humble beginnings and the struggles he faced early in his career.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Abdullah the Butcher is a legendary figure in the wrestling community who has had a long and successful career in the industry. Despite facing discrimination and controversy throughout his career, he remains a beloved and respected figure who has influenced generations of wrestlers. His net worth of $2 million is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft.
Abdullah the Butcher is a true icon of professional wrestling, and his legacy will continue to live on for years to come.