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Larry Cameron
Larry Cameron
Larry Cameron
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Larry Cameron (November 4, 1952 – December 13, 1993) was an American professional football player and wrestler.

Key Information

Football career

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Larry Cameron
Profile
PositionLinebacker
Personal information
Height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight225 lb (102 kg)
Career information
CollegeAlcorn State
NFL draft1974: 12 / Pick 301st round
Career history
1975BC Lions
1975–1977Ottawa Rough Riders
Awards and highlights

Larry Cameron was born and raised in Natchez, Mississippi. He played football in high school and then in college at Alcorn A&M for the Alcorn A&M Braves. A linebacker, he was chosen #301 in the 1974 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. After being cut by the Broncos, he played with the BC Lions and Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League. In 1975 and 1976 he was an all-star and won the Grey Cup with Ottawa. His football career would be cut short due to injuries.[1]

Wrestling career

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After leaving football, Cameron developed an interest in bodybuilding and became Mr. Minnesota and Northern States Bodybuilding champion. After meeting Eddie Sharkey he briefly appeared for Verne Gagne and the American Wrestling Association. Later he trained with Stu Hart in Calgary alongside Brian Pillman.[1] Cameron made his Stampede Wrestling debut in 1985 billed as "Lethal" Larry Cameron, a strongman with a bad attitude. He won his first championship in September 1987, when he won Pro Wrestling America's Heavyweight Championship, defeating Ricky Rice.[2]

In 1988, he worked a few shows for the National Wrestling Alliance and the American Wrestling Association. In April 1989, he defeated Davey Boy Smith to win the Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship.[1] He returned to the AWA in 1990, after Stampede shut down the year prior. He also wrestled for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. In 1990 he also worked for World Championship Wrestling where he was managed by Teddy Long and tag-teamed with Butch Reed in a feud with Ric Flair and Arn Anderson.[1][2]

After a tryout with the World Wrestling Federation, he toured Austria where he met Otto Wanz. Wanz hired Cameron to appear in his promotion, Catch Wrestling Association, in September 1991. He won the CWA World Tag Team Championship with his partner Mad Bull Buster in July 1992. The two held the titles for 53 weeks before losing them to Dave Taylor and Mile Zrno. In April 1993, he wrestled one show in the United States for an NWA territory in Minnesota. That October, he and Mad Bull Buster regained the CWA Tag Team titles.[1][2]

Death

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On December 13, 1993, during a match with Tony St. Clair in Bremen, Germany, Cameron suffered a heart attack and died, aged 41 years.[2]

Championships and accomplishments

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See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Larry Cameron

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Larry Cameron (November 4, 1952 – December 13, 1993) was an American professional football player and wrestler known for his powerhouse style in promotions such as and (CWA), and for his tragic death from a heart attack during a match at age 41. Born in , Cameron excelled in football at , where he played linebacker from 1971 to 1974. He was selected by the in the 12th round (301st overall) of the but played professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the (1975) and (1976–1977), where he was a two-time CFL and champion (1975, 1976), as a linebacker. Injuries curtailed his football career after a few seasons, prompting his transition to in 1985. Trained by figures including and , Cameron debuted in Hart's promotion in , , adopting the nickname "Lethal" Larry Cameron for his intense, athletic performances. Over an eight-year career, he competed as a singles and wrestler in North American and international promotions, including the (), (), , and CWA, often billed at 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) and 280 lb (127 kg). Key achievements included defeating to win the Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship on April 28, 1989, holding it for seven months, and capturing the CWA World Tag Team Championship twice with partner Mad Bull Buster (), first winning it on July 11, 1992, and holding it for 53 weeks, then regaining it on October 24, 1993. He also had a short stint in the () in 1990 under the ring name "The Butcher." Cameron's career ended abruptly on December 13, 1993, during a CWA heavyweight title match against in , , when he collapsed from a massive heart attack in the ring; the referee awarded the victory to St. Clair via stoppage, but Cameron could not be revived.

Early life

Upbringing and family background

Larry Cameron was born on November 4, 1952, in . Specific details on his family dynamics, other immediate relatives, or upbringing influences are scarce in available records. He was the father of Lue Cameron, who later became a professional wrestler.

Early athletic pursuits and bodybuilding

During his high school years at High School in Mississippi, Larry Cameron pursued athletics primarily through football, which ignited his commitment to physical conditioning and strength development essential for the sport. This early focus on fitness helped him build a robust physique, achieving a playing weight of 225 pounds at a height of 6 feet, qualities that directly contributed to his recruitment for . After retiring from professional football in 1977 due to injuries, Cameron turned his athletic background toward , where he honed his impressive build through dedicated weight training.

American football career

College career at Alcorn State

Larry Cameron attended , a historically Black college and university (HBCU) located in , where he played as a linebacker from 1970 to 1973. He lettered in all four seasons, honing his skills in a program known for producing defensive talent within the (SWAC). By his senior year, he had emerged as a key contributor to Alcorn State's defense, earning recognition for his ability to disrupt opposing offenses through tackles and coverage. This established his eligibility for the .

Professional stints in NFL and CFL

Following a strong college career at Alcorn State, Larry Cameron entered the professional ranks as a linebacker, standing 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) tall and weighing 225 lb (102 kg). In the , Cameron was selected by the in the 12th round, 301st overall. He signed with the team that year but was released prior to the regular season, ending his brief tenure without appearing in a game. Cameron then transitioned to the Canadian Football League (CFL), signing with the for the 1975 season, where he played as an outside linebacker in 16 games and earned recognition as a CFL and West . He joined the in 1976, contributing to their defensive unit through the 1977 season. With Ottawa, Cameron appeared in 26 games over 1976 and 1977 (16 in 1976 and 10 in 1977), recording notable defensive statistics including eight interceptions for 103 yards during his overall CFL career. During his time with the Rough Riders, Cameron was selected as an East in 1976, highlighting his impact on the league's eastern conference defenses. He also played a key role in Ottawa's 1976 victory, defeating the 23–20 in the championship game. Injuries curtailed his football career after the 1977 season. These accomplishments marked the peak of Cameron's professional football career before he pursued other endeavors.

Professional wrestling career

Training and debut

After retiring from professional football in the early 1980s, Larry Cameron developed an interest in as a means to continue leveraging his athletic background. His experience as a linebacker provided the physical conditioning and power necessary to transition into the demanding world of the ring. Cameron's formal training began under in , , where Sharkey, known for developing robust talents, recognized his potential. He subsequently traveled to , , to train in the Hart Family under , honing his fundamentals alongside other aspiring wrestlers. To further refine his style, Cameron trained with in , incorporating elements of international technique into his repertoire. Cameron debuted in professional wrestling in 1985 with Stampede Wrestling in Calgary, initially competing under his real name. Billed at 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) tall and 280 lb (127 kg), he focused on territorial and independent circuits early on, adapting his football-honed strength to power-based matches.

Key promotions, feuds, and matches

Cameron's professional wrestling career spanned multiple promotions in North America and internationally, beginning with his debut in Stampede Wrestling in 1985, where he competed under his real name before adopting the ring name "Lethal" Larry Cameron and establishing himself as a powerhouse competitor with an aggressive style. In 1988, he appeared in select events for the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the American Wrestling Association (AWA), honing his in-ring presence against established talent. He also had a brief stint in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1990 as "The Butcher," wrestling a handful of matches. By 1990, Cameron joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he was managed by Teddy Long and frequently teamed with Butch Reed as part of a dominant heel duo; their storyline positioned them as challengers to top stars, including a notable steel cage tag team match on December 8, 1990, in which Ric Flair and Arn Anderson defeated them. In during the late 1980s, Cameron engaged in intense rivalries that highlighted his physicality, particularly a heated feud with featuring notable bouts such as his victory via pinfall on April 28, 1989, in , , and a streetfight on October 6, 1989. He also adopted the persona "The Butcher" in various territories, emphasizing a brutal, no-holds-barred approach that suited his football background and drew crowd reactions through intimidating promos and hard-hitting offense. Later, in the (CWA), Cameron toured extensively from 1992 onward, partnering with Mad Bull Buster in storylines against European and American opponents, including a high-profile match against on December 13, 1993, in , , during which he tragically collapsed. Cameron's international exposure included tours with (NJPW), where he competed in the 1990 Dream Tour alongside wrestlers like Bad News Brown, facing teams such as Kengo Kimura and , and the 1992 Explosion Tour, highlighted by a singles loss to on April 26, 1992, in a fast-paced bout showcasing his against technical stylists. He also undertook a 1991 tour in with the International Wrestling Association (IWA), wrestling in main events and adapting to diverse crowds, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile big man capable of carrying storylines across borders. These experiences in promotions like NJPW and CWA exposed him to global audiences, blending his American football-derived athleticism with international wrestling narratives.

Championships and accomplishments

Football honors

During his rookie season with the in 1975, Larry Cameron was selected as a CFL at linebacker. He also earned the Trophy as the Western Division's Most Outstanding Rookie that year. After being traded to the ahead of the 1976 season, Cameron was named an East Division . That season, he helped the Rough Riders secure the championship with a 23–20 victory over the on November 28, 1976, at Toronto's .

Wrestling titles

Larry Cameron's professional wrestling career included several championship reigns across independent promotions, highlighting his power-based style and ability to compete in both singles and divisions. In September 1987, Cameron captured his first major title by defeating Ricky to win the Pro Wrestling America (PWA) Heavyweight Championship in . He held the title for nearly two years, defending it successfully against regional challengers until losing it back to on July 8, 1989, in , . On April 28, 1989, Cameron defeated to claim the North American Heavyweight Championship in , . This victory came amid a heated rivalry with Smith, stemming from prior encounters. His reign lasted approximately eight months, ending when ceased operations in December 1989, after which the title was deactivated. During this period, Cameron defended the belt against competitors including Steve DiSalvo and Bob Emory in house shows across . Cameron later transitioned to tag team success in Europe, partnering with Mad Bull Buster to win the Catch Wrestling Association (CWA) World Tag Team Championship twice. Their first reign began on July 11, 1992, in , , where they dethroned the reigning champions in a two-out-of-three falls match. The duo held the titles for 53 weeks, showcasing strong defenses against international teams before dropping them to David Taylor and Miles Zrno on July 18, 1993, in Vienna, . They regained the championship on October 24, 1993, in Hanover, , again defeating Taylor and Zrno (substituting in some accounts) in a rematch. This second reign was short-lived, vacated in December 1993 following Cameron's in-ring collapse and . Additionally, Cameron was awarded the International Wrestling Association (IWA) Heavyweight Championship in July 1991, holding it briefly before vacating it upon leaving the promotion in 1992.

Death and legacy

Circumstances of death

On December 13, 1993, Larry Cameron died in , , at the age of 41 following a heart attack suffered during a match. The incident occurred while Cameron was competing against in a bout for the (CWA), a German promotion on whose tour he was performing in the later stages of his career. During the fourth round of the match, Cameron experienced the heart attack, prompting the to immediately stop the contest and declare St. Clair the winner by forfeit. Medical personnel attempted to revive him on-site, but their efforts were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

Impact on wrestling and tributes

Larry Cameron is remembered as a notable transitional figure from professional football to wrestling, leveraging his athletic background as a linebacker to excel as a powerhouse performer in the ring. His physical intensity and versatility allowed him to thrive in various territories, particularly through international tours that showcased his adaptability beyond North American promotions. Cameron's legacy endures through posthumous recognitions, including his 1995 induction into the Hall of Fame, honoring his contributions during his debut tenure in where he captured the North American Heavyweight Championship. This accolade, part of a broader tribute to Stampede alumni at the promotion's 50th anniversary event, underscores his role in building the prestige of key titles and regional wrestling histories. His in-ring death contributed to heightened awareness of cardiovascular risks in , an era marked by multiple premature fatalities among performers due to the sport's grueling physical and travel demands. As one of the few documented cases of a fatal heart attack occurring mid-match, Cameron's passing highlighted vulnerabilities like underlying heart conditions exacerbated by the industry's rigors. Posthumous documentation of Cameron's personal life remains sparse, with much of the available record focused on his professional achievements rather than or later influences, reflecting his status as a mid-card talent in non-mainstream promotions.

References

  1. https://www.profootballarchives.com/players/c/came00750.html
  2. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1974/draft.htm
  3. https://www.statscrew.com/football/stats/p-camerlar001
  4. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/larry-cameron/
  5. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=1888
  6. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=173
  7. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=128964
  8. https://whatculture.com/wwe/13-wrestlers-died-ring?page=4
  9. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10701892/larry-leon-cameron
  10. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=1152
  11. https://www.profootballarchives.com/1976cflott.html
  12. https://www.statscrew.com/football/roster/t-CFLOTT/y-1976
  13. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/Larry_Cameron
  14. https://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/larry-cameron-1082.html
  15. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=shows&show=98610
  16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0qN3_2HnRA
  17. http://www.profightdb.com/wrestlers/larry-cameron-1082.html
  18. https://static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/BC-Lions-All-Stars-and-Hall-Of-Fame-Inductees.pdf
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  20. https://www.statscrew.com/football/l-CFL/y-1976
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  22. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/mn/pwa/pwa-h.html
  23. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/canada/ab/stampede/ab-na-h.html
  24. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=titles&aufgabe=matches&titel=256&seite=54
  25. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/europe/germany/cwa/eu-cwa-t.html
  26. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/oh/iwa/oh-iwa-h.html
  27. https://www.therichest.com/sports/10-wrestlers-who-tragically-died-in-action/
  28. https://wrestlerdeaths.com/wrestlers-who-died-in-the-ring/
  29. https://www.facebook.com/todayprowrestlinghistory/posts/lethal-larry-cameron-was-born-on-this-day-in-1952for-many-american-fans-cameron-/1753772792223562/
  30. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/canada/ab/stampede/hof.html
  31. https://slamwrestling.net/archive/heavyweight-champions-of-stampede-wrestling-fittingly-remembered-in-title-belt-tribute/
  32. https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/top-10-wrestlers-who-passed-away-in-the-ring/
  33. https://dead-wrestler-database.fandom.com/wiki/Larry_Cameron
  34. https://www.stormwrestling.com/010407.html
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