Herbie Farnworth

The name Herbie Farnworth alone gave me shivers of excitement when I was a kid. I could easily picture him with his pale, green face, protruding ears, and shaggy mop of black hair. His face was often painted with big, red lipsticks marks, after being forcefully kissed by Gorgeous George. Herbie often gave me a good chuckle while watching old black and white wrestling footage on YouTube.

Born in 1933 in Colne, Lancashire, England, Herbie was a professional wrestler and promoter during the 1950s and 1960s. While he wasn't the biggest wrestler by any means, he had a reputation for being strong and vicious. He wrestled under multiple names, including "Bionic Elbow" and "The Green Terror."

Farnworth's claim to fame came in 1961 when he found himself in the ring with the legendary Gorgeous George. George, known for his flamboyant attire and his signature kiss, was a crowd favorite. However, Farnworth wasn't impressed.

According to Farnworth, George grabbed him around the neck and demanded a kiss. Farnworth refused, and the two men scuffled. The crowd went wild as Farnworth gave George a taste of his own medicine, kissing him hard on the lips. This audacious move turned Farnworth into an instant fan favorite.

Farnworth's career continued for several more years, and he even headlined a few shows. However, his star eventually faded, and he retired from wrestling in 1967. Sadly, Farnworth passed away in 1994 at the age of 61.

Herbie Farnworth may not be a household name today, but he will always be remembered by those who saw him perform. His unique style and his fearless attitude made him a true legend of the squared circle.

• Fun Fact: Farnworth is credited with inventing the diving headbutt, a move that has since become commonplace in wrestling.
• Anecdote: In a match against fellow wrestler John Foley, Farnworth gave Foley such a hard headbutt that he knocked him out cold. The referee had to stop the match and declare Farnworth the winner.
• Nuanced Opinion: Farnworth's style of wrestling was brutal and unforgiving, yet he was also capable of great technical skill. He was a true pioneer in the sport.

Herbie Farnworth, the man who kissed Gorgeous George and left an unforgettable mark on the world of wrestling.