It was a dark day in 1997 when Shirley Crabtree, better known as Big Daddy, died at the age of 67.
Up until his retirement in 1993, it is undeniable that Big Daddy was the biggest star in British wrestling history. He was known across the country, boasting his own TV show, comic strip and episode of “This Is Your Life”.
Celebs queued up to proclaim their love for the larger-than-life wrestler. This included Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, as well as Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
While some have claimed that Big Daddy killed wrestling, that is disputed. However, he was a supremely popular figure throughout the UK up until his death in 1997.
Big Daddy Died Of A Stroke In 1997
Big Daddy retired from wrestling in 1993. His health began to deteriorate towards the end of his career, with a flair up of Bell’s Palsy forcing his family to intervine and make him retire from wrestling.
He had a series of strokes, starting in 1994. It severely limited his mobility, although Shirley could still drive for the majority of the rest of his life.
The former wrestler spent a lot of time at the physiotherapist, building back the strength in his legs over the next few years. With the help of his daughter, he managed to do as much as he could, but his mobility suffered.
A car crash saw him lose his car keys. This was the beginning of the end for Big Daddy, according to Ryan Danes’ book “Who’s The Daddy”. His health quickly deteriorated even further, and a massive stroke in 1997 after a growing number of fits.
Big Daddy died of a stroke on 2 December 1997 in Halifax General Hospital. He was 67 years old, and is fondly remembered by wrestling fans across the UK as the biggest wrestling star Britain has ever seen.
He Wrestled His Last Match In 1993
Despite his worsening health at the end of his life, Big Daddy didn’t hang up his boots untl he 1993.
His last match took place at the end of the year, although it was a far cry from the peak of British wrestling. While Summerslam 1992 drew nearly 80,000 fans the year prior, less than 2,000 saw Big Daddy compete for the final time.
The match took place in the Winter Gardens in Margate. Big Daddy teamed with Tony Stewart to defeat The Masked Undertakers.
It marked the final match of a legendary, if not controversial career. There will never be another like Shirley “Big Daddy” Crabtree.
Click here to read more in-depth about Big Daddy’s last match.
