Les Thatcher began his professional wrestling career in 1960 and for a "local boy" from Cincinnati, Ohio he has made a mark that many aspire to and fewer still achieve. The latest accolade among many for Thatcher came on Sunday when he was mentioned as the first honoree in the "Hall of Heroes" of the Mid-Atlantic Legends (formerly NWA Legends) Fanfest to be held in August in Charlotte.
Thatcher is considered one of the best light heavyweight workers ever to step into the ring and his dropkick is the design that all others use. Though known for his accomplishments as a light heavyweight Thatcher's greatest in-ring accomplishments have been conceived as a tag team worker holding a number of national and regional titles with partners including Roger Kirby, Dennis Hall, Bearcat Brown and another legendary light heavyweight Nelson Royal.
After his ring career was over Thatcher stepped into the role of trainer and was instrumental in the development of many current stars of the indie and national scene including former TNA wrestler Sharkboy, ROH standouts Nigel McGuiness, BJ Whitmer, Charlie Haas and WWE stars Shannon Moore, Rosey and Umaga.
The Mid-Atlantic Legends Fanfest will be held in Charlotte, N.C. on August 1-4, 2013 at the Hilton University Place Hotel. Announced guests include former WWWF World Champion Ivan Koloff and Thatcher with more to be announced soon.
The National Wrestling Alliance, under new "management" decided to sue promoter Greg Price over the use of the NWA trademark for the Fanfest after many years of allowing the NWA to be associated with and benefit from doing so. New NWA CEO R. Bruce Tharpe initiated a lawsuit wanting more than $800 for use of the trademark and punitive damages even after NWA COO Fred Rubenstein negotiated an agreement with Price that would have continued to allow the Fanfest to use the NWA brand.
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