Wrestling Legends of Yesteryear: "Gentleman" Chris Adams

Adams hailed from Stratford-on-Avon in England. He was introduced as a long-distance "pen pal" of the Von Erichs, specifically Kevin. The truth is Christopher Adams was an accomplished master of Judo who was trained in his native England by several wrestlers, including legends Dynamite Kid, Davey Boy Smith and Dave "Fit" Finlay.

Early experiences in wrestling:

After learning from the British legends, Adams moved to the Los Angeles area to train under Mike and Gene LeBell. The Los Angeles territory was in its final days when Adams joined. Adams won all the titles in the area before the company folded.

After Los Angeles, Adams moved north to the Portland, Oregon territory. During this stage in his career, Adams struck up friendships with Matt (Os)Borne, Jesse Barr (Jimmy Jack Funk), and "Iceman" King Parsons. These friendships would last the rest of Adams' life.

During this time, Adams toured much of the Asian, European, Canadian and Mexican markets. While in Mexico, Adams actually won the WWWF (WWE) Light Heavyweight title. Although the reign is pretty much ignored by the WWE, Adams held the title for two months.

World Class:

In early 1983, Dallas promoter Jack Adkisson (Fritz Von Erich) contacted Adams about relocating to the Dallas area. Many other Portland stars: Parsons, Borne, The Grappler, etc..., had moved to the expanding World Class territory. Adams was brought to the territory in April, 1983 and introduced in a series of interviews with legendary announcer, Bill Mercer. The two discussed Adams' background while enjoying "high tea". Adams, as an ally of the Von Erich, was cheered almost as loudly as the hometown heroes were.

Adams was thrown in several "Von Erich" feuds. He joined the brothers to battle the Freebirds, Skandar Akbar's Devastation Inc., Gary Hart and his stable, etc... After the death of David Von Erich in February, 1984, Adams was thrust, somewhat, into David's role until Mike Von Erich was fully ready to wrestle.