Wrestling world mourns the flamboyant legend, Adrian Street, at 82

Adrian Street, Flamboyant Wrestling Legend, Dies at 82

Introduction

Adrian Street, a flamboyant and iconic figure in the world of professional wrestling, has passed away at the age of 82. Known for his outrageous appearance and no-holds-barred fighting style, Street captivated audiences during the 1970s and 1980s. His wife, Linda, described him as “the kindest, most loving man you could ever meet” behind the larger-than-life persona he portrayed in the ring.

A Life in Wrestling

Born in Blaenau Gwent, Street defied expectations and pursued a career in wrestling instead of following in his father’s footsteps as a pit-worker. Street’s journey to become a renowned wrestler began when he ran away to London in his mid-teens and signed up with a wrestling promoter who gave him the moniker “Kid Tarzan Jonathan.” Eventually, Street adopted his own name and distinguished himself with his flamboyant costumes, including feather boas, dayglo face paint, and peroxide pigtails.

Despite facing mockery from the audience, Street embraced his unique persona, skipping around the ring and planting lipstick kisses on his opponents’ foreheads before unleashing his formidable fighting prowess. His tenacity and refusal to submit to gimmicks even led him to defeat the infamous Jimmy Savile, a DJ and TV presenter who had been known for his tough-guy image during his stint as a wrestler.

Success in North America

During the 1980s, Street relocated to Canada and the United States, where he solidified his status as a wrestling superstar. He continued to entertain the crowds with his showmanship, capturing one championship belt after another. Alongside his wife Linda, who also had a background in wrestling, Street ventured into business, establishing a successful costume-making enterprise called The Bizarre Bazaar and opening a wrestling school known as the Skull Krushers Academy.

A Cultural Icon

In recent years, Street returned to Wales, and a biographical film titled “You May Be Pretty, But I Am Beautiful” was released in 2019, examining his cultural impact and influence beyond the wrestling ring. Street’s flamboyant attire and larger-than-life personality were seen as precursors to the glam rock movement in the UK. He also recorded an album of songs with titles such as “Sweet Transvestite With A Broken Nose” and authored several autobiographies, including “The Merchant of Menace.” A photograph taken in 1973 of Street alongside his father and fellow miners at Blaenau Gwent colliery was acclaimed by artist Jeremy Deller as the “most important post-war picture ever taken,” symbolizing the transition of the UK from heavy industry to the entertainment age.

A Battle with Illness

Street battled cancer in 2001 and emerged victorious, defying initial grim predictions from his doctors. However, his recent bout with stroke and colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, proved insurmountable. Linda, his wife of over 50 years, shared that he died due to complications from sepsis. She praised Street’s kindness and gentle nature off-stage, announcing her plans to have him cremated, with his ashes scattered in the mountains near their home in Cwmbran, where he found solace during long walks in nature.

Conclusion

Adrian Street’s flamboyant persona and unyielding fighting spirit made him a legendary figure in the world of wrestling. Beyond the glitzy costumes and the extravagant performances, Street will be remembered as a kind and loving man who left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the UK. His legacy extends far beyond the wrestling ring, influencing the realms of fashion, music, and art, and inspiring generations of performers and spectators alike.