Ernie Roth

Ernie Roth ( born June 7, 1929 in Canton, Ohio; † 12 October 1983), better known as The Grand Wizard was an American wrestling manager.

Career

Beginning

Roth was a big wrestling fan, but because of his stature, he was not active in a position to be a wrestler. But in order in the wrestling business to be active, he was born in 1960 to a commentator for Stu Hart's Stampede promotion. Soon after, he became manager Magnificent Maurice and " Handsome " Johnny Barend in Columbus. As Mr. Clean he wore a bald head with earrings. Roth also appeared in six man tag team match.

Big Time Wrestling (1965-1970)

In 1965 he went to Detroit to Big Time Wrestling and put the name Abdullah Farouk to. Reason for the name change was the management contract for the Sheik Ed Farhat. This was promoter of Detroit and did not speak English, so he needed a manager. Sheik and Farouk had at this time a special vendetta against Bobo Brazil.

Worldwide Wrestling Federation

In 1970, Roth with the Sheik in the WWWF. The debut was against Bruno Sammartino. Vince McMahon Sr. was like to Roth and offered him a full-time contract to. Ernie Roth then went to the WWWF and became the Grand Wizard, a comic -like heel manager. In the WWWF the Grand Wizard appeared never physically in action, through his interviews, he created his status. On 1 December 1973, gaining for a short time the Grand Wizard with Stan Stasiak WWWF the heavyweight championship. The Grand Wizar was also manager of Jimmy Valiant, Luke Graham, Mark Lewin, King Curtis and Don Muraco. On April 30, 1977, he was able to recover with " Superstar" Billy Graham the title. Together they drawten very well at Madison Square Garden. They also managed as the first long-term title reign of heels. A year later, they lost the title to Bob Backlund.

Intercontinental Championship Division

The next 5 years, the Grand Wizard Manager by Pat Patterson, Greg Valentine, Don Muraco, Ken Patera and in the Intercontinental Championship Division. He managed also wrestlers like Blackjack Mulligan, Jerry Blackwell, Ernie Ladd, Ox Baker, Bobby Duncum Sr., Sgt Slaughter and Stan Hansen.

Death

On October 12, 1983 Ernie Roth died of a heart attack at the age of 54 years. In the next TV tapings Sgt Slaughter had a match, he saluted it in an empty corner, the fans but was not then informed that Roth had died. Later there was some tribute to the WWF broadcasts. After that, he was regarded as the best manager of wrestling history and made it in 1995 in the WWF Hall of Fame.

Title and Credits

• World Wrestling Entertainment

• WWE Hall of Fame 1995

Actor

In 1985, he played played a role in the movie I Like to Hurt People.