Izzy Slapawitz
| Izzy Slapawitz | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Jeff Smith |
| Born |
December 14, 1948 Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Residence | Queens, New York |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) |
Izzy Slapawitz Izzy Slapowitz Ilya Zimmervich Pretty Smitty from NYC |
| Billed height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Billed weight | 235 lb (107 kg) |
| Trained by | Rick Conner Frankie Caine |
| Debut | 1976 |
| Retired | 1992 |
Jeff Smith (born December 14, 1948), better known as Izzy Slapawitz, is an American retired professional wrestler, manager and color commentator, best known for his time with International Championship Wrestling.
From 1978 to 1982, Smith led the Slapowitz Syndicate in the NWA's Mid-South and Knoxville territories as well as many "outlaw" promotions in the Southern United States. He also had brief stints in Georgia Championship Wrestling, Jim Crockett Promotions, Maple Leaf Wrestling, and the World Wrestling Federation. At various times his stable included Barry O, Bob Orton, Jr., Boris Malenko, Crusher Broomfield, James "Sugar Bear" Harris, The Mongolian Stomper, Randy Savage, Ray Candy, Rip Rogers and The Devil's Duo (Doug Vines and Jeff Sword).
Smith was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He became a wrestling fan in the late 1950s. A childhood friend claimed that they were the first wrestling fans to bring signs to local World Wide Wrestling Federation house shows. Around 1971, Smith also co-founded an unofficial fan club for Freddie Blassie with members wearing homemade "Blassie's Army" T-shirts. As a teenager, Smith had an altercation with Kevin Sullivan while attending a live event at Sunnyside Gardens. Sullivan had been hit with an unknown object at the end of his bout against Davey O'Hannon. Smith, who often cheered for the "heel" wrestlers, had been heckling Sullivan (then a "babyface") throughout the night causing the wrestler to believe that Smith was responsible. The young wrestling fan was brought to the dressing room by building security after the match where he was confronted by Sullivan, Gorilla Monsoon and Arnold Skaaland. Smith denied any wrongdoing and was allowed to leave. Smith continued watching wrestling after moving to Knoxville, Tennessee in the mid-1970s. He eventually met Norvell Austin at a Southeastern Championship Wrestling. Austin later introduced Smith to Rick Conner who agreed to train him.
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