Wild Red Berry
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| Born | November 20, 1906 Conway Springs, Kansas, United States |
|---|---|
| Died | July 21, 1973 (aged 66) Pittsburg, Kansas, United States |
| Cause of death | Myocardial infarction |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Red Berry |
| Billed height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Billed weight | 195 lb (88 kg) |
| Debut | 1926 |
| Retired | 1965 |
Ralph L. Berry (November 20, 1906 – July 21, 1973), better known by the ring name "Wild" Red Berry, was an American professional wrestler.
Berry was a nine-time NWA World Light Heavyweight Champions and an important smaller wrestler of the 1930s to the 1950s, as well as a famous professional wrestling manager in his later years.
Standing only 5'8", Berry had to find creative ways to win his matches, which is why he oftentimes turned to rule breaking. His defiant in-ring actions made him one of the most hated professional wrestlers of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Berry did not care, as his disregard for authority eventually lead him to more than fifteen professional wrestling championship reigns over the course of his lengthy career.
Berry continued his deviant behavior long after his in-ring career came to a close. As manager to such top stars as Gorilla Monsoon, The Fabulous Kangaroos and Bull Ramos, Berry was not above using his signature cane as a weapon.
Berry started off as a boxer in 1923, eventually winning the Kansas State Middleweight Championship. After breaking both of his hands, he decided to change his sport to professional wrestling. His first recorded match was in 1926 but wrestled at carnivals prior to that date. By 1937, he had won his first title, the National Wrestling Association's World Light Heavyweight Championship. Berry held the World Light Heavyweight Championship nine times between 1937 and 1947, trading it often with Danny McShain. Berry and McShain feuded for years in Southern California.
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