The British Bulldogs: Two Wigan Legends Who Deserve to be Remembered 

As a British wrestling fan, the names British Bulldog and Dynamite Kid mean something special to me. Davey Boy Smith and Tom Billington came from the Wigan areas and went on to make their mark thousands of miles from home, becoming two of the most influential British wrestlers of their generation. 

Their journeys took them from British wrestling to Stampede Wrestling in Canada, Japan and eventually WWF (WWE). Together, they became The British Bulldogs, a tag team that combined Dynamite’s speed, intensity and technical brilliance with Davey’s incredible strength and athleticism. 

Dynamite Kid was years ahead of his time. His legendary matches with Tiger Mask in Japan helped influence the faster, more physical style that became a huge part of modern professional wrestling. He wrestled with an intensity that made everything look important and generations of wrestlers have spoken about the influence he had on them.  

Davey Boy Smith had the charisma and ability to become a major star in his own right. After the British Bulldogs went their separate ways, Davey built an impressive singles career, winning major championships and becoming the first WWF European Champion.  

For British fans, however, one moment stands above almost everything else: SummerSlam 1992 at Wembley Stadium. 

More than 80k fans watched the British Bulldog defeat Bret Hart for the Intercontinental Championship. Hearing that enormous Wembley crowd supporting one of our own remains one of the greatest moments British wrestling has ever experienced. Davey wasn’t simply representing himself that night. To many of us watching, he was representing British wrestling. 

Davey's achievements were eventually recognised with his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, but there is still unfinished business much closer to home. His family and supporters have campaigned for Davey to receive a greater recognition in Wigan, including calls for him to be honoured on the town’s Believe Stars Walk of Fame. The campaign has faced difficulties because of rules surrounding posthumous recognition, but his family have continued to push for the hometown honour they believe he deserves. I sincerely hope that changes one day. A man can become famous around the world, but there is something particularly meaningful about being remembered where his story began. Davey carried the British Bulldog name into some of wrestling’s biggest arenas and Wigan should be proud of the part of the world that helped produce him.  

There is another honour that remains missing.  

Dynamite Kid has never been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. His life outside of the ring was complicated, and nobody needs to pretend otherwise. Acknowledging his wrestling influence doesn’t mean ignoring those difficult parts of his story. His contribution between the ropes was enormous and his place in wrestling history is undeniable.  

Dynamite Kid’s daughter Bronwyne Billington and the Billington family have continued fighting for Dynamite to receive his Hall of Fame recognition. I would love to see that campaign succeed and for his family to have the opportunity to celebrate what he contributed to professional wrestling. It would also feel fitting to finally have both members of the British Bulldogs recognised.  

These two men weren’t perfect, and their stories weren’t always easy but wrestling history isn’t made by perfect people. It’s made by people who leave something behind. Davey Boy Smith and Dynamite Kid certainly did that.  

Every time younger wrestlers combine technical wrestling with speed and power, there is a little piece of wrestling world that the Dynamite Kid helped shape. Every time a British wrestler walks into a major international promotion believing they can become a worldwide star, Davey’s journey remains proof of what is possible. 

That why these campaigns matter. 

Honour Davey Boy Smith in the place he called home. Attach is the petition: https://c.org/HZWpTVyzWC 

Give Dynamite Kid the Hall of Fame recognition his wrestling career deserves. Attach is the petition: https://c.org/5HNynScw4q 

Their families are keeping those hopes alive and wrestling fans should keep their memories alive too. I met Georgina Smith in 2022 at WWE PPV in Cardiff, Wales. She was showing her dads merch, past gear and she spoke so highly of her father that it was so emotional as a fan.  

From Wigan to Canada. Japan, WrestleMania and Wembley Stadium, The British Bulldogs became part of wrestling history and history should never forget them.  

British Bulldogs Forever