Wrestling's 'dean' dies

Johnny Weaver, one of the most popular professional wrestlers to ever appear in the Carolinas, died of natural causes Friday at his home in Charlotte at the age of 72.

Weaver was the top babyface (good guy) for the Charlotte-based CrockettPromotions throughout the '60s and early '70s and teamed for much of that time as a headline act with partner George Becker. The two held the regional tag-team titles on several occasions. Weaver also held a slew of singles titles during his lengthy ring career. He won his first title, the NWA Southern tag-team belts, with partner Cowboy Bob Ellis in 1963.

Known as "the dean of professional wrestling," Weaver wore many hats during his career, including wrestler, broadcaster, booker and mentor.

Born in East St. Louis, Ill., Weaver began his pro career in 1957 and teamed with the late Sonny Myers as the Weaver Brothers. He came to Charlotte in 1962 to work for promoter Jim Crockett Sr., and had lived there ever since.

Weaver, whose effective sleeper hold became known as the "Weaverlock," was formerly married to women's wrestling star Penny Banner, and the couple had one daughter, Wendi.

"The business has lost one of the greats," former pro wrestling star Blackjack Mulligan (Bob Windham) said Friday night. "He was a master at this business. He ran the territory for 30 years for Crockett. He's going to be missed greatly."

Mulligan said he had recently told son Barry (Windham), now a producer with WWE, that Weaver would be a great asset for any wrestling company.

"He was the greatest finish man there ever was. This is a great loss, and there's going to be a big gap in this business."

Weaver had planned on retiring from the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Department, where he had worked as a deputy sheriff since the end of his in-ring wrestling career, in October.

"I'm counting down the days," Weaver said in an interview two weeks ago.