Kevin Cawley was a journeyman of the British wrestling circuit. He worked for many years under many guises, most of them under a mask. His most famous character was The Black Baron, managed by perennial heel manager Charlie McGee. He made two television appearances, both in 1980. He teamed with Japanese visitor Yasu Fuji in a losing effort to Big Daddy (no surprise there) and Chris Adams - yes, the very same Chris Adams who went on to enjoy huge stardom in World Class wrestling in Texas. He was then also involved in an 8 man battle royal won by Giant Haystacks (again, no surprise there, how on earth was anyone supposed to throw him over the top rope?). He also competed as the gimmick-infringing Spiderman, The Zebra Kid (not to be confused with the original masked Zebra Kid, George Bollas) and The Outlaw. British wrestlers often started younger than most other countries, and often ending older than most, and so a British wrestler would have a long career, and this can certainly be said for Cawley. Cawley was competing as The Black Baron on an All Star Promotions show in October 1992 at the Lewisham Theatre in Catford. The venue is a famous old wrestling venue that played host to several television matches over the years, most famously a Rollerball Rocco v Fuji Yamada (Jushin Liger, pre-mask) world title match. On this night, the show ended with a battle royal. During the match, Cawley collapsed in the corner, having suffered a heart attack. Seconds and officials carried him out of the ring and to the dressing rooms and the match continued, presumably with most of the other wrestlers and the audience unaware of the severity of the incident. Cawley had tragically passed away in the ring at the age of 46.
Dean Ayass is a well known name to British wrestling fans. A commentator, manager, booker and ring announcer who has been involved in the business since 1993, Dean's insight into the business is second to none.
