Gene LeBell: Profile, Career Stats, Face/Heel Turns, Titles Won & Gimmicks

On this page, you find the full wrestling profile of Gene LeBell, with his Career History, real name, age, height and weight, the Promotions he worked for, all the Face/Heel turns, the Championship Titles he won, his Finishers, Theme Songs, Tag Teams and Stables, his appearance changes through the years, and more.

Ivan Gene LeBell was born in Los Angeles, California on October 9, 1932.

He died on August 9, 2022 at the age of 89.

Gene LeBell was inducted in the NWA Hall of Fame in 2011 as part of the Groups wing (as a member of The LeBells).

He was a legendary judoka and early inspiration to mixed martial arts, and was a co-promoter of NWA Hollywood Wrestling. He is the namesake of Daniel Bryan’s once-named “LeBell Lock” finisher.

Gene LeBell Profile Index

Profile Info

GenderMale
Real NameIvan Gene LeBell
Ring Names
- Gene LeBell (August 18, 1968 - March 9, 2012)
- The Hangman (September 14, 1964 - August 17, 1968)
- Gene LeBell (October 12, 1955 - September 13, 1964)
Born October 9, 1932
Died August 9, 2022 (aged 89)
NationalityUnited States
Birth PlaceLos Angeles, California
Billed From
- Los Angeles, California
Height 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Weight
- 165 lbs (75 kg)
NicknamesJudo; The Godfather of Grappling; The Toughest Man Alive
NotesHe was a legendary judoka and early inspiration to mixed martial arts, and was a co-promoter of NWA Hollywood Wrestling. He is the namesake of Daniel Bryan’s once-named “LeBell Lock” finisher.

Career History

Roles
- Actor (May 18, 1962 - March 9, 2012)
- Coach (January 1, 1965 - December 31, 2009)
- Promoter (August 18, 1968 - December 26, 1982)
- Part Time Wrestler (September 11, 1974 - August 29, 1981)
- Wrestler (October 12, 1955 - January 16, 1971)
- MMA Fighter (December 2, 1963 - December 2, 1963)

Promotions History

Promotion	from	to
PromotionNWA	February 6, 1963	December 26, 1982
PromotionNWA HOLLYWOOD	August 18, 1968	December 26, 1982
PromotionCSW	June 23, 1967	December 29, 1967
PromotionWWA HOLLYWOOD	January 1, 1959	October 20, 1967
PromotionPNW	September 14, 1964	November 26, 1964
PromotionBTW HAWAII	May 20, 1964	July 22, 1964
PromotionJWA	April 3, 1964	April 5, 1964
PromotionBTW HAWAII	February 6, 1963	April 24, 1963
PromotionNWA	October 12, 1955	April 21, 1960
PromotionWSS	March 23, 1960	April 21, 1960

Images History

Jan 2010
Jan 1995
Dec 1982
Sep 1974
Aug 1968
Sep 1964
Oct 1955
Face / Heel Turns
Alignment Details from to
Face January 9, 1971 August 29, 1981
Heel September 14, 1964 January 8, 1971
Face October 12, 1955 September 13, 1964

Alignment	from	to
Face	January 9, 1971	August 29, 1981
Heel	September 14, 1964	January 8, 1971
Face	October 12, 1955	September 13, 1964

Finishers
- Various judo holds (October 12, 1955 - August 29, 1981)

Titles & Accomplishments

Career Awards
- NWA Hall of Fame - Groups, The LeBells (Year2011)
50th State Big Time Wrestling
- 1 NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship
Central States Wrestling
- 1 NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship
NWA Hollywood Wrestling
- 1 NWA Americas Tag Team Championship (with Chino Chou)
- 1 NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Championship
Western States Sports
- 1 NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Amarillo version)
Other Accomplishments
- George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Frank Gotch Award (2005)
- Cauliflower Alley Club Iron Mike Mazurki Award (1995)
- AAU National Judo Championship (1954, 1955)
- 10th degree red belt in Judo
- 9th degree black belt in Jujutsu
- 10th degree black belt in Kyokushin Budokai