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)
- Nationality
United 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 Promotion 
NWAFebruary 6, 1963 December 26, 1982 Promotion 
NWA HOLLYWOODAugust 18, 1968 December 26, 1982 Promotion 
CSWJune 23, 1967 December 29, 1967 Promotion 
WWA HOLLYWOODJanuary 1, 1959 October 20, 1967 Promotion 
PNWSeptember 14, 1964 November 26, 1964 Promotion 
BTW HAWAIIMay 20, 1964 July 22, 1964 Promotion 
JWAApril 3, 1964 April 5, 1964 Promotion BTW HAWAIIFebruary 6, 1963 April 24, 1963 Promotion NWAOctober 12, 1955 April 21, 1960 Promotion 
WSSMarch 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
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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
Teams & Relations
- Family
- Mike LeBelle - Brother
- Aileen LeBell Eaton - Mother