Bill Melby was a champion bodybuilder in the 1940s before becoming a pro wrestler in the 1950s. Impressive in its time, Melby's physique was featured in many beefcake/muscle magazines in the post-war era. As a wrestler, Melby was a fan favorite and he often battled the most vicious heels. The screen caps below are from a 1957 bout of Melby going up against the dreaded Sheik; you can watch the action
here. (Thanks to Mark for leaving a comment on Melby in the previous Vintage Beefcakes of Wrestling post.)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_u3ms0nQaKXKoSEQUphH9tJcdEUH_JJBR-erV_CuXwg4f7Ho1P5AwV3JdS1gPwciAjm4JCch743zWkLfzD1sfM-TGtfiYZDBMSdTiBQiFzpsbkqHlHqM0XQQYXjzbSncyrc8Hq1Ltqjg/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-13+at+3.09.39+PM.png) |
Bill Melby faces The Sheik |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zDSB5FIh7WY-e0AWexIcGbLDfMW7KmMGjnoOHdcfVJmbGdVSTZ5fwBpIz_2JtcG_5z1jp2avUx6VXYHMJQiX2w8VQ5G-OEGIGimYo44wFZW9eZJzIEKZ6VIdEcpO4adWJT24tVF5XJ4/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-03-13+at+3.09.14+PM.png) |
The Sheik seems to be pointing at a hidden foreign object. |
Wow. I like this guy. I really really like this guy. Way to go, Bruno!
ReplyDeleteBill was a great Physical specimen and looked a winner as a body builder. He became a proficient wrestler and had the body weight to look beefy to take on the best! A real man's man!
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