Sailor Art Thomas

Published in Current WWE Inductees
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As one of the first African American stars in the industry, Sailor Art Thomas was a popular star who received many World Championship Title Matches in the early 60’s. The American wrestling world was not ready to embrace a black Heavyweight Championship, though had evolved to the point where they could cheer him in the chase.

Thomas was a bodybuilder who was legitimately in the American Navy and played that into his gimmick. The terms “Twenty Years too soon” was applied to “Superstar” Billy Graham, but wouldn’t that suit Art Thomas much better?

Should Sailor Art Thomas be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 75%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 16.7%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 8.3%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 0%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Arthur Thomas (Real Name)
The Body
Seaman Art Thomas
Billed From: Fitchburg, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Key Championships Held: NWA Texas Heavyweight (2)
International Tag Team (Toronto) (3) w/John Paul Henning
NWA World Tag Team (Detroit) w/Bobo Brazil
WWA Heavyweight (Indianapolis)
Why they will get in: The WWE Hall of Fame has done a very good job inducting a minority candidate annually.
Why they won't get in: They have not promoted his legacy.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1.   Challenged Buddy Rogers for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (7/29/61)
2.   Won the NWA Texas Title, which was his first Championship (6/15/62)
3.   With Bobo Brazil, defeated Gorilla Monsoon and Bill Watts in the WWWF (8/2/65)
4.   Wrestled and lost to WWWF World Heavyweight Champion, Bruno Sammartino (3/6/67)
5.   Won the WWA Title form Baron Von Rashcke (2/26/72)