Performing as Edward "Bearcat" Wright
Talented actor Jonathan Thompson brings to life Edward “Bearcat” Wright, who declared before an audience in Gary, Indiana, that he would no longer participate in segregated wrestling. Although Bearcat was suspended for a short time by the Indiana State Athletic Commission for his stand, shortly afterwards professional boxing de-segregated. Bearcat Wright defeated Killer Kowalski in April 1961 to win the Big Time Pro Wrestling title and become, in effect, the world heavyweight wrestling champion. In 1963, he defeated “Classie” Freddie Blassie to win the title of World Wrestling Alliance champion.