Rod Fenton

Rod Fenton was born in Edmonton, Canada and though small in size, ranging from 10 to a maximum of 190 pounds, became quite a drawing card in various parts of the United States, including Texas and Ohio. Sometimes clean-shaven and sometimes wearing a full beard to make himself look more fierce, as well a heavier, Fenton could work as scientifically as any man, with sensational flying moves to his credit and an assortment of take downs. As a rule breaker, however, he was utterly vicious and underhanded, often provoking crowds to a riot pitch.

Though accomplished as a wrestler, it was as a promoter Fenton became better known, both in Tucson, Arizona and back in his native Canada.

While running Arizona, some of the people he brought in were Gorgeous George, Lou Thesz, Monty Ladue, Michael Leone, Dick Jordan, Dick Trout, Anton Leone  and Mildred Burke. He also arranged the debut of an unknown Gene Kiniski in Tucson. Kiniski would of course go on to become NWA champion and a wrestling legend.

Not everyone was fond of Fenton as a promoter. Don Jardine, the original masked Spoiler, tore him apart in sheet interviews some years ago, while Pat Barrett shared few fond memories of the man. The Gorgeous George biography on the stands now also accounts how Fenton talked George into having a leg numbed so he could work a match and being called every name in the book by the irate wrestler the next day when the pain-killing element wore off.

Aside from his passion for wrestling, Fenton liked big cigars, horses and gambling. Some wrestlers commented in his main run that payoffs corresponded with how good of a week he had at the track rather than the house at the wrestling show.

Fenton was also heavily involved in the Masons and Shrine.

Fenton's last hurray as a promoter came in 1972. His last big card was held at the Travel Lodge Theater (now Celebrity Theater) in Phoenix. The lineup featured Johnny Kostas vs Kiko Torres, Willie Wilson vs Cowboy Lang, Tona Tomah vs Belle Starr, Lou Thesz vs Jerry Kozak, Moose Morowski versus Ricky Romero and a Texas Death Match between Ciclon Negro and Dory Funk Sr.

For all hi critics, there were some who praised him, including Tomah, who made this mention of him in regard to the above show.

"Starr couldn't get to Phoenix due to legitimate plane trouble and the match had to be canceled. Fenton sent her a pay off anyway!"

Fenton died in Tucson in 1973.