Famous Masons

From Australia. Moved to Ontario at age 30 in 1950 and remained here until his death in 1984. A giant at around 6’5″, he frequently used “judo chops” through his career. Began wrestling in 1948. In North America, Layton worked as an wrestler and TV commentator — primarily with Frank Tunney in Toronto and The Sheik in Detroit. Made his Maple Leaf Gardens wrestling debut in a main event against Sky-Hi Lee in November 1950. Formed a notable tag team with Lord James Blears in the 1950s. Challenged Lou Thesz for the NWA title at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1953. Lost to Pat O’Connor in a 1956 match for the vacant British Empire title. Frequently worked as a special referee in Maple Leaf Gardens main events in the 1950s and 60s. Wrestled the Sheik in 16 Maple Leaf Gardens main events from 1969-1973 (14 singles matches, two tag matches). Layton’s final main event appearance in Toronto was teaming with Mighty Igor against Abdullah the Butcher and Waldo Von Erich in 1975. Continued to wrestle in Toronto until the summer of 1976 (age 55), losing to the Kelly Twins in his final Maple Leaf Gardens match while teaming with Detroit wrestling great Lou Klein. For the rest of his life, he worked as the PR director for a distillery.Layton was nominated to run as a Liberal in a Toronto riding in the 1963 Ontario election, but chose to step aside. Well-known for his involvement with charities and social organizatons, particularly the Shriners where Layton achieved the high rank of Imperial Potentate. Presented with the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship in 1983. Died after a heart attack in 1984 at age 63.