His most famous feud would be with Giant Haystacks in 1981. While there was nothing but pride at stake during this feud the two quickly became the biggest stars of British Wrestling and when they finally clashed in a one on one battle a reported 18 million people tuned in live to watch.
He was also noted for teaming with young, up-and-coming wrestlers on World of Sport. Some of his notable partners would go on to become big names in the WWE such as Davey Boy Smith, Dynamite Kidd, Dave 'Fit' Finlay and William Regal
Big Daddy retired from the ring in 1987, having inadvertently caused the death of fellow wrestler Mal ‘King Kong’ Kirk. Daddy hit Kirk with his Big Splash finisher, not knowing that Kirk had a serious heart condition, and Kirk died en route to the hospital. Daddy was cleared of any responsibility, but blamed himself for the incident and stepped away from the ring.
On 2nd December 1997, the wrestling world was sadden by the news the Crabtree had passed away at the age of 67. At the height of height of his popularity, Crabtree appeared on Surprise, Surprise, was featured on This Is Your Life, advertised ketchup and The Queen was reportly a massive fan.
NAME: SHIRLEY CRABTREE
HEIGHT: 6FT 6INCHES
WEIGHT: 375LBS
FINISHING MOVE: BIG DADDY SPLASHDOWN
SIGNATURE MOVE: BODYCHECK & SCOOP SLAM
ACHIEVEMENTS:
BRITISH WRESTLING FEDERATION HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION
2X BRITISH WRESTLING FEDERATION EUROPEAN CHAMPION
FUN FACTS:
Appeared in his own comic strip in 'BUSTER' during the 1980's
His 64 inch chest earned him a place in the Guiness Book Of Records