Gilbert Lee Hayes was a Canadian professional wrestler who competed in North American promotions during the 1960s and 1970s including All-Star Wrestling and Stampede Wrestling where he remained a mainstay for the majority of his 17-year career.
12 Facts About Gil Hayes
1.
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Gil Hayes was the first man to simultaneously hold two Canadian wrestling championships, the Stampede North American Heavyweight and International Tag Team Championship, at one time.
3.
In 1966, after meeting Gene Kiniski following a wrestling event in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Gil Hayes began training in the basement of a local church for almost a year before making his professional wrestling debut at the St Boniface Club in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
4.
Gil Hayes spent two years wrestling in Winnipeg as well as a brief stint in NWA Central States before moving to Calgary-based Stampede Wrestling during the late 1960s.
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Gil Hayes teamed with Bob Pringle and Gordon Ivey in a 6-man tag team match losing to Eddie Sullivan, Joe Tomasso and Paul Peller later that month.
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Gil Hayes eventually lost the title to Omar Atlas on November 9,1973.
7.
Back in Calgary by the end of the year, Gil Hayes defeated Louis Laurence on December 29,1978.
8.
Gil Hayes made occasional appearances until late 1985, fighting Dan Kroffat to a no contest on December 25 and, two days later, losing to Bruce Hart by disqualification on December 29,1985.
9.
Gil Hayes later worked as a city official for Edmonton involved in the streets department following his retirement as well as becoming an amateur woodworker producing wooden toys such as trains and puzzles later sold on consignment.
10.
Gil Hayes has two children: a daughter, Toni Wynne, born in 1964; and a son, James Craig, born in 1968.
11.
Gil Hayes died from a heart attack on July 28,2022, while visiting his family in Fort Frances, Ontario.
12.
Gil Hayes was posthumously honored at the 50th anniversary show of the World Wrestling Council.