WWE is saddened by the news that Billy Robinson has passed away.

Equally influential as a submission specialist and a trainer of Hall of Fame talent, Robinson was a champion amateur wrestler in England in the 1950s before learning the dangerous art of catch wrestling in the infamous Snakepit — a gruff gym in the town of Wigan in Greater Manchester, England. Emerging after years of arduous groundwork as one of the UK’s most dangerous shooters, Robinson became an in-demand talent all over the world.

“He was the first globetrotting British heavyweight, which was something I aspired to be,” William Regal told WWE.com.

Indeed, during his storied career, Robinson had international showdowns with the world’s top grapplers, including a heavily hyped bout against Antonio Inoki in Japan and a grueling encounter with Verne Gagne in Chicago’s Comiskey Park. As a trainer, Robinson’s reach was even greater as his guidance impacted multiple generations.

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