Wigan Council is 'exploring options' on how to recognise the life of wrestling legend the British Bulldog, but it is unlikely to be a star on his hometown's 'Walk of Fame'.
A petition for the Davey Boy Smith to be commemorated in this way has received thousands of signatures and follows the wrestler's posthumous induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020. The campaign was created by fan Michael Finney and has since gained the support of the Bulldog's family.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News about why he started the petition, Michael explained how much Davey Boy meant to him growing up.
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He said: "Davey was very important, especially to the British fans like myself. He was like the British version of Hulk Hogan to the UK fans and he inspired today's generation of superstars.
"Georgia Smith, Davey's daughter, has been very supportive to the campaign. Georgia has been sharing the petition the best she can on social media to raise the awareness.
"I'm happy that the fans is gathering together from not just England but all over the world to sign this it."
Davey Boy, wrestling under the name 'The British Bulldog', won the WWF Intercontinental Championship in a match against his brother-in-law Bret Hart, in front of 80,355 people at Wembley Stadium, in the main event of Summerslam 1992. To this day, the crowd is still the fourth largest in the history of the company and the match itself is regarded as a bona fide classic.
He died from a heart defect, aged 39, in 2002.
Wigan Council said that stars on the Walk of Fame are not awarded posthumously and are only given to living recipients who have 'made a positive contribution to our borough '. A Town Hall spokesman said that other ways of recognising his life are being explored, including a blue plaque.
“We are aware of this petition and have been in contact with the family of Davey Boy Smith to explore potential options for recognising his life and the roots he has here in Wigan Borough," a Wigan Council spokesman said.
“We are pleased that the British Bulldog is currently featured in the permanent exhibition at the Archives: Wigan & Leigh.
“Other options which are being explored include applying for a blue plaque, as well as the potential of creating an exhibition to celebrate his contribution to the local area, based in a key location such as the museum or library, where borough residents can visit to learn more about his life.
“Stars on the Walk of Fame are awarded on a case-by-case basis and are under constant review. They aren’t awarded posthumously but are given to living recipients who have made a positive contribution to our borough.”
