Baron Michele Leone

Baron Michele Leone
Leone, circa 1952
Birth nameMichele Leone
Born(1909-06-08)June 8, 1909
Pettorano sul Gizio, L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy
DiedNovember 14, 1988(1988-11-14) (aged 79)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Cause of deathAutomobile accident
Spouse
Billie Leone
(m. 1954)
Professional wrestling career
Ring nameBaron Michele Leone
Billed height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Billed weight215 lb (98 kg)
Billed fromItaly
Trained byMichele Leone (uncle)
Hugh Nichols
Debut1933
Retired1979

Michele Leone (June 8, 1909 – November 26, 1988), known by his ring name Baron Michele Leone, was an Italian-born professional wrestler. He was one of the biggest stars and most prominent heels of the early television era of wrestling and, in May 1952, was a part of professional wrestling's first $100,000 gate, when he faced Lou Thesz in a title vs. title bout.