Biff Wellington


Shayne Alexander Bower, better known by his ring name Biff Wellington, was a Canadian professional wrestler born, raised, and died in Calgary, Alberta.

Professional wrestling career

Shayne Bower trained with the Hart Brothers school by Keith Hart, Mr. Hito and Hiroshi Hase. He made his debut in December 1986 using the name Biff Wellington. in Stampede Wrestling as a villain, but then transitioned to a fan favorite, which he was for the remainder of his time there. In Stampede, Wellington frequently tagged with Chris Benoit. In 1989, Wellington and Benoit beat Makhan Singh and Vokhan Singh to become Stampede Wrestling's International Tag Team Champions.
After Stampede Wrestling shut down in December 1989, Wellington worked in various promotions in Canada, such as Canadian National Wrestling Alliance and Canadian Rocky Mountain Wrestling.
Wellington then received tryouts for the World Wrestling Federation at the Olympic Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta during a live event on July 8 and they next night on July 9 at Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton, Alberta, Wellington beating fellow Canadian Hugh Thomas with a Tombstone Piledriver. Despite impressing WWF management, Wellington didn't received a contract with the WWF and returned to the Canadian Indies.
In June 1992, Wellington and Benoit appeared in World Championship Wrestling at Clash of the Champions XIX, representing Canada in the NWA World Tag Team Championship tournament; they were defeated by Brian Pillman and Jushin Thunder Liger in the first round. Later that year, Wellington was recognized as the first CRMW North American Heavyweight Champion.
Between 1988 and 1994, Wellington worked on 28 consecutive tours with New Japan Pro Wrestling. In Japan, he feuded with Jushin Thunder Liger and continued to team with Benoit, who was known in Japan as The Pegasus Kid or Wild Pegasus. He also worked in the Maritimes as Buddy Hart, and in Mexico.
Wellington had a brief stint in Extreme Championship Wrestling between 1995 and 1996. He sustained an eye injury in an accident during a match against Taz in May 1996. Wellington then became dependent on prescription medication to prevent nerves in his eye from dying. He retired from active competition after the incident, although he occasionally wrestled in promotions near his hometown such as Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling.

Death

His parents found his body at his home in bed on June 24, 2007, as they were concerned because they had not heard from him since June 20. Medical officials examining the body believe he had been dead for a few days due to a heart attack. He had numerous strokes in 2006 before his passing. Coincidentally, his body was found on the same day his former tag partner, Chris Benoit, was found dead along with his wife and son.

Championships and accomplishments