Roger Kirby (wrestler)

Roger Kirby
Kirby, c.1971
Birth nameWillis Kirby
Born(1939-12-14)December 14, 1939
Muncie, Indiana, U.S.
DiedMarch 18, 2019(2019-03-18) (aged 79)
North Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Cause of deathPneumonia
Children7
FamilyLes Thatcher (cousin)
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Roger Kirby
Rip Kirby
Bob Baker
Billy Baker
Cruiser
Billed height5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Billed weight242 lb (110 kg)
Billed fromDunkirk, Indiana
Trained byDick the Bruiser
The Sheik
Debut1960
Retired1986

Willis Kirby (December 14, 1939 – March 18, 2019), better known by the ring name Roger Kirby, was an American professional wrestler who competed throughout the United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico. He primarily competed within the National Wrestling Alliance, where he is a former NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion, and also competed in promotions such as the World Wrestling Association, the World Wrestling Federation and Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre. Fellow wrestlers have called Kirby "one of the greatest performers to ever work in the squared circle".