Sad news this week with the passing of wrestler Jock Ruddock. Jock was an outstanding wrestler and modelled his style on World Lightweight Champion George Kidd, a legend in British wrestling. Jock could roll up in a ball just like George Kidd and his opponent couldn't do a thing. Usually the referee would roll him away just like a ball. A very scientific wrestler who could out wrestle many of his bigger opponents, Jock was a master of holds and also a master of different disguises. Once when I was taking a photo of this so called Japanese grappler Kung Fu, Jock whispered "Don't you know who I am Dave" He had many different alias's and some I recall were, The Black Angel, Johnny Scott, The Masked Marvel, The Mummy, Dr.Death, The White Angel, Kung Fu, Jock Ruddock and The Black Scott. Jock was more of a mid-heavyweight but he tangled with all the top stars in World wrestling. I recall him partnering the giant Frenchman Andre The Giant, and they became firm friends. The following is a piece I wrote on Jock in 1975 in an American magazine "Ring Wrestling".
Johnny Scott is holder of the New Zealand and Australian Junior Heavyweight Championship Titles, and he has held these for some years after defeating the Australian Len Holt in Sydney.
Although he is relatively small , compared with the super heavies in the game, Scott has never been known to shirk about, no matter how much weight he has to give away. He has the excellent record of never having been beaten in this country in a singles match,his only defeats being in tag-team matches.
Born in Forfar, Scotland, he was member of the London CIB murder squad before emigrating to New Zealand, where he joined the local Police Force. When he returned to Scotland he did an extensive tour of his homeland and teamed up with the popular Andy Robin and Lee Thomas, and they formed the first regular Battle Royale trio in Scotland.
Back home John faced many overseas stars in Willem Hall from South Africa, Rasputin from Ireland, Great Kusatsu from Japan, The Christy brothers from Canada and King Curtis and Mark Lewin, big names from the United States. In New Zealand he had great matches with John DaSilva, Bruno Bekkar, Johnny Garcia, Robert Bruce, Murphy The Surfie, and countless others.
Wresling will miss this little "Box of Tricks" from Scotland.
Barry Dragem, Afa Talaga, Farmer Pete, Jock Ruddock in Rarotonga.
Jock as Kung Fu
Jock at the wrestlers reunion 2004
Jock checking out some photos at Dave Cameron's place.
Jock checking out some photos at Dave Cameron's place.
Jock in Britain with Lee Thomas and Andy Robin.
Jock with Robert Bruce after receiving the crowbar award in 2004.
Jock with wife Ivana at reunion 2004.
Johnny Scott bounces Murphy The Surfie.
Johnny Scott—Frank Lipanovich
Johnny Scott–Johnny Garcia
Len Holt with Jock Ruddock
Siva and Jock
Top opponent of Jocks and World Mid-heavy Champion Mike Marino.
Jock with tag team partner Andre The Giant.
Jock wrestling as The Ghoul.
Johnny Scott
Johnny Scott
Johnny Scott—-Frank Lipanovich
