James Dean
All Star
Previous Write Up Here Unsung Wrestlers 4: Thunderbolt Patterson (This should have been Number 5 and this new one should be 6)
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Height: 6' 5"
Weight: 341 lbs
Trained By: Dory Funk Jr.
Debut: 1973
Retired: 1990
Style: Powerhouse
Signatures: Elbow Drop, Headbutt, Body Press
Titles & Accomplishments: Held titles in Various AWA, NWA, & UWF Promotions.
A man that is often swept under the radar, Ray Candy should be looked at as one of the most colorful personalities to ever grace the squared circle. Often known for his many alter egos as BlackStud, Commando, Kareem, Or Superfly you would be hard pressed to find such an underrated talent.
Candy was born as Ray Canty on December 3, 1951 in Decatur, Georgia. Before wrestling he spent time as a boxer and was an avid player of football. He received his wrestling start under the wing of Dory Funk Jr. Who took him in, and trained him for the business. It was in 1972, that Canty opted to official become a wrestler. Adopting the ring name "Ray Candy." Candy would work for the local wrestling circuit in Georgia. Most notably, the ASWA, which was based out of Atlanta. It wouldn't take him long to reach success there as he captured the ASWA US Title within a short period of time. After the ASWA, Candy decided to venture to his trainer and mentor promotion, the WWS. It was there that he captured the NWA Western States Heavyweight and NWA Western States Tag Team Title.
Already a decorated champion just a few years into his career, Candy sought out for more opportunities. In 1979, Candy ventured to Japan for the first time and worked for AJPW, Teaming with Abdullah the Butcher and taking on some of Japans brightest talents of the time. Candy and Butcher's run went so well that they captured the NWA International Tag Team title. As the 70s were near a close, Candy felt that he needed to expand his career. Up until this point, he was a semi known competitor in the Georgia circuit. Candy ventured to Florida to work for other promotions. It was there that he received an opportunity for gimmick and a change of affiliation. Candy would change his nam to Kareem Muhammad , turn heel and team with fellow star Leroy Brown. Forming a new tag team, The Zambuie Express or the Muslim Connection.
Donning the look of tough military men and wearing camouflage pants. They often shared views like members of the Black Panthers and the muslim community. Becoming one of the first characters to portray such racially charged men. To make a stronger point, they only worked in states of the souths. Causing the characters to be hated for their racially charged ways. Together, they captured the NWA Tag Team Title in 1983. Holding it for four months. The team would travel to Memphis in 1984. Working for CWA. Their run in CWA was notorious because the Storylines never allowed the team to have a successful run. Every time they would win, their accomplishments were deemed vacant or held up for a tournament. They would once again win another tag team title despite this before splitting sometime after.
Candy now back as a single competitor captured the NWA Heavyweight title in 1986. Defeating Barry Wyndham. He would hold the title for a month before dropping ti to Ron Simmons. Candy left flrohia and ventured to Puerto Rico to compete in WWC. His final run in wrestling was in the WWC. Capturing their World Title in 1987. He would retire in 1990 and return to Decatur Georgia. Candy worked as a dispatcher and a supervisor for a transport firm. He also is regarded as the man that would train New Jack. Candy died four years after retirement on May 23, 1994 after suffering a heart attack.
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Height: 6' 5"
Weight: 341 lbs
Trained By: Dory Funk Jr.
Debut: 1973
Retired: 1990
Style: Powerhouse
Signatures: Elbow Drop, Headbutt, Body Press
Titles & Accomplishments: Held titles in Various AWA, NWA, & UWF Promotions.
A man that is often swept under the radar, Ray Candy should be looked at as one of the most colorful personalities to ever grace the squared circle. Often known for his many alter egos as BlackStud, Commando, Kareem, Or Superfly you would be hard pressed to find such an underrated talent.
Candy was born as Ray Canty on December 3, 1951 in Decatur, Georgia. Before wrestling he spent time as a boxer and was an avid player of football. He received his wrestling start under the wing of Dory Funk Jr. Who took him in, and trained him for the business. It was in 1972, that Canty opted to official become a wrestler. Adopting the ring name "Ray Candy." Candy would work for the local wrestling circuit in Georgia. Most notably, the ASWA, which was based out of Atlanta. It wouldn't take him long to reach success there as he captured the ASWA US Title within a short period of time. After the ASWA, Candy decided to venture to his trainer and mentor promotion, the WWS. It was there that he captured the NWA Western States Heavyweight and NWA Western States Tag Team Title.
Already a decorated champion just a few years into his career, Candy sought out for more opportunities. In 1979, Candy ventured to Japan for the first time and worked for AJPW, Teaming with Abdullah the Butcher and taking on some of Japans brightest talents of the time. Candy and Butcher's run went so well that they captured the NWA International Tag Team title. As the 70s were near a close, Candy felt that he needed to expand his career. Up until this point, he was a semi known competitor in the Georgia circuit. Candy ventured to Florida to work for other promotions. It was there that he received an opportunity for gimmick and a change of affiliation. Candy would change his nam to Kareem Muhammad , turn heel and team with fellow star Leroy Brown. Forming a new tag team, The Zambuie Express or the Muslim Connection.
Donning the look of tough military men and wearing camouflage pants. They often shared views like members of the Black Panthers and the muslim community. Becoming one of the first characters to portray such racially charged men. To make a stronger point, they only worked in states of the souths. Causing the characters to be hated for their racially charged ways. Together, they captured the NWA Tag Team Title in 1983. Holding it for four months. The team would travel to Memphis in 1984. Working for CWA. Their run in CWA was notorious because the Storylines never allowed the team to have a successful run. Every time they would win, their accomplishments were deemed vacant or held up for a tournament. They would once again win another tag team title despite this before splitting sometime after.
Candy now back as a single competitor captured the NWA Heavyweight title in 1986. Defeating Barry Wyndham. He would hold the title for a month before dropping ti to Ron Simmons. Candy left flrohia and ventured to Puerto Rico to compete in WWC. His final run in wrestling was in the WWC. Capturing their World Title in 1987. He would retire in 1990 and return to Decatur Georgia. Candy worked as a dispatcher and a supervisor for a transport firm. He also is regarded as the man that would train New Jack. Candy died four years after retirement on May 23, 1994 after suffering a heart attack.
