The Legacy & Tragic End Of Davey Boy Smith, Explained

Highlights

• Davey Boy Smith trained in the prestigious Hart Dungeon and went on to become a highly successful WWE Intercontinental Champion.
• The British Bulldog had an impressive tag team run alongside The Dynamite Kid as The British Bulldogs, taking on the best in WWE.
• Smith's wrestling legacy includes memorable matches, multiple championship victories, and a unique in-ring style that has influenced many wrestlers.

Throughout WWE’s history, there have been some truly phenomenal professional wrestlers who never had the opportunity to hold the WWE Championship, even though they probably should have at some point. Among those names is the “British Bulldog”, Davey Boy Smith. Smith is highly regarded in the world of professional wrestling. He put on fantastic matches with some of wrestling’s most talented stars of the era. While he was a great wrestler, the latter part of his life saw Smith deal with an addiction to pain medication. In 2002, his life tragically ended due to a heart attack. However, the “British Bulldog” leaves behind a legacy that regards him as one of the best in-ring competitors of all-time.

Every Look Of The British Bulldog's Wrestling Career, Ranked Worst To Best

Davey Boy Smith Was WWE Tag Team Champions With The Dynamite Kid

Davey Boy Smith Trained In The Hart Dungeon

Smith began his career very early-on in life, with training beginning at age 13 and his official in-ring debut happening at age 15. After being noticed by Stu Hart, Smith went on to train in the Hart Dungeon and became a member of the Stampede Wrestling roster. There, he held numerous championships, an early showcase of what was yet to come for Smith in his career. This eventually led to Smith and The Dynamite Kid joining the WWE and becoming The British Bulldogs.

The British Bulldogs were one of the most premier and in-demand tag teams of their era. They fought the best of the best and, eventually, became the best. The duo defeated The Dream Team at WrestleMania 3 and held the WWE World Tag Team Championships for 294 days. During this time, they had an immense feud with The Hart Foundation over the championships. After a successful run together in WWE and AJPW, the British Bulldogs eventually came to an end. However, that was not the end of Davey Boy Smith.

Davey Boy Smith Became WWE Intercontinental Champion

"The British Bulldog" Defeated Bret "The Hitman" Hart At SummerSlam 1992

• Smith broke out as a singles star in his second run with WWE.
• He defeated Bret Hart to win the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam 1992.
• Smith won the title at Wembley Stadium.

After leaving WWE in 1988, the “British Bulldog” returned in 1990 as a singles star. He became a big-time star over time, especially in the United Kingdom. It was during this run that Smith’s biggest moment took place. In 1992, SummerSlam took place in Wembley Stadium. In addition, the main event saw Bret “The Hitman” Hart face-off against Smith for the Intercontinental Championship. Led to the ring by boxing legend Lennox Lewis, Smith and Hart put on a bonafide classic at SummerSlam. The match saw Smith come out on top in front of over 80,000 fans.

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After a short reign with the title, Smith lost it to Shawn Michaels and was released from WWE in 1992. However, Smith was only gone from WWE for about two years before he returned to the company again. During this time, he achieved numerous successes and was a member of numerous factions. Most notably, he teamed with Owen Hart and later became an official member of the reformed and bigger Hart Foundation. In addition, he was also the inaugural WWE European Champion, but, while this run was very good for Smith, it ended poorly again. He left WWE due to the actions of the company during the Montreal Screwjob and joined WCW.

Davey Boy Smith Suffers A Major Back Injury

An Injury In WCW Led To An Addiction

• Smith suffered a major back injury at Fall Brawl 1998.
• He landed on a trap door that was set up for The Ultimate Warrior's WCW debut.
• He had an addiction to painkillers.

This was not Smith’s first time in WCW, but it was notable for a tragic reason. At Fall Brawl 1998, Smith suffered a severe back injury due to falling on a trap door. This led to near paralysis and an addiction to painkillers. He was released from WCW in 1998.

A Look Back At British Bulldog's Forgotten WWE Return In 1999

In 1999, Smith made his final return to WWE. With a new look, there were some notable wins for Smith, such as another run with the European Championship and becoming Hardcore Champion, but that was about it. He challenged for the WWE Championship on a couple of occasions, but never won it. He also famously wrestled The Rock and was Rock Bottomed into dog poop. This was Smith’s least memorable WWE run, and it was his last major run in professional wrestling.

The Legacy Of The British Bulldog In Wrestling

Davey Boy Smith Was One Of The Best Wrestlers Of His Era

• Smith had a great in-ring style that combined hard-hitting moves with excellent technical skills.
• He was a multi-champion in WWE.
• Smith had classic matches, both in singles and tag team action.

In 2000, Smith left WWE. He entered a rehab program to address his painkiller addictions and dealt with numerous issues in his personal life. On May 18, 2002, Smith died at age 39 due to a heart attack.

Smith is remembered for his phenomenal in-ring work. His work was a mix of tremendous power and great technical ability. His legacy will always be remembered in professional wrestling and his son, Davey Boy Smith Jr., is also a wrestler.