Ray Osborne: The Forgotten Son of the StampedeRay Osborne was a force to be reckoned with in the National Wrestling Alliance and Stampede Wrestling during the 1960s and 1970s. Hailing from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada, this rugged son of the Great White North left an indelible mark on the mat.Osborne's career spanned nearly two decades, with his first match taking place on October 11, 1960, and his last on June 2, 1978. In between, he became a staple in Stampede Wrestling, competing against some of the best talent the territory had to offer.Ray was no stranger to the top rope, as his aerial assaults would often leave opponents reeling. His mat-based skills were just as impressive, with Osborne possessing a wicked submission game that earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of fans.As a fan favorite, Osborne's charisma and work ethic made him an integral part of Stampede Wrestling's mid-card scene. He was the everyman, relatable to the everyday guy who wanted to see a hard-hitting, in-your-face performer take on the best that the territory had to offer.Osborne's greatest achievement came when he captured the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship, a title that sat atop the Stampede Wrestling hierarchy like a golden crown. His reign was marked by thrilling matches against top opponents, cementing his status as one of the top dogs in the promotion.As much as Osborne is often overlooked in discussions about the greatest wrestlers of all time, it's hard to deny his impact on the sport. He was a true original, a pioneer who paved the way for future generations of grapplers from the Great White North.Today, Ray Osborne's legacy lives on through the countless fans he entertained and inspired during his illustrious career. Though his name may not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to the world of professional wrestling will never be forgotten.
