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PHIL HICKERSON AKA PY CHU-HI PASSES AWAY AT 79

PWInsider.com is saddened to report the passing of Phil Hickerson, who wrestled for many years in Memphis, Southeastern, the USWA and more at the age of 79.

Hickerson broke into the business in 1974 for NWA Mid-America, quickly establishing himself as a reliable tag team heel. Early that year, he teamed with Al Greene as “The Sherman Tanks,” with the duo feuding extensively with Jerry Lawler and Tojo Yamamoto while capturing the NWA Southern Tag Team Titles three times.   After a brief run teaming with Doug Patton, Hickerson found his greatest tag team success alongside Dennis Condrey as the Bicentennial Kings, a team built around the then-approaching U.S. Bicentennial celebration.

The pairing became one of the most decorated teams in the territory, feuding with The Fullers, Tojo Yamamoto, Tommy Rich and others.  The Kings held the Southern Tag Team Championship nine times between 1976 and 1978, while also winning the NWA U.S. Tag Team Titles (Mid-America version) five times and the NWA Mid-America Tag Team Championship twice. Hickerson, Condrey and Greene also captured the NWA World Six-Man Tag Team Championship in 1975.   

In 1977, Hickerson departed NWA Mid-America for Jarrett Promotions, where he enjoyed singles success, winning the AWA International Heavyweight Championship three times in 1985 and the CWA Heavyweight Championship in 1988.  While AWA International Champion in Memphis, he feuded with Harley Race, Dutch Mantel, The Mongolian Stomper, Terry Taylor, and Koko Ware.  Hickerson toured Japan with All Japan Pro Wrestling during the 1988 World’s Strongest Tag Determination League, teaming with Jerry Blackwell.

In 1989, Hickerson resurfaced in the USWA  as PY Chu-Hi under the guidance of Tojo Yamamoto. The idea was that he was a Japanese heel, even though, obviously he was anything but Japanese.  He had a long, entertaining feud with Eric Embry over the World Class Texas title and also worked with a young Scott Steiner, Billy Travis, Jeff Jarrett, Frankie Lancaster, Austin Idol, Jerry Lawler and Kerry Von Erich among others.

Hickerson was later inducted into the Memphis Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1995, the same year he wrestled his final match.

Following retirement, Hickerson transitioned into local media and nightlife management, working as a radio DJ for WYN 106.9 in Jackson, Tennessee where he was one half of "Shane and Phil in the Morning."  He also managed Tremors Nightclub in Jackson, TN from 1981 through 1987.

Hickerson had not made any public appearances in a number of years due to health concerns, we are told.  As an in-ring worker, he was great for the time period, with his heavier size fooling those who didn't know better how great he was as a heel especially.  

PWInsider.com sends our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Phil Hickerson, a truly memorable Memphis Wrestling personality.

Thanks to Mark James.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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