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Carls Rocha, the first Portuguese wrestler to perform in the WWWF has passed away at age 93.
Portuguese journalist Luis Pieres first broke the news that Rocha passed away on Monday 1/27 in Palm Coast, FL.
Carlos Rocha began his wrestling career in the 1940s, traveling throughout Europe and Africa. In 1960 he made his North American debut, working several NWA territories,
He was best known for his work in Canada, a mainstay with International Wrestling in Montreal, and Maple Leaf Wrestling in Toronto.
The peak of his career was during his time in the WWWF(WWE), facing “Superstar” Billy Graham in a 2 out of 3 falls match in 1977.
After leaving the WWWF, Rocha returned to Canada, working various independent promotions.
According to Luís Pires a portuguese journalist now living in New Jersey, Carlos Rocha who for a long time was the only Portuguese-born wrestler to ever work for WWE, passed away on Monday 1/27.
He was living in Palm Coast, FL and was 93 years old.
Descanse em paz, lenda.
— Nelson Pereira (@ONelsonPereira) January 28, 2020
Carlos Rocha was the third oldest surviving pro wrestler. Currently the oldest surviving wrestlers are Bill Mercer at age 93, and Joe D’Orazio at age 97.
We send our condolences to his family and friends.