Danie Brits
Encyclopedia
Danie Brits is a retired South African professional wrestler
and former South African Heavyweight Champion, known for his work in many of South Africa's major promotions in the past and for his 1980s stint as The Masked Tornado.
. Prior to the 1990s, doing professional wrestling and amateur wrestling at the same time in South Africa was forbidden. Due to his devotion to both sports and being one of the top amateur wrestling competitors in the country, Brits wrestled under a mask upon his professional wrestling debut in 1983, going by the names Tornado and The Masked Tornado.
Bull Hefer. On 28 November 1987, Danie Brits challenged unsuccessfully for the World Middleweight Title against Gama Singh. On 21 September 1989, Danie Brits teamed up with Danie Voges for the first time in over three years to take on Munro and Big Ox Baker at the Portuguese Hall for Interworld Wrestling Promotions. He won the South African Heavyweight Title from Danie Voges in June, 1990, becoming the sixth champion in the title's history. Just prior to winning the championship he unmasked and started using his real name. The Tornado mask and gimmick was passed on to Steve Debbes
, who became Tornado II.
at the Sun City
Superbowl in an inter-promotional supercard. In September, 1995, Danie Brits received an injury to the eye after having an object thrown at him by a spectator in his All Stars Wrestling match with Giant Warrior, after which he was forced to have a major operation. On 20 September 1996, Danie Brits wrestled the American Man Mountain Rock
at an All Stars Wrestling show promoted by Paul Lloyd, father of WWE star Justin Gabriel
. On 29 November 1997, Danie Brits took on and lost to Rage at the famed Orient Theatre in East London. On 30 March 1999, Danie Brits faced Gama Singh at the Orient Theatre in what would be their very last encounter.
and was billed Danie "The Legend" Brits. He took part in the first and second seasons of WWP Thunderstrike, which was airing on national television in South Africa. He teamed up with his nephew Ananzi and won the WWP Tag Team World Title
. During a house show in Durban
they caused a legitimate riot
and were forced out of the building by police escort. Danie Brits failed to show up at one of the second season tapings due to illness and was thus relieved of his title status. In 2007, Danie Brits retired after a 20-year career in professional wrestling.
wrestler Ananzi and is the half-brother of former tag team partner and rival Danie Voges.
In July, 2009, he was honoured at an African Punishment Wrestling Association event at Danie van Zyl Recreation Centre for his achievements in South African professional wrestling
. He donated the original Tornado mask to the promotion's academy.
Professional wrestling
Professional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
and former South African Heavyweight Champion, known for his work in many of South Africa's major promotions in the past and for his 1980s stint as The Masked Tornado.
Early career
Danie Brits was an accomplished amateur wrestler and judoka before entering professional wrestlingProfessional wrestling
Professional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
. Prior to the 1990s, doing professional wrestling and amateur wrestling at the same time in South Africa was forbidden. Due to his devotion to both sports and being one of the top amateur wrestling competitors in the country, Brits wrestled under a mask upon his professional wrestling debut in 1983, going by the names Tornado and The Masked Tornado.
Bronco Universal Promotions/Interworld Wrestling Promotions (1983–92)
Danie Brits made his ring debut in 1983 for Bronco Universal Promotions which was operated by legendary promoterPromoter (entertainment)
An entertainment promoter i.e. music, wrestling, boxing etc is a person or company in the business of marketing and promoting live events such as concerts/gigs, boxing matches, sports entertainment , festivals, raves, and nightclubs.- Business model :Promoters are typically hired as independent...
Bull Hefer. On 28 November 1987, Danie Brits challenged unsuccessfully for the World Middleweight Title against Gama Singh. On 21 September 1989, Danie Brits teamed up with Danie Voges for the first time in over three years to take on Munro and Big Ox Baker at the Portuguese Hall for Interworld Wrestling Promotions. He won the South African Heavyweight Title from Danie Voges in June, 1990, becoming the sixth champion in the title's history. Just prior to winning the championship he unmasked and started using his real name. The Tornado mask and gimmick was passed on to Steve Debbes
Steve Debbes
Steve Debbes, better known by his ring name Tornado, is a South African professional wrestler performing for World Wrestling Professionals. He is the current 2-time WWP Heavyweight World Champion and the longest-reigning title holder in the championship's history.-Early life:Steve Debbes was a...
, who became Tornado II.
All Stars Wrestling/International Wrestling Federation (1993–2004)
On 12 April 1993, he defeated Gama Singh. On 21 May 1994, Danie Brits teamed up with Giant Warrior who was his arch-rival at the time to defeat Gama Singh and Danie Voges in a tag team match. On 22 July 1994, Danie Brits teamed up with Danie Voges, losing to the American Wrecking Crew of Robbie Rage and Mike FuryMarcus Laurinaitis
Marcus "Marc" Laurinaitis also known by his ring name of The Terminator, is an American professional wrestler who has primarily in Florida, Japan and Europe as well as a stint with World Championship Wrestling...
at the Sun City
Sun City, North West
Sun City is a luxury casino and resort, situated in the North West Province of South Africa. It is located about two hours' drive from Johannesburg, near the city of Rustenburg. The complex borders the Pilanesberg Game Reserve.- History :...
Superbowl in an inter-promotional supercard. In September, 1995, Danie Brits received an injury to the eye after having an object thrown at him by a spectator in his All Stars Wrestling match with Giant Warrior, after which he was forced to have a major operation. On 20 September 1996, Danie Brits wrestled the American Man Mountain Rock
Maxx Payne
Darryl Peterson is an American musician, actor and professional wrestler who wrestled in World Championship Wrestling as Maxx Payne and in the World Wrestling Federation as Man Mountain Rock.-Career:...
at an All Stars Wrestling show promoted by Paul Lloyd, father of WWE star Justin Gabriel
Paul Lloyd, Jr.
Paul Lloyd, Jr. is a second-generation South African professional wrestler. He is signed with WWE, and performs on the SmackDown brand under the name Justin Gabriel. He was a contestant in the first season of WWE NXT, where he finished third, before joining The Nexus stable on Raw...
. On 29 November 1997, Danie Brits took on and lost to Rage at the famed Orient Theatre in East London. On 30 March 1999, Danie Brits faced Gama Singh at the Orient Theatre in what would be their very last encounter.
World Wrestling Professionals (2004–07)
In 2004, he joined World Wrestling ProfessionalsWorld Wrestling Professionals
World Wrestling Professionals is a South African professional wrestling promotion created in 2002. The internationally-televised promotion is owned by Mark Beale and Abdul Kader, and is heavily influenced by American mainstream wrestling....
and was billed Danie "The Legend" Brits. He took part in the first and second seasons of WWP Thunderstrike, which was airing on national television in South Africa. He teamed up with his nephew Ananzi and won the WWP Tag Team World Title
WWP Tag Team World Title
The WWP World Tag Team Championship is a professional wrestling championship in the South African professional wrestling promotion World Wrestling Professionals, contested among tag teams of any weight. It was created in April 2004 when WWP debuted its television show, WWP Thunderstrike.- Title...
. During a house show in Durban
Durban
Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and the third largest city in South Africa. It forms part of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism...
they caused a legitimate riot
Riot
A riot is a form of civil disorder characterized often by what is thought of as disorganized groups lashing out in a sudden and intense rash of violence against authority, property or people. While individuals may attempt to lead or control a riot, riots are thought to be typically chaotic and...
and were forced out of the building by police escort. Danie Brits failed to show up at one of the second season tapings due to illness and was thus relieved of his title status. In 2007, Danie Brits retired after a 20-year career in professional wrestling.
Personal life
Danie Brits is the uncle of World Wrestling ProfessionalsWorld Wrestling Professionals
World Wrestling Professionals is a South African professional wrestling promotion created in 2002. The internationally-televised promotion is owned by Mark Beale and Abdul Kader, and is heavily influenced by American mainstream wrestling....
wrestler Ananzi and is the half-brother of former tag team partner and rival Danie Voges.
In July, 2009, he was honoured at an African Punishment Wrestling Association event at Danie van Zyl Recreation Centre for his achievements in South African professional wrestling
Professional wrestling
Professional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
. He donated the original Tornado mask to the promotion's academy.
In wrestling
- Finishing moves
- Jumping PiledriverProfessional wrestling throwsProfessional wrestling throws are the application of techniques that involve lifting the opponent up and throwing or slamming him down, which makes up most of the action of professional wrestling. They are sometimes also called "power" maneuvers, as they are meant to emphasize a wrestler's...
- Signature moves
- Boston Crab
- Reverse Powerslam
- Delayed Vertical Suplex
- Bridging Side Suplex
- Figure-Four Leglock
- Running Powerslam
- Nicknames
- "The Legend"
- Tag Teams
- The Fighting Springboks (w/ Danie Voges)
Championships and accomplishments
- All Stars Wrestling/International Wrestling Federation
- IWF Heavyweight Title
- IWF Tag Team Titles (w/ Danie Voges)
- Bronco Universal Promotions
- South African Heavyweight Title
- Universal Wrestling Federation
- UWF South African Heavyweight Title
- UWF Middleweight Title
- World Confederation of Wrestling
- WCA World Title
- World Wrestling ProfessionalsWorld Wrestling ProfessionalsWorld Wrestling Professionals is a South African professional wrestling promotion created in 2002. The internationally-televised promotion is owned by Mark Beale and Abdul Kader, and is heavily influenced by American mainstream wrestling....
- WWP Tag Team World TitleWWP Tag Team World TitleThe WWP World Tag Team Championship is a professional wrestling championship in the South African professional wrestling promotion World Wrestling Professionals, contested among tag teams of any weight. It was created in April 2004 when WWP debuted its television show, WWP Thunderstrike.- Title...
(w/ Ananzi)
- Pro Wrestling IllustratedPro Wrestling IllustratedPro Wrestling Illustrated is a professional wrestling magazine. PWI is currently based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania and published by Kappa Publishing Group.-History:The first issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated was released in 1979...
- PWI ranked him #302 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in 1994