Gypsy Joe

Gypsy Joe
Joe in 1975
Birth nameGilberto Meléndez
Born(1933-12-02)December 2, 1933
Orocovis, Puerto Rico
DiedJune 15, 2016(2016-06-15) (aged 82)
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Aztec Joe
Blue Inferno
El Grande Pistolero
Gene Madrid
Gypsy Joe
Jan Madrid
Inferno I
Baby Grandpa
Billed height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Billed weight224 lb (102 kg)
Billed fromVillalba, Puerto Rico
Trained byPampero Firpo
Debut1951
Retired2011

Gilberto Meléndez (December 2, 1933 – June 15, 2016) was a Puerto Rican professional wrestler better known under the ring name Gypsy Joe. While attaining much of his United States success in the Tennessee area, Meléndez also gained a following in Japan. His career lasted six decades, and his highly physical brawling style and tough reputation made him an early pioneer of the hardcore wrestling scene.[1]

  1. ^ LaFave, Jeff Wrestling legend Gypsy Joe now battling for life: Medical bills benefit show Saturday in Rossville Times Free Press (August 9, 2013). Retrieved on 3-15-2014.