No, the professional wrestler known as Moondog Spot (real name Larry Booker) is not still alive. He passed away on November 29, 2003, in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 52, due to a heart attack.
Who Was Moondog Spot?
Larry Booker gained fame in the world of professional wrestling under the moniker Moondog Spot, becoming an iconic member of The Moondogs stable. This unique and memorable faction was characterized by their wild, unkempt appearances, wielding large bones, and an overall demeanor that suggested they had just escaped from the wilderness. Their savage, often rule-breaking, in-ring style made them immediate fan favorites and villains alike across various territories.
Here's a quick overview of key facts about Moondog Spot:
| Key Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Larry Booker |
| Primary Ring Name | Moondog Spot |
| Born | August 30, 1951 |
| Died | November 29, 2003 |
| Location of Passing | Memphis, Tennessee |
| Notable Stable | The Moondogs |
A Look at His Storied Career
Moondog Spot began his wrestling career in the mid-1970s. He initially competed under various names, including Larry Latham, before finding his most enduring character as part of The Moondogs.
The Moondogs Phenomenon
The Moondogs stable was perhaps one of the most distinctive tag teams in wrestling history. Originally comprising Moondog Rex and Moondog King, the group expanded to include various members over the years, with Moondog Spot being a prominent and long-standing fixture. Their unique gimmick involved:
- Wild Appearance: Often sporting ragged clothes, unkempt beards, and sometimes even carrying dog collars or chains.
- Signature Props: The most iconic prop was a large, often blood-stained, bone, which they frequently brought to the ring.
- Brutal Style: Their matches were often chaotic brawls, relying on raw power and a disregard for rules.
Championship Reigns and Impact
Moondog Spot achieved significant success as a tag team wrestler. His most notable accomplishment came when he and Moondog Rex captured the WWF Tag Team Championship on March 17, 1981, holding the titles for over two months. Their reign solidified their status as legitimate threats in the highly competitive tag team division of the World Wrestling Federation.
Throughout his career, Moondog Spot also competed in various regional promotions, including:
- Continental Wrestling Association (CWA): Where he often wrestled in the Memphis territory, which was a hotbed for unique characters and intense feuds.
- National Wrestling Alliance (NWA): Competing in various NWA-affiliated promotions across the United States.
- Other independent circuits: Continuing to perform and entertain fans for decades.
His distinctive character and brawling style left a lasting impression on fans and fellow wrestlers, proving that a unique gimmick combined with genuine toughness could lead to widespread recognition.
His Lasting Legacy
Moondog Spot's passing in 2003 marked the end of an era for one of professional wrestling's most eccentric and beloved characters. His contribution to The Moondogs helped define a certain type of hardcore, gimmick-driven wrestling that resonated with audiences. The enduring image of a wild, bone-wielding "Moondog" continues to be a part of wrestling lore, cementing Larry Booker's place in the sport's history. He is remembered as a rugged performer who fully embraced his unique persona, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence modern wrestling characters and tag teams.
