Don Bass (wrestler)


Donald Hollis Welch was an American professional wrestler, best known by the ring name Don Bass.

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1973–1981)

Don Welch started wrestling as Don Bass in 1973.
Bass found early success as a tag team wrestler, teaming up with his brother, Ron Bass as a member of the heel stable The Bass Family. The duo was managed by their "mother", Maw Bass. Maw Bass carried a loaded purse, with which she would strike their opponents to steal a victory.

Continental Wrestling Alliance (1981–1988)

In the early 1980s, Don Bass joined Continental Wrestling Association as one half of The Interns with Roger Smith. The masked duo would become a staple in Memphis tag team wrestling, capturing the AWA Southern Tag Team Championship on five occasions.
Later, the team would be repackaged as Fire and Flame, once again winning the Southern Tag Titles. During this time, Bass defeated Jerry Lawler in a tag team match, winning the AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship, his first and only major singles championship.
In 1987, after a brief absence he returned to CWA and in an angle, he tried unsuccessfully to become a country singer by lipsynching to songs that was originally sung by Bobby Bare.

United States Wrestling Association (1989–1996)

Don Bass was envy of the federation with his incredible physique.

Late career (1996–2010)

Don Bass began a training school in Jericho, Arkansas. He trained with many of the Power Pro Wrestling superstars and headed the Power Pro School of Wrestling. He trained Derrick king, Alan Steele, "Big" Nasty Bill, Hoss Williams, Blade, Jett Logan, Alexi Krisis, Dustin 5 Starr and Simon Reed of the Posse plus many more. He continued working around the Memphis area until the time of his death.

Death

Welch died of cancer on September 16, 2016.

Championships and accomplishments