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{{Short description|Puerto Rican professional wrestler (1950–2020)}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}
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{{short description|Puerto Rican professional wrestler}}
{{redirect|Ruben Cruz|the Spanish footballer|Rubén Cruz Gil}}
{{redirect|Ruben Cruz|the Spanish footballer|Rubén Cruz Gil}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
{{Infobox professional wrestler
|name = Hercules Ayala
|name = Hercules Ayala
|birthname = Ruben Cruz
|birthname = Ruben Cruz
|image =
|image =Hercules Ayala.jpeg
|alt =
|image_size = 250px
|caption = Ayala (top) in a match against [[Carlos Colón]] (bottom)
|spouse = Susan Cruz
|spouse = Susan Cruz
|children = 3
|children = 3
|caption =
|names = El Sansón Boricua<br />Hercules Ayala<br />Hercules Ayala Cortez<br />Hercules Cortez<br />Ruben Ayala
|names = El Sansón Boricua<br />Hercules Ayala<br />Hercules Ayala Cortez<br />Hercules Cortez<br />Ruben Ayala
|height = 6 ft 1 in<ref name=Encyclopedia>{{cite book|title=WWE Encyclopedia|last1=Shields|first1=Brian|last2=Sullivan|first2=Kevin|page=[https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/129 129]|publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley|DK]]|year=2009|isbn=978-0-7566-4190-0|url=https://archive.org/details/wweencyclopediad0000shie/page/129}}</ref>
|height = {{height|ft=6|in=1}}<ref name=slam/>
|weight = {{convert|265|lb|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=slam/>
|weight = 265 lb<ref name=Encyclopedia/>
|birth_date = {{birth date|1950|7|14}}<ref name=slam/>
|birth_date = {{birth date|1950|7|14}}<ref name=slam/>
|birth_place = [[Bayamón, Puerto Rico]]<ref name=slam/>
|birth_place = [[Bayamón, Puerto Rico]]<ref name=slam/>
|death_date = {{death date and age|2020|1|22|1950|7|4}}
|death_date = {{death date and age|2020|1|22|1950|7|4}}
|death_place = [[St. Albert, Alberta]], [[Canada]]<ref name=slam/>
|death_place = [[St. Albert, Alberta]], Canada<ref name=slam/>
|billed =
|billed =
|trainer = Angelo Savoldi
|trainer = Angelo Savoldi
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|retired = 2004
|retired = 2004
}}
}}
'''Ruben Cruz''' (July 14, 1950 – January 22, 2020) was a Puerto Rican [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], better known by his [[ring name]] '''Hercules Ayala'''. He competed in Canadian and international wrestling promotions including the eastern Canadian [[Grand Prix Wrestling]], the [[Calgary]]-based [[Stampede Wrestling]], [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] in Japan and [[World Wrestling Council]] in Puerto Rico.<ref name=slam>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBios/ayala.html|title=The strengths of Hercules Ayala|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|author=Oliver, Greg|accessdate=2009-12-18}}</ref>
'''Ruben Cruz''' (July 14, 1950 – January 22, 2020) was a Puerto Rican [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], better known by his [[ring name]] '''Hercules Ayala'''. He competed in Canadian and international wrestling promotions including the eastern Canadian [[Grand Prix Wrestling]], the [[Calgary]]-based [[Stampede Wrestling]], [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] in Japan and [[World Wrestling Council]] in Puerto Rico.<ref name=slam>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBios/ayala.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115072605/http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBios/ayala.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=January 15, 2013|title=The strengths of Hercules Ayala|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|author=Oliver, Greg|access-date=2009-12-18}}</ref>


==Professional wrestling career==
==Professional wrestling career==
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In December 1976, Ayala and [[tag team]] partner [[Victor Jovica]] won the [[WWC North American Tag Team Championship|NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Puerto Rico/WWC version)]] from [[Heigo Hamaguchi]] and Gordon Nelson. In 1977, Cruz met [[Bret Hart]] and the [[Dynamite Kid]] in Germany, and they introduced him to [[Stu Hart]].<ref name=slam/> Cruz worked in Canada for eight years.<ref name=slam/> In Hart's [[Stampede Wrestling]], Cruz held the [[Stampede International Tag Team Championship]] with [[Jim Neidhart]].<ref name=slam/> In addition to Stampede, he wrestled for [[Lutte Internationale]]. In January 1987, he defeated [[David Schultz (professional wrestler)|David Shultz]] for the [[Canadian International Heavyweight Championship]], but lost it to [[Abdullah the Butcher]] approximately one month later.<ref name=slam/>
In December 1976, Ayala and [[tag team]] partner [[Victor Jovica]] won the [[WWC North American Tag Team Championship|NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Puerto Rico/WWC version)]] from [[Heigo Hamaguchi]] and Gordon Nelson. In 1977, Cruz met [[Bret Hart]] and the [[Dynamite Kid]] in Germany, and they introduced him to [[Stu Hart]].<ref name=slam/> Cruz worked in Canada for eight years.<ref name=slam/> In Hart's [[Stampede Wrestling]], Cruz held the [[Stampede International Tag Team Championship]] with [[Jim Neidhart]].<ref name=slam/> In addition to Stampede, he wrestled for [[Lutte Internationale]]. In January 1987, he defeated [[David Schultz (professional wrestler)|David Shultz]] for the [[Canadian International Heavyweight Championship]], but lost it to [[Abdullah the Butcher]] approximately one month later.<ref name=slam/>


After returning to Puerto Rico, he began working for the Capital Sports Promotion (later renamed to [[World Wrestling Council]]). He feuded with [[Killer Tim Brooks]], [[Kevin Sullivan (wrestler)|Kevin Sullivan]] and [[Hercules (wrestler)|Hercules Hernandez]]. In March 1985, he defeated [[Randy Savage]] to win the [[WWC North American Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name=slam/> He also wrestled [[Ric Flair]] for the NWA title. In the summer of 1987 Ayala suggested to the WWC office that he turn heel after years working as a babyface. He feuded with [[Carlos Colon]] over the [[WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship|WWC Universal Heavyweight Title]] and hired [[Chicky Starr]] as his manager. His feud with Carlos Colon reached its peak when Ayala attacked Nancy Coates, Carlos Colon's wife, at a WWC banquet award ceremony. On January 6, 1989 he lost a loser leaves town match to Colon and disappeared from the territory.
After returning to Puerto Rico, he began working for the Capital Sports Promotion (later renamed to [[World Wrestling Council]]). He feuded with [[Killer Tim Brooks]], [[Kevin Sullivan (wrestler)|Kevin Sullivan]] and [[Hercules (wrestler)|Hercules Hernandez]]. In March 1985, he defeated [[Randy Savage]] to win the [[WWC North American Heavyweight Championship]].<ref name=slam/> He also wrestled [[Ric Flair]] for the NWA title. In the summer of 1987 Ayala suggested to the WWC office that he turn heel after years working as a babyface. He feuded with [[Carlos Colon]] over the [[WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship|WWC Universal Heavyweight Title]] and hired [[Chicky Starr]] as his manager. His feud with Carlos Colon reached its peak when Ayala attacked Nancy Coates, Carlos Colon's wife, at a WWC banquet award ceremony. On January 6, 1989, he lost a loser leaves town match to Colon and disappeared from the territory.


In 1992, he worked as booker in Puerto Rico for the American Wrestling Federation, where he reunited with manager Chicky Starr and was the AWF champion until he lost the championship to [[Jesús Castillo, Jr.|Huracán Castillo Jr]].
In 1992, he worked as booker in Puerto Rico for the American Wrestling Federation, where he reunited with manager Chicky Starr and was the AWF champion until he lost the championship to [[Jesús Castillo, Jr.|Huracán Castillo Jr]].


Between 1995 and 1996 he made some appearances at the World Wrestling Council and feuded against [[Ramón Álvarez (wrestler)|Bronco l]].
Between 1995 and 1996, he made some appearances at the World Wrestling Council and feuded against [[Ramón Álvarez (wrestler)|Bronco l]].


In 2011 Hercules Ayala returned to the World Wrestling Council and dedicated the 2011 [[WWC Anniversary|WWC Anniversary Card]] to him.
In 2011, Hercules Ayala returned to the World Wrestling Council and dedicated the 2011 [[WWC Anniversary|WWC Anniversary Card]] to him.


He was also inducted to the [[Prairie Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame]].
He was also inducted to the [[Prairie Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame]].


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Cruz met his wife Susan while he was wrestling in Canada.<ref name=slam/> They had two children together, and Cruz had a son from a previous relationship as well as two daughters.<ref name=slam/> After retiring from professional wrestling, Cruz settled in [[St. Albert, Alberta|St. Albert]], Canada and worked for a fencing company. He is the godfather to fellow wrestler [[Ángel Acevedo]]'s daughter.<ref name=slam/> He died on January 22, 2020.<ref>https://twitter.com/CACReunion/status/1220353598124515330</ref>
Cruz met his wife Susan while he was wrestling in Canada.<ref name=slam/> They had two daughters together, and Cruz had a son from a previous relationship .<ref name=slam/> After retiring from professional wrestling, Cruz settled in [[St. Albert, Alberta]], and worked for a fencing company. He is the godfather to fellow wrestler [[Ángel Acevedo]]'s daughter.<ref name=slam/> He died on January 22, 2020 at age 69.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1220353598124515330|user=CACReunion|title=We heard this morning that Ruben...|date=January 23, 2020}}</ref>


==Championships and accomplishments==
==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''Americas Wrestling Federation'''
*'''Americas Wrestling Federation'''
**AWF World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=titles&titel=3780 | title=AWF World Heavyweight Title | work=Wrestling Data | accessdate=January 23, 2020}}</ref>
**AWF World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=titles&titel=3780 | title=AWF World Heavyweight Title | work=Wrestling Data | access-date=January 23, 2020 | archive-date=October 16, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016144048/https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=titles&titel=3780 | url-status=live }}</ref>
**AWF World Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Invader IV<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=titles&titel=3781 | title=AWF World Tag Team Titles | work=Wrestling Data | accessdate=January 23, 2020}}</ref>
**AWF World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Invader IV<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=titles&titel=3781 | title=AWF World Tag Team Titles | work=Wrestling Data | access-date=January 23, 2020 | archive-date=October 16, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211016144049/https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=titles&titel=3781 | url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''[[World Class Championship Wrestling|Big Time Wrestling]]'''
*'''[[World Class Championship Wrestling|Big Time Wrestling]]'''
**[[NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas version)|NWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas version)#Title history|1 time]]) - with Ali Mustafa<ref name=NWATagTexas>{{cite book | first1=Royal | last1=Duncan | first2=Gary | last2=Will | title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=Pennsylvania |year=2000 | publisher=Archeus Communications | isbn=0-9698161-5-4 | chapter=Texas: NWA World Tag Team Title [Siegel, Boesch and McLemore]}}</ref><ref name=NWATagTexasWeb>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/nwa-ss/tx-nwa-t.html | title=National Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Title [E. Texas] | work=Wrestling-Titles | accessdate=February 21, 2017}}</ref>
**[[NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas version)|NWA World Tag Team Championship]] ([[NWA World Tag Team Championship (Texas version)#Title history|1 time]]) – with Ali Mustafa<ref name=NWATagTexas>{{cite book | first1=Royal | last1=Duncan | first2=Gary | last2=Will | title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=Pennsylvania |year=2000 | publisher=Archeus Communications | isbn=0-9698161-5-4 | chapter=Texas: NWA World Tag Team Title [Siegel, Boesch and McLemore]}}</ref><ref name=NWATagTexasWeb>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/nwa-ss/tx-nwa-t.html | title=National Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Title [E. Texas] | work=Wrestling-Titles | access-date=February 21, 2017 | archive-date=December 16, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216081255/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/tx/nwa-ss/tx-nwa-t.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
* '''[[SLAM! Wrestling Canadian Hall of Fame|Canadian Wrestling Hall of Fame]]'''
**Class of 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/ayala.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130115072605/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/ayala.html |archive-date=January 15, 2013 |title=SLAM! Wrestling Canadian Hall of Fame: Hercules Ayala |work=SLAM! Wrestling |last=Oliver |first=Greg |date=January 15, 2013 |access-date=February 18, 2023}}</ref>
*'''European Wrestling Union'''
*'''European Wrestling Union'''
**World Super Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/africa/safrica/ewu-sh.html | title=European Wrestling Union World Super Heavyweight Title | accessdate=January 23, 2020 | work=Wrestling-Titles}}</ref>
**World Super Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/africa/safrica/ewu-sh.html | title=European Wrestling Union World Super Heavyweight Title | access-date=January 23, 2020 | work=Wrestling-Titles | archive-date=June 29, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629161718/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/africa/safrica/ewu-sh.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''[[Lutte Internationale]]'''
*'''[[Lutte Internationale]]'''
**[[Canadian International Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Canadian International Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=slam/><ref name=Jan19F4W>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0119-ric-flair-wins-wwf-title-1992-royal-rumble-302116 | title=Pro wrestling history (01/19): Ric Flair wins WWF title in 1992 Royal Rumble | date=January 19, 2019 | accessdate=January 18, 2019 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]] | first=Brian | last=Hoops}}</ref>
**[[Canadian International Heavyweight Championship]] ([[Canadian International Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=slam/><ref name=Jan19F4W>{{cite web | url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0119-ric-flair-wins-wwf-title-1992-royal-rumble-302116 | title=Pro wrestling history (01/19): Ric Flair wins WWF title in 1992 Royal Rumble | date=January 19, 2019 | access-date=January 18, 2019 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]] | first=Brian | last=Hoops | archive-date=October 24, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024232149/https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0119-ric-flair-wins-wwf-title-1992-royal-rumble-302116 | url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''[[Stampede Wrestling]]'''
*'''[[Stampede Wrestling]]'''
**[[Stampede International Tag Team Championship]] ([[Stampede International Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) - with [[Jim Neidhart]]<ref name=slam/><ref name=SWInternationalTag>{{cite book | author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will | title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON | publisher=Archeus Communications | year=2000|edition=4th | chapter= Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Title [Hart] | pages=340–341| isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref><ref name=SWInternationalTagWeb>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/canada/ab/stampede/ab-int-t.html|title=Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Title|author=wrestling-titles.com}}</ref>
**[[Stampede International Tag Team Championship]] ([[Stampede International Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Jim Neidhart]]<ref name=slam/><ref name=SWInternationalTag>{{cite book | author=Royal Duncan & Gary Will | title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON | publisher=Archeus Communications | year=2000|edition=4th | chapter= Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Title [Hart] | pages=340–341| isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref><ref name=SWInternationalTagWeb>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/canada/ab/stampede/ab-int-t.html|title=Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Title|author=wrestling-titles.com|access-date=January 24, 2020|archive-date=April 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110416104907/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/canada/ab/stampede/ab-int-t.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''[[World Wrestling Council]]'''
*'''[[World Wrestling Council]]'''
**[[WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name=WWCCaribBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Title [Colon] | page=327 | year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
**[[WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name=WWCCaribBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Title [Colon] | page=327 | year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
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**[[WWC North American Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC North American Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=slam/><ref name=WWCNAHeavyBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC North American Heavyweight Title [Colon] | page=325 | year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
**[[WWC North American Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC North American Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=slam/><ref name=WWCNAHeavyBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC North American Heavyweight Title [Colon] | page=325 | year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
</ref>
</ref>
**[[WWC North American Tag Team Championship]] ([[WWC North American Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) - with [[Victor Jovica]]<ref name=WWCNATagBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC North American Tag Team Title [Colon] | page=326 | year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
**[[WWC North American Tag Team Championship]] ([[WWC North American Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Victor Jovica]]<ref name=WWCNATagBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC North American Tag Team Title [Colon] | page=326 | year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
</ref>
</ref>
**[[WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship#Title history|5 times]])<ref name=WWCPRBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title [Colon] | page=327 | year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
**[[WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship#Title history|5 times]])<ref name=WWCPRBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title [Colon] | page=327 | year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
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**[[WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name=WWCJrBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC Junior Heavyweight Title [Colon] | page=325 | year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
**[[WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name=WWCJrBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC Junior Heavyweight Title [Colon] | page=325 | year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
</ref>
</ref>
**[[WWC World Tag Team Championship]] ([[WWC World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) - with [[Haku (wrestler)|King Tonga]]<ref name=WWCTagBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC World Tag Team Title [Colon] |pages=324–325|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
**[[WWC World Tag Team Championship]] ([[WWC World Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Haku (wrestler)|King Tonga]]<ref name=WWCTagBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC World Tag Team Title [Colon] |pages=324–325|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
</ref>
</ref>
**[[WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name=WWCUniversalBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC Universal Tag Team Title [Colon] | pages=323–324|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
**[[WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref name=WWCUniversalBook>{{cite book|first=Royal|last=Duncan|author2=Gary Will |title=Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present | location=London, ON|publisher=Archeus Communications|chapter=(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC Universal Tag Team Title [Colon] | pages=323–324|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}
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{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* {{professional wrestling profiles}}


{{Navboxes|
{{Navboxes|
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{{NWA World Tag Team Champions (Texas version)}}
{{NWA World Tag Team Champions (Texas version)}}
{{Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Championship}}
{{Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Championship}}
{{WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WWC Puerto Rico Championship}}
{{WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WWC World Tag Team Championship}}
}}
}}


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[[Category:1950 births]]
[[Category:1950 births]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Bayamón, Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Bayamón, Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:Puerto Rican male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Puerto Rican male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling executives]]
[[Category:Professional wrestling executives]]
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[[Category:Sportspeople from St. Albert, Alberta]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from St. Albert, Alberta]]
[[Category:Stampede Wrestling alumni]]
[[Category:Stampede Wrestling alumni]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:WWC Universal Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:WWC Puerto Rico Champions]]
[[Category:Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:NWA World Tag Team Champions (Texas version)]]

Latest revision as of 14:21, 28 September 2024

"Ruben Cruz" redirects here. For the Spanish footballer, see Rubén Cruz Gil.

Hercules Ayala
Ayala (top) in a match against Carlos Colón (bottom)
Birth nameRuben Cruz
Born(1950-07-14)July 14, 1950[1]
Bayamón, Puerto Rico[1]
DiedJanuary 22, 2020(2020-01-22) (aged 69)
St. Albert, Alberta, Canada[1]
Spouse(s)Susan Cruz
Children3
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)El Sansón Boricua
Hercules Ayala
Hercules Ayala Cortez
Hercules Cortez
Ruben Ayala
Billed height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)[2]
Billed weight265 lb (120 kg)[2]
Trained byAngelo Savoldi
Debut1970
Retired2004

Ruben Cruz (July 14, 1950 – January 22, 2020) was a Puerto Rican professional wrestler, better known by his ring name Hercules Ayala. He competed in Canadian and international wrestling promotions including the eastern Canadian Grand Prix Wrestling, the Calgary-based Stampede Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling in Japan and World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico.[1]

Professional wrestling career

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Born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Ayala was a fan of professional wrestling and admired Huracan Castillo.[1] During the early-1970s, he traveled to the United States several months after his mother had left to live with her daughter and her grandchildren in Boston, Massachusetts.[1] While living in Boston, Cruz met former National Wrestling Alliance wrestler Angelo Savoldi working out at a local gym.[1] After undergoing training with Savoldi, he was able to compete for the then World Wide Wrestling Federation for a brief time.[1]

In December 1976, Ayala and tag team partner Victor Jovica won the NWA North American Tag Team Championship (Puerto Rico/WWC version) from Heigo Hamaguchi and Gordon Nelson. In 1977, Cruz met Bret Hart and the Dynamite Kid in Germany, and they introduced him to Stu Hart.[1] Cruz worked in Canada for eight years.[1] In Hart's Stampede Wrestling, Cruz held the Stampede International Tag Team Championship with Jim Neidhart.[1] In addition to Stampede, he wrestled for Lutte Internationale. In January 1987, he defeated David Shultz for the Canadian International Heavyweight Championship, but lost it to Abdullah the Butcher approximately one month later.[1]

After returning to Puerto Rico, he began working for the Capital Sports Promotion (later renamed to World Wrestling Council). He feuded with Killer Tim Brooks, Kevin Sullivan and Hercules Hernandez. In March 1985, he defeated Randy Savage to win the WWC North American Heavyweight Championship.[1] He also wrestled Ric Flair for the NWA title. In the summer of 1987 Ayala suggested to the WWC office that he turn heel after years working as a babyface. He feuded with Carlos Colon over the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title and hired Chicky Starr as his manager. His feud with Carlos Colon reached its peak when Ayala attacked Nancy Coates, Carlos Colon's wife, at a WWC banquet award ceremony. On January 6, 1989, he lost a loser leaves town match to Colon and disappeared from the territory.

In 1992, he worked as booker in Puerto Rico for the American Wrestling Federation, where he reunited with manager Chicky Starr and was the AWF champion until he lost the championship to Huracán Castillo Jr.

Between 1995 and 1996, he made some appearances at the World Wrestling Council and feuded against Bronco l.

In 2011, Hercules Ayala returned to the World Wrestling Council and dedicated the 2011 WWC Anniversary Card to him.

He was also inducted to the Prairie Wrestling Alliance Hall of Fame.

Personal life

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Cruz met his wife Susan while he was wrestling in Canada.[1] They had two daughters together, and Cruz had a son from a previous relationship .[1] After retiring from professional wrestling, Cruz settled in St. Albert, Alberta, and worked for a fencing company. He is the godfather to fellow wrestler Ángel Acevedo's daughter.[1] He died on January 22, 2020 at age 69.[3]

Championships and accomplishments

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Oliver, Greg. "The strengths of Hercules Ayala". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  2. ^ a b Shields, Brian; Sullivan, Kevin (2009). WWE Encyclopedia. DK. p. 129. ISBN 978-0-7566-4190-0.
  3. ^ @CACReunion (January 23, 2020). "We heard this morning that Ruben..." (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  4. ^ "AWF World Heavyweight Title". Wrestling Data. Archived from the original on October 16, 2021. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  5. ^ "AWF World Tag Team Titles". Wrestling Data. Archived from the original on October 16, 2021. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  6. ^ Duncan, Royal; Will, Gary (2000). "Texas: NWA World Tag Team Title [Siegel, Boesch and McLemore]". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. Pennsylvania: Archeus Communications. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  7. ^ "National Wrestling Alliance World Tag Team Title [E. Texas]". Wrestling-Titles. Archived from the original on December 16, 2016. Retrieved February 21, 2017.
  8. ^ Oliver, Greg (January 15, 2013). "SLAM! Wrestling Canadian Hall of Fame: Hercules Ayala". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ "European Wrestling Union World Super Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles. Archived from the original on June 29, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  10. ^ Hoops, Brian (January 19, 2019). "Pro wrestling history (01/19): Ric Flair wins WWF title in 1992 Royal Rumble". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  11. ^ Royal Duncan & Gary Will (2000). "Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Title [Hart]". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present (4th ed.). London, ON: Archeus Communications. pp. 340–341. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  12. ^ wrestling-titles.com. "Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team Title". Archived from the original on April 16, 2011. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  13. ^ Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Title [Colon]". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. London, ON: Archeus Communications. p. 327. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  14. ^ Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC North American Heavyweight Title [Colon]". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. London, ON: Archeus Communications. p. 325. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  15. ^ Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC North American Tag Team Title [Colon]". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. London, ON: Archeus Communications. p. 326. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  16. ^ Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Title [Colon]". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. London, ON: Archeus Communications. p. 327. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  17. ^ Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC Junior Heavyweight Title [Colon]". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. London, ON: Archeus Communications. p. 325. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  18. ^ Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC World Tag Team Title [Colon]". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. London, ON: Archeus Communications. pp. 324–325. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
  19. ^ Duncan, Royal; Gary Will (2000). "(Puerto Rico) Puerto Rico: WWC Universal Tag Team Title [Colon]". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. London, ON: Archeus Communications. pp. 323–324. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
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