| Code | DS/UK/9032 |
| Name | Big Daddy (14 November 1930-2 December 1997); English wrestler |
| Variations of Name | Shirley Crabtree Jr |
| Alias | Mr. Universe | The Battling Guardsman | The Blond Adonis |
| Dates | 14 November 1930-2 December 1997 |
| Gender | Male (cisgender) |
| Place of Birth/Origin | Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire, England (born) |
| Relationships | Son of Shirley Crabtree Sr (professional wrestler)
Sibling of Brian Crabtree (wrestling referee and MC) nad Max Crabtree (proprietor of Joint Promotions) |
| Biography | Shirley Crabtree Jr, better known as Big Daddy, was an English professional wrestler with a record-breaking 64-inch chest. He worked for Joint Promotions and the British Wrestling Federation. Initially appearing on television as a heel, he teamed with Giant Haystacks. After splitting with Haystacks, he became a fan favourite and the top star of Joint Promotions from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.
He first became popular in the late 1950s, and early 1960s as a blue-eye billed as "Blond Adonis Shirley Crabtree." He won the European Heavyweight Championship in Joint Promotions and a disputed branch of the British Heavyweight title in the independent British Wrestling Federation before he quit in 1966 following a (non-kayfabe) campaign of harassment at wrestling shows by former champion Bert Assirati. He retired for roughly six years.
In 1972, Crabtree returned to Joint Promotions as a villain with a gimmick of the Battling Guardsman based on his former service with the Coldstream Guards. It was during this period that he made his first appearances on World of Sport on ITV. 'Big Daddy' was first given life by Crabtree in late 1974, initially still as a villain. The character's leotards were emblazoned with just a large "D" and were fashioned by his wife Eunice from their chintz sofa. The character first gained attention in mid-1975 when he formed a tag team with TV newcomer Giant Haystacks and together they became notorious for crushing blue eye opponents. |