WWF Alumnus ‘Duke of Dorchester’ Pete Doherty Passes Away At 85

Pete Doherty, best known for his appearances as “The Duke of Dorchester” in WWF in the 1970s and 1980s, has passed away. The Cauliflower Alley Club confirmed with Danny Davis that Doherty passed at the age of 85.

Details on Doherty’s passing were not revealed. The Cauliflower Alley Club wrote:

“As per his friend Danny Davis, The CAC is saddened to hear the unforgettable Pete Doherty has passed away at the age of 85, known to fans everywhere as the Duke of Dorchester. A true character in professional wrestling who brought charisma along with a larger-than-life personality to every arena he stepped into. We send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Duke”

Doherty began his wrestling career in 1973 and worked largely as an enhancement talent for WWE, usually as a heel. He was from Dorchester, Massachusetts and took his nickname from there. When WWE began its national expansion, Doherty became a well-known enhancement guy and put over a number of stars from the era.

Doherty never held a title in WWE or elsewhere, but he did pick up wins now and then at house shows and, very occasionally at TV tapings in Massachusetts. He also worked under a mask as the Golden Terror. He was very popular in his home region and occasionally challenged for titles, including two WWF Championship matches against Bob Backlund — one as the Golden Terror in April of 1978, and one as Pete Doherty in 1983. Both were non-televised.

Doherty had his last match in 1992, a loss to The Latin Fury (aka Konan) on a July 19th, 1992 WWE live event in Hyannis, Massachuset. He would occasionally make appearances at conventions.

On behalf of 411, our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Pete Doherty. He will be missed.