The wrestling world has lost another veteran, as Julio Barrera, better known to fans as Jumbo Baretta, has passed away at the age of 59.
Baretta spent nearly three decades in professional wrestling, competing for WCW, WWF, and several NWA territories while also making a name for himself in Japan. His career took him into the ring with some of wrestling’s biggest names, including Sting, The Road Warriors, and several Japanese legends. The Cauliflower Alley Club announced Baretta’s passing, sharing a personal tribute from someone who had known the former wrestler for nearly 40 years.
“Rest in Peace, My Friend Jumbo Beretta.
This one truly hurts. I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jumbo, a good friend whom I was honored and privileged to know for nearly 40 years. I send my sincerest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace old friend.”
Born in Tampa, Florida, in 1967, Baretta began his professional wrestling career in 1986 after training under Boris Malenko, the father of wrestling veterans Dean and Joe Malenko. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing more than 300 pounds, Baretta had the size to stand out in an era filled with larger-than-life wrestlers.
Baretta got his start in the Florida wrestling scene, working for Championship Wrestling from Florida and other regional promotions. One of his biggest accomplishments came on October 17, 1989, when he teamed with Dennis Knight to defeat The Nasty Boys, Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags, for the Florida Tag Team Championship. The pair held the titles until November 12, 1989, when they lost to Mark Starr and Lou Perez.
His career also included appearances for Jim Crockett Promotions and WCW between 1989 and 1990. During that period, Baretta shared the ring with Sting, Tommy Rich, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, and The Road Warriors. Although he never became a major television star, he worked against several of the biggest names in the business during that era.
Baretta also took his career overseas, where he competed under the name Johnny Barrett. Beginning in 1989, he worked for Japan’s Universal Wrestling Federation, a promotion known for its realistic, submission-heavy wrestling style. His opponents included Nobuhiko Takada, Akira Maeda, and Minoru Suzuki.
After the Japanese UWF closed, Baretta continued competing overseas. In 1991, he joined Pro Wrestling Fujiwara Gumi, where he faced Yoshiaki Fujiwara and Masakatsu Funaki. His Japanese appearances continued into 1992, giving him experience in a wrestling environment very different from the American territorial system.
Baretta eventually returned to the United States, making several WWF appearances in 1995. He also remained active on the Florida independent circuit, wrestling for promotions including the Professional Wrestling Federation, Global Wrestling Alliance, Suncoast Pro Wrestling, and International Championship Wrestling Alliance.
His connection to the Malenko family remained an important part of his career. In addition to training under Boris Malenko, Baretta worked as an assistant trainer at Malenko’s wrestling school. In June 2010, he won the inaugural Malenko Cup Battle Royal in Riverview, Florida.
Baretta continued making occasional wrestling appearances until 2013. His final recorded match took place on June 30, 2013, when he participated in the Malenko Memorial Cup Battle Royal for Definitive Wrestling International. The match also featured Barry Horowitz, Prince Iaukea, Rusty Brooks, Bob Cook, and several other veterans, with Horowitz winning the contest.
Over a career that stretched from 1986 to 2013, Baretta experienced several different sides of professional wrestling, from the Florida territories and national television to Japan’s shoot-style promotions and the independent circuit. He also helped train other wrestlers, carrying forward lessons from the Malenko wrestling tradition.
A cause of death has not been announced. Baretta leaves behind a wrestling career spanning nearly 30 years and friendships that lasted even longer.
Ringside News extends its condolences to Julio Barrera’s family, friends, and everyone who knew him throughout his wrestling career.
What are your memories of Jumbo Baretta and his time competing in WCW, WWF, or Japan? Share your thoughts and favorite memories in the comments below.
