The Old National Wrestling Association used to issue a top 10 list every year and Torreswas on it for six years with Lou Thesz, Gorgeous George, & Buddy Rogers. Torres got his start in 1946 and got Marque billing in Georgia, Missouri, Ohio, South Carolina, & Quebec. Frankie Cain got him and his 2 brothers booked in Georgia and had a headline feud with the Vachon Brothers. When came onto the scene in California he won a version of the World title from George Becker which is sometimes referred to as the Pacific heavyweight title.

In Montreal Torres was regarded as the number one contender to Yvon Robert in 1948. In Kansas city he feuded with Bob Orton Sr and beat him for he Cental States title. From November 1947 to November 1950 he worked many main events coast to coast with Lou Thesz.