Billy Riley (June 22, 1896 – September 9 or 15, 1977) was an English professional wrestler, coach, promoter, and referee.

A legitimately skilled wrestler, Riley's career began when professional wrestling bouts were still genuine contests.

In 1948, he founded "The Snake Pit" gym in Wigan, where he coached for over 20 years, teaching the Lancashire style of catch wrestling to some of the leading post-World War II wrestlers, including Karl Gotch and Billy Robinson, among others.

Riley was known to be a devastating "hooker" and it showed in his wrestling matches as he soon gained notoriety for breaking his opponent's arms.

During the 1930s Riley travelled to Africa to capture a British Empire championship from Jack Robinson.

However, this time, since Roy's son Darren and nephew Paul had wanted to learn, the gym was opened to children.

Roy Wood and Tommy Heyes kept the Snake Pit running, and the children visited Riley's wife to show her the trophies and achievements made possible by the efforts of her husband.