Sadly, another legendary wrestler and trainer is gone as Killer Kowalski has passed away from what is being reported as a massive heart attack that put him in a coma for the past three weeks. He was 81 years old and has left a legacy behind that wrestling fans will not soon forget because very smiliar to other legendary trainers,Kowalski's impact on the sport will be evident for years to come considering he's trained many of today's stars. He was born in Canada in 1926 and would begin what would become a thirty year in ring career in 1947. During his three decades as an in ring competitor, he would wrestle in Canada, the NWA, the AWA, and the WWWF. Killer Kowalski would earn a reputation as a ruthless wrestler in 1952 during a match in Monteral against Yukon Eric when he dropped a knee that ripped off Yukon's ear. In reality, the incident was an accident that was caused by Yukon's callifolwer ear but this was during a time when the secrets of wrestling were guarded so as a result Kowalski was known as the wrestler that tried to rip off his opponets ears during matches. Using the Iron Claw finishing move, Kowalski would become a top star in the WWWF in the 1960s and 1970s where he would feud with WWWF champion, Bruno Sammartino. Aside from his famous matches with Bruno, Kowalski would win the WWWF tag titles with Big John Studd in 1976 when the duo were known as The Exicutionors.

After his retirement from the ring in 1977, Kowalski opened a wrestling school in Boston, Massachetts and the school is still exist today. Kowalski's school is famous for training many stars and those stars have gone on to make an impact in almost every notable promotion in pro wrestling. Former ECW stars, Perry Saturn and John Kronus were trained at the school. Current WWE champion, Triple H and his former manager, Chyna were trained by Kowalski. TNA star, Kaz trained at the famous school and A-Train, who is currently a star in Japan was also trained there. Everyone from WWE legend, Big John Studd to young wrestler, Kenny Dykstra were trained by Kowalski. Besides his training school, Kowalski made T.V. appearances including being the guest of David Letterman on "The Late Show" in 1982 and he is also a member of the WWE Hall Of Fame.

Killer Kowalski is a true legend and one of the pioneers of pro wrestling. His 60+ years of contributions to the indutry are and should be respected by all wrestling fans. He was one of the early wrestling villians and one of the original "mad men" of pro wrestling that paved the way for future heels. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Kowalski's friends and family.

RIP Walter "Killer" Kowalski

If you have comments or questions e mail me drwrestlingallpro@yahoo.com

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