Legendary former professional wrestler Gene Kiniski has died at the age of 81.
Kiniski, who also played in the Canadian Football League for the Edmonton Eskimos, passed away after a battle with cancer.
The Kiniski name is synonymous with pro wrestling. Gene’s two sons, Nick and Kelly, also enjoyed productive careers in the squared circle.
Gene Kiniski was born in Edmonton on Nov. 23, 1928.
In 1950, he earned a scholarship to the University of Arizona where he played football. At the same time, his wrestling career began, and when Kiniski tore a kneecap two years later while with the Eskimos, he turned his attention to wrestling full time.
His career in the ring lasted through five decades with his final match in 1992.
Kiniski is considered one of the primary developers of sports entertainment. During his time in the ring, he worked with other legends like Lou Thesz, Whipper Billy Watson, Edouard Carpentier, Verne Gagne and the Funks.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.