The Wolfman (wrestler)
The Wolfman | |
---|---|
Birth name | Vilmos Farkus |
Born |
c. 1935 Hungary |
Died |
(aged 80) Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Residence | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) |
Bill Farkas The Canadian Wolfman Farkas the Wolfman The Hungarian Wolfman[1] Willie Farkas The Wolfman[1] Wolfman Farkas |
Billed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)[1] |
Billed weight | 250 lb (110 kg)[1] |
Billed from |
"The Great White North" "The wilds of Canada"[1] |
Trained by | Steve Dugalin |
Vilmos "Willie" Farkas (c. 1935 – January 10, 2016) was a Hungarian/Canadian professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, The Wolfman. He is best known for his appearances with the World Wide Wrestling Federation in the early 1970s.[1]
Early life
Born in Hungary. Emigrated to Canada in 1956. Farkas played soccer and was looking for a career in the sport.
Professional wrestling career
Early career
Farkas was trained by Steve Duglain.
World Wide Wrestling Federation
In 1970 Farkas joined the WWWF New York Territory. He fought as his real name being a jobber to low card status. Later that year he became The Wolfman as he was escorted to the ring with a chain around his neck by his manager Captain Lou Albano. He won many squash matches which he eventually had WWWF Heavyweight championship matches against Bruno Sammartino and Pedro Morales. He feuded with Pedro Morales and Gorilla Monsoon throughout his stint. By 1972 he went back to Canada. In 1975 he returned, this time being managed by Freddie Blassie. He had matches with Johnny Rodz and Tony Garera. Farkas did not last long and returned to Canada. It was claimed that he was raised by wolves and wore fur trunks and boots.
Canada
Farkas was a big name in Canada mainly at Maple Leaf Wrestling in Toronto. He started at Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling in Calgary in the early 1960s. Lots of times he teamed with Dave McKigney known as the Bearman. He fought in Ontario throughout the '70s until the '80s.
Death
After spending the remainder of his life in Toronto, Ontario with his wife Ethel, he died on January 14, 2016, aged 80.[2]
In wrestling
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "SLAM! Wrestling Canadian Hall of Fame: Wolfman". Canoe.ca. Québecor Média. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
- ↑ http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2016/01/10/22591610.html