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29. Gene Kiniski

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29. Gene Kiniski

With all due respect to Iron Mike Sharpe (whom we love by the way) when Gene Kiniski was billed as Canada’s Greatest Athlete it seemed far more legitimate.  The former NWA World Heavyweight Champion looked every bit the tough guy and far from anyone you would want to pick a fight with.

Gene Kiniski came from the Canadian Football League to Professional Wrestling and made an immediate impact.  The Canadian had many other stars in his own country to feud with and with a look that made him a natural heel, he was able to parlay that skill in the United States.  Kiniski did not just have the look; he had the ability.  As a former football star, he was a natural athlete and he adapted to the ring with ease.   He was often the best opponent that grapplers ever had, and he excelled at making moth himself and his opponent look good.

Kiniski had a long heel run as the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and though he never won it again, he was rarely without a belt at any time of his career.  As the man who beat him for the World Title (Dory Funk Jr.) is in the Hall, it is no stretch for Kiniski to go in.

Should Gene Kiniski be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 84.9%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 13.2%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.9%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%

The Bullet Points

  • Other Aliases: Gene Kelly
    Big Thunder
  • Billed From: Edmonton, Canada
  • Key Championships Held: AWA United States Heavyweight (2)
    AWA World Heavyweight
    AWA World Tag Team (2) w/Hard Boiled Haggerty
    JWA All Asia Tag Team w/Caripus Hurricane
    NWA British Empire Heavyweight (Toronto) (2)
    NWA British Empire Heavyweight (Vancouver) (2)
    NWA Hawaii Heavyweight (2)
    NWA International Heavyweight
    NWA Missouri Heavyweight
    NWA Texas Heavyweight
    NWA World Heavyweight
    NWA World Tag Team (Chicago) w/Dick the Bruiser
    NWA World Tag Team (San Francisco) (3) w/Lord James Blears
    WWA World Heavyweight
  • Why they will get in: His had a very long run as the NWA World Champion, and they are receiving their due in the Hall.
  • Why they won't get in: That NWA reign predates any other WWE Hall of Fame Inductee.
  • Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1.  Engaged in a successful feud with Whipper Billy Watson that cemented him on the wrestling map (1957)
    2.  Loses to Killer Kowalski in a packed house in Montreal (7/19/57)
    3.  Wins the AWA World Heavyweight Title over Verne Gagne (7/11/61)
    4.  Wrestled Bruno Sammartino for the WWF Title at Madison Square Gardens (11/15/64)
    5.  Wins the NWA World Title over Lou Thesz (1/7/66)

Should Gene Kiniski be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 84.9%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 13.2%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 1.9%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%

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Last modified on Tuesday, 27 June 2023 04:06
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