George Gadaski | |
---|---|
Birth name | George Kosti |
Born | Limerick, Saskatchewan, Canada | 30 April 1930
Died | 16 December 1982[1] St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, United States | (aged 52)
Professional wrestling career | |
Ring name(s) | George Gadaski Scrap Iron George Kosti Johnny Costa |
Billed height | 6"0 |
Billed weight | 240 lb (109 kg) [2] |
Billed from | Great Fall, Minnesota |
Trained by | Stu Hart |
Debut | 1956 |
Retired | 1981 |
George Kosti (30 April 1930 – 16 December 1982) was a Canadian professional wrestler and referee who spent his career in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in Minnesota as George "Scrap Iron" Gadaski. [3] Gadaski was considered the "jack of all trades" as he did ring set up, and later became a road agent.
Originally a hockey player he was the property of the Regina Pats and Chicago Blackhawks. He chose family obligations over hockey and ended his career. Trained by Stu Hart and became a wrestler.
Kosti made his professional wrestling debut in 1959 in Calgary for Stampede Wrestling. Kosti would then work in Canada and the southern States. He got the nickname "Scarp Iron" by a Georgia promoter. [4]
Kosti made his debut in Minnesota for Verne Gagne's American Wrestling Association (AWA) in 1966 where he would be known as George Gadaski. [5]
On December 10, 1972, Gadaski fought in Ric Flair's first ever match ending in a 10-minute draw. [6] [7] In 1973, he defeated Flair. [8]
Kosti teamed with Kenny Jay during his career [9] and wrestled his last match in 1981. Also refereed his last match in January 1982.
Kosti was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In April 1982, the AWA did a fundraiser. He died on December 16, 1982, from the effects from the tumor at a hospital in St. Croix Falls. He was 52. [4]
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