[Vampiro632]

The legendary Walter "Killer" Kowalski has passed away. One of the all time great heels, Kowalski had been in ill health for quite some time and had suffered a massive heart attack a few weeks ago that left him on life support before his family made the decision to remove him from the support on August 18.

Kowalski was 81 years old.

In his 30 year career he was known as one of the top heels of his era. He was involved in an infamous incident that saw him rip off the ear of Yukon Eric in a match held in Montreal in 1952. Kowalski visited Eric in the hospital the next day and they both laughed at how silly Eric looked wearing the bandages. News reports about the visit portrayed Kowalski at laughing at (rather than with) Eric, and his legend as a heel was cemented.

After retiring from wrestling in 1977, Kowalski was instrumental in training some of the top names in the business. His students included Triple H, Chyna, Big John Studd, Perry Saturn, Kronus, and Frankie Kazarian.

From Frankie Kazarian
I was just woken up by a phone call that I have been dreading. My good friend Steve King just called and informed me that our dear friend and trainer Walter "Killer" Kowlaski has passed away.

Anyone who knows me knows that I have always attributed Walter with all of my success in pro wrestling. He took in a 20 year old kid who hadtraveled 3,000 miles from southern California, and embraced him like a son. He was kind enough to pass on his extensive, and unique knowledge of this business to me.

From day one, Walter became my trainer, and my friend. He guided me through every step of pro wrestling, but more importantly, taught me how to be a genuine, good person, and to treat others with respect, dignity and class.

I owe so much to Walter, that I could never put it all in words. The time we spent together is and always will be some of the most precious memories I have, and I will keep it in a special place in my heart.

So much of the best things that have happened to me are a direct result of his mentoring. The people I have met, the relationships I have made, and my success in and out of the ring are a direct result of him. Walter loved angels. We had many conversations about them on our regular trips to church that we both enjoyed on Sundays. To me, and anyone who knew him, Walter was an angel. He was a gentleman, friend, and honestly one of the best people to come into my life. Walter, I love you and I could never sing your praise enough. You set me on a path in this business, and in life, that has been in one word, a dream.

Rest in the kingdom of heaven my dear friend, as you are now amongst the angels that you loved.

Your student, friend, and brother in Christ.

Frankie

[MightyDucks]

The saddest day in pro wrestling history..

Rest In Peace Walter...

[GrayGhost]

There isn't much more to be said. He was a very influential man to all of the young talent he worked with, and thrilled and entertained countless fans over the years.

RIP Killer, the pain has gone for him, and he's at peace. My condolences to all of his friend, family and fans.

[dchannon]

R.I.P Walter "Killer" Kowalski

[Monster Jam]

Wow.... Just not something I can put into words... I knew it was coming, but that dosnt stop the hurt. He truly was one of the greatest wrestlers ever. R.I.P Walter "Killer" Kowalski.

[panther06]

There are no words that can explain how I feel right now. Since the day I stepped into this business the one name I always heard was Killer Kowalski. I am deeply saddened by the passing away of such a legend. My thoughts and prayers go to all of Walters family and friends.
RIP WALTER"KILLER"KOWALSKI. You will be missed!

[enforcer]

http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/6571/124/

Quote:

Walter "Killer" Kowalski passed away this morning at 2:15 AM. He had been taken off life support nearly two weeks ago following a massive heart attack on August 18th. Following his Hall of Fame wrestling career Kowalski also trained a number of stars, most notably Triple H. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

[superstarml]

It truly is a terrible loss to the wrestling world. Killer was a true pioneer in the sport and a legend in New England Wrestling.

[BubbaJ]

http://chaoticwrestling.com/


All of us at Chaotic Wrestling, Chaotic Entertainment Group, and Killer Kowalski's School of Professional Wrestling mourn the
passing of Walter "Killer" Kowalski on August 30th. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Information regarding services and donations will be forthcoming.

"Shoot for the moon - if you miss, you may hit a star." - Walter "Killer" Kowalski



Services for Walter will be held Wednesday, September 3rd at the:

Weir Funeral Home
144 Salem Street
Malden, MA 02148

Afternoon Services 2pm-4pm
Evening Services 6pm-8pm

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that wrestling fans send donations to:

Walter "Killer" Kowalski Memorial Fund
c/o Citizens Bank
876 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148

[Tauron Nox]

There isn't much I can say here, other than Theresa, the entire Kowalski family, and all of his friends will be in my thoughts.

RIP Walter. There will never be another human being like you.

[MaineiacWN]

Rest in Peace Walter, thank you for all that you did in this business.

[Rumors Rule]

Most has aready been said. But Walter will never die, he will always be alive in the world of Pro Wrestling. Thank you for you have done. For allowing those in the business a spot in the business and for those who are not in the business a sport to watch and enjoy. Thank you Walter, may you rest in peace and god bless!

[DavidDeacon]

I'll have my black armband on for a while.

[SpotlightCh95]

Rest In Peace Walter, You were simply the best. Thank you for all the memories you gave us throughout the years.

You will definately be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Theresa and the family.

Wrestling Spotlight

[Volture]

Well I knew it was coming but I still wasn't prepared for it. RIP Killer Kowalski

[neftali]

RIP Killer you will be missed. Thanks for all the memories. My condoloscences go to Theresa, Killer's family and friends.

[MAV]

This is a sad day for all of wrestling. One of its true legends; a member of our pantheon- has passed.

The passing of Walter Kowalski leaves a gap that no one in this area could possibly fill. In a business that has long lacked class, pride, self control, wisdom and basic human decency, Walter was a shining example of all five of those traits. He made all of us-from main event, big money players to local hacks like me- look better to outsiders looking in just because he was associated with wrestling.

For as much as we may have lost, that feeling of loss is infinitesimal compared to the loss his wife Theresa and his other family members must feel. Us...we've lost someone to look up to. Them...they've lost a family member whose legendary strength of limb and mind allowed him to hang onto the mortal plane far longer than most could under similar distress. We can only hope that after weeks of anguish his condition must have cause them that his demise came with it a feeling that Walter has gone on to a better place. If anyone deserves it, he does.

RIP Walter Kowalski. You will be missed.

[The Big Shill]

We at NECW want to add our heartfelt condolences.

Walter will always be the greatest figure in the history of New England wrestling.

The only thing greater than his accomplishments in the ring and as a teacher would be his legacy of kindness, generosity and inspiration to so many who shared his passion for wrestling and his love of life.

He made us all richer by knowing him and the gift of his friendship will be treasured and carried with us for the rest of our days.

Thank you Walter. We love you.

Sheldon Goldberg
Matt West
Kyle White
Roy Rossi

New England Championship Wrestling

[unknown_mask_man]

R.I.P. Mr. Kowalski. You are an inspiration to many many wrestlers. Thank you for all your time you have dedicated to wrestling. You will be missed.

-DB

[ridave]

Thank you Walter "Killer" Kowalski for the decades of memories from matches in the the old Boston Gardens to matches at a local high school. My whole life I was always in awe of you. My thoughts and prayers go out to Theresa, family and the wrestling community.
David Williams

[bulldogwrestler25]

I do remember when I met him at my hometown's wallace civic center, he's come and greet us, that was great man even i met. He was the one of the legends in the wrestling world, My heart is passed to walter's family. Today at PLW, I found out that he was passed, my heart was hurt but we are honor him what he done for us.


at CPWA and NAW, and other promotions we are never forget u! miss you man,

Thank you, Walter, Matt the ref

[wareagle96]

Really sad news. Thoughts and prayers are with his family in this difficult time.

Slightly off topic, but does anyone happen to have a picture of Captain Insano in the Waterboy? I can't seem to put my hands on a good picture of him from the movie.

[neftali]

from http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/killerkowalskipassesaway

Quote:

WWE is saddened by the passing of one of wrestling’s most successful and revered stars, WWE Hall of Famer Walter "Killer" Kowalski. He was 81. Kowalski began his career in sports-entertainment in 1947, and wrestled extensively throughout the world for 30 years. A devout vegetarian, Kowalski stood taller than most of his opponents in the ring. And, once the bell rang, he had a ruthless and relentless style that mentally helped him reel in victory after victory. He generally finished off his opponents with his signature Iron Claw. Infamously known as the man who ripped off part of Yukon Eric’s ear during a 1954 match held in Montreal, his prowess within the squared-circle ensured that his opponents be at the top of their games. Kowalski competed in WWE rings during the 1960s and ’70s, and he and WWE Hall of Famer Gorilla Monsoon garnered the United States Tag Team Championship in 1963. But, of even more renown, Kowalski was regarded as the toughest challenger to then-WWE Champion Bruno Sammartino, selling out arena after arena up and down the Eastern Seaboard. During the early 1970s, Kowalski trained a big, strapping individual, who was then known as Chuck O’ Connor. In 1976, the teacher-student combination of Kowalski and O’Connor attired themselves in black masks and tights, calling themselves The Executioners. On May 11 of that year, the duo won the World Tag Team Championship from Tony Parisi and Louis Cerdan. O’Connor went on to be known as Big John Studd. After finishing a stellar career in 1977, the WWE Legend opened the Killer Kowalski Institute of Professional Wrestling in Malden, Mass., a place where individuals who wanted to pursue a mat career were taught everything and then some. To his credit, the most famous graduate of Kowalski’s school went on to become one of the premier performers in WWE history, current WWE Champion Triple H. So, it was only fitting that in 1996 when Kowalski was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Triple H himself had the honor and privilege of presenting his mentor. Survived by his wife Theresa, Walter "Killer" Kowalski was a kind gentleman who loved life to the fullest. But inside the ring, he was all business, and certainly one tough individual you did not want to mess with. --- Services will be held this Wednesday, September 3 at: Weir Funeral Home 144 Salem Street Malden, MA 02148 Afternoon Services: 2-4 p.m. Evening Services: 6-8 p.m. The Funeral will be on Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that wrestling fans send donations to: Walter "Killer" Kowalski Memorial Fund c/o Citizens Bank 876 Main Street Malden, MA 02148

[Barry Ace]

A sad day indeed. My thoughts and prayers are with Walter's family and friends.

R.I.P. Walter "Killer" Kowalski

[Beesting]

always liked this pic....read the quote in the corner: