Gene Stanlee
 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | Eugene Stanley Zygowicz January 1, 1917 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | September 23, 2005 (aged 88) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name | Gene Stanlee |
| Debut | April 26, 1946 |
Eugene Stanley Zygowicz (January 1, 1917 – September 23, 2005) was an American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name "Mr. America" Gene Stanlee.[1]
Early life
[edit]Zygowicz was born in Avondale, Chicago, to Victoria and Paul Zygowicz, Polish immigrants. He was one of 15 children; his younger brother Paul wrestled as Steve Stanlee.[1]
At age five, Zygowicz fell down a flight of stairs and was temporarily paralyzed. He later attributed his recovery in part to seeing a strongman at a church; he began wrestling and competing against other boys at age eight and built a home gym from iron collected at a railyard.[1]
During World War II, Zygowicz served as a machinist aboard a U.S. Navy floating repair ship. Following his discharge, wrestling promoters used the publicity he had received as the "pinup boy of the Navy".[1]
Professional wrestling career
[edit]According to wrestling historian Fred Hornby, Stanlee's first professional match was against Leo Kirilenko in Milwaukee on April 26, 1946. His early matches were in the Chicago–Milwaukee area.[1]
Stanlee faced Antonio Rocca in New York during the early 1950s. He became known for his showmanship, including colorful ring jackets and monogrammed towels.[1]
Later life
[edit]After retiring from wrestling, Stanlee worked as a personal trainer in the Los Angeles area, offering advice on diet and exercise from his Redondo Beach home.[1] In 2000, he was honored at the Cauliflower Alley Club banquet and reunion in Las Vegas.[1]
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]- Championship Wrestling from Florida
- Midwest Wrestling Association
- MWA Heavyweight Championship (Ohio Version) (1 time)[2]
- Worldwide Wrestling Associates
References
[edit]External links
[edit]- Gene Stanlee's profile at Cagematch
