Joe Pazandak

Joseph Eugene Pazandak (October 23, 1914 – December 2, 1982) was an American amateur wrestler and a professional wrestler, best known for his ring name Joe Pazandak.[1][2] Pazandak received the nickname "The Champ" as he ruled the “Beat the Champ” segment on televised wrestling from Los Angeles.[2]

Joe Pazandak
Birth nameJoseph Eugene Pazandak
Born(1914-10-23)October 23, 1914[1]
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States[2]
DiedDecember 2, 1982(1982-12-02) (aged 68)[1][2]
Minneapolis, Minnesota[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Joe Pazandak[1][2]
The Dark Secret[1]
Billed height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[1]
Billed weight230 lb (100 kg)[1]
Debut1937[1]
Retired1960[1]

Professional wrestling career

Pazandak made his professional wrestling debut in his hometown in Minneapolis when he was 22 years old, as he faced Al Loset which ended in a 20-minute time limit draw.[2] During the 40's, Pazandak served in the American military as sergeant in Africa and Italy during the World War II.[2] Pazandak returned to the United States in 1944, after seeing 624 days of active combat.[2] His first match since returning from the war was in October 1945, where he defeated the highly skilled Ray Steele.[2]

Pazandak's popularity rose in the beginning of June 1951 in Los Angeles.[1] As the inaugural NWA "Beat the Champ" Television Championship, Pazandak defended the title for nine months against top challengers.[1][2] Press-Telegram once named Pazandak "the most feared man in the wrestling ranks", in reference to his undefeated record on the West Coast.[2]

With Pazandak amateur wrestling background, he was hired on 1948 to coach amateur wrestlers in New Zealand, where he worked with Karl Pojello.[2]

Death

On December 2, 1983, Pazandak at 68 years old.[1][2]

Championships and accomplishments

Amateur wrestling

Professional wrestling

References
  1. Tim Hornbaker (2017). Legends of Pro Wrestling: 150 Years of Headlocks, Body Slams, and Piledrivers. Skyhorse Publishing. p. 145. ISBN 978-1-61321-875-4.
  2. Johnson, Steve (May 20, 2016). "Celebrating Hall of Famer Joe Pazandak". Slam Wrestling. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  3. "International Television Tag Team Title (Los Angeles)". Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
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