Gene Kiniski

Gene Kiniski
Kiniski in 1966
Birth nameEugene Nicholas Kiniski
Born(1928-11-23)November 23, 1928
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
DiedApril 14, 2010(2010-04-14) (aged 81)
Blaine, Washington, U.S.
SpouseMarion Kiniski
ChildrenKelly Kiniski
Nick Kiniski
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Gene Kiniski
Gene Kelly
Mighty Canadian
Big Thunder
Billed height193 cm (6 ft 4 in)
Billed weight122 kg (270 lb)
Trained byDory Funk
Tony Morelli
DebutFebruary 13, 1952
RetiredFebruary 25, 1992

Eugene Nicholas Kiniski (November 23, 1928 – April 14, 2010) was a Canadian athlete who played football for the Edmonton Eskimos and then became a three-time professional wrestling world heavyweight champion. "Canada's Greatest Athlete", as he billed himself for promotional purposes, was born in Edmonton, Alberta. Like Bronko Nagurski before him, Kiniski was one of the first world champions in professional wrestling to have a previous background in football. He is the father of professional wrestler Kelly Kiniski and international amateur and professional wrestler Nick Kiniski.