Ox Baker Then and Now

Ox Baker Then 

Ox Baker, born on April 19, 1934, in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, is remembered as a compelling figure in professional wrestling. His early life was marked by athletic prowess and personal challenges. 

As a high school athlete in his adopted hometown of Waterloo, Iowa, Baker demonstrated considerable talent in various sports. 

However, he chose to leave school early, a decision driven by his urgent need to support his young family.

Baker’s decision to leave school and enter the workforce was fueled by his desire to provide for his wife and children. 

This pivotal moment led him to professional wrestling, a career that would become his primary means of financial support. 

His wrestling career, characterized by his imposing physique and unique persona, earned him a reputation as a formidable and unforgettable character in the sport. 

Despite the early challenges and the difficult choices he faced, Ox Baker’s determination to support his family through wrestling exemplifies his resilience and dedication.

Ox Baker Wrestling Career

Ox Baker, a professional wrestling legend, was initially trained by notable figures Buddy Austin, Pat O’Connor, and Bob Geigel, making his debut in 1964. 

He quickly became renowned for his distinctive wrestling style, especially his signature move, the Heart Punch. 

This move, which Baker eventually renamed the Hurt Punch due to objections from Stan Stasiak, became a central element of his persona, helping him win many of his matches by knockout. 

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Baker’s initial character was that of a kind, horn-rimmed-glasses-wearing country simpleton, but he later embraced a villainous role, characterized by his imposing look—shaved head, bushy black mustache, and eyebrows—and his flair for cutting memorable promos. 

His unique presentation, including wearing T-shirts proclaiming himself as “The Great Heart Puncher,” set him apart in the wrestling world.

In 1967, Baker began working for the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) under the moniker The Friendly Arkansas Ox. 

His early matches included a notable handicap bout against Gorilla Monsoon, alongside his partner Armand Hussein. 

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Baker’s career saw him travel across various wrestling promotions in North America, including Stampede Wrestling in Canada, the World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico, and the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in the U.S. 

During the 1970s, Baker became notorious for his controversial in-ring antics. 

A tragic incident occurred on June 13, 1971, when Baker’s match partner, the Claw, and opponent Alberto Torres were involved in a match that resulted in Torres’s death from heart disease. 

This incident was woven into Baker’s wrestling persona, adding to his reputation as a feared heel. 

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Another significant event was the death of Ray Gunkel, who passed away after a match with Baker on August 1, 1972, further fueling Baker’s villainous image and contributing to the lore of his Heart Punch.

Throughout his career, Baker achieved considerable success, capturing various titles across multiple promotions. 

He won the World Wrestling Association’s World Heavyweight Championship by defeating “Cowboy” Bob Ellis in Indianapolis and claimed the WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship in Puerto Rico by defeating Carlos Colon. 

Baker also secured victories over The Sheik for the Detroit version of the US Heavyweight title, as well as multiple NWA titles. 

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His tag team success was equally impressive, with championship reigns alongside notable partners such as Ole Anderson, Skandor Akbar, Chuck O’Connor, and Superstar Billy Graham. 

Baker’s feuds, particularly with Randy Savage in International Championship Wrestling, were highlights of his career, showcasing his ability to engage audiences and create compelling wrestling storylines.

In the early 1980s, Baker returned to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) with The Grand Wizard as his manager. 

Although his stint in the WWF was short-lived, it marked a period of transition in his career. In 1988, Baker made a return to the AWA and continued to wrestle until his official retirement later that year. 

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Following his retirement, he opened “Ox Baker’s Wrestling School” in 1989, where he trained future stars of the wrestling world, including The Undertaker and Bryan Clark. 

His contributions to wrestling extended beyond his active career, as he also engaged in commentary for IWCCW events and made occasional appearances in other wrestling promotions, such as Ring of Honor and Combat Zone Wrestling. 

Baker’s enduring legacy in the wrestling world was highlighted by his return to the ring in December 2013, where he was crowned CCW Champion in a surprise battle royal. 

His influence on the sport, both as a performer and a trainer, cemented his place in professional wrestling history.

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Ox Baker Wrestling Competition

• World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF)
• Stampede Wrestling (Canada)
• World Wrestling Council (WWC) (Puerto Rico)
• American Wrestling Association (AWA)
• National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)
• National Wrestling Federation (NWF)
• World Wrestling Association (WWA)
• International Championship Wrestling (ICW)
• Central States Wrestling (CSW)
• Ring of Honor (ROH)
• Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW)
• Ultimate Championship Wrestling (UCW)

Ox Baker Wife and Children

Ox Baker’s personal life was marked by both enduring relationships and significant loss. He was married to Peggy Ann Kawa from 1996 until her passing in 2010. 

Their marriage spanned over a decade, during which they built a life together. Peggy’s death in 2010 was a profound loss for Baker, affecting him deeply.

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Baker had one son, Garren, who tragically passed away in 2022. Garren’s death was another painful chapter in Baker’s life, compounding the personal grief he had already experienced with Peggy’s passing.

Despite these losses, Baker’s family life continued with his daughter Meghan, two grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. 

These family members represented a source of support and continuity for Baker as he navigated the challenges of his later years.

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Ox Baker Now

Ox Baker, whose life and career left a significant mark on professional wrestling, passed away at the age of 80 on October 20, 2014, in his hometown of Hartford, Connecticut. 

His death was attributed to complications from a heart attack he had suffered earlier that year. 

This health crisis ultimately led to his passing, closing a chapter on the life of a man who had become a wrestling icon through his formidable presence and distinctive persona.

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Baker’s legacy extends beyond his in-ring accomplishments. Known for his fearsome reputation and signature move, the Heart Punch, Baker’s impact on the wrestling world was profound. 

His contributions were felt not only through his performances but also through his role as a trainer, where he influenced the careers of future wrestling stars. 

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His passing marked the end of an era for many fans and colleagues who remembered him as a memorable figure in the annals of professional wrestling. 

Despite the challenges he faced in his later years, Baker’s legacy continues to be celebrated by those who remember his contributions to the sport and his enduring influence on the wrestling community.

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