Abe Zvonkin

Abe Zvonkin (March 6, 1910 – August 22, 2002) was a Canadian track and field athlete, an all-star and Grey Cup champion Canadian football player and professional wrestler. He was born in New York City, United States and died in Hamilton, Ontario.

Abe Zvonkin
Born:(1910-03-06)March 6, 1910
New York City, New York, United States
Died:August 22, 2002(2002-08-22) (aged 92)[1]
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Career information
Position(s)Tackle
UniversityQueen's University
Career history
As player
1933Hamilton Tigers
1934–35Queen's Golden Gaels
1937–39Hamilton Tigers
1942–43Hamilton Flying Wildcats
Career highlights and awards
CFL All-Star1934
HonorsGrey Cup Champion - 1943
Abe Zvonkin
Medal record
Men's Athletics
Representing  Canada
British Empire Games
1930 Hamilton Discus throw

Personal life

Abe Zvonkin was born in New York City, son of Russian immigrants. The family later moved to Canada when Zvonkin was only two years old. He attended the Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, where he began playing football.[1] Zvonkin was married for 73 years to Jean Zvokin and together they had three children, one daughter and two sons. After retiring from professional wrestling Zvorkin would travel the United States and Canada competing in dog shows for many years.[1] He died on August 22, 2002, from Cancer.[1]

Athletics

While Zvonkin was born in New York, New York, he represented Canada at the 1930 Empire Games. At the games Zvonkin won the bronze medal in the discus throw event.[2] He finished fourth in the shot put competition, one place out of medal contention.

Canadian Football

Zvonkin began his football career in 1933 with the Hamilton Tigers of the Ontario Rugby Football Union, but when he attended Queen's University he became an all-star in 1934 with the Queen's Golden Gaels.[3] He returned to the Tigers for 3 more seasons in 1937, ending with his enlistment during World War II. He played two more seasons with the Hamilton Flying Wildcats, winning the Grey Cup in 1943, his last season.

Professional wrestling career

After being influenced by Whipper Billy Watson Zvorkin made his professional wrestling debut on March 24, 1944, defeating Al Dunlop.[1] From the beginning Zvonkin played the heel (wrestling term for those who play the "bad guys"), thriving in the role.[1] Over the years Zvonkin wrestled under a number of different identities or ring names, including masked characters Mr. X and the Purple Phantom. He also worked as "Mr. E" as well as under his real name, playing off his Russian heritage.[1] Zvonkin retired in 1961.

Championships and accomplishments

References
  1. Oliver, Greg (March 1, 2005). "Abe Zvonkin: Football, wrestling, dogs". SLAM! Wrestling. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  2. "Commonwealth Games Medalists - Athletics (Men)". GBR Athletics. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
  3. CFLAPEDIA entry: Abe Zvonkin
  4. "Alberta Tag Team Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved April 6, 2015.
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