Vilmos Farkas (-10)

- 2016-01-10 | Hungary

Vilmos Farkas, better known in the professional wrestling world as The Wolfman, was a Hungarian-Canadian wrestler who rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. He was best known for his appearances in the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), Maple Leaf Wrestling, and All Japan Pro Wrestling. Interestingly, his surname "Farkas" means "wolf" in Hungarian, which directly inspired his wrestling persona. After fleeing the Communist regime in Hungary in 1956, Farkas settled in Ontario, Canada, where he initially worked on a tobacco plantation. A chance encounter with legendary promoter Stu Hart led him to Calgary with hopes of training, though an arrest following a bar fight delayed his plans. After serving 18 months in jail, Farkas returned to Ontario in 1962 and began training with Mikel Scicluna, joining a class that included future stars like Dave McKigney and Waldo Von Erich. He went on to wrestle across Canada, appearing in Stampede Wrestling, International Wrestling in Quebec, and Toronto’s Maple Leaf Wrestling. In 1970, he debuted in the WWWF, first under his real name. After a brief tour in Hawaii, he returned as The Wolfman, a wild, feral character who claimed to have been raised by wolves. He was led to the ring by manager Captain Lou Albano, wearing a chain around his neck, sporting long hair, a scruffy beard, and furry boots. The Wolfman challenged WWWF champions like Bruno Sammartino and Pedro Morales. He returned in 1975 for further feuds, including with Morales and Gorilla Monsoon, this time managed by Freddie Blassie. Following his WWWF run, Farkas toured with All Japan Pro Wrestling, often teaming with the legendary Bobo Brazil. Upon returning to Canada, he became a regular in the regional wrestling circuit, appearing in Dave McKigney's Big Time Wrestling tours in Ontario and International Wrestling in Montreal, where he notably feuded with The Destroyer. The Wolfman retired in 1988 after the death of his friend and tag team partner Dave McKigney, also known as "The Bearman." Vilmos Farkas passed away in 2016 at the age of 80 after a long illness, leaving behind a legacy as one of Canadian wrestling’s most colorful and unique characters.