John Tolos

Born

1930-09-13

Died

2009-05-29

Birthplace

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Biography

John Tolos, nicknamed "The Golden Greek", was a Canadian professional wrestler, and professional wrestling manager. John was born on September 18, 1930 in Hamilton, Ontario to Greek parents, Nicolaos and Evangelia (Evangeline) Tolos. During the 1950s and 60s, Tolos was part of the Canadian Wrecking Crew with his brother Chris Tolos. On December 28, 1963, John and Chris captured the WWWF United States Tag Team Championship in Teaneck, New Jersey in two straight falls from Gorilla Monsoon and Killer Kowalski. While both teams were heels at the time, the Tolos Brothers did a television interview prior to the title match, "looking forward" to seeing all of their fans in Teaneck. That night, they were cheered throughout. As a vicious heel known as the "Golden Greek", Tolos also engaged in a long time rivalry with "Classy" Freddie Blassie in the LeBell family's Los Angeles territory, often feuding over the Americas Championship. Tolos had a run in Herb Abrams' Universal Wrestling Federation from 1990 to mid-1991, managing Cowboy Bob Orton, Cactus Jack and The Power Twins as well as serving as color commentator on the UWF's Fury Hour program. Tolos joined the World Wrestling Federation for a brief stint in mid-1991 as Coach (a classic coach, whistle and all), managing The Beverly Brothers and "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig, replacing Hennig's former manager Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, who was then moving into a full-time broadcaster's role. When a back injury sidelined Hennig for more than a year, Tolos was replaced by The Genius as The Beverly Brothers' manager and departed the WWF. Tolos would return to Abrams' UWF as color commentator from 1992 through the promotion's final show in 1994. He also managed "Cowboy" Bob Orton, The Power Twins and Cactus Jack. Tolos died in Los Angeles, California on May 29, 2009. His death was from kidney failure following a series of heart attacks and strokes. John Tolos