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Otto Wanz

The Austrian Powerhouse: Otto Wanz

Otto Wanz, a behemoth of a man from Graz, Austria, left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling. Born on June 13, 1943, Wanz was a force to be reckoned with in the ring.

Standing at an imposing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing in at 170 pounds, Wanz was a powerhouse of a wrestler who relied on his brute strength to overwhelm opponents. His wrestling style was characterized by a no-nonsense approach, often using his incredible power to deliver crushing blows and devastating moves.

Wanz's ring career spanned over two decades, with his first match taking place on June 10, 1970. He quickly made a name for himself as "Bulldog Otto," a moniker that reflected his rugged, hard-hitting style. Throughout the years, Wanz competed in various promotions, including New Japan Pro Wrestling, American Wrestling Association, Catch Wrestling Association, and Dale Martin Promotions.

Wanz's impressive resume included multiple championship reigns, most notably the AWA World Heavyweight Championship and the CWA World Heavyweight Championship. His signature moves included the Big Otto Splash, Steamroller, and Hip Press, all of which left opponents reeling.

In addition to his wrestling career, Wanz was also an accomplished boxer and grappler, showcasing his versatility in various combat sports.

Otto Wanz's remarkable career came to a close on August 23, 1996. He passed away on September 14, 2017, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest Austrian wrestlers of all time. Despite his passing, Wanz's memory lives on through the countless fans who were inspired by his rugged, unstoppable style in the ring.