The son of former pro star Warren Bockwinkel, Nick Bockwinkel was a top college football prospect at Oklahoma University before injuries put him on the sidelines. He then turned his attention to pro wrestling full time, early in the 1950s. His very first match was against Lou Thesz, and over the next 30 years he wrestled every major star in the business and held the AWA world heavyweight for nearly seven years, as well as dozens of lesser belts. One of the most popular heels (and good guys) in wrestling history, he was a huge draw everywhere he went, particularly the AWA territory. For the past few years, he has been president of the popular Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC) and he currently resides in Las Vegas.