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| RIP Ox Baker Photo Credit: Pro Wrestling Illustrated via WWE.com |
Baker began wrestling in the '60s and worked for several important territories during his career. Although he did not innovate the Heart Punch, he made it his own through the most carny of means possible. Two wrestlers in the '70s died shortly after taking the ring with him. According to Wikipedia, Alberto Torres and Ray Gunkel both died shortly after wrestling against Baker and taking the Heart Punch. While Torres' cause of death was a ruptured appendix, and Gunkel died in the dressing room afterwards due to an unrelated-to-the-biz heart attack, Baker's legend was enhanced immensely (although in private, he was distraught over being associated with those deaths).
Although Baker retired in the early '80s, he continued to make sporadic appearances even up until late last year. His post-wrestling career included credits in movies such as Escape from New York and Jackie Chan's The Big Brawl. He also appeared on The Price Is Right as a contestant, which can be seen below (a tip of the hat to David Bixenspan for posting that video).
Baker's career, both inside and out of wrestling was full and accomplished. He is rightfully remembered as one of the all-time greats, a man who exuded professional wrestling beginning with his signature look. He touched a lot of people, whether as a performer, trainer, actor, or friend, and I hope that his family and friends and fans all find peace and solace. Rest in peace, Ox.