He was called “the Battling Bohemian,” and “The Tall Matador from Pittsburgh.” Novak shutters at those nicknames.

Some newspaper reports opined that his 6’3,” 235-pound stature was “too tall” for wrestling, but maybe better for basketball. In September of that year, Novak would take on Mike Dibiase, the adoptive father of WWF Hall of Famer “The Million Dollar Man” Ted Dibiase.Įven as he traveled throughout Oregon, Montana, California and into Texas and other destinations, Novak was always billed as from Pittsburgh. “They could beat the crap out of you,” he said with a laugh. He called them the hardest-hitting guys he faced. In July 1953 Novak wrestled Ben and Mike Sharpe (the father of famed WWF journeyman “Iron” Mike Sharpe) in tag team competition. Once 1953 rolled around, Novak was wrestling regularly throughout Oregon. In the Decemissue of the Eugene, Oregon Guard newspaper, it was reported that Luigi Macera defeated Novak in one fall. On December 19, Steve fell to Bronko Lubich. In Portland, a promoter of a show at the Labor Temple asked him what his ring name was going to be, and “out of the blue,” he selected “Steve Novak.” The all-American name stayed with him for the rest of his career.Īccording to, on December 15, 1952, and as politicians were trying to iron out the Korean Conflict, Novak defeated Paul DeGallas in the squared circle.

In the early days, someone thought Shemuga resembled Walter “Killer” Kowalski and was originally pitched as his cousin “Rudy.” That ridiculous idea never stuck (and as luck would have it, Rudy never met The Killer).

Tor johnson cagematch