In 1961, Gilbert would make his debut in Minnesota for American Wrestling Association.
In 1972, he worked for Championship Wrestling From Florida as Redbeard and won their version of the tag team titles with football player Mike Webster.
[7] In 1978, he won the NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship where he defeated Bob Sweetan.
Gilbert made a couple of appearances for the World Wrestling Federation in 1985[8] and 1986.
[4] At this time they lived in North Branch, Minnesota where the children started school in ISD 138.