In June 1947, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper and as a driver for General James M.

[1][2] Graham began wrestling at the age of 14 in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona,[2] and won his first major title, the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship, in December 1956.

[6][8] Along with Eddie, Jerry sold out Madison Square Garden many times in the 1950s and late 1960s, when they were known as The Golden Grahams.

[11] On November 19, 1957, Graham and Dick the Bruiser wrestled Antonio Rocca and Edouard Carpentier at Madison Square Garden.

[14] Graham unsuccessfully attempted a comeback to the now WWF in 1984, and spent the rest of his career as a manager on the independent circuit.

[6] On January 24, 1997, Graham died in Glendale at the age of 75, due to complications from a stroke six weeks earlier.