Kalmikoffs

The original two members debuted on October 28, 1953 in Amarillo, Texas as Ivan Kalmikoff and Karol Krauser against George and Jack Curtis.

Already known as the Kalmikoffs, they later became fictional brothers; they also became a successful tag team in the Minneapolis territory (future American Wrestling Association) and in Canada winning several titles.

In 1962, after the formation of the AWA, Karol shortly left the promotion and Ivan begun teaming with another brother, Nikita with some success.

The tandem didn't last, however, as Karol suffered a fatal heart attack on September 12, 1964 in Salt Lake City.

She was managed by Jack Pfeifer and billed out as "Zoska Burska" Born Edward Bogucki (May 21, 1918 - June 9, 1996) in Dubois, Pennsylvania, Ivan found early success outside the Kalmikoffs in Dory Funk's NWA Western States Sports in Amarillo, Texas.

Ivan Kalmikoff (right) and Mighty Igor in 1972