[2] Cholak played tackle for the University of Wisconsin football team, but left after one year to join the Navy during the Korean War.

[1][2][3] After leaving the navy in 1952, Cholak was recruited into professional wrestling by former AWA World Heavyweight champion, Chief Don Eagle.

[3][5] Cholak was trained by Columbus, Ohio promoter and former NWA vice president, Al Haft.

[1][2][3] On nights and weekends when he wasn't booked to wrestle, Cholak also worked in his family's tavern, Calumet Beach Inn.

[3] Eventually weighing over 400 pounds, Cholak died of complications from a stroke on October 31, 2002, in a Hammond, Indiana hospital at the age of 72.