A WWA World Heavyweight Champion, Thomas was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2016.

[5] After leaving the Merchant Marine, Thomas worked for Greyhound Lines before becoming a professional bodybuilder.

[4] Thomas would usually be introduced as a "just discharged" Navy seaman, wearing a regulation "crackerjack" uniform and pea coat, and enter the ring as a plant to oppose the villain's dishonorable tactics.

[4] In 1962 and 1963, Thomas won the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship in the Texas-based Southwest Sports promotion on two occasions.

[4][7] Thomas also competed for the World Wide Wrestling Federation from 1963 to 1964, teaming with Bobo Brazil and Bruno Sammartino.