Otto Wanz Passes Away at 74

According to PWinsider.com, former AWA World champion and Catch Wrestling Association promoter Otto Wanz passed away overnight at the age of 74. He had been dealing with an illness recently.

Wanz was a boxer, who transitioned into wrestling and worked for NJPW in the 70s. He was a powerhouse opponent for Antonio Inoki, who would do tests of strength like ripping phone books in half. Wanz is considered the biggest pro wrestling star to ever come out of Austria.

Wanz formed the Catch Wrestling Association in 1973, and the CWA was a regular stop for international stars building their name, including John Layfield, Owen Hart, Jushin Liger, Steve (William) Regal, Franz Schumann, Dave Finlay, Kensuke Sasaki, Road Warrior Hawk, Terry Funk, Ulf Hermann, Giant Haystacks, Fred Ottman and Joe E. Legend. Wanz defeated Nick Bockwinkel for the AWA World championship in 1982, having a 6-week run with the belt.

On behalf of 411, I would like to extend my condolences to the family, friends and fans on Mr. Wanz.