Former AWA wrestler Stan Kowalski (Bert Smith) died on Friday at age 91. Kowalski’s son Scott Smith spoke with KARE11.com about the reaction to his father’s death. “The outpouring that has happened in the last 48-72 hours,” he said. “I’ve seen grown men come to him and cry over him. I didn’t know he was a hero to everybody else.”
Powell’s POV: Kowalski was known as “Krusher” Kowalski and “The Big K” during his AWA days. He teamed with Tiny Mills as Murder Incorporated and the duo were the first AWA Tag Team Champions. Kowalski also wrestled for the WWWF as Krippler Karl Kovac. Kowalski served in the Navy in World War II, and he was very active with veteran charities and even had a VFW award named after him. My condolences to his family and friends.
Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Stan Kowalski. I remember the Big K in the AWA but that’s all I knew.