Professional Wrestler. Born in New York City, at 6'5" tall, weighting over 350 pounds, he was one of the great super-heavyweight wrestlers of his time and later was the World Wrestling Federation's MC announcer. He began his career wrestling for the Ithaca College team and took second at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in 1959. Turning professional he competed in some televised Ring Wrestling Magazine tournaments and teamed up with Killer Kowalski to win the US Tag Team Championship in December 1963. Through the 1960s to 1970s, Marella and Kowalski were a popular draw and fan favorites on the wrestling circuit. His in-ring career wound down by the early 1980s, after wrestling in more than 8000 matches worldwide and he was inducted into the World Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame in 1994. In 1985, he began announcing for the World Wrestling Federation and his colorful announcing style proved a perfect fit for the sporting aspect of pro wrestling. He became the WWF President in 1995 and continued to make appearances on WWF television until his death at age 62 in Willingboro, New Jersey.
Professional Wrestler. Born in New York City, at 6'5" tall, weighting over 350 pounds, he was one of the great super-heavyweight wrestlers of his time and later was the World Wrestling Federation's MC announcer. He began his career wrestling for the Ithaca College team and took second at the NCAA Wrestling Championships in 1959. Turning professional he competed in some televised Ring Wrestling Magazine tournaments and teamed up with Killer Kowalski to win the US Tag Team Championship in December 1963. Through the 1960s to 1970s, Marella and Kowalski were a popular draw and fan favorites on the wrestling circuit. His in-ring career wound down by the early 1980s, after wrestling in more than 8000 matches worldwide and he was inducted into the World Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame in 1994. In 1985, he began announcing for the World Wrestling Federation and his colorful announcing style proved a perfect fit for the sporting aspect of pro wrestling. He became the WWF President in 1995 and continued to make appearances on WWF television until his death at age 62 in Willingboro, New Jersey.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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