I never saw Walter "Killer" Kowalski wrestle. I was too young even to see his final run in WWE (then the World Wide Wrestling Federation) in the late 1970s.

But, Kowalski's legacy loomed large over the entire pro wrestling world the whole time I was watching while growing up. Even without having seen one Kowalski match while he was active, I still knew all about his killer clutch and the legend of his tearing off Yukon Eric's ear during a 1950s match in Montreal.

Every WWE superstar owes a debt of gratitude to Kowalski who was one of the pioneers of pro wrestling's first foray into television during the sport's first renaissance in the 1950s. And his legacy can be most concretely felt through the current WWE Champion, Triple H.

Kowalski trained Trips at his school in Meldan, Mass. In turn, Kowalski himself was trained by the legendary Lou Thesz. Talk about pedigree.

I have no anecdotes I can add to the already impressive list of stories we've read and heard already from Jim Ross, Howard Finkel, the Associated Press, and CBC.

I can only say I pay much respect to Kowalski for the incredible contribution he made to the industry we all gather here to love and enjoy. And I pass along my condolences to his family.

Pro wrestling has lost a giant.

Here's some video from Japan of Kowalski versus Giant Baba from 1963 for your enjoyment. Vintage Killer...