Sam Mokuahi, Jr. | |
---|---|
Ring name(s) | Sammy Steamboat |
Born | May 4, 1934 Hawaii |
Died | May 2, 2006 Honolulu, Hawaii |
Trained by | Lou Thesz |
Sam "Steamboat" Mokuahi, Jr., or simply Sammy Steamboat, (May 4, 1934 in Hawaii – May 2, 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii) was an American professional wrestler whose career spanned from the 1950s through to the 1970s.[1]
Mokuahi started in the late 1950s in Hawaii before being discovered and trained by multi-time world heavyweight champion Lou Thesz.[1] Thesz stated that Mokuahi was the only one he ever saw as a student or protege of his, and worked in the midcard in Toronto in the early 1960s before moving to Florida territories, winning titles with Eddie Graham.[2] WWE Hall of Fame member Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat was given his ring-name because he resembled his fellow Hawaiian, but there is no relation between the two.
Mokuahi died in Hawaii from complications from Alzheimer's disease on May 2, 2006.[1]
1Steamboat and Graham won this championship by winning a tournament held on a card promoted in the Championship Wrestling from Florida promotion. Favorite Moves: Rolling Leglock Cannonball Dropkick