Ox Baker was a very intimidating and realistic wrestler in his day. He could also generate heat like no other and started several full-scale riots. The Ox gained notoriety for apparently killing two opponents with his famed 'Heart Punch' finishing manoeuvre. Of course the deaths of the two wrestlers had nothing to do with Baker (one died of burst appendix and the other a blood cot) but that didn't stop Baker from working it into his character. It certainly added extra intrigue to Baker's character. Not only did he look and wrestle like a mad man, he could kill you with one punch. Although he never wrestled for WWE, Baker, who seldom left his feet or took a bump, had successful runs in the AWA, NWA and WWC. He gained mainstream exposure in 1981, appearing as Kurt Russell's gladiatorial opponent in John Carpenter's Escape From New York. After retiring from the grap game, Baker made appearances at conventions and autograph signings as well as for independent promotions like Ring of Honor and Combat Zone Wrestling. Baker died due to complications stemming from a heart attack on October 20th, aged 80.
