Stan Stasiak
Acting
Biography
George Emile Stipich (1937–1997), known as Stan "The Man" Stasiak, was a Canadian professional wrestler, best known for his time in the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF) during the 1970s. In 1973, he won the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship, though his reign was brief, lasting only nine days before losing it to Bruno Sammartino in what was considered a transitional reign. Throughout his career, Stasiak competed in various international promotions, including AWA, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and Pacific Northwest Wrestling, where he became known for his aggressive style and finishing move, the "heart punch," which was sold as a blow capable of stopping his opponent’s heart. Stasiak was a technical wrestler who often played the villain (heel) role, and although he didn’t have a long reign as world champion, he made a significant impact on professional wrestling during that era. After retiring in 1984, he worked in various fields, including as a car salesman and security guard. Over the years, he received recognition for his contributions to the sport, and was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. He passed away in 1997 due to congestive heart failure while awaiting a heart transplant. His personal life was marked by his affable nature, and he left an important legacy in professional wrestling, especially for his contributions during the golden age of the WWWF.
Known For
Discover rarely-seen matches from the 1970s, '80s, and '90s featuring countless WWE Hall of Famers such as Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair.
WWE Old School
The greatest WWE Superstars of the 1975s & 1982s, including Andre the Giant, Bob Backlund, and Bruno Sammartino compete in exciting matches.
WWF All-Star Wrestling
The most memorable rule breakers of the 1980s are all here, as Mean Gene Okerlund and Bobby Heenan host Villains of the Squared Circle. Pedro Morales vs. George Steele; Ernie Ladd vs. Andre the Giant; Roddy Piper vs. Jimmy Snuka; WWE Intercontinental Champion Randy Savage vs. Tito Santana.
Villains of the Squared Circle
Friday Night in the Coliseum is a short film featuring wrestling performances recorded at the Sam Houston Coliseum, in Houston, Texas, along with interviews with audience members and wrestling promoter Paul Boesch. The film features many wrestlers who were well-known in Houston, including The Crusher, Nick Kozak, Red Bastien, Dory Funk, Stan Stasiak, Johnny Valentine, Thunderbolt Patterson and Wild Bull Curry. The creation of this film was supported by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, however, the film never aired on television.
Friday Night in the Coliseum
Fritz, David, and Kevin Von Erich team with Bruiser Brody in one of the only surviving episodes of Texas Championship Wrestling.