Don Kernodle

Professional wrestling career Early Career (1973–1982) In college, Kernodle lettered four times in amateur wrestling. He was also a two time national arm wrestling champion.

Cobra Corps in Mid-Atlantic (1982–1984) At first, he (now known as Pvt. Kernodle) was part of Sgt. Slaughter's "Cobra Corps" and teamed with Slaughter and Pvt. Jim Nelson. In 1982, the team of Kernodle and Nelson won the NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team Championship from Porkchop Cash and Jay Youngblood.

Kernodle would continue to wrestle on co-promoted cards through May 23, 1983 when he made his Madison Square Garden debut for the WWF. Kernodle would wrestle in the WWF through November 1983, being primarily featured on television defeating the likes of Jeff Craney, Jack Carson, Bill Dixon, Steve King, and Tony Colon but falling short to Tito Santana and Rocky Johnson in single competition and The Invaders in tag team competition. Additionally, Kernodle was frequently used as a substitute for Afa Anoa'i in main event matches throughout 1983. Kernodle's last bout in the WWF was on a co-promoted card in 1984 at Maple Leaf Gardens against Santana.

Return to NWA (1984–1986) Following the title loss and brief stint in the WWF, Kernodle remained a villain and formed a tag team with Bob Orton, Jr. and was managed by Gary Hart. Kernodle had had several health issues prior to his death and CTE. It was later revealed that Kernodle died after committing suicide by gunshot after visiting the doctor.

Championships and accomplishments George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Maple Leaf Wrestling NWA Canadian Television Championship (1 time) PWI ranked # 29 of the 100 best tag teams of the "PWI Years" with Sgt. Slaughter World Wrestling Council WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

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