Jan Wilkens

Jan Wilkens (2 July 1942 in Johannesburg – 19 April 2026) was a South African professional wrestler who was a former South African Heavyweight Champion and six-time EWU World Super Heavyweight Champion.

Career

Joint Promotions/Ring Wrestling Stars (1965) Jan Wilkens toured England's Joint Promotions in 1965 and 1966 in his early twenties. On 6 December and 14 December 1965, he defeated Gord Nelson twice by knockout. On 15 December 1965, Wilkens defeated Paul Vachon at the Royal Albert Hall in London On 28 December 1965, he beat Paul Vachon by knockout in Swindon. On 10 January 1966, Wilkens defeated Paul Vachon once again by knockout at Wembley, Middlesex. On 7 April 1973 in Fukushima, he teamed up with Molnar and lost to Seiji Sakaguchi and Osamu Kido. In 1974, Wilkens defeated Percy Hall to win the South African Heavyweight Title. On 30 October 1976, he lost the title to Seiji Sakaguchi, but regained it on 13 November 1976, to become a 3-time champion. In March, 1980, Wilkens teamed up with Apollo to defeat Sailor White 1 and Sailor White 2 in a tag team match in Johannesburg. In May, 1980, he defeated Angelo Mosca in Cape Town at the Good Hope Centre to retain the South African Heavyweight Title. On 6 October 1984, Hercules Ayala defeated Jan Wilkens to win the EWU World Super Heavyweight Championship. On 3 November 1984, Jan Wilkens defeated Hercules Ayala to become a 6-time EWU World Super Heavyweight Champion. Wilkens took revenge on Burch on 26 March 1986 by winning cleanly at the Good Hope Centre. On 28 April 1986, Jan Wilkens lost to Igor Volkoff at the Good Hope Centre. On 10 May 1986, he defeated Scott MacDonald at the Portuguese Hall to retain the EWU World Super Heavyweight Championship. On 29 June 1986, Wilkens defeated Kevin Wacholz to successfully defend the EWU World Super Heavyweight Championship. Jan Wilkens retired in 1987, having his final match and tribute in Cape Town.

Championships and accomplishments European Wrestling Union EWU World Super Heavyweight Championship (6 times)

Interworld Wrestling Promotions South African Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

Death Wilkens died at the age of 83 on his farm outside Potchefstroom, where he had lived and farmed for many years.