Ray Gunkel

Raymond Fred Gunkel (February 16, 1924 – August 1, 1972) was an American amateur and professional wrestler and promoter in the state of Georgia. Gunkel was a two-time AAU national champion and, as a professional, a three-time NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion. He died of heart trauma after a match in Savannah, Georgia, in which he defeated Ox Baker.

Amateur wrestling career Gunkel was born on February 16, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Kelvyn Park High School before attending Purdue University. He competed on the university's wrestling and football teams. As an All-American wrestler, he was undefeated in his junior and senior years and helped his team win the Big Ten Conference twice. As an individual, he finished second in the NCAA final to Dick Hutton. He also won the Amateur Athletic Union national championship in both 1947 and 1948. After dropping the title belt to Miguel Guzmán, he later regained it by defeating Keomuka again. His third and final Texas Heavyweight Championship came in 1953, when he defeated Mr. Moto to win the vacant championship. While wrestling in Texas, Gunkel was managed by professional boxer Jack Dempsey.

Georgia After Gunkel and his last partner, Amazing Zuma, dropped the tag team title in Texas, Gunkel left the promotion. He moved to Georgia, where he competed for the remainder of his career and won two dozen championships. His first title belt in Georgia came when he teamed with Don McIntyre to win the Georgia version of the NWA International Tag Team Championship.

Death On August 1, 1972, Gunkel wrestled Ox Baker in Savannah, Georgia. During the match, Baker punched Gunkel in the chest. Gunkel won the match, but he died later that day of heart problems.

Championships and accomplishments Championship Wrestling from Florida NWA United States Tag Team Championship (Florida version) (1 time) – with “Cowboy” Bob Ellis Dallas Wrestling Club / Southwest Sports, Inc. NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (3 times) George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Class of 2008 Mid-South Sports NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship (1 time) NWA Georgia Tag Team Championship (5 times) - with Buddy Fuller (4) and El Mongol NWA Georgia Television Championship (1 time) NWA International Tag Team Championship (Georgia version) (7 times) – with Don McIntyre (2), Billy Red Lyons, Ron Etchison, Nick Roberts, Dick Gunkel and Dick Steinborn NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Georgia version) (7 times) NWA Southern Tag Team Championship (Georgia version) (1 time) – with Don McIntyre