| George Gadaski | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | George Kosti |
| Born | 30 April 1930 Limerick, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Died | 16 December 1982 (aged 52)[1] St. Croix, Wisconsin, United States |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | George Gadaski Scrap Iron George Kosti Johnny Costa |
| Billed height | 6"0 |
| Billed weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| Trained by | Stu Hart |
| Debut | 1959 |
George Kosti (30 April 1930 – 16 December 1982) was a Canadian professional wrestler and referee who spent his career in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in Minnesota as George "Scrap Iron" Gadaski.[2]
Originally a hockey player he was the property of the Regina Pats and Chicago Blackhawks. He chose family obligations over hockey and ended his career. Trained by Stu Hart and became a wrestler. Kosti made his professional wrestling debut in 1959 in Calgary for Stampede Wrestling. Kosti would then work in Canada and the southern States. He got the nickname "Scarp Iron" by a Georgia promoter.[3]
Kosti made his debut in Minnesota for Verne Gagne's American Wrestling Association (AWA) in 1966 where he would be known as George Gadaski.
On December 10, 1972 Gadaski fought in Ric Flair's first match ending in a draw.[4][5] In 1973, he defeated Flair.[6]
Kosti teamed with Kenny Jay during his career and wrestled his last match in 1981.
Kosti passed away on December 16, 1982 from a brain tumor. He was 52.[7][8]