Jan Wilkens
| Jan Wilkens | |
|---|---|
| Born |
2 July 1942 Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Jan Wilkens Jan Wilko Jan Wilkins |
| Billed height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Billed weight | 280 lb (130 kg) |
| Billed from | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Debut | 1955 |
| Retired | 1987 |
Jan Wilkens (born February 4, 1945 in Johannesburg) is a retired South African professional wrestler who is a former South African Heavyweight Champion and six-time EWU World Super Heavyweight Champion.
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 the Wembley Stadium. In Bournemouth on 11 January 1966, Wilkens defeated Vachon. On 19 January 1966, he beat Paul Cox at the Royal Albert Hall. On 25 January 1966, Jan Wilkens defeated Paul Vachon in Chelmsford in what would be Wilkens' final match in England.
Jan Wilkens toured New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1973 with fellow Bronco Universal Promotions regular Manie van Zyl as part of the NJPW Big Fight Series. On 2 April 1973, in Ōita, Japan, Wilkens teamed up with Jozsef Molnar to lose to Seiji Sakaguchi and Kotetsu Yamamoto. On 7 April 1973 in Fukushima, he teamed up with Molnar and lost to Seiji Sakaguchi and Osamu Kido. On 12 April 1973 in Sendai, Wilkens teamed up with Manie van Zyl, losing to Seiji Sakaguchi and Kotetsu Yamamoto. In his final match with New Japan Pro Wrestling on 18 April 1973 in Osaka, Jan Wilkens lost to Antonio Inoki in a singles match in 20:12 when Inoki made him submit to the Octopus Hold.
...
Wikipedia