Adnan El-Kaissie Wrestler Date of Birth: 01.03.1939 Country: Iraq

1. Early Life and Education
2. Beginnings in Wrestling
3. Rise to Fame in the US
4. Neck Injury and Hiatus
5. Return as a Manager
6. Return to Iraq and Rivalry with Saddam Hussein

Early Life and Education

Adnan Bin Abdulkareem Ahmed Alkaissy El Farthie, known as Adnan Al-Kaissie, was born in Baghdad, Iraq on March 1, 1939. According to his autobiography, he came from an affluent family, with his father serving as an imam. During his high school years, Al-Kaissie claims to have attended school with Saddam Hussein.

Beginnings in Wrestling

Al-Kaissie began his wrestling career in Iraq. He later relocated to the United States, where he enrolled at Oklahoma State University. While in Oklahoma, he began training and wrestling professionally, making his debut in 1959 under the name "Adnan Kaissie."

Rise to Fame in the US

Kaissie competed in the Pacific Northwest Wrestling League throughout the 1960s. In the early 1970s, he joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), where he portrayed a Native American character named Billy White Wolf. He won the World Tag Team Championship alongside Chief Jay Strongbow.

Neck Injury and Hiatus

In 1971, Al-Kaissie required neck surgery. He agreed to an angle where Ken Patera broke his neck with his signature "Full Nelson" move on a televised match. Kaissie left the company while he recovered, resulting in the "Indians" team losing their championships.

Return as a Manager

Al-Kaissie returned to wrestling in the early 1980s, using his real name and working as a manager. Throughout the 1970s, he had been instrumental in bringing professional wrestling to Iraq with the support of his schoolmate, Saddam Hussein. He had notably defeated Andre the Giant in Baghdad during this time.

Return to Iraq and Rivalry with Saddam Hussein

In 1978, Al-Kaissie wrestled in Hawaii, becoming the master of the "Indian Death Match" until he was defeated by rival Thor Komata. He briefly returned to Iraq shortly after, hoping to continue promoting wrestling in his home country. However, Hussein developed paranoia and came to view Al-Kaissie as a potential rival. Al-Kaissie was forced to flee Iraq permanently, but he maintains contact with family in Baghdad to this day.