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Larry HennigAmerican professional wrestler
Date of Birth: 18.06.1932
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Larry "The Axe" Hennig
Larry "The Axe" Hennig was an American professional wrestler who competed in the American Wrestling Association, National Wrestling Alliance, and World Wide Wrestling Federation. He was also the father of renowned wrestler Kurt "Mr. Perfect" Hennig.
Early Life
Larry Hennig was born on June 18, 1932, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Before starting his professional wrestling career, Hennig achieved the title of Minnesota State High School Heavyweight Champion in Robbinsdale, Minnesota in 1954. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he received a special scholarship for his active participation in the university's sports life. He excelled in football but had to drop out due to family difficulties.
Professional Wrestling Career
In 1963, Hennig joined the American Wrestling Association, where he was trained by Vern Gagne. One of his major achievements was winning the Tag Team Championship alongside Duke Hoffman. In the summer of 1963, Hennig left the American Wrestling Association and began performing in various clubs in Texas. He not only won the Texas Heavyweight Title but also befriended Harley Race. Together, they competed in Hennig's hometown of Minneapolis.
On January 30, 1965, Hennig and Race defeated the legendary duo The Crusher and Dick The Bruiser, becoming the youngest team to win the AWA World Tag Team Championship. After 1966, Hennig embarked on a world tour with many other stars of the American Wrestling Association, performing in Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. Upon his return in January 1967, Hennig and Race defeated Bruiser and Crusher once again, reclaiming the AWA World Tag Team Championship. This victory would prove to be their last as Hennig suffered a broken leg and knee injury, ultimately leading to his retirement.
In 1968, Hennig returned to the world of wrestling and had a successful career. In December, he decided to compete in the National Wrestling Alliance. He won several titles in singles competition, formed tag teams with various wrestlers, and participated in television show recordings. In 1984, Hennig returned to the American Wrestling Association, where his first opponent was his own son, Kurt. They later formed a tag team, but Kurt surpassed his father in terms of popularity and success. Larry Hennig contemplated retirement.
Later Life
Larry Hennig retired in 1985 after winning the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship. He announced the end of his career and currently resides in St. Cloud, Minnesota, with his wife Irene. They own a successful real estate company. Hennig occasionally returns to the ring for special events, such as the "Night of Icons," featuring past wrestling stars.
The knee injury still causes constant pain for Hennig. His son, Kurt, passed away on February 10, 2003, due to a drug overdose, leaving Larry with four grandchildren to care for.
