George Gordienko: Canadian Wrestler, Artist and Renaissance Man

George Gordienko, a Ukrainian/Cossack immigrant who became a successful painter, was deprived of a run with the NWA World Heavyweight Championship due to his association with the Communist Party during the McCarthy era.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

George Gordienko (1928-2002) is a remarkable wrestler who may have slipped under the radar of many wrestling enthusiasts. Hailing from humble Ukrainian/Cossack immigrant roots in the Canadian Prairies, he faced a challenging childhood during the Great Depression. Despite the adversities, Gordienko emerged as a skilled shooter and a unique artist on the mat. Unfortunately, his association with the Communist Party as a young man led to his exclusion from wrestling in the United States during the McCarthy era. This deprivation prevented him from competing for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, which he was hand-picked by the legendary Lou Thesz.

After retiring from wrestling, Gordienko pursued a different artistic path and achieved great success as a painter. This first full-length biography delves into the remarkable career of this unsung wrestling legend.

George Gordienko's journey began in the Ukrainian/Cossack community in the Canadian Prairies. Despite the hardships of the Great Depression, he managed to persevere and find his way into the world of wrestling. His talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of wrestling promoters, and he began to make a name for himself in the regional circuit.

However, Gordienko's path to greatness was not without its obstacles. During the McCarthy era, his association with the Communist Party as a young man led to his exclusion from wrestling in the United States. This decision was a significant setback for Gordienko, as he had been hand-picked by the legendary Lou Thesz to compete for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

Undeterred, Gordienko continued to pursue his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. He traveled to Europe and Japan, where he honed his skills and built a reputation as a formidable competitor. In 1953, he returned to the United States and joined the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where he competed for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

Despite his best efforts, Gordienko was unable to capture the championship. However, his performances on the mat were impressive, and he gained a loyal following of fans who appreciated his unique style and artistry. After retirement from wrestling, Gordienko turned his attention to painting. He had a natural talent for art, and his paintings quickly gained recognition in the art world.

Gordienko's paintings were characterized by their bold colors and intricate details. He often depicted scenes from his wrestling career, as well as scenes from his Ukrainian/Cossack heritage. His work was praised for its emotional depth and its ability to capture the essence of his subjects.

Throughout his career, Gordienko remained humble and dedicated to his art. He continued to paint until his passing in 2002, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable talent and creativity.

In conclusion, George Gordienko (1928-2002) is a remarkable wrestler who may have slipped under the radar of many wrestling enthusiasts. Despite facing adversity and exclusion from wrestling in the United States during the McCarthy era, he persevered and achieved great success as a painter. His bold colors and intricate details in his paintings gained him recognition in the art world, and his legacy continues to inspire and inspire artists today. Gordienko's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of pursuing one's dreams, even in the face of adversity.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 178 x 254 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476687698