Native American Wrestling Pioneer

Chief Don Eagle

Chief Don Eagle Climbs to the Top

Chief Don Eagle was a man of immense talent. A headliner; a presence; a star. To witness him in action, from pre-match ringside autographs to his parting smile and waves to the cheering throngs, was all a part of his extraordinary magnetism.

Don Eagle’s first two years in the game showed notable victories over Ali Baba, Rufus Jones, Joe Dusek, Ivan Kalmikoff, Fred Bozic, Ray Steele, Yukon Eric, and Dick Raines.

Unfortunately, the Raines win via DQ cost him 17 months of inactivity due to severe shoulder and back damage that would have ended it all for a less driven competitor.

He returned rusty in 1948 but, in a preview of what was to come, still had his arm raised in victory in 18 of the 32 singles head-to-heads in which he appeared.

Finally, on May 23rd, 1950, the expected passing of the strap occurred in Cleveland, when Don Eagle bested reigning king Frank Saxton in a best of three falls battle.

Don Eagle: AWA Champion

Don Eagle’s May 26th, 1950 match with Gorgeous George, not ranked in the top ten as a contender.

Don Eagle: Victim of Early Wrestling Screwjob

”No recent comparison comes close to the Chicago assassination. Don Eagle was cut down without cause or warning. He was a young Native American. A riot ensued.”

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