In the world of professional wrestling, where outcomes are predetermined, this bout provided a rarity - the surprise finish. Yukon Eric, declared the loser because he could not continue, was hustled to the emergency room. Kowalski's hand was raised to boos that were louder than ever. His villainous reputation was sealed two days later when the promoter ordered him to apologize to Yukon Eric, who was still in the hospital. These things happen.
Wrestlers get broken arms and broken legs.
These things are part of the business. But the boss was an insistent nag, so Kowalski walked the two blocks to the hospital to say hello to Yukon Eric. He arrived as newspapermen and a female television reporter were milling outside Yukon Eric's room. These journalists became responsible for one of the most unfair stories in wrestling history, if such a thing is possible. Yukon Eric, whose ring personality was that of a friendly lumberjack, was seated on the edge of his bed, his head wrapped in bandages.