Pak Song

**Pak Song Nam** (April 11, 1943 – October 24, 1982) was a Korean professional wrestler who appeared primarily under the name **Pak Song**. He is notable for his appearances with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the Championship Wrestling from Florida (CWF) during the 1970s.

## Professional wrestling career

Pak Song Nam was born in 1943 (the year has been disputed) with Marfan syndrome, which contributed to his huge size. Song began wrestling in 1966 in Japan after being trained by Kintaro Oki, known as Kim Ill. They later became tag team partners for the Japan Wrestling Association.

Song made his North American debut for Texas in 1970. On June 17, Song and Kim defeated Bull Ramos and Yvon "The Beast" Cormier to win the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship, but held it for a week when they lost the titles to Ricky Romero and Terry Funk. On July 16, however, Song captured the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship from Terry in a two out-of-three falls bout.

He went on to defend the title against the likes of Thunderbolt Patterson, Dory Funk Sr., The Lawman, Pat O'Connor, Bull Ramos, Nick Kozak, The Beast, Gorgeous George Jr., and "Mr. Wrestling" Tim Woods. He also competed in stipulation bouts including Korean Torture Death and Russian Chain matches, much to Song's favor. On February 25, 1971, Song lost the title to Rick "Spartan" Hunter in a match where the loser left Texas for 60 days, ending his 224-day reign with the title.

More championship success proved to be imminent as Song teamed with Oki to capture the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship on December 17, 1970, from Gorgeous George, Jr. and Rufus R. Jones. They held the titles for a staggering 575 days, but the history of the title by this time was unrecorded until July 14, 1972. On September 16 of that year, Song lost to Harley Race in a tournament final for the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship. Song also fought in St. Louis.

In 1972, Song would make his debut for Championship Wrestling from Florida. He was portrayed as a martial artist, dubbed "The Korean Assassin", and broke wood and cement with his bare hands on television. Managed by Gary Hart, Song feuded with the likes of Hiro Matsuda, Jack Brisco and Terry Funk.

Song's feud with Dusty Rhodes in 1974, after Song and Hart had turned on him during a tag team match between them and Eddie and Mike Graham, is credited for making Rhodes one of the most popular "fan favorites" in the Florida territory. Their feud was also brought to Georgia.

Song would stay in Florida until 1979. He even was their heavyweight champion. During his time in Florida, Song worked in various territories in the States and a return to Japan in 1975 for All Japan Pro Wrestling. On October 10, 1976, Song fought NWF World Heavyweight Champion Antonio Inoki in Seoul, South Korea where Song lost by count out in 18 minutes.

After his time in Florida, Song returned to compete for Texas and St. Louis. In 1980, Song made his debut for Central States Wrestling where he teamed with Great Kabuki to win the NWA Central States Tag Team Championship defeating Bob Brown and Dick Murdoch. They dropped the titles to Bob Brown and Pat O'Connor. He would finish his career in the Texas-based Big Time Wrestling promotion. His last documented match was an eight-man elimination match with Stan Stasiak, Gino Hernandez and Gary Young against Bruiser Brody and The Von Erich Family (Fritz, Kevin and David Von Erich) at the Dallas Sportatorium on October 26, 1980.

## Death

Song died on October 24, 1982, in Seoul, South Korea, at the age of 39. His death date has also been the subject of debate, as well as his cause of death; some sources say it was due to his Marfan's syndrome, cancer, or diabetes, according to his obituary.