The Great Wojo: From Toledo Mat Star to Wrestling Icon

Early Years and Amateur Dominance

Gregory M. Wojciechowski was born in Toledo, Ohio, in 1951 and developed a passion for wrestling and strength training at a young age. Competing for Whitmer High School, he won the Ohio State heavyweight titles in both 1967 and 1968.

At the University of Toledo, Wojciechowski cemented his reputation, capturing the NCAA Division I heavyweight championship in 1971 after finishing runner-up in 1970 and 1972. He compiled an outstanding 55–2 collegiate record and earned multiple AAU titles in both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. In 1980, he achieved the rare feat of winning both freestyle and Greco-Roman U.S. Olympic Trials—becoming the last American to do so—before the Olympic boycott prevented his participation.

Transition to Professional Wrestling: The Rise of “The Great Wojo”

With the Olympic boycott halting his amateur aspirations, Wojciechowski entered the world of professional wrestling, training under his former mentor Dick the Bruiser. He debuted in 1981 as The Great Wojo, quickly rising to prominence in the Indianapolis-based World Wrestling Association (WWA).

Wojo became a three-time WWA World Heavyweight Champion, first claiming the title in July 1984, losing it to Dick the Bruiser in January 1985, regaining it later that year, and winning it again in May 1987 before retiring as champion. On WWA’s TV show Bruiser Bedlam, he issued his legendary $10,000 Challenge—an open invitation to anyone who could pin him in a legitimate wrestling match—and remained unbeaten.

He also competed briefly in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) and the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) between 1983 and 1984, and later wrestled in Japan’s W*ING promotion in 1991 before retiring from the ring in 1994.

A Lifelong Commitment to Wrestling and Education

Following his in-ring career, Wojciechowski devoted nearly three decades to education and coaching. He taught and mentored students at Toledo’s Libbey and Bowsher High Schools, and was instrumental in launching wrestling programs at Ohio middle schools. Holding a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, he was inducted into the University of Toledo Varsity T Hall of Fame (1978), the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (2015), and was honored as a Distinguished Member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2025.

Legacy and Passing

On August 12, 2025, Gregory M. Wojciechowski passed away from a heart attack at age 73 in Toledo, Ohio, leaving behind a legacy defined by excellence, perseverance, and mentorship.

Legacy Highlights

Domain	Impact
Amateur Wrestling	State champion, NCAA champion, four-time AAU champ, Olympic Trials winner
Professional Wrestling	Three-time WWA World Heavyweight Champion, undefeated in $10,000 Challenges
Coaching & Education	Longstanding high school coach, school educator, middle school program pioneer
Honors	Inductions into multiple Halls of Fame, Distinguished Member of NWHOF

From his humble Toledo beginnings to the pinnacles of amateur and professional wrestling, The Great Wojo embodied dedication, toughness, and a commitment to community—values that continue to inspire those who knew him and those who follow in his footsteps.