Career

Steele worked a catch wrestling style in his early career. 16 May 1934 he wrestled Orville Brown to a 30-minute draw. Steele would hold the belt for over a year before losing it back to Bronko Nagurski on March 11, 1941 in Houston, Texas.

Sauer served as a mentor to many young stars, including Lou Thesz before his death of a heart attack in September 1949.

National Wrestling Association

World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards

Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996)

Other awards

George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (2002)

Pioneer Era inductee to the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (2008).

Achievements

• He gained some notoriety in 1936 when he faced heavyweight boxing contender Kingfish Levinsky in a mixed match, which Steele won in 35 seconds. Steele"s biggest accomplishment in the sport was winning the National Wrestling Association"s World Heavyweight Championship from Bronko Nagurski in Saint Louis, Missouri on March 7, 1940.