Career
He qualified for the Olympic team in 1980, but did not compete due to the United States boycott. Between Olympics, he placed third for a bronze medal at the 1979 World Wrestling Championships. He was later inducted into the Tribune Hall of Fame.
Rheingans entered professional wrestling with Verne Gagne"s American Wrestling Association in 1983, where he appeared until the organization folded in 1991.
He also wrestled briefly for the World Wildlife Fund as an enhancement talent in 1986, occasionally for New Japan Pro Wrestling from 1989 to 1991, and for various independent promotions in the Minnesota area during the early half of the 1990s. In addition to coaching amateur wrestlers throughout his career, Rheingans also trained numerous professional wrestlers.
Some of his well-known students include Big Van Vader, John Layfield, Brock Lesnar, The Nasty Boys, Jerry Lynn, Don Frye, Tom Zenk, Curtis Axel and Tori. Rheingans was inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2004.
Finishing moves
Bridging cradle suplex
Signature moves
Cutter
Kimura
Amateur wrestling
National Collegiate Athletic Association
National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I All-American (1975)
Olympics Games
Olympic Games team member (1976, 1980)
Professional wrestling
American Wrestling Association
Aging with Attitude World Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Ken Patera
Pro Wrestling America
Public Works Administration Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Baron von Raschke
Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards
Rookie of the Year (1981) tied with Brad Armstrong.