Background
He was born in New York City, United States and died in Hamilton, Ontario. Abe Zvonkin was born in New York, New York, son of Russian immigrants.
He was born in New York City, United States and died in Hamilton, Ontario. Abe Zvonkin was born in New York, New York, son of Russian immigrants.
He attended the Queen"s University in Kingston, Ontario where he began playing football.
While Zvonkin was born in New York, New York he represented Canada at the 1930 Empire Games. He finished fourth in the shot put competition, one place out of medal contention. Zvonkin began his football career in 1933 with the Hamilton Tigers of the Ontario Rugby Football Union, but when he attended Queen"s University he became an all-star in 1934 with the Queen"s Golden Gaels.
He returned to the Tigers for 3 more seasons in 1937, ending with his enlistment during World War Two.
After being influenced by Whipper Billy Watson Zvorkin made his professional wrestling debut on March 24, 1944 defeating First Rate (at Lloyd's) Dunlop. From the beginning Zvonkin played the heel (wrestling term for those who play the "bad guys"), thriving in the role.
Over the years Zvonkin wrestled under a number of different identities or ring names, including masked characters Mr. X and the Purple Phantom.
He also worked as "Mr.
East" as well as under his real name, playing off his Russian heritage. Zvonkin retired in 1961. Stampede Wrestling
Alberta Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Jim Henry.