| George Gadaski | |
| Birth Name: | George Kosti |
| Birth Date: | 1930 4, df=yes |
| Birth Place: | Limerick, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Death Date: | [1] |
| Death Place: | St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, United States |
| Names: | George Gadaski Scrap Iron George Kosti Johnny Costa |
| Height: | 6"0 |
| Weight: | 240 lb[2] |
| Billed: | Great Fall, Minnesota |
| Debut: | 1956 |
| Retired: | 1981 |
George Kosti (30 April 1930 - 16 December 1982) was a Canadian professional wrestler and referee who spent his career in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in Minnesota as George "Scrap Iron" Gadaski.[3] Gadaski was considered the "jack of all trades" as he did ring set up, and later became a road agent.
Originally a hockey player he was the property of the Regina Pats and Chicago Blackhawks. He chose family obligations over hockey and ended his career. Trained by Stu Hart and became a wrestler.
Kosti made his professional wrestling debut in 1959 in Calgary for Stampede Wrestling. Kosti would then work in Canada and the southern States. He got the nickname "Scarp Iron" by a Georgia promoter.[4]
Kosti made his debut in Minnesota for Verne Gagne's American Wrestling Association (AWA) in 1966 where he would be known as George Gadaski.[5]
On December 10, 1972, Gadaski fought in Ric Flair's first ever match ending in a 10-minute draw.[6] [7] In 1973, he defeated Flair.[8]
Kosti teamed with Kenny Jay during his career[9] and wrestled his last match in 1981. Also refereed his last match in January 1982.
Kosti was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In April 1982, the AWA did a fundraiser. He died on December 16, 1982, from the effects from the tumor at a hospital in St. Croix Falls. He was 52.[4]
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