Late pro wrestler 'Killer' Kowalski's auction draws interest of Triple H

The estate of wrestling legend Walter “Killer” Kowalski was auctioned off to the highest bidder, Thursday night in Saugus.

Run by TAC Auctions, the five-hour event featured over 300 items of the late grappler’s personal affects, attracting a wide and eclectic group of bidders, ranging from the casual sports fan, to serious sports memorabilia collectors alike.

In the end, however, it was Kowalski’s former student, Triple H, who stole the show.

Bidding online, the WWE Superstar reeled in several big-tickets items, including the crown jewel of the auction, Kowalski’s first-ever wrestling ring robe for $4,250.

The blue velvet robe came complete with Kowalski’s real name ‘Wladek Kowalski’ script in silver sequins on the back. The item proved to be the highest of all the 300 lots sold.

When the online bidder originally checked in, most in attendance had a feeling where it was coming from.

“I’m pretty sure it’s Triple H,” said Richard Byrne, a Malden Tang Soo Do Grandmaster and veteran of the local and international wrestling circuit. “I called him and told him they were doing this. He didn’t know about it. So the [WWE] office called and they said wanted everything that’s wrestling [related].”

Auction organizers confirmed that it was in fact Triple H, also known as Paul Levesque of Nashua, NH.

In addition, Triple H, (also known by the ring name Hunter Hearst Helmsley) purchased a pair of Killer’s blue leather size 14 wrestling boots ($650), an additional blue velvet ring coat ($850), and an awards lot, which included Kowalski’s Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame certificate ($175).

It was a fitting gesture from Triple H; who studied under Kowalski at his Malden wrestling studio in the early days, before reaching superstardom in the sports entertainment business himself.

“Triple H always remembered Walter and always gave him credit,” Byrne said. “He’s a real class act. They’ve got the boots. They’ve got the robe. They’ve got everything. So that’s good.”...More?

source: wickedlocal.com