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Slam! Wrestling in Canada reported last night that former WWWF star "The Flying Greek” Mike Pappas has passed away at 81 following a battle with collectoral cancer.
Pappas, real name, Manoli Savvenas, learned to wrestle in Greece before coming to the United States, He had a long run in the WWWF as an undercard babyface before retiring in 1978 and moving into the jewelry business, owning and running a store in Missouri.
Pappas also worked in Mexico, St. Louis, for Central States Wrestling and Georgia Championship Wrestling and in Tennessee for Nick Gulas, among other areas. He was in many cases the precursor to today's Cruiserweights as he worked a more aerial based style, which made him stand out in places like the WWWF, where size and hulking punch and kick-centric wrestlers were always the focus.
Pappas was the subject of a very good documentary, The Flying Greek, which was filmed over a long period of time before being released in December 2021.
Pappas made an appearance last summer at a WWE live event in Springfield, Missouri, where he was acknowledged and honored before the live crowd while also visiting backstage.
George Pantas interviewed Pappas several years ago for The Military News at this link.
Evan Ginzberg wrote a very good story on Pappas' life and career several years back at this link.
Everyone at PWInsider.com sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Mike Pappas.
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