Gene Kiniski Wins the NWA Heavyweight Title

Former AWA Heavyweight champion Gene Kiniski defeated Lou Thesz for the NWA World heavyweight title in St. Louis, Missouri. Thesz, in his third title reign had held the belt for three years since winning it from Buddy Rogers in 1963. Kiniski, who dubbed himself “Canada’s Greatest Athlete” would hold the title for the next three years.