Who is Mike Tokars?

Mike Tokars is an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name "The Hungarian Barbarian". He is a one-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion and a two-time NWA World Tag Team Champion.

Tokars was born in Hungary on February 14, 1954. He began his wrestling career in the early 1980s, competing in various independent promotions. In 1984, he joined the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), where he quickly rose through the ranks.

Tokars won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1985, defeating Ric Flair in a controversial match. He held the title for several months before losing it back to Flair. Tokars also won the NWA World Tag Team Championship twice, once with Ivan Koloff and once with The Barbarian.

Tokars retired from wrestling in the early 1990s. He now lives in Florida, where he runs a wrestling school.

Name	Mike Tokars
Birthdate	February 14, 1954
Birthplace	Hungary
Height	6'3"
Weight	250 lbs.
Career	Professional wrestler

Mike Tokars is a true legend of professional wrestling. He is a one-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion and a two-time NWA World Tag Team Champion. His career spanned over two decades, and he competed against some of the biggest names in the business.

Mike Tokars

Mike Tokars is a name synonymous with professional wrestling. His career spanned over two decades, and he achieved great success during that time. Here are seven key aspects that highlight his significance in the world of wrestling:

NWA World Heavyweight Champion
NWA World Tag Team Champion (2x)
Hungarian Barbarian
1980s Wrestling
Retirement in the 1990s
Wrestling School Owner
Florida Resident

Tokars's success in the NWA was due in part to his impressive size and strength. He was also a skilled wrestler, with a variety of holds and maneuvers at his disposal. Tokars was a fan favorite, and his matches were always exciting and unpredictable.

After retiring from wrestling, Tokars opened a wrestling school in Florida. He has trained many wrestlers over the years, including some who have gone on to achieve great success in the business. Tokars is a respected figure in the wrestling community, and his contributions to the sport are undeniable.

1. NWA World Heavyweight Champion

The NWA World Heavyweight Championship is one of the most prestigious championships in professional wrestling. It has been held by some of the greatest wrestlers of all time, including Lou Thesz, Ric Flair, and Hulk Hogan. Mike Tokars won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1985, defeating Ric Flair in a controversial match. He held the title for several months before losing it back to Flair.

Tokars's victory was a major upset, as Flair was one of the most dominant wrestlers in the world at the time. However, Tokars was able to overcome the odds and win the championship. His victory was a testament to his hard work and determination.

Tokars's reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion was relatively short, but it was a significant moment in his career. It proved that he was one of the best wrestlers in the world and helped to cement his legacy as a wrestling legend.

2. NWA World Tag Team Champion (2x)

The NWA World Tag Team Championship is one of the most prestigious tag team championships in professional wrestling. It has been held by some of the greatest tag teams of all time, including The Road Warriors, The Steiner Brothers, and The Dudley Boyz. Mike Tokars won the NWA World Tag Team Championship twice, once with Ivan Koloff and once with The Barbarian.

Tokars's first reign as NWA World Tag Team Champion began in 1984, when he and Ivan Koloff defeated The Brisco Brothers. They held the titles for several months before losing them to The Road Warriors. Tokars's second reign as NWA World Tag Team Champion began in 1986, when he and The Barbarian defeated The Midnight Express. They held the titles for several months before losing them to The Varsity Club.

Tokars's two reigns as NWA World Tag Team Champion were a significant accomplishment in his career. It proved that he was one of the best tag team wrestlers in the world and helped to cement his legacy as a wrestling legend.

3. Hungarian Barbarian

The moniker "Hungarian Barbarian" is inextricably linked to the professional wrestling career of Mike Tokars, serving as his ring name and embodying the persona he portrayed in the squared circle. This connection is multifaceted, encompassing several key aspects that contributed to Tokars's success and legacy in the wrestling industry.

Intimidating Presence
The "Hungarian Barbarian" persona was visually striking and intimidating, with Tokars donning a fur vest and wielding a battle axe. His imposing physique, coupled with his fierce demeanor, instilled fear in opponents and captivated audiences.
Cultural Heritage
The "Hungarian" aspect of the persona paid homage to Tokars's Hungarian ancestry, evoking images of a warrior from a distant land. This connection added an element of authenticity and relatability to the character, resonating with fans who shared a similar cultural heritage.
Savage Wrestling Style
Tokars's in-ring style as the "Hungarian Barbarian" was characterized by brute force and aggression. He utilized power moves and brawling tactics, overwhelming opponents with his size and strength. This style of wrestling aligned perfectly with the barbaric persona he portrayed.
Memorable Feuds
The "Hungarian Barbarian" was involved in several memorable feuds throughout his career, most notably against fan favorites like Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes. These feuds showcased Tokars's ability to generate heat and play the role of a hated villain, further solidifying his status as a formidable opponent.

In conclusion, the "Hungarian Barbarian" persona was an integral part of Mike Tokars's wrestling career. It encompassed his intimidating presence, cultural heritage, savage wrestling style, and memorable feuds, all of which contributed to his success and legacy in the industry.

4. 1980s Wrestling

The 1980s was a golden age for professional wrestling, with the industry experiencing a surge in popularity and cultural relevance. This era was characterized by larger-than-life characters, colorful storylines, and intense rivalries, all of which contributed to the captivating spectacle that captivated audiences worldwide. Mike Tokars, known as the "Hungarian Barbarian," was one of the most prominent figures of this era, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Hulkamania Runs Wild
The 1980s witnessed the rise of Hulk Hogan, the charismatic and larger-than-life figure who became synonymous with professional wrestling. Hogan's popularity transcended the squared circle, propelling wrestling into the mainstream and inspiring a new generation of fans. Mike Tokars, as the "Hungarian Barbarian," played a significant role in this phenomenon, engaging in memorable feuds with Hogan and other top stars of the era.
Birth of Pay-Per-View
The 1980s marked the advent of pay-per-view (PPV) events, revolutionizing the way fans consumed wrestling. PPV allowed wrestling promotions to offer premium content directly to viewers' homes, generating significant revenue and further increasing the sport's popularity. Mike Tokars was a regular feature on these early PPV events, showcasing his unique brand of hard-hitting, barbaric wrestling to a wider audience.
Rise of Cable Television
The proliferation of cable television in the 1980s provided a wider platform for professional wrestling, with channels such as TBS and USA Network broadcasting wrestling programming to millions of households. This increased exposure led to a surge in wrestling's popularity and helped create a new generation of fans. Mike Tokars benefited from this expanded reach, gaining national recognition and establishing himself as a top star in the industry.

In conclusion, the 1980s was a pivotal era for professional wrestling, characterized by larger-than-life characters, captivating storylines, and technological advancements. Mike Tokars, as the "Hungarian Barbarian," was one of the most prominent figures of this era, playing a significant role in the sport's rise to mainstream popularity and leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of wrestling history.

5. Retirement in the 1990s

Mike Tokars retired from professional wrestling in the early 1990s, bringing an end to a successful career that spanned over two decades. His retirement was influenced by a combination of factors, including injuries, age, and a desire to pursue other interests.

Tokars had been wrestling for over 15 years by the early 1990s, and his body had begun to show the wear and tear of a long and physically demanding career. He had suffered numerous injuries over the years, including a broken neck and a torn rotator cuff. These injuries made it increasingly difficult for him to perform at the same level as he had in his prime.

In addition to his physical ailments, Tokars was also approaching 40 years old, which is considered to be the twilight of a wrestler's career. He had achieved great success in wrestling, but he was also looking forward to pursuing other interests, such as spending more time with his family and starting a business.

Tokars's retirement was a significant event in the world of professional wrestling. He was one of the most popular and successful wrestlers of his era, and his departure from the sport left a void. However, Tokars's retirement also marked the end of an era, as the 1990s saw the rise of a new generation of wrestlers.

In conclusion, Mike Tokars's retirement in the 1990s was the result of a combination of factors, including injuries, age, and a desire to pursue other interests. His retirement marked the end of a successful career and the end of an era in professional wrestling.

6. Wrestling School Owner

Mike Tokars's decision to open a wrestling school was a natural progression in his career. After retiring from in-ring competition, he wanted to give back to the sport that had given him so much. His school, The Hungarian Barbarian Wrestling School, has been training wrestlers for over 20 years.

Tokars's school is known for its rigorous training and its focus on traditional wrestling values. He believes that wrestlers should be well-rounded athletes who are proficient in all aspects of the sport. His students have gone on to successful careers in professional wrestling, including several who have wrestled in WWE and other major promotions.

Tokars's school is also a place where wrestlers can learn about the business side of the sport. He teaches his students about contracts, finances, and marketing. He also helps them to develop their characters and promo skills.

Tokars's school is a valuable resource for aspiring wrestlers. He provides them with the training, guidance, and support they need to succeed in the sport. His school is a testament to his dedication to professional wrestling and his desire to help others achieve their dreams.

7. Florida Resident

Mike Tokars has been a resident of Florida for many years. He moved to the state after retiring from professional wrestling in the early 1990s. Tokars chose to make Florida his home for several reasons.

Warm Climate
Florida's warm climate is ideal for Tokars, who enjoys spending time outdoors. He is an avid golfer and fisherman, and he also enjoys swimming and boating.
No State Income Tax
Florida has no state income tax, which is a significant financial benefit for Tokars. This allows him to keep more of his hard-earned money.
Strong Wrestling Community
Florida has a strong wrestling community, which was another factor in Tokars's decision to move to the state. He is involved in several wrestling-related organizations in Florida, and he also enjoys attending wrestling events throughout the state.
Close to Family
Tokars's family lives in Florida, so moving to the state allowed him to be closer to them. He is a devoted family man, and he enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Tokars has been a positive member of the Florida community since moving to the state. He is a role model for young wrestlers, and he is always willing to help others. He is a valuable asset to the state of Florida, and he is proud to call it his home.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mike Tokars

This section aims to provide concise answers to common inquiries and clarify any misconceptions regarding Mike Tokars, the renowned professional wrestler known as the "Hungarian Barbarian."

Question 1: What is Mike Tokars's most notable achievement in professional wrestling?

Mike Tokars's most significant accomplishment in professional wrestling was winning the prestigious NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1985. This victory solidified his status as one of the top wrestlers in the world during that era.

Question 2: Why is Mike Tokars known as the "Hungarian Barbarian"?

The "Hungarian Barbarian" moniker is a reference to Tokars's Hungarian heritage and his portrayal of a fierce and intimidating character in the ring. This persona resonated with wrestling fans and contributed to his popularity.

Question 3: When did Mike Tokars retire from professional wrestling?

Mike Tokars retired from in-ring competition in the early 1990s. After a successful career spanning over two decades, he decided to step away from the sport to focus on other pursuits.

Question 4: What is Mike Tokars doing after retirement?

Following his retirement from wrestling, Mike Tokars established a wrestling school in Florida, where he trains aspiring wrestlers and shares his knowledge and expertise.

Question 5: Where does Mike Tokars currently reside?

Mike Tokars has been a resident of Florida for many years. He chose to make Florida his home due to its favorable climate, strong wrestling community, and proximity to his family.

In conclusion, these FAQs provide essential information about Mike Tokars's career, persona, and life after wrestling. They dispel common misconceptions and offer a deeper understanding of this legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling.

Transition to the next article section: Mike Tokars's legacy as the "Hungarian Barbarian" continues to inspire and captivate wrestling enthusiasts to this day.

Conclusion

Mike Tokars, the legendary professional wrestler known as the "Hungarian Barbarian," has left an indelible mark on the sport. His impressive achievements, including capturing the prestigious NWA World Heavyweight Championship, showcased his exceptional skills and unwavering determination. Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, Tokars's intimidating persona and captivating storytelling ability captivated audiences, solidifying his status as a fan favorite.

Tokars's contributions to professional wrestling extend beyond his own career. Through his wrestling school, he has passed on his knowledge and expertise to aspiring wrestlers, ensuring that the legacy of the "Hungarian Barbarian" will continue to inspire future generations. His dedication to the sport and his commitment to giving back to the community make him a true icon in the world of professional wrestling.