Kowalski remembered by Triple H, Dykstra

Kowalski remembered by Triple H, Dykstra

The WWE Universe mourns the loss of WWE Legend and Hall of Famer Walter "Killer" Kowalski, 81. After finishing his storied in-ring career, Kowalski continued to reshape sports-entertainment by opening the "Killer" Kowalski Institute of Professional Wrestling in Malden, Mass., where he trained some of the bigger stars in WWE history, including current Superstars, 12-time World Champion Triple H and former World Tag Team Champion Kenny Dykstra.

In light of sports-entertainment's tremendous loss in Kowalski's passing, The Game adjusted his focus from the WWE Championship Scramble to his long-time mentor.

"He wouldn't go down for the three-count; his body kept going and going," The Game reflected. "It's a huge loss. Walter was one of the biggest-named performers of his time. His legacy will live on forever."

Exclusive video: The Game's tribute to "Killer"

Triple H's fellow SmackDown competitor Dykstra has had his share of disagreements with The Game on recent Friday nights, but not when it comes to showing reverence for the fallen legend.

"If it wasn't for ["Killer"], there'd be no Kenny Dykstra," added the young Superstar, who began his training at Kowalski's school when he was 13 years old. "It was a shock to me … it's heart breaking, but I know he's in a better place now. Now, he's looking down on everybody."

On Aug. 8, the WWE Legend fell ill due to a heart attack, shocking the entire sports-entertainment world. Kowalski's legion of fans from all around the world, former students and Superstars -- including Triple H and Dykstra -- flooded his hospital room with get-well cards, gifts and phone calls.

The Windsor, Ontario, Canada native, was perhaps one of the most recognizable names in professional wrestling. Despite his towering demeanor, at 6-foot-7 and standing at 275 pounds, Kowalski had a big heart.

"He was the biggest villain in the ring, and the sweetest guy outside the ring. He'd give the shirt off his back to you," Dykstra stated.

The pair of Kowalski's prized students also reflected on their fondest memories spent with the Hall of Famer.

"Every single day he would beat the crap out of me," Dykstra recalled. "At times I was like, this is ridiculous. This old guy is whipping my butt. But, once I got into WWE, I realized everything he showed me worked."

He continued, "There's times that a light bulb will go off in my head today, and I'd go like, ‘that's what he was talking about.' Even though he's gone, there still are things he showed me I'll always remember."

Triple H recalled as a student that "when guys would screw up, [Kowalski] would hit them in the back of the head with a phone book."

Joking aside, the 12-time World Champion also reminisced when he first signed with WWE and traveled on the road with his mentor.

"He was such a very unique character," The Game said. "When we got in sometimes at 3 a.m., he'd knock on my door at 5:30 a.m., because he was ready to go eat breakfast."

"Walter was a vegetarian; trying to find a place with a salad bar at 5:30 in the morning isn't the easiest thing to do," said the WWE Champion, with a slight grin. "It was an interesting time. I enjoyed his company. He will be greatly missed."

Watch: Killer Kowalski in action | Photos

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