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Peter Sauer
Peter Sauer
Peter Sauer
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Peter Sauer (February 2, 1900 – September 11, 1949), was an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Ray Steele. He was born and raised in Norka, a German colony in the Volga region of Russia, in 1900 before immigrating to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1906. A highly skilled and dangerous catch wrestler, Steele was known for his extensive knowledge of submission holds.[2]

Key Information

After a successful amateur wrestling career, Steele then started wrestling in the carnivals, where he honed his catch wrestling skills. Upon turning pro, he relocated to California and became a regular workout partner of fellow catch wrestler Ad Santel. On 16 May 1934, he wrestled Orville Brown to a 30-minute draw.[3] He gained some notoriety in 1936 when he faced heavyweight boxing contender Kingfish Levinsky in what is considered an early mixed martial arts (MMA) contest, which Steele won in 35 seconds. Steele's biggest accomplishment in the sport was winning the National Wrestling Association's World Heavyweight Championship from Bronko Nagurski in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 7, 1940. Steele would hold the belt for over a year before losing it back to Bronko Nagurski on March 11, 1941, in Houston, Texas.

Sauer served as a mentor and coach to many young stars, including Lou Thesz before his death of a heart attack[4] in September 1949. Thesz considered Sauer to be one of the finest wrestlers he ever knew. A British wrestler would later re-use the ring name "Ray Steele" in the late 20th century, holding the British Heavyweight Championship.

Championships and accomplishments

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See also

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References

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Peter Sauer

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Peter Sauer (February 2, 1900 – September 11, 1949), better known by the ring name Ray Steele, was a Russian-born American professional wrestler. Born in Norka, a Volga German colony in the , Sauer immigrated to the with his family in 1906, settling in . From a family of amateur athletes, he trained under catch wrestling pioneer Farmer Burns and debuted professionally in the late 1920s, gaining renown in and for his technical proficiency, submission holds, and fast reflexes. Steele wrestled under various names, including Peter Sauer, Pete Sauer, and the Masked Marvel, but achieved his greatest fame as Ray Steele. His career highlights include defeating to a two-hour draw in 1933 and winning the Midwest Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Championship in 1937. He captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship from on March 7, 1940, in , , holding it until losing it back to Nagurski in 1941; he was later recognized as champion in other territories, including in 1943–1944. Known as a mentor to wrestlers like Lou Thesz, Steele retired in the mid-1940s and died of a heart attack at age 49 while fishing in .

Early life and background

Birth and family origins

Peter Sauer was born on November 9, 1976, in , , to Mark and Georgia Sauer. His father, Mark Sauer, was a sports executive who served as president and chief executive officer of the of the National Hockey League from 1996 to 2005 and as executive vice president and chief operating officer for the of . Sauer had a younger brother, Alex.

Upbringing and high school career

The Sauer family relocated to Pittsburgh, , during his childhood, where Peter grew up and attended , a private preparatory school. Playing for the school's Indians team over four years, Sauer emerged as a standout forward. He graduated in 1995 as the program's all-time leading scorer with 1,890 points and leading rebounder with 999 rebounds, while captaining the team to its first (PIAA) Class AA state championship that year.

Professional wrestling career

Training and debut

Peter Sauer, born in Norka, Russia, in 1900 and immigrating to the at age six to settle near , began his wrestling endeavors in amateur circuits there during the early 1920s, drawing influence from the prevalent local catch-as-catch-can styles that emphasized and submissions. Growing up in a family of accomplished amateur athletes, Sauer honed his skills through school wrestling and regional competitions, building a foundation in technical holds before transitioning toward professional aspirations. Around 1925, after initial exposure on the carnival circuit, Sauer relocated to , where he trained under the renowned catch wrestler Ad Santel, a pioneer in submission techniques. Under Santel's guidance, Sauer refined his expertise in submission holds and methods, which became hallmarks of his in-ring approach, complementing his earlier roots. This period of intensive training solidified his technical prowess, preparing him for the demands of professional bouts. Sauer made his professional debut under the name Peter Sauer in regional Midwest promotions circa 1927, often billed as Pete Sauer in early appearances against local talent. Standing at 6 ft 0 in and weighing 210 lb, his sturdy build supported the grappling-intensive style he had developed, allowing him to compete effectively in divisions from the outset. These initial matches in the Midwest marked his entry into the ranks, where he quickly gained recognition for his legitimate wrestling background.

Key matches and style

By the late 1920s, Peter Sauer had adopted the ring name Ray Steele, under which he became renowned for his legitimate style that prioritized technical submissions and control. This approach stemmed from his training under catch wrestling pioneer Ad Santel in , refining his focus on holds that targeted joint locks and immobilizations. Steele's matches often showcased a blend of endurance and precision, emphasizing submission techniques over brawling, which set him apart in an era dominated by more theatrical performers. One of Steele's standout bouts occurred on May 16, 1934, in , where he wrestled to a 30-minute draw in a high-profile encounter that highlighted his superior technical against one of the top hook-and-leg wrestlers of the time. The , held under standard rules with no falls, drew significant attention for its competitive intensity and Steele's ability to counter Brown's aggressive takedowns with defensive submissions, underscoring his evolution into a mid-career master of prolonged, skill-based contests. Steele's hybrid prowess extended beyond pure wrestling in 1935, when he secured a rapid victory over heavyweight boxing contender Kingfish Levinsky in a mixed-rules bout in by pinning the boxer after 35 seconds following initial punches and a takedown. This crossover event, billed as wrestler versus boxer with no-holds-barred elements, demonstrated Steele's adaptability and striking integration into his grappling base, boosting his reputation as a versatile competitor capable of dominating larger opponents. Throughout , Steele maintained dominance in the 210-pound weight class across various territories, consistently headlining cards with his reliable, submission-oriented performances. He occasionally appeared under the alias Masked Marvel for exhibition matches, adding an element of mystery to showcase his skills without revealing his identity, though Ray Steele remained his primary persona for major territorial runs.

Mentorship and influence

Peter Sauer, better known by his ring name Ray Steele, emerged as a key mentor to aspiring wrestlers during the and 1940s, with his guidance shaping the careers of several prominent figures. Beginning in the late 1930s, Sauer took a particular interest in the young Lou Thesz, instructing him in advanced submission techniques and the intricacies of match psychology essential for professional success. These lessons, drawn from Sauer's own experience as a catch wrestler, emphasized precision in holds and strategic pacing to maintain credibility in the ring. Thesz, who went on to become a multi-time world champion, frequently credited Sauer for his foundational development, describing him in later years as "one of the finest wrestlers" he had ever known due to Sauer's unwavering technical purity and exemplary sportsmanship. This praise underscored Sauer's reputation as a coach who prioritized skill and integrity over mere performance, influencing Thesz's own approach to the sport. Beyond individual mentorship, Sauer contributed to the broader evolution of professional wrestling by bridging the gap between its carnival roots and more organized territorial promotions. As a top competitor in the 1930s, he advocated for legitimate athleticism—focusing on genuine grappling prowess and endurance—over excessive showmanship, helping elevate the perceived legitimacy of the industry during a period of transition toward structured athletic commissions and national alliances.

Championships and accomplishments

NWA World Heavyweight Championship reign

Peter Sauer, performing under the ring name Ray Steele, captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship on March 7, 1940, by defeating defending champion in , , via submission with a reverse toehold. This victory marked Steele's crowning achievement in , solidifying his status as a top draw during an era dominated by catch-as-catch-can rules that emphasized technical and submissions. Throughout his 369-day reign, Steele successfully defended the title across multiple territories, showcasing his mastery of legitimate wrestling techniques against prominent challengers. These defenses helped maintain the championship's prestige amid the fragmented promotional landscape of the time, with Steele traveling to key cities to uphold his status as world champion. Steele's reign concluded on March 11, 1941, when he lost the title back to Nagurski in a rematch held in , . At age 41, compounded by emerging health concerns, Steele did not pursue the world heavyweight title again, instead transitioning toward mentorship roles in the industry.

Other notable achievements

Throughout the 1930s, Sauer, wrestling under the ring name Ray Steele, achieved significant success in regional promotions, capturing the California State Heavyweight Championship on three occasions: first on June 8, 1932, by defeating Vic Christy in ; regaining it on March 29, 1933, after a brief strip due to a scheduling dispute; and holding it again by September 25, 1934, while also recognized as Pacific Coast Champion. In the Midwest, he was awarded the Midwest Wrestling Association () World Heavyweight Title on February 5, 1937, in Columbus, reflecting his status as a top contender in regional circuits affiliated with emerging national bodies. These victories underscored his dominance in heavyweight divisions during a fragmented era of , building toward his career peak as NWA World Heavyweight Champion in 1940. Sauer was posthumously recognized for his enduring impact and longevity in the sport, having competed professionally for over two decades from the early 1920s until his final matches in the late . He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member for his technical prowess and contributions to catch-as-catch-can wrestling. Additional honors include enshrinement in the Hall of Fame in 1996, highlighting his role as a skilled grappler and mentor in an era of evolving professional standards. In 1938, Sauer embarked on an international tour of , where he defeated prominent local heavyweights such as Rudy La Ditzi in his debut on June 20 and Arjan Das by two falls to one on August 9 at Stadium. During this stint, he unified the Australian and Heavyweight Titles, promoting the American style through fast-paced, submission-focused matches that drew large crowds and elevated the sport's visibility abroad.

Death and legacy

Final years and passing

After graduating from Stanford in 1999 with a degree in , Sauer briefly played professional overseas before transitioning to a career in finance. He worked in , , and eventually , rising to managing director in global markets at Merrill Lynch. Married to Amanda Sauer, he had three young children and remained active in recreational while balancing family and professional life. Sauer died suddenly on July 8, 2012, at the age of 35, from during a pickup game at a park in . He collapsed on the court, struck his head on the pavement, and could not be revived despite immediate medical attention. An revealed an enlarged heart as a contributing factor.

Impact on basketball

Peter Sauer is remembered as a pivotal leader in , particularly for his role as co-captain of the 1998 team, where his defensive skills, clutch plays, and selfless style exemplified team success over individual glory. His contributions helped the program achieve four straight NCAA Tournament appearances and the 1998–99 Pac-10 title. Sauer's legacy extends to his high school career at , where he was the all-time leading scorer and led the team to a 1995 PIAA state championship; in 2013, the school dedicated its basketball court in his honor. Tributes from teammates and coaches highlight his integrity, toughness, and role as a mentor, influencing subsequent Stanford players. His sisters continued the family tradition by playing for .

References

  1. https://nwhof.org/blog/dg-inductees/ray-steele/
  2. https://www.legacyofwrestling.com/Steele.html
  3. https://www.post-gazette.com/news/obituaries/2012/07/10/Obituary-Peter-Sauer-Shady-Side-Academy-basketball-star-went-on-to-captain-Stanford/stories/201207100176
  4. https://www.mercurynews.com/2012/07/09/sauer-dead-at-35/
  5. https://www.shadysideacademy.org/cf_news/view.cfm?newsid=1120
  6. https://nwhof.org/hall_of_fame/bio_by_name/ray-steele
  7. https://ringthedamnbell.org/grappling-with-tragedy-ray-steele/
  8. https://www.norkarussia.info/peter-sauer-aka-ray-steele.html
  9. https://www.wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=2981
  10. https://classicwrestlingarticles.wordpress.com/2013/08/06/ed-strangler-lewis-cleans-up-wrestling/
  11. https://www.nwhof.org/blog/dg-inductees/ray-steele/
  12. https://kenzimmermanjr.com/steele-levinsky-mixed-bout/
  13. https://www.scientificwrestling.com/public/Before-MMA-1-Wrestlers-versus-Boxers-Even-the-Promoters-Got-into-the-Act.cfm
  14. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profile/ray-steele/
  15. https://www.prowrestlinghall.net/lou-thesz
  16. http://wrestlingperspective.com/hookerreview.html
  17. https://www.whenitwascool.com/history-of-wrestling-1941
  18. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ca/ca-h.html
  19. https://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/oh/mwa/oh-mwa-h.html
  20. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/94574890
  21. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ProfessionalWrestlingHistoricalSociety/posts/24928040386816785/
  22. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-07-09/peter-sauer-ex-hoops-star-bofa-executive-dies-at-35
  23. https://stanforddaily.com/2012/07/09/m-basketball-peter-sauer-former-cardinal-forward-dies-at-35/
  24. https://www.columbian.com/news/2012/jul/09/enlarged-heart-blamed-in-ny-basketball-death/
  25. https://stanforddaily.com/2012/07/12/peter-sauer/
  26. https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2012/08/16/north-xtra-sauer-s-legacy-all-about-teamwork/stories/201208160362
  27. https://www.unionprogress.com/2023/01/15/sauer-sisters-shining-for-shady-side-academy-a-decade-after-legendary-fathers-death/
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