Kenny Jay obit

Former AWA Star Kenny Jay Passes Away

 

 He was not on the list.

The wrestling world has been brought to prominence thanks to the efforts and contributions of talented in-ring performers. However, it is always sad to hear these incredible athletes who have mesmerized us for years suddenly leave us. Most recently, former AWA star Kenny “Jay” Benkowski passed away this week at the age of 85.

Kenny Jay performed for AWA on a regular basis. He was an undercard talent for Verne Gage’s promotion during the last stage of the promotion’s run, proving to be an asset in general for the company.

The sad news of Kenny Jay passing this week by presented by announcer Mick Karch. Being a close companion of Jay in real-life, Karch claimed that it was the toughest announcement he ever had to make.

    “My friends, this is one of the most difficult announcements I have ever had to make. Our dear friend Kenny Jay passed away this morning. I am crushed and devastated. The world has lost a beautiful soul. Rest in peace, Kenny, and I cherish the years of friendship.”

The former AWA star was born in March 1937 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, excelling in shot put and football during his high school days. He even served time as an officer in the United States military.

Right after that, Kenny Jay began his wrestling training with Verne Gagne and Bob Hawkins. He would then appear on AWA’s weekly TV tapings and events, making several appearances as an enhancement talent.

The man known as ‘The Sodbuster’ whose job was to make newcomers look strong and dominant to give them an initial push might no longer be with us, but he will always remain in the hearts of various fans and his loved ones.

Ringside News extends its condolences to Kenny Jay’s family as they recover from this tragic loss. You can check out some videos below to look back at the great talent we lost. RIP.

Jay was born on March 27, 1937 in Holdingford, Minnesota. Kenny was a natural athlete in high school, lettering in both football and shot put. When he graduated from high school in 1955, he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he found employment as a factory worker.

After his military tour, he found employment with the American Wrestling Association (AWA), wrestling every Saturday's television taping and then house shows during the week for promoter Wally Karbo.

Whenever a new name would come in, they would give them to Jay to make them look good. He used his mat-based scientific wrestling style with the likes of Mad Dog Vachon, The Crusher, Verne Gagne, Jesse The Body Ventura, Jerry Blackwell, Bobby Heenan, Mr. Saito, and Bruiser Brody.

To help pay the bills, Jay started his own landscape business, which is where he got the "Sodbuster" nickname. He never left the Midwest, as he was rooted in the area with his landscape business, wife, and three children.

    Kenny Jay is the best overall talent in wrestling. He was what we called a 'job guy' or 'jobber' but he could work with any human being and get a good match out of them. He would go in the ring with a big name who really couldn't do much and make him look good, and he could get in there with a Danny Hodge or Verne Gagne and make them look even better than they were. He was just an incredibly talented guy.

    — Harley Race

Early career highlights included several overseas trips to Japan, beginning in 1972, where he worked 18 matches (including five cage matches), winning most of them. Later in 1976 he took on Muhammad Ali in a boxer vs wrestler bout that also featured Verne Gagne as the Referee, a match Kenny Jay considered one of the high points of his career.