Andrew Koloszuk (born October 22, 1967), better known by the ring nameBaby Gorilla Andrew Anderson,[2] is an American professional wrestler, promoter, actor and author. Koloszuk is currently working the independent circuit performing in matches for East Coast Professional Wrestling (ECPW),[6][7] Southwest Wrestling Entertainment (SWE)[8] and Ultimate Championship Wrestling (UCW). Koloszuk is co-founder of Tri-State Wrestling Alliance(formerly National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Big Apple).[9]
Professional wrestling career
Early career (1993–1999)
Koloszuk began his career in 1993, He was discovered by WWE Hall of FamerJimmy Snuka and "Metal Maniac" Jeff Miller. Initially Koloszuk was trained by Jimmy Snuka and Gino Caruso at Caruso's East Coast Pro Wrestling(ECPW) gym in Lake Hiawatha, New Jersey.[4] Koloszuk was later trained by Kodiak Bear, Mike Masters, Nikolai Volkoff, and Jerry Fazio.[2] From 1993 to 1999 Koloszuk performed in various independent wrestling companies across the United States, including Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW),[10] Pennsylvania Championship Wrestling (PCW)[11] and Hawaiian Islands Wrestling Federation (HIWF).[12] In 1997, Koloszuk wrestled under the ring name The Siberian Tiger a name he adopted while working as a tag team with Nikolai Volkoff. Koloszuk, was frequently managed throughout his career by; Captain Lou Albano, Godfather Joey G, Doug Devito, Roddy Piper, Mr. Big John Whol, and Nigel Rabid.[4][2][5]
Becoming an Anderson
Angelo Savoldi, at the time a wrestling promoter, influenced Koloszuk to change his ring name.
Jersey Championship Wrestling (2000–2002)
In early 2000 Koloszuk began performing for Jersey Championship Wrestling. On April 14, 2000, taping an episode of Jersey Championship Wrestling, Anderson defeated Nick Maddox in a tournament final to become the inaugural JCW Heavyweight Champion.[13] Eight days later on April 22, 2000, Anderson is defeated by Low Ki, losing the JCW Heavyweight Championship title.[14]
East Coast Professional Wrestling (2005 – Current)
Anderson began performing for East Coast Professional Wrestling (ECPW) in 2005.[6][7] ECPW is owned by Gino Caruso, one of the men who trained Anderson.[15] During his time with ECPW, Anderson has become a 4 time ECPW Heavyweight Champion, an ECPW Television Champion and an ECPW Tag Team Champion with The Pub Bully twice.[7][16][17]
United Pro Wrestling Association (2006–2007)
Between mid 2006 and mid 2007 Anderson performed in matches for United Pro Wrestling Association (UPWA).[18]
Pro Wrestling 225 (2019)
On July 21, 2019, at the Pro Wrestling 225 event Collision Course Anderson teamed with Mustang Mike defeated The Cajun Outlawz C-Thang & Rhett The Threat to become the PW225 Tag Team Champions. The reign lasted for 45 days before the titles were vacated.[19]
Tri-State Wrestling Alliance (2016 – Current)
Anderson co-founded National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Big Apple in 2016. In 2017 the company cut ties with NWA and the name was changed to Tri-State Wrestling Alliance (TSWA).[9]
Southwest Wrestling Entertainment (2020–2020)
In early 2020 Anderson began performing in matches for Southwest Wrestling Entertainment (SWE).[8]
Ultimate Championship Wrestling (2021 – Current)
Anderson is currently the UCW Warfare Heavyweight Champion, in 2022 Anderson is set to make his debut for World Pro Wrestling in the United Kingdom. Anderson took on James Mason at Cheltenham Town Hall for World Pro Wrestling on Saturday February 19.
Acting career
Koloszuk also pursued a career in acting, appearing in both film and television.[1]
