Wrestling legend Andy ‘The Animal Hurricane’ Harpas passed away on 2 February 2024 at the age of 76.
Andy was born in Rizokarpaso and moved to Australia in 1959. He and his brother Sam were training at a gym where many stars from Australia’s world championship wrestling circuit were training, and one thing led to another until he was invited to meet Hal Morgan, the professional wrestling trainer.
Wrestling was a sport where many would come and go, but for Andy it was destined to be in his blood and the desire would never go away. It was a popular TV sport and Spiros Arion was the top hero for the Greek community.
Andy and Sam met Sheik Wadi Ayoub who helped start their journey as a tag team on television and later Andy continued as a single performer. The fans loved Spiros Arion as the number 1 hero, so Andy decided to go in the other direction as the ultimate bad guy as he loved creating the drama and seeing the reaction of the people.
Andy wrestled all the greats from Mario Milano, Abdullah the Butcher and Mark Lewin. It is a long list but the biggest attraction in Australia was when Andy wrestled the 8th wonder of the world, Andre the Giant. He always claimed that family was his first love but wrestling was his love to provide for my family and he thanked Andre.
Back in the 60s and 70s there were many Greek wrestlers that were part of Andy’s life such as John and Con Tolios, Tony and Charlie Kontellis, and George Zorbas.
The legacy of Andy will live on through his teachings passed on to the new generation of Greek professional wrestlers at Australian Wrestling Entertainment. They are: Big Bad Nick from Thessaloniki Pondion, Manager Steven ‘Mr Money’ Manganas from Leros, JJ Spartan from Sparta, and Vinnie Vain from Karpassi, Lemnos.
The wrestlers will be in action on March 2 at Petersham RSL in Sydney. Doors open at 7pm. Bell time at 7:30pm. There will be a tribute on the night. Tickets available online www.trybooking.com.au/COMQE or at the door.
