Frank Menacker, better known as Slammin' Sam, was a wrestling personality who embodied the sport in the 1940s. Born in 1915, Menacker's high-profile character landed him movie roles, including one of the 10 strongmen in "Mighty Joe Young" (1949),where he participated in a tug-rope match with the giant ape alongside Primo Carnera, a former world boxing champion, and actor Henry Kulky.
Later in his life, Menacker relocated to Indianapolis around 1960, where he transitioned from an active wrestler to a color commentator for the American Wrestling Association and the World Wrestling Association. He worked on local television, specifically WTTV Channel 4, alongside Chuck Marlowe and occasionally Handsome Bobby Heenan, who would later gain fame as Bobby "the brain" Heenan.
As a commentator, Menacker provided exciting ringside reports every Saturday afternoon, offering insights into the tactics of notable wrestlers such as Dick the Bruiser, Wilbur Snyder, Cowboy Bob Ellis, and Bobo Brazil. His commentary was known for its hype, often calling for "an investigation by the Commission" and "a Re-Match" – usually a Lumberjack Match or a Texas Death Match, which would not be televised and required attendance at the arena.
Menacker retired from commentating in the late 1970s and passed away in Illinois in 1994.
