Michael Okpala

Michael Okpala MON (August 8, 1939 – March 11, 2004), better known by the ring name Power Mike, was a Nigerian professional wrestler.^[1][2][3] According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, he was "Nigeria's biggest and most famous promoter".^[4]

Power Mike
Birth name	Michael Okpala
Born	(1939-08-08)8 August 1939 Neni, Nigeria
Died	11 March 2004(2004-03-11) (aged 65)
Professional wrestling career
Ring name	Power Mike
Debut	1952
Retired	1976

Career

Born August 8, 1939, in Neni, Anambra, Okpala was active during the 1970s to the 1990s, having matches against Johnny Kwango^[5] and Power Jack (Wild Bear Elijah)^[6] In 1976, Okpala was featured in "Drum: A Magazine of Africa for Africa".^[7] He briefly wrestled in the United States, appearing at Madison Square Garden before returning to Africa.^[8][9] Okpala later became a successful promoter bringing in numerous stars for "Power Mike International Promotions", such as The Funk Brothers (Dory Funk Jr. and Terry Funk),^[10] and was considered a very influential figure for pro wrestling in Nigeria.^[11][12]

On January 30, 1981, a match between Bulldog Brower and Mighty Igor attracted a crowd of almost 40,000 to the National Stadium Main Bowl in Kano, Nigeria.^[13] At one time, Okpala was associated with World Wrestling Federation promoter Vince McMahon and negotiated for Tony Atlas to wrestle in Nigeria but the tour was later cancelled.^[14]

At Okpala's funeral, he was credited by Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo for having "brought honour, dignity, and recognition to this country and to Africa".^[15]