Jeweler, ex-pro wrestler 'The Flying Greek' remembered as trailblazer

He was one of the most diminutive professional wrestlers of his era, but Manoli Savvenas — known in the ring as "The Flying Greek" Mike Pappas — wasn't short on fight.

The grappler-turned-Springfield jeweler was pitted against the likes of Macho Man Randy Savage and Ric Flair in the 1970s, and once teamed up with Andre the Giant during his time in the World Wide Wrestling Federation.

The gritty and acrobatic Savvenas also went the distance with colorectal cancer before ultimately succumbing to the disease. He died Dec. 31 at the age of 81, a year after the release of a documentary that told the story of his unique and unsung career.

Savvenas' funeral service is Thursday at 10 a.m. at Theotokos Unexpected Joy Orthodox Church in Ash Grove. His burial will follow at nearby Holy Resurrection Cemetery.

The longtime owner of Manoli's Jewelry at Brentwood Shopping Square grew up in a small village in Greece before making his way though the international professional wrestling circuit. He settled in the Ozarks after retirement.

In a then-growing sport comprised mostly of tall and hulking figures, several professional wrestling pundits said the 5-foot-7 Savvenas helped blaze trails for short and athletic wrestlers, including high-flying 1990s star Rey Mysterio.

Several former WWF and WCW wrestlers, including Ricky Davis, gave their condolences following Savvenas' passing.

"Mike was truly one of the underdogs in the professional wrestling world," Davis posted to his more than 74,000 followers on Facebook. "Mike was the first 'small man' in the early territory days. It gave people like myself who were smaller an opportunity to express our wrestling abilities and be taken seriously."

Savvenas, often described as a happy family man and perpetual optimist, also had a hand in the national charity organization, Fight Collectoral Cancer.

“Manoli was a man full of energy, and he faced his diagnosis like the legendary wrestler he was,” said Anjee Quiko Davis, president of Fight Collectoral Cancer. “Colorectal cancer didn’t stop him from sharing his love for life. He was brave, strong, and committed to helping others. We are deeply saddened, and we will never forget him.”

Missouri State graduate and Willow Springs native Jason Brassier, a local filmmaker, spearheaded the 2021 production of the Savvenas documentary "The Flying Greek" that played at local theaters. It was narrated by WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Deborah "Madusa" Miceli.

Brassier said he felt fortunate to tell Savvenas' story and forge a friendship before his passing.

"Manoli was more than just a former world-renowned wrestler," Brassier posted to Facebook. "He was a master craftsman, husband, father, grandfather, and friend."

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Remembering Springfield jeweler, former wrestler Manoli Savvenas