Karl 'Killer' Davis

Karl Thurman Davis, Sr. (April 16, 1908 – July 1, 1977) was an American professional wrestler best known by his ring name, Crippler Karl and Killer Karl Davis. Regarded as one of the most hated "heel performers" during the 1930s and 40s, he was given the "Crippler" moniker by Toronto sportswriter Johnny Fitzgerald after injuring Whipper Billy Watson during a bout in Toronto. Davis is perhaps best remembered for his tenure in the Gulf Athletic Club where he won the Texas Heavyweight Championship once and Southern Heavyweight Championship three times. He was at one time a claimant to the original World Heavyweight Wrestling Championship, having decisions over Ed "Strangler" Lewis and Jim Londos, before his defeat by Chief Little Beaver in 1937. He also formed successful tag teams with Wee Willie Davis, both as themselves and masked wrestlers Los Hermanos Diablos, and Ted Christy in NWA Hollywood Wrestling between 1947 and 1955.

In his 35-year career, Davis wrestled for extended periods of time for various wrestling promotions: Al Haft Sports, the American Wrestling Association, Eastern Sports Enterprises, Fred Kohler Enterprises, Gulas-Welch Enterprises, Heart of America Sports Attractions, International Wrestling Association, Jack Pfefer Promotions, Jim Crockett Promotions, John J. Doyle Enterprises, Mike London Sports, Minneapolis Boxing & Wrestling Club, Pinkie George Promotions, Rocky Mountain Sports Enterprises, Queensbury Athletic Club, Salt Lake Wrestling Club, Sam Avey Inc., Sam Muchnick Sports Attractions, San Francisco Booking Office, Tom Packs Sports Enterprises, and Western States Sports.

After his initial retirement from professional wrestling, Brooks pursued a career in acting and became a popular character actor throughout the 1950s. A tall and striking individual he was frequently cast as a henchman.