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Photo by GRAHAM PAINE Mickey Hans (aka Tiger AIl Singh) lis paying his dues in the World Wrestling Federation. Hes carrying on a family tradition started by his father (right), the original Tiger. AU stalks fame e from TIGER on page 23 gradually gained popularity as he turned aside challenges [rom under card veterans Billy Gunn and the Brooklyn Brawler. It wasn't until the end of the marathon toumament, when he was pronounced the Kuwait Cup winner, that Hans realized the fans' complete transforma- tion. "They were chanting 'Tiger, Tiger, Tiger' as 1 hoist- cd the cup over my head. "I told a reporter to catch me lomorrow because 1 was at a loss for words." The Milton District High School graduate lulfilled îwo other drcams bcsidcs actually winning the Kuwait Cttp. Thc second and most rcwarding was facing Owen Hart, of the world-famous Hart Foundation, in the finals. "I always wanîed 10 go against a member of their [ .ami- y. To me, Owen represented ail of the Harts," said Hans, who polished off bis fellow Canadian with a spinning back kick. "The match was hold on hoid, and afterward he (Owen) gave me a big embrace and congratulated me." One match earlier he faced the deranged Mankind, a for- mer Death Match champion as Cactus Jack and as famous internationally as his father Tiger Jeet Singh was. In what Hans described as his toughest match to date, he countered a suplex and pinned Mankind with a omaîl package. While Hans has quickly gained popularity overseas - in Kuwait and England where he's made some public appear- ances - he's stili a virtual unknown among North American viewers. He bas wrestled on RAW is WAR, but the match (againot Salvatorie Sincere) took a back seat as WWF promoters tele- vised a back-stage brawl between Bret "Hit Man" Hart and Stone Cold Steve Austin in the inset box. Hans isn't t00 conccrned about Ibis, îhough, realiLing that mnany of the top wrestlers gained lasting stardom through graduai exposure. "Vince McMahon (WWF owner) is a genius. He said he secs me as a diamond in the rough and wants me 10 win over the f'ans with my ability rather than a lot of promotion." He points to former Intercontinental champion Rocky Maivia, who was brought in as an instant star, but whose popularity plummet- çd just as quickly due ta a lack of ability. Once brother Gary lies the knot, the eldest of Tiger Sr. 's three boys will travel to Halifax for an east coast tour- nament. He said Canadian viewers, and moot importantly bis long-lime Milton support- ers, will likely sec him start wrestling on TV in the faîl. The Canadien Champion, Tuesday, June 24, 1997-25 e P eeee Stor Hours \/\/,Ê toAV FrdyQmt p;Stra a o53 m uYoont Phn:63-11 u o on1-0-M-57.LsRa SanthQWSSvce odFtnyCei nai (bewee t /\e Frulion an iyRadeis f heQW 0.MORE Alapialtaeanaprcsigeef$30sduathetime o ucae (le. a (- $1.500p urcha e i ý I( $300 P.F. e a islP f%