April 2015 The Ear

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Baloney Blowout: April 14, 2015 Banquet: April 15, 2015

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MORE HONOREES TOP OFF A STELLAR 50th YEAR CAC REUNION

With the 50th Anniversary event of the Cauliflower Alley Club upon us, The Ear would like to add another pair of honorees to the already star-laden docket for this year’s reunion. Here are the two final award recipients for the 50th:

The Women’s Wrestling Award (Retired) – LISA MARIE VARON

There are two Women’s Wrestling Awards (Retired) being awarded for 2015. One was covered in the last issue. The Ear is delighted to confirm that the other one will go to the outstanding Lisa Marie Varon. Varon has been a national star for years in both WWE (where she used the name Victoria) and TNA (where she went by the moniker Tara). No matter what name she used, she has always been the class of the ladies division wherever she’s wrestled.

Coming up in an era where WWE pushed many of its female workers as scantily-clad sex symbols, Varon broke the mold in the early 2000’s when she made a name for herself on WWE TV not only through her good looks but also with her obvious athleticism and in-ring ability. Her towering presence paved the way for some of the more athletically gifted women who star in the wresting business today. She won the WWE Women’s championship on two occasions, once from Trish Stratus and once from 2013 CAC honoree Molly Holly. When she left WWE, she had even more success with TNA, capturing the Knockouts title five times, and the Knockouts tag team title once. She’s among the most decorated female competitors of Lisa Marie Varon the current millennium.

The Cauliflower Alley Club congratulates Lisa Marie Varon for being honored with the Women’s Wrestling Award (Retired).

The Women’s Wrestling Award (Active) – GAIL KIM

There are two Women’s Wrestling Awards (Active) being awarded for 2015. One was covered in the last issue. The Ear is delighted to confirm that the other one will go to the excellent worker Gail Kim.

With her dynamic ring style, it was clear Kim was going to be a major star from the moment she exploded onto the wrestling scene. In an unprecedented event, she won the WWE ladies title on her very first night with the company in 2002. She headlined WWE for the next two years before moving on to TNA, where she again reigned supreme over the competition, becoming the company’s first-ever Knockouts champion in 2007. She would eventually capture the Knockouts belt another three times, and the Knockouts tag team title once. After a second stint with WWE, she eventually returned to TNA, where she continues to headline today.

Yet another superstar trainee of the CAC’s own Ron Hutchison, Kim has also enjoyed mainstream fame, appearing in the 2009 psychological thriller “Royal Kill” and also taking a turn on the Nickolodeon network kids game show “Brain Surge.” She is married to celebrity chef Robert Irving, and the couple’s wedding was the Gail Kim focus of a 2012 episode of Irving’s Food Network show “Restaurant: Impossible.” She has truly made a major impact during her career, both in the ring and out.

Everyone in the CAC is looking forward to giving the Women’s Wrestling Award (Retired) to ring superstar Gail Kim.

OTHER AWARD HONOREES ANNOUNCED FOR 50th YEAR CAC REUNION

In addition to the two ring stars mentioned on the previous page, we already covered in the last issue the men and women below, who are all either getting or presenting awards at the 50th Year Reunion:

Larry “The Axe” Hennig, getting Demolition (Barry Darsow and Bill Eadie) Gerald Brisco, getting the the Iron Mike Award getting the special CAC Tag Team Award Thesz Achievement award (above photo by wrealano@aol.com)

Phoenix, getting the

Romero Family, getting Women’s Wrestling (Active) the CAC Family Recognition award award

OTHER AWARD HONOREES ANNOUNCED FOR 50th YEAR CAC REUNION (continued)

Sinn Bodhi, getting the Bruiser Brody, getting the Men’s Wrestling (Active)

Kevin Sullivan is on his way to this year’s CAC reunion.

You may know Sullivan from his days as a super heel in WCW, or from his big run in the old Georgia territory on WTBS. Maybe you remember him as the evil Satanic ring leader in Eddie Graham’s Florida territory, or as the matinee babyface feuding with Bob Roop in San Francisco.

But now, you’ll know this great ring veteran from his visit to the CAC’s big 50th year event in Las Vegas. The CAC welcomes Kevin Sullivan to the reunion!

THE CAC INTERVIEW: GERALD BRISCO, 2015 THESZ AWARD HONOREE

by Eric Chmiel

Gerald Brisco has had a distinguished but unusual career in pro wrestling, in that he’s been a major star of the business twice, in two different incarnations that seemed a lifetime apart. He gained fame as a gifted wrestler and performer who blazed through rings the world over in the 1970’s and early ‘80’s, capturing titles as a single and also in tandem with his late brother Jack. Years later, he had a second persona that arguably made him even more famous than the first, as the bumbling but evil sidekick to Vince McMahon during the hottest business period in WWE history in the 1990’s.

The first and second Gerald Brisco inhabited totally different worlds. One dwelled in the old territory days of wrestling when everything was played straight and believability was of paramount importance. But the other was right at home in the modern-day, made-for-TV world of WWE, where glitz and an over-the-top personality makes you a star.

It’s Brisco’s keen ability to speak with great knowledge and authority about both of his personas—and the time periods they occupied—which made it such a pleasure for Ear editor Eric Chmiel to speak to this great talent who has now been involved in pro wrestling, in one guise or another, for over four decades. The interview, transcribed for the next several pages, reveals a Gerald Brisco, 2015 Thesz Award recipient lot about the man and his views on the business.

Brisco will be on hand at the 50th CAC reunion in Las Vegas in April to accept the prestigious Lou Thesz Lifetime Achievement Award. That honor could not be going to a more deserving person.

The Ear: You’ve been coming to the CAC events for a long time.

Gerald Brisco: Yes. In the 80’s was when I really started paying attention. I was at a reunion in Tampa and had such an enjoyable time, and saw so many people. It hooked me. It’s like the industry itself, you get hooked. Then I had friends tell me how great an event in New Jersey went, and Pat Patterson told me about the Vegas events. Finally I had to go check it out.

Ear: You and your brother Jack were honored by the CAC as a team years ago. Everyone remembers when Dory Jr. and Terry gave you a Funks t-shirt during your acceptance speech, and you and Jack tore the short up. We ran a picture of that incident in The Ear awhile back.

Brisco: Yeah, I remember that vaguely. It was Terry always causing trouble, like he normally does (laughs). Anytime the Briscos and the Funks are around each other, the Funks are gonna rib the Briscos and vice versa.

Ear: I imagine you got into the business through Jack, just because Jack was a little older and had come up before you.

Brisco: That’s partially true. When I was young

and just starting in amateur wrestling, I was maybe only seven years old. The great Danny Hodge was from Perry, Oklahoma and grew up just a few miles from where I lived. Danny was a legend. I think that’s what influenced Jack and me to get into the business, because Danny was such a legend. Danny was just the best. Jack started wrestling and then I started. Danny moved on to the pros, and we kind of followed suit, because we figured that was just the normal way you go. So Danny had a big influence on me. Jack had a big influence on me too.

Ear: Were you trained by Jack and Danny?

Brisco: Well, not by Danny directly. The story about my training is, I was on spring break in my last year at Oklahoma State and Jack was getting ready to go on a Missouri tour into Joplin and Springfield and Conway, which is what Oklahoma Championship Wrestling used to do. I would go along with him. Well, he got a call from the office saying, ‘Your tag team partner scheduled for the tour is injured, we don’t know what to do.’ And Jack said, ‘Well, I know. I’ll tell you when I get there.’ He says to me, ‘You’re gonna wrestle tonight.’ So they got me a pair of boots and some tights, and that was my training, in the dressing room that night. Back in those days, there were only four or five matches on the card, and if you

were in a tag team, you had to go do a warm-up match earlier in the night. Buddy Colt was there and he said, ‘Let me take this kid out to the ring and show him a few things.’ We went out and did a 20 minute draw. Later on, we went back out for the tag team match, 2 out of 3 falls. I was very fortunate in those days that in between falls, you’d go back to the dressing room and it gave you a chance to discuss what you did wrong and what you can do right in the next fall.

Ear: Talk about a baptism by fire.

Brisco: That’s the perfect line, because I got burned for the rest of the week!

Ear: After that, is Florida the first place you worked regularly?

At the 1996 CAC reunion, Dory Funk Jr. interrupts the Brisco Brothers’ acceptance of a special tag team award to offer them a Funk Brothers t-shirt……

Brisco: No, after Oklahoma I went to Japan and then I spent a year in Australia.

Ear: You know, I never knew you worked in Australia before you worked in Florida.

Brisco: Well, I went down to Florida for only about four weeks and worked there before I went to Japan. It was a blessing that I was able to get these bookings. My brother had a lot of influence over it.

Ear: By the time you got back from Australia, you wound up working in so many places, I don’t even know where to begin.

Brisco: In Australia, I spent a lot of time with Rip Hawk and Swede Hansen, and they were big Mid-Atlantic stars. I was working with those two guys every night. They really liked me. I was supposed to be there originally for three months, but Jim Barnett (who ran the Australia promotion—editor) liked my work, so he kept extending my contract. I was so young and I was getting over real well. So it came down to, after a year it was finally time for me to go. Barnett

tried to get me in with Roy Shire in San Francisco or Don Owen in Portland, but Rip and Swede wanted me to come to the Mid-Atlantic area. So Jim Crockett called Jim Barnett and I ended up in North Carolina. I teamed with Thunderbolt Patterson, and we were going against the Anderson brothers and guys like that. I was maybe 24 or 25 at the time.

Ear: I remember you most from Mid-Atlantic later on when you were there in the early ‘80’s.

Brisco: I made three runs there, and I also worked in Georgia and Florida a lot. I got to travel to a lot of places, through New Orleans and Kansas City and Puerto Rico and later on up in New York for Vince. I got to travel quite a bit.

……but it didn’t end well for the shirt, as the Briscos responded by ripping it to shreds while the assembled crowd had a great laugh (both photos by Mike Lano)

Ear: In the Mid-Atlantic, I remember you….well, there were the classic matches against the Funks, you had so many of them. But in the Mid-Atlantic specifically, I remember you and Jack going against Ricky Steamboat and Jay Youngblood for the World tag team championship. You and Jack faced everybody. Do any teams stick out to you as the best teams you were in the ring with?

Brisco: You just mentioned the two most talented teams we ever worked with. One was the Funks, we wrestled them worldwide. And then Ricky Steamboat and Jay Youngblood were one of the better teams we ever worked with. We were fortunate that there was so much great talent around. It was great in Florida. You know, Mike Graham & Steve Keirn, the Assassins. People don’t realize how good some of the guys were at that time. We were able to go in against a team like the Funks on so many occasions. They were a team that made you better and better every night you faced them.

Ear: Talking about Rick Steamboat and Jay Youngblood….you and Jack were involved in the first Starrcade against them in 1983. Great match, I still remember it well. It must have

been a thrill to be involved in that whole event. That show was like a precursor to the big “Super Card” concept that Wrestlemania kind of went on to define.

Brisco: We started that program with Ricky and Jay about six months out. It was the old way of booking where you start planning at the end of the program and you work your way backwards. We knew where we wanted to go from the very beginning. Jack was already getting ready to retire, but some things happened where we stayed on a little longer. We weren’t disappointed in the results. You go look at that first Starrcade and you can count the WWE Hall of Famers on that card. The talent was just tremendous, and to be a part of the top billing was even more exciting. Of course, Flair and Harley Race was the headliner, but Ricky and Jay and Jack and I felt that our Word tag team bout was equal in billing to the World title match.

Gerald in a classic ad for the famed Brisco Brothers Body Shop which he has co-owned and operated for many years in Tampa, Florida

Ear: Right around that time, you were starting to get into co-owning some of the promotions. Georgia is the one that comes immediately to mind, but I think you had a piece of Florida as well. How did that opportunity present itself?

Brisco: When I was in Australia, I was already interested in the business aspect of wrestling, when Mr. Barnett would have his meetings to talk about business strategy. He told me at that early age, ‘You know, you’d make a great businessman in this business.’ But back then, I didn’t think anything of it. In Georgia, it goes

back to when Ann Gunkel split off from Paul Jones (Paul Jones the promoter, not Paul Jones the wrestler, there was a huge promotional war in the early 1970’s in Georgia between Jones and Ann Gunkel—editor). Jones was always interested in keeping his top talent after that. So to keep his talent, sometimes he would offer the talent a percentage of the territory. Well, I was lucky. I got to go to Australia and made money right off the bat in my career, and then I made money in the Carolinas. So I put some away. So when someone wanted to sell their percentage in Georgia, like Buddy Colt, I bought their percentage from them. Then I bought a little bit more from another guy. The same thing happened in Florida. I was fortunate that I had some money and I was able to do that.

Ear: You certainly don’t have to talk about it, but there was a very famous incident in 1984 where Vince McMahon ended up with the NWA’s wrestling time slot on WTBS, and you were very instrumental in having that happen. How did that whole thing go down?

Brisco: Well Eric, I’ll tell you, that whole story is for a book down the line. I just don’t like getting into it, and I wouldn’t have the time to go into all

of it anyway. A lot of people have written a lot of stuff about it, and it’s not accurate because they don’t know the deal that the McMahons and my brother and I had. It’s all speculation on their part. I won’t call anyone out on it, or call anyone a liar, but it’s all speculation. Right now there are about four people alive who really know what happened. And I’ll leave it at that.

Ear: You and Jack did some excellent work for Vince after that. You did a Piper’s Pit that was very memorable, and you had a lot of good matches with Adrian Adonis and Dick Murdoch, among others.

Brisco: Adonis and Murdoch had the WWE tag titles at the time. We were brought in to take them. We weren’t in on a permanent basis, but George Scott, who was the booker at the time, liked our work. We had good chemistry with Adonis and Murdoch. It was a case where we were building to a big show, but my brother just decided to retire before that show happened.

Brisco, as the WWE Hardcore champion, toasting with his on-air partner in crime Pat Patterson

Ear: There’s another legendary story that came out of that situation, that Jack decided on a whim that he was going to retire, and you guys were at an airport when he told you, ‘Let Vince know I’m finished, because I’m going home.’ Did it really happen that way?

Brisco: It was close to that way. Like I said, Jack was already going to retire. He was just trying to pick the right spot to do it. He was ready to move along. It was a gigantic storm in Newark, Delaware. We were with Don Muraco trying to find our car in the middle of it, and we couldn’t find the car. Jack just said, ‘Well, I’m going to be on the next flight outta here. It’s over.’ He flew out of the airport, and he never wrestled again.

Ear: That’s amazing, because in wrestling when someone says they’re retiring, they always come

back. But Jack never did.

Brisco: Jack was one of the few that was true to his word. He’d accomplished everything he wanted to accomplish, he’d been on top everywhere in the world. He did what he wanted to do, and when he was finished, he was finished. He never strapped on the boots again.

Rip Hawk armbars Brisco during a bout at the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis in the 1970’s

Ear: You then went on to work for Vince behind the scenes. You played an instrumental role in those famous expansion era years of the company. You saw a new approach to wrestling sweep over the business, and you had a lot to do with building that. Pat Patterson too.

Brisco: I had the opportunity, when Jack and I stepped down from the ring, where Vince needed someone to help him promote the south. He called me and asked if I wanted to get involved. I thought it over for a bit and I decided, ‘Sure, I’d be glad to.’ It turned into a spot in the promotional and talent end, and in booking, and the actual business planning end of it. You think back now, and it’s 31 years I’ve been with WWE. Holy cow, you know! Just about everything that’s happened with WWE from the very beginning up until 5 years ago, I was able to play a major part in it. It’s an empire I feel like I helped build, and I’m proud of it.

Ear: A strange thing happened. You became just about as famous for your role on WWE TV working with Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson as you did in your previous career. You weren’t a full-time wrestler anymore, although you did have some matches. But your character was a big part of the equation during those great years in the ‘90’s.

Brisco: That was an extremely fun time. It was an old fan’s dream job is really what it was. Pat used to get a little upset about some of the

things we had to do, because it was the complete opposite of what we really were, and what we were known for up to that time. Our role was to be like two bumbling, stumbling guys who kissed the boss’s ass every day, when we were really the complete opposite of those characters. But we wound up embracing it, and we created two characters that were very creative and got over better than anyone’s wildest dreams. Pat and I had the reputation of being two good workers, two hard workers, and now here we are going down as these two bumbling, stumbling fools. But we were introduced to an entire new generation. And anyway, you’re in this business to do business, you’re not just in it for yourself.

Ear: But no one can sell you short. You were a heck of a performer for your entire career, and so was Pat. It’s just that one generation knows you in one way, and another generation knows you in another way. It just depends on how long you’ve been a fan that determines what version you really know, I suppose.

Brisco is front and center with the 1990’s WWE crew, clowning for a photo op

Brisco: Yeah, and like it that we have two different generations who know us.

Ear: I know you’re not working full-time with WWE at this point, but you’re still with the company, right?

Brisco: I work on a part-time basis now as an amateur wrestling talent scout. It’s a job where I get to travel around and look at all kinds of collegiate wrestling events to see if there’s another Kurt Angle or Brock Lesnar or Jack Swagger out there, guys like that. I’ve got quite a few guys now who are working at the WWE Performance Center (WWE’s training center for young talent—editor), and I’m proud of that.

Ear: Well, there’s no more territory system to be

a talent feeder for future stars, so they’ve built up the Performance Center and some smaller companies where they can break in new talent, because they’ve seen that it’s important to go out and find the next generation of stars.

Brisco: It really is. Not only that, but I have to give props to the staff there at the Performance Center, the trainers and the administration there. Triple H has devoted a lot of time to the talent and the product down there. We’re building a new brand with NXT. I think we’re doing a fantastic job with a lot of the young guys and the new Divas, to build them up to be stars on the TV programs the company produces.

In the 1960’s, Brisco doing an autograph signing, flanked by Argentina Apollo

Ear: I like NXT. It doesn’t fell like a feeder system. It’s its own entity.

Brisco: It’s a new brand. It’s its own thing. It’s taken really talented guys and given them a chance to grow.

Ear: Did you and your brother discover Hulk Hogan?

Brisco: Well, yeah. We found Hulk Hogan. The discovery was Vince and those guys. But yes, we found Terry Bollea, and he turned into Hulk Hogan. He was an awesome talent, but he only became Hulk Hogan later.

Ear: The old story is he was on the beach, and you saw him there.

Brisco: No, the true story is, we went into a bar after a Tampa show, and he was playing in a rock ‘n’ roll band. We asked this lady there if she

knew him, and she did. We said, ‘We’d like to talk to him about becoming a wrestler.’ She said, ‘He loves wrestling!’ We said, ‘Well, next break, have him come over. We’ll sit down and talk.’ So the band took a break and he came to us. We talked. Next morning, he came down to the Sportatorium (the Florida version—not the Dallas version— where Florida Championship Wrestling’s TV show was taped—editor) and we met him there. He worked out with (Hiro) Matsuda. Matsuda twisted up his ankle so bad that it was almost broke. It was all black and blue. We figured that would be the end of him. But he came back again at 8 am the next morning.

Gerry and Jack Brisco, a legendary tag team

Ear: He must have been thrilled to speak to you and Jack, because from the time he was young he used to go to the matches in Tampa. He probably watched you wrestle many times.

Brisco: He used to go all the time. That’s kind of what made him so good. Matsuda said he was easy to train because he had so much knowledge of the business, because he was a fan and he had attended a lot of events. Of course, he took a lot from Superstar Billy Graham and Dusty Rhodes, and he knew the entertainment aspect from being in a band anyway. He took all the pieces, rolled them together into one package and made himself Hulk Hogan.

Ear: Did you ever work under the name ‘Lord O’Beid?’

Brisco: You know, I see that on Wikipedia. If anyone has any clue what it means, please inform me! I don’t know what it is, or where that was supposed to have happened. If anyone

reading this knows what Lord O’Beid is, or where I used that name, or if I used that name, please let me know when and where it was. If I used it, I don’t remember. It sounds like a character I allegedly played, but I don’t remember, so please tell me.

Ear: You sound good, and you looked good at last year’s CAC reunion. How’s your health?

Brisco: Excellent. Every year I get a complete test with a cardiologist, a neurologist and a physiologist. I’m doing great. I’m good for another year, they tell me.

Making a public appearance in 2012

Ear: Your son Wes has turned into a bit of a phenomenon in the business himself. You must be very proud of him.

Brisco: I’m hugely proud. Proud doesn’t even seem like the right word for how I feel. He’s promoted himself, he’s in the gym, he prepares, he watches videos, he’s a student of the game. I almost get tired of answering questions for him because he’s so curious about everything related to the business. Any promoter reading this, if you bring him, you’ll get a hell of a talent. Having another Brisco around never hurts.

Ear: No, it really doesn’t! I’ll finish by congratulating you on getting the Lou Thesz Award. You presented this award last year, and with the things you’ve achieved in this business, there’s no one who’s earned it more than you.

Brisco: Well, thank you so much. I’ve given it a lot of thought, receiving this award. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude to be receiving this award. My thought is, it’s not really my award, it’s everyone who helped make me. There are a lot of unsung heroes we should honor and give our respect to, everyone who contributes to making the people in this business who they are. I think these are the people who should be getting awards a lot of the time.

THE 50th YEAR ANNIVERSARY—WHAT’S ON THE DOCKET?

We told you it would happen, and it has: The 50th Year Anniversary Reunion of the Cauliflower Alley Club is turning out to be the biggest CAC event since the 25th Anniversary of our great club back in 1990. It’s hard to believe 25 years has passed since that landmark banquet, but now the CAC is out to top even that famed 25th year event. Just look at the list of honorees and presenters named earlier in this issue for proof of what a special week it’s going to be at the Gold Coast.

If you’ve been to a reunion before—as so many of you have—then you’re familiar with what the Cauliflower Alley Club does each year. If not, you’re in for a wild and fun time! Either way, here’s a rundown of some of the exciting things the club will be offering as we commemorate year number 50.

THE BALONEY BLOWOUT AND BANQUET NIGHT—These are the lynchpins of any CAC reunion. On these two nights, food will be served, drinks will be consumed via the cash bar, and the big awards will be distributed by our esteemed 2015 presenters to our superstar pantheon of honorees. At the blowout on Tuesday, casual clothing is the norm. But on banquet night on Wednesday, wear your best attire as the banquet event is a formal occasion. Both events begin at 7:00 pm and the doors generally open about a half-hour earlier. No one without a reunion badge will be allowed entry (you can get your badge just inside the door of the Hospitality Room, in the morning or afternoon on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday). Once inside, you’ll be awestruck by the number of pro wrestling luminaries in the house!

THE HOSPITALITY ROOM—Sometimes referred to as the “Nostalgia Room,” this is where old friends socialize, numerous vendors offer their wares, the cribbage tournament takes place, and sign-up for the bowling tournament is held. It’s the nerve-center of the reunion. Everyone will be there from all the major stars on down, and it’s where most of the club’s members spend the week. It is not unusual to see wrestling legends like the Destroyer, Paul J.J. Dillon checks out one of the many photo “Butcher” Vachon, Mil Mascaras and J.J. Dillon towers in the Hospitality Room, as a fan looks on manning tables with books and other great trinkets (photo by Scott Romer) for sale, and you can walk right up and say hello. As always, there will be hundreds of historic photos available for anyone to view on the large photo towers that are situated toward the back of the room (this is always a highlight of the reunion, as far as the editor of this publication is concerned). And do not forget the visit the CAC t-shirt table, where all-time great ref Bobby Simmons will be selling this year’s reunion shirt, designed as always by his perennial partner in crime Charlie Smith.

THE WRESTLING EVENT—Last year rang in the tradition of not one but TWO big nights of matches, on Sunday and Monday. And that tradition will continue this year as the great independent promoter Billy Blade will again lavish us with a series of amazing matches. The 2014 dual shows set a standard so high that it will hard to top it, but you can rest assured that Blade is going to try his darndest to do just that. We’re not going to bet against him, as many of the top independent names in the business will be working the shows. And now, with the National Wrestling Alliance having committed to sending its top talent to Las Vegas again in 2015, look for another historic match similar to the one that saw Rob Conway defeat Satoshi Kojima for the NWA title at last year’s event. No doubt, the Rock Riddle in last year’s Casino quality of the ring work will be as high or higher than at any show Royale (photo by Scott Romer) that has even been presented during a CAC reunion, topped off by the massive “Casino Royal” battle royal at the climax. If you’re a worker and you’re interested in wrestling on the show, you MUST be a CAC member, no exceptions. Email Vendetta Pro Wrestling at vpwrestling@aol.com for details.

THE DESTROYER CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT—Named

for the great Dick Beyer’s legendary wrestling persona, the tournament this year may or may not be handled once again by 2012 winner Riki Ataki, who took over last year when former tournament organizer Al Friend stepped down. “It all depends on my work,” Ataki says. “If I can make it, I will. I’m hoping I’ll be there. ” No doubt, if he makes it, Ataki will be looking to regain his crown. Regardless of who is taking reservations for the single-elimination affair (it’s still only $20 to enter, with all proceeds going to the CAC Benevolent Fund) or arranging the first-round match-ups, this is sure to be the same knock-down, drag out event as always, sort of the CAC’s equivalent to a steel cage match. Last year, Tim Pulkrabek of Minnesota finally got his name on the plaque, winning the top prize after suffering through two consecutive years of coming in second. But with Larry “The Axe” Hennig, another former cribbage champ, in the mix again this year, and other past champs like Bill White, Al Friend, Andrew Carmichael, Paul Vachon and the Destroyer himself lining up for one more shot at glory, there’s really no telling how this one will shake out in the end. Sign-up is in the Hospitality Room all day Monday and early Tuesday, and play gets underway mid-day on Tuesday. Our money is on the returning Hennig, but with this level of star-studded line-up, wouldn’t it be amazing to see a first-time winner?

THE KEN RAMEY BOWLING TOURNAMENT—While

the

The notoriously underhanded Dave Burzynski legendary manager Ken Ramey passed away last year, the cheats by hiding a card at the 2014 cribbage CAC bowling competition that bears his name lives on. Joe tourney, while an unsuspecting Riki Ataki Mauriello, the 2013 champion, will be back at the helm for looks on (photo by wrealano@aol.com) the 50th year event, so if you’re interested in getting into the fray, he’s the man to see. He will be in the Hospitality Room all day on Monday and Tuesday, taking names and the required $20 donation to enter (again, all proceeds go to the Benevolent Fund). Play will happen on Wednesday. Mauriello will also be involved in the bowling itself, which makes him a favorite to win the tourney just as he did two years ago. As always, several of the superstar wrestlers in attendance at the reunion will make their way up to the lanes at the Gold Coast to watch the action, so don’t be shocked if a Greg Valentine or an Akio Sato are hanging around watching you try to pick up a 7-10 split. Heck, sometimes a few of the boys even roll a ball or two as part of the tournament. Special bonus: if you finish in last place, you get your entry money back. Last year, Brian Allen of Illinois won the tournament. Will he be able to do it again? Only time will tell.

THE ANNUAL BELT RAFFLE—Once

again, master belt makers Rico Mann, Reggie Parks and Dave Millican have donated a beautiful piece of art to Cauliflower Alley in the form of a championship belt that will be raffled off at the close of the Wednesday night banquet. It’s said to be even more amazing than last year’s white-strapped masterpiece, if that’s even possible. You can buy a raffle ticket—or preferably, several— in the Hospitality Room all three days, but for the guys in attendance, it’s probably more fun to just wait until the Baloney Blowout or the banquet itself so you can buy your chances from Cheerleader Melissa as she wanders through the crowd selling tickets to all comers. Last year, Ashvin Jan Ross—Jim’s significant other—holds up Prasad of California took home the belt. This year, it could be the belt that was raffled off at last year’s anybody, so buy your tickets early and often and you might reunion (photo by wrealano@aol.com) just wind up checking a shiny championship belt with your luggage for the flight home.

2015 SEMINARS COMING ON STRONG

As of press time, the 2015 seminars have been coming together and the final schedule should be announced very soon on the CAC website, if it hasn’t already been by the time you read this. While details aren't available as of this writing, we can announce some of the exciting presenters for this year.

Gerald Brisco will be doing a seminar

The Cauliflower Alley Club is privileged to have this year's Lou Thesz Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Gerald Brisco mount the podium to impart a generous slice of knowledge from a lifetime spent at the top of the business. From star amateur to world-class pro to one of the most important cogs in the WWE machine for many years, Gerald has a wealth of knowledge at his command, and his appearance should be one of the most informative seminars in our history. This is one you absolutely don’t want to miss.

In addition, Short Sleeve Sampson, who was such a hit with everyone last year in accepting the Men's Wrestling Award, will be back this year with a seminar appearance. He'll be presenting a seminar based on his 20 years in the business and his success in surviving and prospering long after the heyday of traditional midget wrestling ended. No question, Short Sleeve will offer a unique perspective on the wrestling business and how to thrive in it, no matter what you have to work with in terms of your God-given gifts.

We’re also delighted at the 50th Year reunion to have Sinn Bodhi presenting a great seminar. Bodhi went from being just another wrestler to being one of the most outlandish denizens of the ring, bringing his inimitable style and delivery to the CAC seminar stage. His colorful and often bizarre behavior under the ring lights belies his confident attitude and his intimate knowledge of the business, especially the psychology of wrestling. Bodhi has done CAC seminars in the past and has always gotten rave reviews. Looking for something different? Then for sure, this is Sinn Bodhi returns to the CAC seminar the seminar for you. stage this April (photo by Eric Chmiel)

The seminar schedule will also feature additional events once it’s finalized, and again, the final slate should be posted on caulifloweralleyclub.org very soon. Go check it out!

Short Sleeve Sampson makes his seminar debut at the reunion (photo by Eric Chmiel) Seminars will be presented during the day on weekdays during reunion week and are accessible only by showing your CAC name badge. Each presenter will speak for about 40-45 minutes, and then the floor is then open for Q&A by the audience. All seminars are 100% free to CAC members See you at the seminars!

CANVAS CAVITY

By Mike Lano

Hall of famer, box office bonanza, iconic legend and brilliant mind Dusty Rhodes will once again conquer new territory when he presents an award to Dallas Page at what will be Dusty’s first Cauliflower Alley Reunion. In the 70’s, Dusty headlined nearly every North American circuit, plus Japan. Three NWA World titles top his list of championship victories, which includes a multitude of territorial title reigns. Big Dust was a star in the NWA, AWA, WWWF, ECW, TNA and his own promotion in Florida. Oftentimes, he was the driving creative force behind the territories where he worked. More recently, he’s done work helping to train WWE students. It’s almost a cliché writing all of this about him, because most everyone knows his meteoric career by heart. To say he revolutionized “the biz” is an understatement.

His state-of-the-art promos and all the important and meaningful things he did in his matches truly helped him connect with fans of all demographics. His unique “man of the people” persona brought in minority audiences to arenas across North America unlike anyone since perhaps Sputnik Monroe. That’s why aspiring wrestlers from NXT on down pick his brain when he’s around, and study his body of work, to try to absorb his incredible ring psychology and knowledge about pro wrestling. “Stardust,” “American Dream” and “Son of a Plumber” are but a few of the nicknames fans will always associate with him. His feuds The American Dream in all his glory, in Japan and pairings with the likes of the Funks, the Briscos (Jack in the 1980’s (photo by wrealano@aol.com) was honored by CAC in 1995 at our Tampa reunion and Gerald is a very worthy honoree this year), the Horsemen, Harley Race, Karl Kox, Sheik, Superstar Graham, the Assassin, Nick Bockwinkel, Ernie Ladd, Ivan Koloff, Abby, Stan Hansen, Kevin Sullivan, Ray Stevens, King Curtis, Ted DiBiase, Randy Savage and nearly every top star are still vivid and cherished memories. And Dusty of course worked with both members of 2015 CAC honoree team Demolition in the NWA and WWF.

His trademark spots are now used by his sons, as well as Bully Ray, Kevin Stein and others in tribute. He created fan interest in whatever feud he was involved in, dating back even before his famous Florida face turn for Eddie Graham in 1974 against Pak Song and Gary Hart. That turn catapulted him into superstardom for the rest of his career. The Working Class Hero’s fans truly identified with him. He soon became a regular newsstand magazine cover king on equal par with Bruno, Mascaras, Sheik, Blassie and Flair in the 70’s and 80’s. Fans everywhere wanted him to come to their local arena.

Dusty really was, on some levels, a touring 70’s global attraction like Haystack Calhoun and Andre. When he debuted in WWWF for Vince McMahon Sr. in 1977, fans there had never Dusty with former CAC President Nick experienced anything like him. He had two Madison Square Bockwinkel (photo by wrealano@aol.com) Garden title bouts with Superstar Graham and also faced Spiros Arion in some real classics during his stint in the northeast. He left with his reputation intact, defeating Jimmy Valiant in his final WWWE match before his triumphant 1989 return to the WWF for Vince Jr.

What a great honor it is for us all to have Dusty at our reunion this year.

Mike Lano co-hosts “Legends”, a weekly nationally-syndicated sports and entertainment radio show where he interviews wrestlers, MMA stars, boxers, musicians, actors and politicians including notables like Lou Ferrigno, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rudy Giuliani, Howie Mandel, Drew Carey and many more.

IMPORTANT DETAILS ABOUT ATTENDING THE 2015 CAC BANQUET & REUNION

The 50th year Cauliflower Alley Club banquet and reunion is set for April 13th to April 15th in Las Vegas at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino. Please see below for information on how to attend, and how to get the best deal on everything associated with the reunion.

*HOTEL ROOM: The Gold Coast has guaranteed the CAC an even better rate than last year on a premium room, and the same great rate as 2013 on a standard room. Rooms are available for just $36 (standard) or just $42 (premium) per night. Book by calling Gold Coast’s Central Reservations line at 1-888-402-6278 (toll-free) to reserve your room. To receive your special discounted rate, you should ask for Group Reservation ID (or Group Code)

left to right: Bill Kersten, Joyce Paustian, Tom ACAC49A. You may also make a reservation online Andrews and Tom Drake at the 2014 reunion at http://www.goldcoastcasino.com/groups by (photo by Scott Romer) using the code above. These rates are good from the day before the reunion begins (Sunday, April 12th) to the day after it ends (Thursday, April 16th). These rates now include in-room WIFI internet service. We’re limited to a certain number of rooms under the special rate, and the premium rooms at this rate are already gone. So don’t wait any longer to book! If you have a Players Club card or are eligible for discounts by other means, please advise when you book your room that you’re with the Cauliflower Alley Club so that you will be placed on a master list of CAC members, which will help out the club immensely.

*BALONEY BLOWOUT and BANQUET: For tickets to Tuesday’s Baloney Blowout and Wednesday’s Banquet, please cut or photocopy the order form found on the inside cover of this issue and mail or fax it to the CAC (see form for details). You can go to our website at www.caulifloweralleyclub.org for additional information on attending the reunion.

*MERCHANDISE TABLES: If you’re interested in renting a table to sell merchandise in the nostalgia room, please contact Scott Hosey at shosey@powerplaysportscards.com.

*RENTAL CARS: Budget Rental of Vegas has provided a great deal on car rentals for CAC members the week of the reunion. For rates, or to make a reservation, call the Budget hotline at 1-800-922-2899, or call Budget’s Vegas Office at 1-702-730-0156. Or, book online through www.budgetvegas.com. When making reservations, you MUST use promotion code R318400 in order to guarantee the low CAC rates.

REMEMBRANCES OF REUNIONS PA ST

Here are two great photos from past reunions.

The first shows 1996 honoree Stan “The Lariat” Hansen with the late Henry “Rapid Ricky” Romero, whose family will be honored by the CAC this year. This photo was taken well over a decade ago just after the annual reunions moved to Las Vegas from California.

The second photo, from 1992, shows James Beard, who made his return to the CAC at last year’s reunion and will be there again this year, with the great Leo Garibaldi.

Both of these excellent photos were contributed by Mike Lano.

PASSAGES

Compiled by Bob Leonard

In this issue, sadly, we say goodbye to 15 of the boys and girls who traveled the roads with us and made their mark, however big or small, on the business. For more (including bios of all names who have passed from the wrestling fraternity going back to 2005), you can find detailed obituaries on the CAC website, www.caulifloweralleyclub.org, under 2013 Finishes (RIP) on the home page.

Tito Carreon

Age 85

Dotty Downs

February 8, 2015 (Dorothy Lee Johnson)

January 8, 2015

Age 76

Tony Charles Al Greene (Tony Charles Scott) (Albert Denny)

February 13, 2015

Age 79

Great Malumba/Prince Kumali

December 26, 2014

Age 85

Ben Doon McDonald

January 2015 (Charles Shaw)

Age 93

Wilhelm Ruska

February 9, 2015

Age 59

Paul “Bomber” Singh

February 14, 2015 (Paul Singh Dhaliwal)

Age 74

Don Carson/Masked Jawjacker

January 20, 2015

Age 100

Larry Winters (Donald Wayne Carson) (John Charyszyn)

December 19, 2014

Age 47

Also passing away recently:

Frank Parker (referee), December 27, 2014, age 54

Tim Arson (Timothy R. Calkins, Jr.), January 7, 2015, age 38

Johnny Thunder (John Stewart), January 16, 2015, age 80

Phyllis Lee (Phyllis Lee Zuver), January 18, 2015, age 76

January 27, 2015

Age 58

George ‘Tiny’ Kramer (George B. Kramer), January 24, 2015, age 81

The Cauliflower Alley Club was sad to learn of the February passing of Tito Carreon, a lifetime member and an attendee of several reunions over the years. He also attended Dean Silverstone’s Pacific Northwest reunions. He was a noted caricaturist whose work has appeared in past issues of The Ear. He was also a great guy who touched a lot of us here in the CAC. May he rest in peace.

Also, CAC board member Royal Duncan sends some details of another great guy whose death we reported in the last issue, Jim Judge. Judge worked as Jesse James in the Eastern U.S. and Canada, and he should not be confused with the Jesse James who gained huge fame on the west coast in the 1950’s and beyond. A World War II Marine, Judge started with Tony Santos and later worked for Jack Pfefer. He was married for over 50 years. He has a grandson who works for Barnum & Bailey Circus performing various acts, including trapeze stunts and working on stilts.

RUMBLE IN THE REDWOODS WAS A BIG SUCCESS by Eric Chmiel and Brian Westcott

CAC stalwarts Mike McCurdy and Joe Sousa recently co-promoted a major independent show they called the “Rumble in the Redwoods II” at the Redwood Acres Fairgrounds in Eureka, California. With help from fellow CAC staple Brian Westcott, McCurdy and Sousa were able to put forth a great night of action which also was a big hit at the box office. One of the many highlights of the evening was the induction of the late Lonnie “Moondog” Mayne into the IHWE California Wrestling Hall of Fame, with McCurdy, Sousa and Westcott doing the honor of handling the induction ceremony. As you can see in the photo to the left, McCurdy is a guy who really likes the Cauliflower Alley Club a lot!

It was a heck of a card featuring many independent wrestling standouts, many of whom you’ll no doubt recognize from the annual Cauliflower Alley Club wrestling shows. Results: Rockin' Ricky Gibson pinned Patrick Large, Rocket Boy Brett got past Daniel Torch, "The Unholy" Gregory James beat Americos, Andrea the Giant & Delilah Doom defeated Sin Sage Supreme & Mary Jane Payne, Gold Rush Pro Wrestling champ Rik Luxury kept his title over Idris Jackson, "Big Ugly" JD Bishop was the McCurdy shows his CAC spirit winner vs. Levi Shapiro in a no-DQ street fight match, The Illuminati (Wade Hess & Thunder) put a whoopin’ on The Honor Society (Sir Samurai & Drake Frost), Quiz downed Nate Andrews (with valet Crystal) to become the first ever IHWE California West Coast champion, and in the main event it was IHWE titlist Thomas Shire pinning Dr. Brock Kliever to remain the IHWE’s top man.

Congratulations to McCurdy and Sousa on their big night of wrestling, Ring announcer and promoter and to all the excellent workers who lent their talents to the show! extraordinaire Joe Sousa

NEW CO-HOST FOR BALONEY BLOWOUT

The Tuesday night Baloney Blowout will have some new blood on the podium this year, as CAC member Jim Cooley will be on hand to co-host the event for the first time ever. Cooley will join last year’s co-host David Buckley to bring you the 2015 Blowout festivities and awards.

Known professionally as "The Voice of Champions," Cooley is a professional ring announcer and commentator with vast experience announcing pro wrestling, boxing and MMA. He is the current two-time CaliFights magazine Ring Announcer Of The Year, having won that accolade in both 2013 and 2014. He appeared on the live stream "1D Day" as the guest announcer for the super-band One Direction on a show that was seen in over 60 counties. He currently appears on MAV TV as an announcer for the “King Of The Cages” weekly TV show. In addition, he hosts the iTunes top 50 podcast called "The Last Round" which has featured such recent guests as 2015 CAC double award honoree Diamond Dallas Page, boxing champ Mike Tyson, 2011 CAC honoree Honky Tonk Man and the CAC’s own Greg Valentine. The current voice of the World Fighting Championships as well as about 30 other MMA and boxing promotions, he is a former independent wrestler and has also promoted several pro wrestling shows.

New Baloney Blowout co-host Jim Cooley He is an avid collector of wrestling memorabilia. His website (photo courtesy of Jim Cooley) is www.announcechampions.com.

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