August 2018 The Ear

DAN MURPHY

BIO: A Senior Writer with Pro Wrestling Illustrated and Senior Editor-in-Chief of Online World of Wrestling and Diva-Dirt.com. He co-authored the book "Sisterhood of the Squared Circle: The History and Rise of Women's Wrestling" with Pat Laprade. He has also written "Bodyslams in Buffalo: The Complete History of Pro Wrestling in Western New York"

‘The Showstopper’ headlines the 2018 Reunion Banquet

By Dan Murphy

Perseverance, respect, passion, and the next generation were the recurring themes of the night as the Cauliflower Alley Club celebrated its 53rd annual Reunion Banquet on May 2.

This year’s honorees were a diverse group, representing different territories and eras, but each of their comments included remarks on overcoming adversity, respecting those who paved the way, and looking towards the youth for the future of the Cauliflower Alley Club and the wrestling business itself.

A Nebraskan collegiate wrestler turned evil German Baron. A “Fabulous One” who took a turn as an alligator wrestler before helping train many of the sports top stars of the 2000s. A second-generation Hammer. A Future Legend who has gone on to international stardom. A Montreal grappler who cribbed a Russian surname from a bottle of vodka. Two brothers who found fame and fortune as one of the top tag teams of the 1990s. And a “Sexy Boy” living out his childhood dream.

Jim Ross returned to serve as emcee of the event, promising to keep the event moving smoothly, but also joked that he “had to get his (expletive) in” as well.

Ross urged members to get more people active in the Cauliflower Alley Club.

“We need to grow this thing. We need youth,” Ross said.

Prior to the official awards, Malia Hosaka was honored with an award from Penelope Paradise and Debbie Combs in recognition of her efforts to bring many veteran women wrestlers to this year’s reunion and have them honored during Monday’s wrestling show.

Santana Garrett, a 2014 CAC Future Legend winner, received the Women’s Wrestling Award. She was presented the award by her father, retired wrestler Kenny G, who praised Courage Award winner Brickhouse Brown and referenced his own battle with cancer.

“Brickhouse Brown? They give us six months. The hell with that. We kick out at two. That’s what we do,” he said.

Garrett said that wrestling was the thing that brought her and her father closer together and said her father was her role model and her biggest supporter, even when things looked bleak.

“I was told I was too fat for TV, my gear was too indy, my teeth were crooked so I shouldn’t smile,” she said. “There were moments where I felt defeated. We all have moments where we get beaten down. You can either stay down or you can get back up and fight.”

Alexis Smirnoff received the Men’s Wrestling Award, which was presented by Bertrand Hebert, co-author of the book Mad Dogs, Midgets, and Screwjobs. Smirnoff talked about developing his Russian persona for a tour of California and a program against Pat Patterson. For the French-Canadian, the Russian character allowed him to hide his limited English while building

intrigue as a menacing Russian heel.

Like Garrett, Smirnoff also said that hard work was a key to his success.

“Don’t ever give up. Just work hard and you’ll make it.”

Steve Keirn received the 2018 Trainer Award, which was presented by CAC President and CEO Brian Blair.

Keirn, who was a member of The Fabulous Ones with Stan Lane and had a run as Skinner in the WWF before becoming the head trainer of the WWEaffiliated Florida Championship Wrestling, referred to himself as “The Kevin Bacon of wrestling.”

“If you haven’t worked with me, trained with me, or been on a card with me, then you probably haven’t been wrestling,” he quipped.

Keirn talked about how wrestling has evolved – from the time he shot on a morning television host who threatened to expose the business, to today where kayfabe is a relic from a bygone era.

“The pressure put on (a wrestler) today, the pressure to out-do each other, is incredible,” he said, likening wrestling to an action movie, where audiences don’t react unless hundreds of people are killed on screen. “I’ve seen some unbelievable changes.”

Keirn also shared a nugget that Vince McMahon had given him when it came to identifying and cultivating talent.

“You can’t give me a good wrestler in one or two years,” Keirn recalled McMahon saying. “What I want is good people.”

Keirn advised the wrestlers in the room to try to be the best people they could be.

“You want to be the best liked person in the room,” he said. “You want to be humble. Be kind.” The opportunities will come, he said.

Greg “The Hammer” Valentine received a Men’s Wrestling award, which was presented by Craig Massey. Valentine talked about attending his first CAC Reunion with his father, the late Johnny Valentine. He said his father didn’t want him to get involved in the wrestling business, but “The Hammer” fell in love with the game at an early age. He said his career has lasted 47 years and stressed that he remains active today. He credited his longevity to standing up for himself and not letting anyone take advantage of him in the ring.

“The only reason I can still walk is because I fought back,” he said.

Harlem Heat received the 2018 Tag Team award, which was presented by Scott Casey. Booker T said that wrestling was his brother’s passion, and he got into the business by riding on Stevie Ray’s coattails.

“I’ve been following my brother around since I was a little bitty kid,” Booker said.

They credited Casey for being a straight shooter with them as they broke into the business, something they remembered for the rest of their careers.

Ray also said he was blessed to have been able to have the career he did with his brother by his side.

“To have a family member walking side by side with you through the annals of this game, I'll take that any day," he said.

Baron Von Raschke received the “Iron Mike Award,” which goes to a wrestler who is “instantly recognizable” and whose fame has transcended wrestling. Born Jim Raschke (or “little Jimmy Raschke from Nebraskie”), he was a standout amateur wrestler who got his big break when Mad Dog Vachon convinced him to “become a German” and become Mad Dog’s tag team partner.

Von Raschke thanked the award presenter – fan and family friend Joyce Paustian, as well as his wife of 51 years years “Mrs. Claw” Bonnie.

Von Raschke also thanked Verge Gagne for helping him develop his ring persona, saying Gagne took a “sedimentary rock” and helped mine the metal ore inside, transforming “Jim Raschke” into “Baron Von Raschke. Raschke channeled The Baron at will, turning on and off his German accent before thanking the fans for their support.

“Without the fans, we’d have no business,” he said.

Fittingly, the last award of the night went to a man who called himself “The Showstopper.” Shawn Michaels received the Lou Thesz/Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award

“He’s not only one of my favorite wrestlers of all time but one of my favorite people of all time,” Ross said, crediting Michaels for turning his life around and maturing as a performer and a person. “I’ve never seen someone more talented from bell-to-bell than this cat.”

Scott Hall, Sean Waltman, and Kevin Nash presented Michaels with the

THANK YOU FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Brian Blair photo by Scott Romer

Dear CAC family, Thank so much for all of the great memories from this year’s Reunion!... WOW... all of our members, honorees and guests that attended the 53rd Reunion ROCKED!...this was one of our most successful Reunions to date and I/we would love to THANK EVERYONE, that was a part of this amazing event!

I would also like to thank our wonderful 100% volunteer staff that worked so diligently in making this possible! We simply can't say enough about the fun and excitement we had during the 53rd Reunion; that was an amazing time, and now we are already working diligently for the 54th Reunion.

The official dates for our 54th Reunion will be April 29-May 1, at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino...plan early if possible as we have some exciting events, Honorees, food and fun, planned for the 54th.

As many of you know, our EVP, Morgan Dollar (Teddy Speas) resigned after 12 dedicated years to the CAC. We wish Morgan success, health and happiness and a great big “Thank You” as he continues his very busy schedule! We hope that each one of our members will reach out and bring another good person into"The Ring of Friendship" and the Greatest “Group of People on Earth,”...the Cauliflower Alley Club!

I wish you all a great summer filled with health, happiness and success stories...see you soon my dear friends!

My kindest regards,

B Brian President/CEO

King

Cowboy Bob Orton is the 2018 Cribbage

Jeff Sharkey

Benjamin Tomas

Tim Pullkrabek

Chad Olson

Cowboy Bob Orton

Dave Bodell

Yves Leroux

Troy Peterson

Karen Broadway Leroux

Stu Kemp

Jeff Sharkey

Tim Pullkrabek

Cowboy Bob Orton

Yves Leroux

Karen Broadway Leroux

Sharkey

Cowboy Bob Orton

Cowboy Bob Orton

Ross Learn

Ross Learn

Bob Orton

Royal Duncan

- editor, writer

Chris Jones

- asst. editor

Dean Silverstone

- writer, photos

Dr. Mike Lano

- writer, photos

Karl Lauer

- writer

Dan Murphy

- writer

Stuart Kemp, Yves Leroux, Riki Ataki

- cribbage results

Joe Mauriello

- bowling results

Chris Monaco - photos

Georga Napolitano

photos

Wayne Palmer

photos

Joyce Paustian

photos

Scott Romer

photos

Thomas Rude

Patricia Summerland

Dan Westbrook

Brian Westcott

CAC World, I come to you with a heavy heart. It is with great sympathy I write this as our friend and colleague Morgan Dollar has lost his wife Annette. The two were a fun, close couple and her presence will be missed.

Wow - our all-world assemblance of photographers has really set a new bar. Lano, Romer, Westbrook, Paustian, Rude, Palmer and now add All-Universe George Napolitano. This crew truly is incomparable. 2248 photos submitted (compared to 1908 in 2017) and 215 used compared to 172 last year - a 25% increase. Chris & I do our best to include as many as possible. Thank you and read on!

Mike Lano - Chairman

Joyce Paustian (AWA, etc), Scott Teal (Tennessee, etc), Dave Burzynski (Detroit, Toronto, Ohio, etc.),

Howard Baum (Florida), Bob Mulrenin (WWE, indies), Dan Westbrook (L.A.), & Terry Machalek (Winnipeg)

QUILT WINNER

This quilt was especially made for the 53rd (2018) Reunion

Designed, made, & quilted by Barbara Manning, Rexford, NY and the Winner

($1,000)

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT

BOCKWINKEL BLOWOUT RECAP

DAN MURPHY (with files from SLAM! Wrestling)

Over the course of his 20-plus year wrestling career, Brickhouse Brown wrestled his share of openers, tag team bouts, and midcard match-ups. But on May 1, Brickhouse was the unquestioned main event of the 2018 Bockwinkel Blowout.

CAC CEO B. Brian Blair invited Brown onstage and revealed that Brown had been the recipient of financial assistance through the CAC Benevolent Fund to assist with medical bills following his diagnosis of stage 4 prostate cancer.

Blair reiterated the mission statement of the CAC: “To financially assist those in the wrestling industry that have fallen on difficult financial times.”

Brown – a former NWA Mid-South, USWA, and AWA competitor – was one such wrestler to benefit from the Club.

“I can honestly say if it wasn’t for the CAC coming to my aid, I would not be here look at all your beautiful faces,” an emotional Brown said. Donations from the Club helped Brown cover the cost of chemotherapy treatments, he said.

Unfortunately, Brown said that the cancer had spread to his brain. He said the doctors have given him six months to live. However, he pledged to prove the doctors wrong and return for the 2019 Reunion.

Blair then surprised Brickhouse by presenting him with the inaugural Cauliflower Alley Club Courage Award.

“I have no way to express the words and what they say about the fighting spirit you have,” Blair said.

Wiping away tears, Brown said, “This is one of the best moments I ever had, with the exception of the birth of my children.”

Brown took a moment to call one of Terry Funk, one of the men who broke Brown into the business and was unable to attend this year’s Reunion.

“Tell ‘em how great I was and how I was one of the best students that you ever had and that I went way past your expectations,” Brown joked to Funk, to the delight of the audience.

Brown’s passion and courage proved to be a highlight of the evening, but the Courage Award was just one of seven awards presented during the Bockwinkel Blowout, the informal Tuesday night awards ceremony hosted by David Buckler and Greg Oliver.

The Posthumous Wrestling Award was given to Roy McClarty, a two-time tag team champion in the Chicago area during the 1950s. His youngest daughter, Kelly McClarty, was on hand to receive the award, which was presented by Kevin Jefferies.

The Rising Star Award (formerly known as the Future Legend Award) was given to Kevin “Killer” Kross, who recently debuted on Impact

Wrestling. The 6’4”, 265-pound Kross had previously competed in Lucha Underground and in Global Force Wrestling.

Princess Victoria received the Women’s Wrestling Award. Her wrestling career came to a premature end after suffering a broken neck. “I made enough memories in that short period of time to last a lifetime,” she said. Victoria was presented with her award by her niece, Aeryn Peret.

Tony Storm received the Men’s Wrestling Award in recognition of his work on the Florida independent scene. A student of Steve Keirn, Storm is a former tag team champion and a top contender to the NWA Florida title.

Venerable wrestling historian Don Luce received the James C. Melby Historian Award. Luce said his passion was in research and separating the facts from the promotional ballyhoo. “You see so much BS by these promoters and finding what the truth was is really interesting.”

Former WWE and WCW referee Mickie Jay received the Charlie Smith Referee Award. Henson worked as a referee for 22 years until being sidelined by health issues. He refereed during the height of the Monday Night Wars between WCW and the WWF and officiated at WrestleMania 22.

Blue Demon Jr. was the recipient of the first Lucha Libre Award, which was presented to him by Carmine DeSpirito and boxer Jessie Vargas. Blue Demon Jr. is a former NWA heavyweight champion, AAA Mexican National cruiserweight champion, and Lucha Underground star. The adopted son of iconic luchador and actor Blue Demon said it was his honor to carry on the legacy of the original Demonio Azul. “I don’t have Blue Demon’s blood in my veins, but his soul rests in my heart,” he said.

Roy’s daughter and granddaughter specifically attended the reunion (from Canada) because their father/grandfather was being honored as did Roy McClarty’s brother and his wife who attended from New Mexico (and also became CAC members), plus two guests from Minnesota also attended the event because of the Roy McClarty award.

by Brian Westcott

Here are the match results for the Casino Royale presented by Vendetta Pro Wrestling/Pro Wrestling Bushido/Gold Rush Pro Wrestling/Big Valley Wrestling as part of the 53rd Annual Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion held on Sunday, April 29, 2018, at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Promoters: Billy Blade & Joseph Duncan. Booking Assistants: Rik Luxury, Sparkey Ballard, Trevor Blanchard.

NIGHT ONE:

1. Bobby Hart defeats "Chief" Owen Travers (with manager Primo Pulpo) by pinfall. Referee: Nuk Nuk Johnson.

2. Vendetta Pro Wrestling International Tri-Force Champion Kadin Anthony (with Lady Vayne) defeats Vintage Dragon & Sledge by pinfall in a Triple Threat match when Anthony pinned Vintage Dragon to retain the championship.

3. Gold Rush Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion "The Godkiller" Synn (with The Cold One AC) defeats "The Black Rose" Ju Diss (with Zuka King) by pinfall to retain the championship. Referee: Sparkey Ballard.

4. Pro Wrestling Bushido Tag Team Champions The Honor Society: Drake Frost & Sir Samurai defeat Gentlemen's Club: Johnny Dynamo & Patrick Fitzpatrick, Fallout Boys: Just Zack & Ezra, and Tokyo Scream: Kikutaro & Scoot Robertson in a Four Way match to retain by pinfall.

5. Frank the Tank (with Toom E. Guci) defeats Tony Raze & "Ballistic" Brent Myers (with Big Vig) by pinfall.

6. King's Ransom: Leonis Khan & Maximus Khan (with manager Bobby Bemer) defeat Shane & Shannon Ballard (with manager Royce Profit) by pinfall.

7. Best of the West Champion Mike Rayne defeats Mr. Grim, Wise Guy, & Funny Bone by pinfall in a Four Way to retain the championship when Rayne pinned Grim.

8. Main Event: Kat Von Heez wins 2018 Luna Vachon Memorial Cup Battle Royal last eliminating Desi Derata. Other participants included Allie Parker, Moxie Mollie, Lisa Lace, Tab Jackson, Sandra Moon, Maddison Miles (with manager Harley Rebel), Shawna Reed, & Buggy Nova. NIGHT TWO:

(Presentation to Women Wrestlers by Malia Hosaka. Beverly Shade, Natasha the Hatchet Lady, Judy Martin, Joyce Grable, Princess Victoria, Peggy Lee Leather, Raven Lake, Penelope Paradise, Bambi, Debbie Combs, Despina Montagas)

1. Dom Vitalli wins the Casino Royale Over the Top Rope Battle Royal to win the 2018 Cauliflower Alley Cup last eliminating Bobby Sharp.

2. Rik Luxury defeats Daniel Torch to win the Pro Wrestling Bushido Heavyweight Championship by referee stoppage in 2:01. Torch suffered a legitimate separated shoulder and was taken to the hospital.

3. Coach Mike Jones, Andrew Anderson, & Mustang Mike (with Nyah Kennedy & Kevin Sullivan) defeat Sam Houston, Chaz Taylor, & Wild Horse by pinfall when Jones pinned Wild Horse. Referee: Sparkey Ballard.

4. "Loverboy" Matt Riviera (with Boyd Bradford, Flagbearer Ron Ratcatcher, & Lucky P. Larson, Esquire) defeats Johnny Morton by pinfall.

5. 5 Most Wanted: "Sexy" Sean Casey & Cody Hawk (with Big John Murray, "Edible" Michael Barnes, & Shawna Reed) defeat Midnight Delight: Billy Blade & Richie Slade to win the Vendetta Pro Wrestling International Tag Team Championship by pinfall after interference from Stephan Bonnar.

6. Sinn Bodhi (with The Cold One AC) & Funny Bone defeat Da Shade (with Primo Pulpo) & Bobby Sharp by pinfall when Funny Bone pinned Da Shade with a double stomp.

7. Team USA: Tab Jackson & Shawna Reed defeat Team Canada: Maddison Miles (with Harley Rebel) & Kat Von Heez by pinfall when Jackson pinned Miles.

8. Alexander Braven & Ricky Tenacious (with Toom E. Guci) defeat Adan Reyes & Dicky Mayor and Yoga Alliance: Tomaste & Sandra Moon (with Sloth) to win the vacant Big Valley Wrestling Tag Team Championship by pinfall in a Triple Threat match. Referee: Ben "Golden" Knight.

9. Willie Mack & Ju Diss (with Zuka King) defeat Boyce LeGrande (with Lucian D. Light) & Levi Shapiro by pinfall when Ju Diss pinned Levi Shapiro.

10. Main Event: "Tokyo Monster" Kahagas defeats "The Golden Boy" Greg Anthony by pinfall.

MATCHES

MATCHES

WOMEN’S WRESTLING HONOREES

HUGS & HEADLOCKS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

HOSPITALITY ROOM

THE MANY FACES OF SHAWN MICHAELS

HISTORIANS

FUNNIEST

have

...and another thing

MANY FACES OF THE BARON

OUT ‘N ABOUT

BANQUET/BLOWOUT

BANQUET/BLOWOUT

BRICKHOUSE

BIO: I’ve been a newsstand magazine photographer/ writer since the sixties and covered every CAC event since the late eighties.

Not only do old friends reunite at CAC, but beautiful and charming Merci told me romance occurs here as well! She said she first met wrestling's Auckland WWWF legend 30 years ago backstage where he might've been a bit brusk with booting her out (we all know what an effective locker room 'policeman' he was). Tony* after retiring, wore many WWF hats beyond that as a top agent. Merci eventually married Al DeRusha's son Gary who attended his first CAC this year along with his famous AWA legendary pop! They split years ago, but then Merci bumped into Tony last year (the first CAC for either) for the first time in all those years. This time they fell in love. She's certainly made the usually very private, debonaire former WWWF World Tag Champ (with CAC member Dean Higuchi Ho and others) open up. George Napolitano* and I photographed many great Garea/Ho bouts versus The Valiants, Blackjacks, Tanaka*/Fuji and others. Female fans screaming response from 1973-5 for hearthrobs Tony and Dean was Beatlesque.

many years.

Our great vendor area had a record number of terrific books that belong in everyone's collection. Beginnnig with Scott Teal's* awesome Crowbar Press books on "Wrestling At The Garden," both volumes of his Wrestling Archive Project which are must-reads including his books on JJ Dillon*, Jody Hamilton, Tony Atlas, Ivan Koloff* and more. Then CAC first-timer and Jarrett family member Brennon Martin's* bio title Teeny (on total beloved legend Miss Christine Jarrett who did nearly everything in her Nashville venue) for decades and created a real family atmosphere there for outstanding wrestling cards. The impromptu family photo on the original cover of Miss Christine, standing next to Andre is something special. We did honor Tommy Gilbert's family a few years ago including son Doug and the late, great wrestler and brilliant booking mind of Eddie Gilbert. He and fellow great Jim Cornette* were the first to join my late 60s Tolos Brothers fan club. Jim came to our last NY CAC and our very first Vegas one in 2000 to see some of his idols like Bobby Heenan*, Crusher*, Pampero Firpo*, and his longtime boss and equally brilliant friend Bill Watts*. Steven Verrier* was selling the ultimate fun read in his Professional Wrestling in the Pacific Northwest: A History, 1883 to the Present and everyone clamored for it after the Don Owen Portland Territory seminar with Cuban Assassin*, Ricky Santana*, Moondog Ed Moretti* and others PNW stars talking Don Leo*, Dutch Savage, Lonnie Mayne, Stasiak, Piper, Rose and more. Tim Corvin* had a line for his Pioneers of Professional Wrestling, 1860–1899 history bible from Archway Publishing.

An example of CAC's true meaning brought tears this year as President Blair presented Brickhouse Brown with our Courage Award. Both talked about CAC helping Brick with various bills because his cancer spread to his brain and doctors gave him "six months to live." Brick also had tears in his eyes when he put Terry Funk (who for months has been calling him daily offering encouragement) on his cell's speakerphone into the mic for all to hear how deep their friendship is. That brought things full-circle as Terry's own 1991 CAC Male Honoree Acceptance speech had him pretend to talk about the meaning of CAC on his “shoephone”, Get Smart-style to his late father Dory Sr. on-stage. Both were also friends with Buddha (Eddie Carter) Khan* who'd attended the CAC since the early 80s who we just lost. Buddha wrestled everywhere and for many promoters including Karl Lauer's CCW group. RIP Big Man. You were loved and respected. As is Sandy Parker who was with us this year amidst many great women's legends like Despina Montagas, Peggy Lee Leather, Judy Martin*, Bev Shade, Bambi and many others thanks to Debbie Combs* and Malia Hosaka*. Malia and Dan Murphy* hosted the Moolah* Seminar which made news everywhere. A great job put together in just days. Other great seminars included ones on the incredible Montreal and Don Owen territories. Many first-timers and returners included: Al Snow*, Blue Meanie*, NJPW, APW & Lucha Underground megastar Jeff "Matanza Cueto" Cobb, legendary TWA promoter Joel Goodhart plus Scorpio Sky (NJPW). Ata Maivia* brought along the mother of Jimmy Snuka's kids in Sharon Snuka who had a blast at her first CAC. Billy Corgan's* NWA crew of champ Magnus (Nick Aldis), Dave Lagana (formerly of WWE, Impact), promoter Dave Marquez* and Howard Brody* (see photo with this article). Simon Inoki* returned and he's doing the China NWA promotion. Kitty Toombs (Roddy's* widow) returned to her first CAC since 2001 when she helped honor her late husband who got his first CAC award as documented by her film crew flown in from Hillsborough, OR, near their home. She said she and her kids are moving permanently to Vegas (daughter Astrid's singing and film careers are over). Add in Morgan Dollar*, Greg Valentine, CAC first-timer/MMA legend Stephan Bonnar, RVD and Vegas is getting packed with new homeowners! And yep, Melissa Anderson* came to visit us during the Monday night wrestling matches. The international star has raised countless dollars for CAC through raffles and more over

In honoring the few mega female promoters we've had besides Ann Gunkel, one can't forget Joyce Farhat who not only was hubbie Sheik Ed Farhat's* longtime valet Princess Salima, but also helped him run the Michigan wrestling office. She certainly had the respect of the boys as did Gunkel who again valiantly fought Atlanta's Paul Jones NWA office (the promoter, not the wrestling great we just lost). How can we not salute Motoko Baba? She was "tough cop" to husband Shohei Baba's "good cop," and certainly wielded power and influence helping run All Japan Wrestling/AJPW which was respected for strong style, especially during the glory Kawada/Kobashi/Misawa/Tsuruta years. We bow to these great and courageous women of wrestling. Also want to shout-out Debbie Combs and Malia Hosaka for all they did celebrating our female athletic legends this year. Mama Cora Combs was one of the absolute greatest ring legends, female or male. Non-wrestler historian Georgiann Makropoulos definitely deserves respect and not just for her years with CAC attending our Boston/Tom Burke* promoter and three New York/ Napolitano fully-recognized CAC reunions. Georgiann ran fan clubs for many top boys beginning in the 50's for Buddy Rogers*, later Bruno* and Ken Patera* amongst others. She was later fan club editor for several 70's newstand magazines while producing her own insider's Wrestling Chatterbox newsletter for decades plus Bruno's Ultimate Career Record Book. And she was the ultimate-insider connecting upper echelon WWE people, talent, ancillaries, the fans and basically everyone like no one else. I roomed with Bruno at a Wrestlecon in Los Angeles soon after Georgie passed away unexpectedly 1/25/10, and Bruno was the first to ask to wear one of my Georgie pins I'd made for all of us who'd been her friends and confidants since the 60's. She was a fellow WFIA board

member and did everything but set up the ring. Georgie was pro-wrestling. Just ask her friends like Shawn Michaels.

The EAR asked me to chair a new wrestling photographer's committee. I've picked mega-photographers Joyce Paustian* (AWA, etc), Scott Teal (Tennessee, etc), Dave Burzynski* (Detroit, Toronto, Ohio, etc), Howard Baum* (Florida), Bob Mulrenin* (WWE, indies), Dan Westbrook* (L.A.)and Terry Machalek* (Winnipeg). Royal and I will be working together to pick some great photographers. We'll honor the work of Scott Teal all over the south plus the reknowned George Napolitano*. And yes, I'm working on bugging Linda Roufa who shot ECW and WCW for the magazine I long worked for in Shukan (Weekly) Pro to join CAC. There's great wrestling TV nightly with Court Bauer's MLW on all cable & satellite systems Fridays plus New Japan on AXS. Lucha Undergrounds fourth season just started on Roberto Rodriguez' El Rey cable Network

BIO: Was with the CAC for 36 years 1979 till 2015 including 24 years as Executive Vice President, Board Chairman and CEO.

This time I am going to cover six of the movie personalities who were a large part of the CAC during its first 25 years, some of these guys and gals were every bit as big in fame (not fortune) as your mega-stars today. The big difference was the money, but is that a fact or just good old inflation in 1955. I bought a brand new ‘55 Ford Mainliner stick shift, radio, heater and cloth seat covers, the basic V8 nice car for $1,942.00 total cost out the door. Today we are looking at $23,000 but you will also get A/C, stereo, power windows and seat, and nicer interior but is that really worth another $20,000. Point being it’s all relative to the times.

The six that I am going to highlight were more than just casual, once a year, see you at the CAC. Babs and I knew them fairly well. They had been to our home in Claremont, California, and we had been to theirs, done functions and banquets and awards with them so got to know them quite well. None ever got big headed or too big for the little guy.

#6) Beverly Garland called the “Queen of the Westerns” and the one you would never leave your husband alone with, a regular at the CAC. Born 1926 passed in 2008, 193 credits is how many movies and or TV shows she was in during her 30 plus year career, which included 36 major movies including D.O.A. and Where the Red Fern Grows both major hits and still seen on TV. She did well enough to buy the Holiday Inn in North Hollywood and it became the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn, and was renamed The Garland in 2014. Her favorite wrestler was Leo Garibaldi. She once told me she stood in line for over a hour to get his autograph and take a picture with him. Until her death at 82, she and her two daughters continued to operate the 255 room hotel and restaurant, and the daughters still do. When she was honored by the CAC for her acting she said “not sure why I’m here. Never did wrestle, but Leo Garibaldi or Billy Varga could pin me anytime. In my love scenes I was ‘damn hot’ and can still throw a good lip lock.” A charming and friendly lady who was a CAC friend. If you like math, her pay for a movie was $100,000 ++, and for TV $20,000 ++ which means % of net and royalties for repeats.

#5) Royal Dano, one of the best and most sought after character actors in his 40 year career. He had 193 credits, including an astonishing 69 full length movies. Gregory Peck wanted him in Moby Dick, Spencer Tracy for Bad Day at Black Rock, Clint Eastwood for The Outlaw Josey Wales, Joan Crawford for Johnny Guitar, Jimmy Stewart for The Far Country, Audie Murphy for Posse from Hell. James Arness had him in 13 episodes of Gunsmoke playing 13 different characters, and if you ever went to Disneyland and saw Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, you are hearing that unmistakenable voice of Royal Dano. He played Abe Lincoln in over 20 TV and movie roles and did voice over as Mr. Lincoln over 50 times. Royal used to attend many of the CAC luncheons in his later years, and I got to know him very well. A quiet man but close friend to Mike Mazurki. Born in 1922 and passed in 1994 at 71. Today if you watch any of the old shows like Gunsmoke, Death Valley Days, The Big Valley, Bonanza, Rawhide or The Rifleman, you will see Royal Dano a total of 41 times, Royal admitted he was more of a boxing fan and took in the fights on Thursday at the Olympic when not on location, but loved the wrestlers who took the time to develop a character of their own like “Georgous George,” “Count” Billy Varga and his personal favorite, Baron Michele Leone. He had invested in one of the Baron’s restaurants and said he made a buck or two.

#4) Cesar Romero, when you talk star power that was Cesar Romero. He starred in 87 movies and another 115 TV shows including what he will always be remembered for as the Joker on Batman. He was the leading man for some of the world’s most beautiful ladies including Betty Grable, Lana Turner, Rita Hayworth, Barbara Stanwyck, Jean Arthur, and Carole Lombard. He co-starred with John Wayne in Donovan’s Reef, with Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster in Vera Cruz, and with Frank Sinatra and his

whole Rat Pack in Ocean’s 11. He was a loyal life member of the CAC, and from when I joined in 1979 until his death in 1994, he never missed a CAC Banquet. Even at 87 he could charm the ladies and they stood in line to get a photo with Cesar Romero including my wife and her sister and their mom. He was not driving in his later years, and Mike asked me to take him home sometimes after one of the luncheons. He lived in a very nice hotel townhouse on the Universal Studio lot, as did Telly Savalas and Raymond Burr. He always traveled by limo to all the events; I think it was part of the hotel deal. He was one of Red Skelton’s favorite guests as Red had him on 13 times.

#3) Mike Mazurki, multi-talented whose intimidating size and gruff manner had you in awe when you met him for the first time. At 6’5” and 240 he stood out in a crowd. Born in 1907 in what today is called the Ukraine; it was formerly known as part of Austria-Hungary. He would become one of wrestling top heels in the 40s and 50s and was spotted by Hollywood for tough guy roles. Then Dick Powell wanted him for Murder My Sweet where Mike got second billing under Powell - the big box office star. From there his career took off, 164 credits with 103 being full length feature movies. He found himself in demand by the biggest stars John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Glenn Ford, and Jack Lemmon. Marilyn Monroe wanted him for Some Like It Hot. I remember when Terry Moore (Howard Hughes girlfriend) was honored by the club she told in her speech how everyone loved Mike. She called him the gentle giant and told how he worked extra hard to make you look good. Sound like the wrestlers of the past. We all wanted him because he would never try to steal the scene. I got to really know Mike in 1982, my third year in the club, when he ask me to be the club’s business agent and take it to the next level. A job that was to suppose to last two years but went for 32, mainly because Mike really cared about the boys. He ran the benevolent fund from 1965 till his death in 1991. All the money came from his pocket, there was no fund and dues were only $10.00. He heard of someone in need and called me or Art Abrams and gave us a envelope with cash and said take care of it. A man who made a lot of money and gave most of it away. We have another guy like that in the club today, most of you know who he is also a very big man with even a bigger heart. No names-no hints.

#2) Denver Pyle, with a unprecedented 262 credits including 76 movies, he was the most sought after character actor. He was cast over and over again for the same show. Doris Day had him on her show 54 times, actually had his character written into a full time role. James Arness had him on 14 shows and 14 different parts. He was “Uncle Jesse” on The Dukes of Hazzard 20 times. When I called him and told him he had been nominated for a CAC award, he said “well that sounds good. How about coming over to the house and we can talk about it.” He said “we eat about 6:30, bring an appetite the wife is a good cook.” I spent several hours with him and the Mrs.. He mainly talked about their favorite charity he started in Dallas for unwed mothers. I felt he was the type of a person that you would cherish his friendship. He was as close to a Mike Mazurki as I have ever known. With 76 movies and 186 TV shows, if you watch TV or any of the old westerns you have seen Denver Pyle a lot.

#1) Woody Strode, born Woodrow Wilson Woolwine Strode, July 25, 1914. He was an American premier athlete who had strong African and Native American ancestry. He was Creek–Blackfoot and his mother was half Cherokee. He was a standout decathlete and football star at UCLA where he was spotted by director John Ford and quickly became part of Ford “family” appearing in four of his major movies and went on to do 74 more. Standing 6’4” in his bare feet and a slim muscular 230 lb frame, he was a natural for football and all the track events. In 1946 he and fellow team mate Kenny Washington broke the racial barrier when they were signed to play pro football for the Los Angeles Rams. Same year, he met his wife on the set of a Tarzan movie. He was in almost all the Tarzan and Jungle Jim movies and later TV shows. His wife, a beautiful Hawaiian Princess, was a swim stand-in double for Dorothy Lamour. In the offseason he would wrestle professionally, mainly staying in the West coast and Nevada. He had his training from the best like Sandor Szabo, Baron Leone and the crew in the area. He enjoyed wrestling and one of his best friends was Mike Mazurki. In 1949, after a short career in wrestling, he gave up the sport to go full time in the movie business because some of the Hollywood’s major stars wanted him in their movies. His fight to the death with Kirk Douglas in Spartacus is a classic. Burt Lancaster, himself a great athlete, said “he is the most perfect specimen I have ever seen” and demanded Woody get the part in the The Professionals. It actually became Woody’s favorite movie. Lee Marvin was the other star.

After one of the CAC banquets I had to stay the night. My son Wayne was going to drive Woody home along with my wife Babs. Woody lived in Glendora and we lived in Claremont, a few miles east. Wayne was excited about the 50 plus mile drive with Woody Strode. Woody was open and talking about his life and some of the guys he knew and some he liked

Jessie Vargas

A big thank you to the Blue Demon Jr. for bringing his buddy boxer Jessie Vargas. As you know, the CAC began with boxers as well as wrestlers. It’s always a pleasure when one of members of the gloved sport attends.

Jessie started his career with a 120-20 amateur record. He turned pro in September of 2008. After defeating ex-champs Vivian Harris, Steve Forbes, and Wale Omotoso, Jessie won the IBO World Super Lightweight Title and the WBA World Super Lightweight Title beating Khabib Allakhverdiev on 4/12/14. Titles one and two. Title three came 3/5/16 when Vargas won the vacant WBO Welterweight Title when he TKO’ed Sadam Ali. Since, he has been defeated by world reknown Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr. in unanimous decisions. His current record is 28-2-1.

Prince Neff Maiava - Apr 21

Falcon De Oro, Gil Arrelano - Apr 28

As Charro, Jorge huaracha Lopez - Apr 28 big bully busick,

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Jessie vargas

Nicholas Robert busick - May 8

Charles Anschutz Jr., Southern Fried Champ. promoter - May 9

buddha Khan, Edward A. Carter III - May 16

bull Miller, Thomas Miller - May 24

Ronald w. “beast” Richards - May 25

Rockin’ Rebel, Chuck williams - Jun 1

Johnny Attitude, John Thomas Greene, Micro Champ. promoter - Jun 12

award. Nash took a moment to wax poetic over the irony of him presenting an award named after master technician Lou Thesz.

“Lou Thesz invented the powerbomb. Did you know that?” Nash said. “Without him, I would have four moves.”

Michaels accepted the award with humility and grace, and acknowledged that he and “The Clique” rubbed a lot of veterans the wrong way back in the 1990s.

“The CAC is an organization steeped in tradition. There’s a lot of people rolling over in their graves right now,” he cracked. “We appreciate you for having us here and for this award.”

Michaels also put over Pat Patterson, calling him one of his greatest mentors and joking that Patterson’s hi-jinks were the inspiration for DeGeneration X. “I learned it from watching you,” Michaels said, mimicking the famous anti-drug PSA from the 1980s. Michaels thanked Patterson for going to bat for The Rockers and eventually getting them re-hired by the WWF after they were fired in 1987.

He also wrote off the critics who said he was too small and could never be a headliner.

“They say that to everybody,” he said. “Everything that I love about this business is the relationships with the people you run into along the way,” he said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Buddha Khan

Also saddened to hear of Buddha’s (Eddie Carter) death. His presence was a cornerstone of the club. Multitalented, his endeavors included wrestling, roller derby, and singer. No one will fill those shoes again ever. - Editor photo by Dan Westbrook

Important News for CAC Members

Here is important information meant to facilitate the hotel booking process for CAC’s upcoming 54th Annual Reunion. It is very important that you use this information when making hotel reservations as the hotel will not accept the booking code over the phone the way they have in the past. This is being done to protect our room block from hotel guests not attending the reunion.

A DEDICATED WEBSITE IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOMS ONLINE. RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE AT THIS WEB ADDRESS: https://book.passkey.com/e/49700421

This website has been tested numerous times and is very user friendly. You might receive this e-mail again in the coming months. It is necessary to make sure everyone affected by this change gets the information. - Gloria Lovell

Arkangel de la Muerte, Alfredo Pasillas Dorado - Jun 13

Vader, Leon white - Jun 18

Alabama Doink The Clown, Dwaine henderson - Jun 19

Annette Dollar - Jun 19

Matt Cappotelli - Jun 29

Nate “The Rat” whitlock - Jul 6

Jackie wiecz, Jacques Magnin - Jul 8

Scott Thomson, Thomas Stevenson - Jul 11

continued from page 16

Terrific Tim Lawler, Mr. Electricity, Tim Starr - Jul 12

Mr. Saito, Masa Saito, Masanori Saito - Jul 14

Thanks to Greg Oliver - SLAM! sports slam.canoe.com & www.caulifloweralleyclub.org

Wednesdays and honoree Blue Demon Jr. was in past episodes. CMLL Lucha Sats and Sundays on most Hispanic stations in every market plus cable and satellite. If you have WWE Network, you can watch original programming, ppvs, classic promotions and more 24/7. Ellen Degeneres' show had a major lucha segment with the original spectacular Mystico (aka WWE original Sin Cara and CMLL's current Caristico who wants to come to CAC next year). CMLL is the world's oldest promotion at over 80 years old out of its Mexico City homebase.

Recently, Rocky Johnson told outstanding historian Scott Teal that years ago at a Georgia spot show, Ray Candy got married right in the ring. Later on in the card, he was scheduled to wrestle someone along the enhancement lines that all the fans thought he'd quickly beat. Instead, the opponent pinned Candy in two minutes! Why you ask? To surprise everyone who'd assumed The Candyman just had to win his match after getting married earlier. Now that's progressive, swervy booking well ahead of it's time.

continued from page 17

FRONT ROW, L-R: Robert Wills, Nick Wills, Jessica Kelgard, & Ed Beleno. BACK ROW: Gloria Lovell & Dennis harrington. photo by Dan Westbrook

CAC Registration Table

and some not so much. Wayne asked about Lee Marvin, and Woody said “what you see is what you get.” And yes, he is that tough, but his reputation keeps anyone from messing with him. Personally, I think he is a softy when you take away the cover.

Over the next few years Woody and I became very good friends; I would pick him up when available for thr CAC weekly luncheons and sometimes would call him and just say “Pie 10 minutes.” There was a little diner in Glendora that made fresh apple pie everyday, he would have a double order with extra sharp chedder cheese on it. Maybe every six weeks this might happen.

When Mike Mazurki died on Dec. 7,1990, the club created their highest award the “Iron Mike Award.” The first year was 1991. It was fitting that the first “Iron Mike” went to Woody Strode. His acceptance speech had some 500 plus using their napkins for hankies. Woody was an amazing man who passed away just three years after that on Dec. 31, 1994.

CAULIFLOwER ALLEy CLUb MEMbERShIP

*To pay via Check or Money Order mail form to:

AMERICA ANNUAL:

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Cauliflower Alley Club 4138 187th Ave SE Issaquah, WA 98027

**To pay via Credit Card mail this form to above address with Credit Card information; or phone CAC at (425) 644-2658. Open seven days a week noon to 5pm Pacific Time.

***To pay via PayPal go to www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/shop and follow instructions.

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2019 CAC bANQUET/bOCKwINKEL bLOwOUT

Gold Coast hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV

Blowout: APRIL 30, 2019 Banquet: MAY 1, 2019

Total number of Tickets You Wish to Order __________

PRINT & MAIL FORM TO:

CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB 4138 187Th AvE SE ISSAqUAh, WA 98027 or Call in your Credit Card seven days a week, noon to 5pm PST (425) 644-2658

NO bANQUET TICKETS SOLD AT DOOR!

ALL ORDERS BY ChECK MUST BE IN U.S. FUNDS, INCLUDING CANADIAN and OvERSEAS ORDERS

TICKET OPTIONS

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$125 per person by check for BOTH NIGHTS - Blowout & Banquet

MEMbERS:

$130 per person by credit card for BOTH NIGHTS - Blowout & Banquet

NON-MEMbERS:

$150 by check

$170 Canadian orders, $185 overseas orders

NON-MEMbERS:

$155 by credit card

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(only one non-member charge per immediate family is necessary)

(List the RING NAME of each person who will be using the tickets) PRINT NAME CLEARLY

Enclosed is a check in the amount of __________________ or charge my credit card in the amount of ____________________ for _____ tickets.

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PLEASE MAKE SURE TO FILL OUT AND SUBMIT THE MEMBERSHIP FORM

YOU WILL NOT RECEIvE ThE EAR IF YOU DO NOT FILL OUT ThAT FORM AS WELL!

U.S. Postage Paid Peoria, IL Permit #376

54th Anniversary of The CAC Gold Coast hotel/Casino, Las Vegas April 28th to May 1st 2019