July 2015 The Ear

THE CAULIFLOWERALLEYCLUB TURNS50 WITHA STAR-STUDDED AFFAIR IN VEGAS

It was a bona fide “who’s who” of the wrestling business, and a record-setting number of CAC members were on hand to witness it. The Cauliflower Alley Club celebrated its 50th anniversary in style, and all the details are packed inside this issue!

Cauliflower Alley Club Membership ___Renew___New

AMERICA ANNUAL DUES:

$25 by check* $26 by credit card** $27.50 via PayPal***

AMERICA LIFE MEMBERSHIPS:

$300 by check* $307 by credit card** $312 via PayPal***

CANADA ANNUAL DUES:

$35 check (U. S. funds)* $36 by credit card** $38 via PayPal***

CANADA LIFE MEMBERSHIPS:

$450 by check (U.S. funds)* $460 by credit card** $467 via PayPal***

OVERSEAS ANNUAL DUES:

$45 by money order (US funds)* $47 by credit card** $49 PayPal***

OVERSEAS LIFE MEMBERS:

$550 money order (US funds)* $565 credit card** $570 PayPal***

*To pay via check or money order mail form to: Cauliflower Alley Club

201 NE 45th St.

Seattle, WA 98105 USA

**To pay with credit card mail this form to same address with credit card information or phone CAC at (206) 547 -2704. Open Wednesday-Sunday 10 am to 3 pm Pacific time

***To pay via PayPal go to the CAC website and follow instructions.

The 50th ANNIVERSARY: ONE HELL OF A PARTY!

Scott Hall was there. So was Gail Kim. And Mr. Wrestling II. Ditto for Diamond Dallas Page, Adam Pearce, Jimmy Hart, Barry Darsow, Lisa Marie Varon, Larry “The Ax” Hennig and Nick Bockwinkel. Heck, it might be easier to just list the wrestling stars who weren’t there.

The Cauliflower Alley Club turned 50 at the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino this past April, and the consensus among the attendees is that it was the best reunion in the long, storied history of the club. Looking at the list of attendees, from the giant stars of the ring to our distinguished Vegas regulars, it’s not hard to see why. It was a proud moment for the CAC, as its biggest week more than lived up to the advance hype. Some 765 people—the largest crowd ever to attend a CAC event—witnessed the whole thing. It was Gerald Brisco and his son Wes having a ball at the Blowout one for the ages. (photo by Scott Romer)

These days, it seems like it’s always a tossup what the highlight of each year’s reunion is. Of course, all the headlines go to the big stars and the well-deserved awards they earn, or even to the belt raffle and the cribbage tournament, which are now institutions of the club’s annual event. But sometimes the real highlights come in the personal interactions between our members. Whether it’s at the bar in the middle of the Gold Coast, at Friday’s restaurant or in the jam-packed but somehow-still-intimate confines of the hospitality room, the best parts of the club’s reunions, at least for many who are regular attendees, often take place when two or three old friends sit down to reminisce in some secluded corner, away from the bustle.

Then again, it’s hard to argue with a guest list that includes not only the names above, but also Japanese legend Jushin “Thunder” Liger, accomplished pros like Malia Hosaka and “The Grappler” Lynn Denton, World champions like Terry Funk and Harley Race, and a whole host of other superstars. If you missed this event, then you missed a banner gathering!

From everyone here at the Cauliflower Alley Club, thanks to all who attended the 50th Anniversary reunion. Everyone in the leadership of the CAC feels so grateful that the club has been blessed with such an amazing array of awesome “Iron Mike” award honoree Larry “The Ax” Hennig with his members, both old and new, both famous and longtime partner Harley Race (pic by wrealano@aol.com) not-so-famous.

As great as the 50th reunion was, the CAC never stops to rest; now, it’s on to the 51st reunion. There’s already a great line-up forming for the next Vegas event, which will be back at the Gold Coast from April 10th to April 13th, 2016. We’re looking forward to seeing all of you again next year.

Special Note: Thanks to Mike Lano for the great cover photo showing Terry Taylor with Gail Kim, and to Scott Romer for the excellent cover photos showing Kevin Sullivan, Jushin “Thunder” Liger, Lisa Marie Varon and Rob Conway at the Wednesday banquet, and the trio of Georgia territory legends Stan Hansen, Mr. Wrestling II and Bill White.

CANVAS CAVITY: THOUGHTS ON THE 50th YEAR REUNION

By Dr. Mike Lano

There was a special feeling in the air at our 50th Anniversary event, which included a record number of attendees and honorees. There was a ton of great speeches, including that of Larry "The Ax" Hennig, who may have stolen the show with a hilarious turn in accepting the Iron Mike Award. Several other excellent speeches stood out, like those of Gerald & Wes Brisco, Beth "Glam-a-Mom" Phoenix and her husband Edge, Jim Ross, and Santana Garrett. Besides all of these folks, another outstanding speech was that of Christopher Daniels, who received a long overdue Men's Wrestling Award this year. There was an equally great induction given by Daniels’ partner Frankie "The Future" Kazarian, who himself is a past CAC “Future Legend” honoree. What a superb job done this year by banquet emcee JJ Dillon.

A highlight for many was the fantastic tribute to Frank "Bruiser Brody" Goodish, who remains the consummate battling icon, still idolized here, in Japan and all over the world. His widow Barbara attended her first CAC by Two superstars: Edge presents the Women’s herself (she's still living in Florida, I believe she said) but Wrestling Award to his wife Beth Phoenix yet she wasn’t alone. As Frank was honored during a video (photo by wrealano@aol.com) vignette at the Baloney Blowout—now re-named by President Brian "Hands On" Blair as “The Bockwinkel Blowout”—Barb, who is one of the most down-to-earth, kindest people, remarked that the wrestling community is her family. "I'm still blown away that after 26-plus years since Frank's been gone,” she said, “he's still remembered fondly as if it was yesterday that he was still with us. Everywhere I go, people still talk about Bruiser Brody." During the tribute, many learned for the first time that Frank was once a star journalist for his local newspaper, before he became a marauder in the ring.

How great was it seeing the amazing Jushin “Thunder” Liger in attendance? Liger helped the CAC get tons of international press by posing for some soon-to-be-classic photos with the likes of Stan Hanson, Jim Ross, and Valerie Borsch, Ross Hart and all the WWE and TNA female athletes. Both the well-booked Baloney Blowout and our main event Awards Banquet gave everyone their money's worth and more.

The original Dan Kroffat from Calgary, one of Stu Hart's top faces of all-time, was back ("Hey, tell everyone I just golfed with your former president Bill Clinton, one-on-one, awhile back") and he did an amazing thing, helping the club raise over $5,000 by auctioning off one of Nick Bockwinkel's most famous ring jackets. You have to credit Dan for coming up with the idea of the auction all on his own, surely with more to follow next year. The beloved Nick Bockwinkel, surrounded by (l to r) Terrence Michalek, Tom Andrews, Shawn Mayne, Ross Music and Film/TV legend Kris Kristofferson and Hart and Scott Casey (photo by wrealano@aol.com) his wife Lisa were on hand Monday to support their wrestling son Jody, who was a big hit at his first CAC. Unfortunately, Kris and Lisa had to leave on a red-eye fight for NYC soon after Jody’s match. Everyone wanted their picture taken with the man who penned "Me and Bobbie McGee" and so many other historic songs, besides getting top billing with Barbara Streisand in the classic film “A Star Is Born.” In a fortuitous coincidence, just the night before, VH-1 aired the complete episode of “Saturday Night Live” that Kris hosted back in 1976.

There were too many CAC first-timers to mention here, but among them were honoree Gail Kim, Sam Houston, JR Kratos, outstanding athletes La Rosa Negra and Barbi Hayden (who put on a wrestling

If this was our beloved former President Nick Bockwinkel's very last CAC, everyone wishes him and his beautiful wife Darlene all the love and support in the world. Nick was overwhelmed by the standing ovation he received Tuesday night at the Blowout. We all stand in awe of everything Nick has accomplished in and for our industry.

clinic Monday night), APW's Idris Jackson and of course Kevin Sullivan who received an award from the NWA during the wrestling show. It was awesome to see many faces coming back after a long absence, like the incomparable Mr. Wrestling II/“Rubberman" Johnny Walker, Exotic Adrian Street and his longtime wife Miss Linda, Malia Hosaka (who picked up a Women’s Wrestling Award), Scott Casey and Stan “The Lariat” Hansen. Also returning after a much shorter absence were promoter and author Howard Brody and Men’s Wrestling honoree Almighty Sheik.

Kris Kristofferson, his dog Poncho, and CAC staple Bill Anderson (photo by wrealano@aol.com)

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 names like Lou Ferrigno, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rudy Giuliani, Howie Mandel and more.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT by B. Brian Blair

My deepest gratitude to everyone who attended our 50th Year reunion, as you helped make it our largest and most successful reunion to date! The event sold out in record time, and I hope everyone will keep that fact in mind when planning for the 51st from April 10th through April 13th of 2016.

Thanks to all the people who gave us such positive feedback from the 50th reunion experience! The #1 comment that I heard was, "I can't wait for the 51st," closely followed by, "I’m going to ask my friends to join the CAC.” Several of our non-member guests became members before they even left Las Vegas…..so awesome!

Even with all this excitement and great news, I must be the bearer of a perceived piece of negative news as well, so here it is: We’ve kept our annual event (Bockwinkel Blowout & Banquet) ticket price at $100.00 dollars (U.S.) for well over a decade now, and it has caught up with us. This year we made only about $5.00 per person, per ticket sold, for our “Benevolent Fund.”

With this said, our boards and I unanimously made the decision to raise next year’s price to $125.00 per ticket. We hope that this will cover our costs for the next several years, while also allowing us to serve the needs of our “Mission.” Your understanding and continued support of the CAC are greatly appreciated!

We have been able to assist so many needy people from our pro wrestling circle that it makes me very happy to be a part of the greatest fraternity on earth....The Cauliflower Alley Club!

Enjoy the "Ear,” dear friends/members. Thank you and may God bless you with health and happiness.

Sincerely,

"B" Brian

“B” Brian Blair

President/CEO

CAC President Brian Blair

(photo by wrealano@aol.com) www.caulifloweralleyclub.org

NO MATTER THE NAME, THE BALONEY BLOWOUT—ER, THE BOCKWINKEL BLOWOUT—ROCKS THE GOLD COAST

by Brian Westcott

For all the attention the Wednesday night awards banquet gets—and deservedly so—the Tuesday night Blowout has in recent years provided just as many highlights as its more celebrated relative. This year’s Blowout once again rocked the Gold Coast with a steady stream of memorable moments, laughs and great food.

The festivities started off with a fine selection of meat, cheese, vegetables, bread and desserts, which this year was housed in an adjacent room to facilitate a more orderly buffet serving. As a DJ played relaxing dinner music, most of the assembled crowd was seen wearing some shade of red, a gesture meant to honor professional wrestlers from Alabama, specifically two CAC members we’ve lost in recent years, the late "Cowboy" Bob Kelly and William “Paul Bearer” Moody. We had a new host this year, none other than Jim Jimmy Hart and Scott Hall enjoying the Baloney Blowout 2015 Cooley, the distinguished announcer. He (photo by Scott Romer) did a great job. Cooley presided over the return of the “roving mic,” which was a big hit as it gave Blowout goers a chance to hear from notable names like Sgt. Slaughter, who otherwise weren’t scheduled to take the stage on this night.

The Baloney Blowout has been renamed by President Brian Blair as the “Bockwinkel Blowout” in honor of our President Emeritus, the distinguished Nick Bockwinkel. It was announced that the 50th Year reunion is the last one Nick will attend, prompting a huge standing ovation for him. Canadian legend Dan Kroffat auctioned off a rare in-ring jacket belonging to Bockwinkel, which drew $5,000. The money went towards the CAC's Benevolent Fund. The winner of the auction was Matthew Roblez.

After Oscar from the 1990’s tag team “Men on a Mission” did a clever freestyle rap about the CAC— almost certainly a first for the club—a wonderful video was shown featuring interviews with prominent club members speaking about how the club is like a family to them. A very emotional Rock Riddle stood out in the video. Karl Lauer took the stage to officially pass the CAC torch to new President Brian Blair, new Executive V.P. Morgan Dollar and new treasurer Dean Silverstone. Blair was quite funny, saying, “Between my dumb ideas and Morgan's smart ideas, the CAC will be in good hands.”

Member Chris Justin gave a $1,000 check to the CAC Benevolent Fund, showing gratitude to the CAC for, as he put it, helping to turn his life around. Ron Hutchison, Rico Mann, Matt Riviera and Howard Brody were announced as new members of the CAC General Board of Directors.

The awards portion of the evening then began. Wes Brisco was announced by Santana Garrett as the Future Legend Award recipient. Wes gave an emotional speech and had his father Gerald in tears. Next up was past Future

Oscar from Men on a Mission, who did a nifty Legend Award recipient, Frankie Kazarian, who was rap at the Blowout (photo by Scott Romer) honored back in 2005. Kazarian introduced his friend Christopher Daniels, who received the Men's Wrestling Award. For his success in the ring, Daniels thanked everyone from Jim Cornette, Bill Anderson and Jesse Hernandez to Terry Taylor, Adam Pierce and the late Roland Alexander. A big surprise followed, as Lynn Denton presented a special CAC Managers' Award to one of the greatest wrestling managers of all-time, "Mouth of the South" Jimmy Hart. Said the shocked Hart, "I didn't even dress for this." It was only the second CAC Managers’ Award ever presented, with the first going to Bruno Lauer in 2011.

Terry Funk and Stan "The Lariat" Hansen came to the podium to talk about a person they knew very well, Bruiser Brody. Brody received the Posthumous Award. Funk told the crowd he would never go back to Puerto Rico because of the circumstances involving the honoree's death in July 1988, saying of Brody, "He suspended disbelief so well, he died for it,” and, The two best in-ring workers I ever saw were Johnny Valentine and Bruiser Brody." Barbara Goodish, Brody's widow, received a standing ovation and was very humbled to see her husband's legacy continue to receive such recognition.

The Women's Wrestling Award recipient Malia Hosaka, honored by Karl Lauer, thanked Leilani Kai, Judy Martin and the late Luna Vachon in her heartfelt acceptance. Jake Roberts introduced Men’s Wrestling Award winner Sinn Bodhi, saying he saw potential in Bodhi from the start. "Sinn Bodhi was responsible for taking me off New Blowout host Jim Cooley with the roving mic, interviewing drugs," Jake said, crediting Bodhi with the legend Sgt. Slaughter (photo by Scott Romer) inspiring him in life. Bodhi gave a moving promo, promising to give everything in his very being for pro wrestling. Jim Ross did an on-point Terry Funk impersonation as he introduced Lisa Marie Varon, who also got a Women’s Wrestling Award. The delightful Varon humbly said, "I would rather have a broadway match than do a speech up here."

Promoter Jeff Manning was the presenter for the great masked wrestler Lynn Denton, better known to ring fans as The Masked Grappler, who received the Men’s Wrestling Award. An animated Denton told some good, funny stories, and wanted to make sure that nobody thinks of him as being retired, since he’s still very active in the business. There was a second surprise award as J.J. Dillon presented the 2015 CAC Reel Award to his longtime banquet night co-emcee Terry Funk. As deserving as Funk is for this honor, he seemed quite bemused to receive it, but gavea nice acceptance monologue in any event.

The final award of the night was the Jason Sanderson Humanitarian Award, presented to recipient Diamond Dallas Page, who was the subject of a great video done by DDP

Dan Kroffat acts as the auctioneer for the Bockwinkel ring jacket Yoga. The video highlighted the auction, as Scott Hosey holds the coveted item (photo by Scott Romer) work Page has done in helping to save the lives of folks like Jake Roberts and Scott Hall. Hall, at his first CAC event, presented the award to Page, who said, "I’m humbled and honored to be here tonight. What I’m doing today is the coolest thing I've ever done."

It was an excellent finish to an excellent evening, topping off another memorable Blowout in a manner befitting our club’s 50th Anniversary celebration.

Brian Westcott is a Lifetime Member of the Cauliflower Alley Club and the 2012 CAC Red Bastien Friendship Award recipient. His research on and knowledge of pro wrestling history is appreciated by his fellow members. He is also a Research Consultant for the book “Encyclopedia WCCW” (to be released in 2015) and a co-host for IHWE Radio.

WINE, WOMEN & SONG CARRY THE NIGHT AT THE 50th ANNIVERSARY BANQUET

by Dan Murphy

The 50th Year Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion Banquet proved to be an evening of wine, women, and song; the libations flowed, a pair of women were honored, and Larry Hennig, Terry Funk, and Jerry Brisco all tried their hand at serenading the record-setting crowd of 765 attendees.

“This place is sold out. I haven’t sold out a place since 1985,” quipped Larry Hennig, the recipient of the Iron Mike Mazurki Award, which is awarded to individuals whose notoriety transcends wrestling and who have had success in more than one field. Hennig was presented with the award by his longtime tag team partner Harley Race. “There is not a person in wrestling who deserves this more than you do,” Race said. Hennig was clearly delighted to take center stage, cracking jokes (“People used to call me ‘The Killer.’ Everywhere I went, I was ‘The Killer.’ Not because of my wrestling. It’s because wherever I went, I killed the business.”), sharing memories of his career, and inviting his wife Irene up on stage to join him for a celebratory kiss. “Whoever thought he would be so rewarded for doing what he loved to do?” Irene asked. The Hennigs were joined onstage by Kansas City artist Rob Thesz Award honoree Gerald Brisco brings CAC Schamberger, who presented them with a gorgeous Prez Brian Blair on stage to reenact an old rib painting of their late son, Curt “Mr. Perfect” Hennig, which (photo by Scott Romer) Schamberger had been painting throughout this year’s CAC reunion. Before yielding the stage, Hennig declared it was finally time for him to sing onstage in Las Vegas and led the audience through a spirited sing-along of “Ghost Riders in the Sky.”

The Iron Mike Award was one of nine awards to be presented on this night.

The Lou Thesz Lifetime Achievement Award went to Gerry Brisco and was presented by Jim Ross. Brisco thanked his son Wes and late brother Jack in a heartfelt speech. He reminisced about signing a young Brock Lesnar to WWE and about his days in the ring as well as his current position as a WWE talent scout. Ross praised Brisco as a person and as a friend. “If something happened to me tonight and I didn’t make it, I would want Jerry Brisco to be the one there beside my wife, taking care of my family,” Ross said. Like Hennig, Brisco also demonstrated his karaoke skills, belting out a David Allan Coe number. Toward the end of his speech, Brisco brought Brian Blair up on stage to recreate a hilarious old rib involving someone’s bare bottom and an open car trunk. Jim Ross literally hid behind a potted plant in fear of being the next guy Brisco called upon to help reenact the prank.

Diamond Dallas Page received his second of two awards at the 50th Anniversary reunion, receiving a Men’s Wrestling Award a day after getting the Humanitarian Award. Page talked about how his unlikely wrestling career came to be, including missing out on the “rock-and-wrestling” boom of the ‘80s, breaking in as a 35-year-old rookie and eventually

……while Jim Ross hides behind a plant to climbing to the top of WCW and becoming a 3-time World avoid being part of Brisco’s stage act champion. Page was presented the award by Jake Roberts, (photo by Scott Romer) who said Page was there for him “during moments I wouldn’t wish on anyone.” He also commented on Page’s enthusiasm as he was learning the wrestling craft.

Gail Kim and Beth Phoenix received Women’s Wrestling awards. Kim’s trainer Ron Hutchison presented Kim with the award and talked about discovering her as a “Sunshine Girl” in the Toronto Sun. Adam “Edge” Copeland presented Phoenix with her award. “She wasn’t a Diva. She wasn’t a model. She was a wrestler,” Edge said. “She scratched, she clawed and she made it to the big show. She is the mother of my child, The Glama-Mom, Beth Phoenix,” Edge added. Phoenix said she grew up watching wrestling with her grandparents, who were Polish immigrants and big fans of Ivan Putski. She recalled the gamble she took when she drove from Buffalo, New York to Louisville, Kentucky hoping to get accepted at Chris and Mark Youngblood, plaques in hand after being honored as the Ohio Valley Wrestling members of the Romero family, lean in with Terry Funk for a photo training school, and revealed that with the great Harley Race (photo by Scott Romer) Molly Holly had secretly paid an advance for Beth’s training, as a way to vouch for her and show her support. She also credited wrestling for giving her the life she enjoys now, including her baby daughter and relationship with Copeland. “Thank you wrestling, for giving me my family,” she said.

Demolition received a special CAC Tag Team Award, which was presented by Trevor Blanchard, Jimmy Blaze and Dakota Darsow. Barry “Smash” Darsow accepted the award for the team. Bill “Ax” Eadie was unable to attend, but expressed his gratitude in a videotaped message. “In order to be a good tag team, you have to go against good tag teams. We went against the best,” Darsow said. Darsow revealed that Curt Hennig had once given him a pair of wrestling trunks. As it turned out, those trunks actually belonged to Larry Hennig, Darsow admitted. “Curt then told me they were his father’s favorite trunks and that he had told Larry that I had stolen them out of his top drawer,” Darsow said. “So, Larry, I do have your trunks. I washed them, and if you need them, I can get them back to you.”

Terry Funk also showcased his vocal skills with a brief ditty before presenting the Family Award to the Romero Family -- Ricky Romero, Jay Youngblood, Mark Youngblood, Chris Youngblood and Ricky Romero Jr. Author and magazine editor Dennis Brent Rico Mann presents a Men’s Wrestling Award to independent Brent received the James C. Melby Historian and Japan star The Almighty Sheik (photo by Scott Romer) Award, presented by his longtime friend Terry Taylor. The Almighty Sheik, a standout on the U.S. independent scene as well as in Japan, received a Men’s Wrestling Award, presented by Rico Mann. Mann praised The Almighty Sheik for his ability to make fans suspend disbelief when he performs and said Sheik is “greatly underrated.” Jason Sanderson started off the evening, as always, by remembering those who passed away since the previous reunion.

Dan Murphy has been a CAC member since 2010 and is a Senior Writer for Pro Wrestling Illustrated He shares his home with his wife, two rescued cats, two rescued ferrets and a golden retriever

Great to see Kia “Awesome Kong” Stevens Barry Darsow and his peeps. Back: Michele Konjolka, back at thereunion! Here she is with general Brian Schenk, Jimmy Blaze, Nick Gerger, Lil, Dwayne board member Jason Deadrich and Cheerleader Harbort. Front: Brian Allen, Trevor Blanchard, Darsow, Melissa Anderson (photo by wrealano@aol.com) Dakota Darsow, Michelle Harbort (pic by Scott Romer)

Here’s 2015 Women’s Wrestling Award

You know him from the glory days of the recipient Malia Hosaka and referee (you Crockett NWA, Mr. Sam Houston, posing here gotta love this name!) Evil Zebra with Jody Kristofferson, son of Kris (photo by wrealano@aol.com) (photo by wrealano@aol.com)

The great referee James Beard stands alongside The longest-tenured (49 years!) CAC member CAC board member Matt Riviera and former NWA Dick “Destroyer” Beyer with his wife Wilma & champion Rob Conway (pic by wrealano@aol.com) photographer Mike Lano (pic by Dan Westbrook)

PHOTOS FROM THE 50th YEAR CAC REUNION

On the outside are Jordy Martin and her husband

Historian Award winner Dennis Brent and the Pepper; on the inside are Ruth Silverstone and man who presented for Dennis, the irrepressible her husband Dean (photo by Dan Westbrook) Terry Taylor (photo by wrealano@aol.com)

How about some headlock pictures?

New general board member Ron Hutchison Morgan Dollar—trying to smile but actually in reaches his limit with Jeff Sharkey’s crap and pain—gets the squeeze from Ted Gordienko decides to lay down the law on his head (photo by Scott Romer), and…… (photo by Eric Chmiel)

PHOTOS FROM THE 50th YEAR CAC REUNION

Jim Cooley, Matthew Roblez and David Buckler, A big thanks to the folks who work the table! L to r: all apparently wanting you to know they have Dennis Harrington, Jason Sanderson,

something

Lynn Denton shows off his Men’s Wrestling Santana Garrett with the two most important men Award as promoter Jeff Manning in her life: her dad TNT Kenny and her significant congratulates him (photo by Scott Romer) other Chasyn Rance (photo by Thomas Rude)

Here we have Wes Brisco with “Cuban Assassin” Scott Casey plants one on CAC staple Bruce Fidel Sierra on the left, and honoree Beth Swayze (photo by wrealano@aol.com); former Phoenix with PWI’s Dan Murphy on the right WCW star The Stro hangs in the hospitality room (both photos by wrealano@aol.com) (photo by Thomas Rude)

PHOTOS FROM THE 50th YEAR CAC REUNION

Exotic Adrian Street, back at the CAC after a long

The great champion Rick Steamboat has a absence, and his wife Miss Linda, with the man word with Karl Lauer as Jake Roberts and who married them at a CAC event so many years Emily Miller are seen in the background ago, Jason Sanderson (photo by Scott Romer) (photo by

A LITTLE “THUNDER” AT THE GOLD COAST MAKES FOR A GREAT DOUBLE SHOT OF RING EXCITEMENT

by Brian Westcott & Eric Chmiel

With all-time great Japanese star Jushin “Thunder” Liger on the card, there’s no way you’re not going to see some incredible wrestling action. And so it was; we got two nights of awesome matches, once again put together by Billy Blade and his Vendetta Pro Wrestling, with a little help from other excellent independent outfits like Gold Rush Pro Wrestling, Alpha Omega Wrestling, Big Valley Wrestling, Empire Wrestling Federation and Pro Wrestling Bushido, all under the auspices of the mighty National Wrestling Alliance (with a special thanks to co-promotional partners Joseph Duncan, Bill Brown and Sandra Goode, and some assistance from Trevor Blanchard.). In the end, the 2015 version of “Casino Royale” had it all: Liger, title changes, two battle royals and a Hall of Fame induction. After the dust settled, the only The great Jushin “Thunder” Liger ties up Steve Anthony remaining question was: Which night was better? at the 2015 Casino Royale (photo by Scott Romer) Night One had two fantastic ladies matches that tore down the house and a special Kevin Sullivan appearance where he came out in devil mask to interfere in Tokyo Monster’s bout. Night Two had an induction ceremony for the NWA Hall of Fame, Liger and the Luna Vachon Lunacy Cup. But hey, rather than quibble over which night was best, let’s simply take a look at the results.

Night One: 1) Ricky Ruffin defeated Alexander G. Bernard; 2) The Classic Connection (Levi Shapiro & Buddy Royal) whooped A.J. Kirsch & Nathan Graves, Billy Blade & Mike Rayne, and The Ballards in a 4-way tag match; 3) Sinn Bodhi battled Sam Houston to a double-DQ; 4) Brent Myers & Angus McField beat back Rob Love & Jason Muse; 5) In an excellent bout, Lisa Lace & Andrea the Giant & Kiara Dillon & Laura Palmer blasted Tab Jackson & Kat Von Heez & Maria & Kimmy Shellhammer by a pinfall; 6) Bushido TV champ Rik Luxury put down Harry Henderson, Scoot Robertson and Funny Bone in a 4-way match; 7) Greg Anthony pounded Brian Kendrick; 8) Dexter Millhouse & Blake Grayson flattened Team Hi Def (Drake Fortune & Steven Andrews); 9) NWA Vendetta Tri-Force champion Jeckles the Jester licked Chasyn Rance & Brandon Gatson in a 3-way match; 10) Jax Dane downed Tim Storm to unify the NWA National and NWA North American belts; 11) Gold Rush tag champs JR Kratos & Idris Jackson crushed Keepers of the Faith (Gabriel Gallo & Dom Vitalli); 12) NWA Women's World champ Santana Garrett pinned La Rosa Negra in a strong bout; 13) Dylan Drake triumphed in the 2015 “Casino Royale” over-the-top-rope battle royal.

Chaos: The “Casino Royale” battle royal (photo by Scott Romer)

Night Two: 1) Gabriel Gallo & Dom Vitalli topped The Classic Connection; 2) Gold Rush Champ Rik Luxury plowed Johnny Devine; 3) Tokyo Monster won the “Second Chance” over-the-top-rope battle royal; 4) Big Valley champ Bryce Slaven clocked El Torito Juventud; 5) Andy Brown & Viking Warrior & R.J. Ruiz dropped Archimedes & Richie Slade & Father Juan Roman; 6) NWA Western States titlist Matt Riviera slammed Americos; 7) The NWA Hall of Fame inducted multiple-time NWA champ Adam Pearce, promoter Mike Sircy and the legend Kevin Sullivan; 8) Kat Von Heez & Bambi Hall & Bobby Sharp drove over Kiara Dillon & Andrea the Giant & Short Sleeve Sampson in a 6-person match; 9) Steve Anthony upset Jushin "Thunder" Liger to win the NWA World junior title after Rob Conway interfered; 10) "War Pig" Jody Kristofferson stuck it to Martin Casaus; 11) Bushido tag champs The Honor Society (Sir Samurai & Drake Frost) killed The Legacy of Brutality (C.J. Kurz & Bobby Hart); 11) La Rosa Negra rammed Barbi Hayden, Andrea The Giant and Santana Garrett to win the 2015 Luna Vachon Lunacy Cup. Paul "Butcher" Vachon presented a trophy to Negra after the match. 12) Tokyo Monster topped Dylan Drake to capture the 2015 CAC Cup.

THEY CAME, THEY BOWLED……AND STAN HANSEN WAS THERE

by Eric Chmiel & Joe Mauriello

The whole gang, ready to bowl at the CAC’s 6th annual

The editor of this publication took part for the first time in the annual Ken Ramey Bowling Tournament at the 50th year CAC reunion, and he must say, it was pretty thrilling getting to rub elbows with 4-time Triple Crown World champion Stan Hansen, not to mention to roll a few frames with former NWA World champ Adam Pearce. The two superstars came up to the bowling lanes at the Gold Coast to enjoy the action, and Pearce—as he has for the past several years—got involved in the action, along with over forty other CAC members. It was one of the most successful bowling tournaments the CAC has ever held, all in the name of the Benevolent Fund, an excellent cause by any measure. Congratulations to Joe Mauriello, who returned this year after a one-year absence to wrangle all the rowdy bowlers together into a coherent and fun tournament.

In the end, the winner was a guy who’s been coming to the reunions for several years now, Chris Ostrovsky of Henderson, Nevada, right down the road from the Gold Coast. It was his first CAC bowling championship. His win broke the death grip that the state of Illinois has had on the title, as the previous four tournaments were won by folks from The Land of Lincoln. But Illinois was still wellrepresented , as Russ Boggs of Hampshire, Illinois got the second-place spot, winning a coin toss after finishing dead even in pin count with Fred Yerke of Minnesota, who finished in third.

The goal for next year is a repeat of the forty bowler threshold that the CAC was able to hit this year, and with names like Hansen and Multiple-time World champions Adam Pearce and Stan “The Pearce on board, no one is doubting that it “Lariat” Hansen at the Gold Coast Lanes (pic by Mike Lano) can happen. Entry fee is just $20 for a great cause, and the editor can vouch for the fact that CAC bowling is a blast. We hope you’ll be there to roll a few down the lanes with us next year.

BODELL CAPTURES CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT AS PULKRABEK IS BRIDESMAID ONCE AGAIN

by Eric Chmiel and Bill White

Dave Bodell of Arizona became a two-time winner of the Destroyer Cribbage Tournament when he ousted Minnesota’s Tim Pulkrabek in the finals at the 50th Year reunion. Bodell also captured the top prize back in 2008. Now he is in elite company, joining only Bill White and The Destroyer himself as the only double champions ever in the event. We can’t imagine what the tournament will be like in 2016, with a trio of two-time winners battling it out for a chance to become the first person to put their name on the prestigious winner’s plaque for a third time. Bodell ripped through the competition en route to his hard-fought win, returning to the winner’s circle after a 7-year drought.

Another piece of history was made as Pulkrabek, who has reached the finals all four years he’s competed, went down to defeat once again when the title was on the line, logging his third loss in the finals in four years. Had it not been

Dave Bodell accepts the Destroyer Cribbage Tournament for his triumphant championship win back in winner’s plaque from Bill White (photo by Scott Romer)

2014, he’d be going down right about now as the Buffalo Bills of the CAC with four straight championship round defeats. But you can’t sell Pulkrabek short, as he’s proven himself to be a nearly impenetrable force on the cribbage board, posting an incredible 13-3 all-time record in CAC play.

Riki Ataki, who replaced Al Friend as the tournament organizer last year, could not make it to this year’s throw-down, so the honorable Bill White presided over the festivities. White did a marvelous job in putting the whole thing together. As always, the $20 entry fee from all 16 players went to the CAC Benevolent Fund.

THE “CLASSIC CONNECTION” STRUTS OFF WITH THE STRUT-OFF CHAMPIONSHIP

by Eric Chmiel

There are a precious few wrestling tandems who can strut like the “Classic Connection,” the standout independent tag team consisting of Buddy Royal and Levi Shapiro. And they proved it at the 50th Year Reunion by winning what has become a pretty big deal in CAC circles in recent years, the Larry Sweeney/Jackie Fargo Texarkana Open Invitational Strut-Off Championship. The event, held in the wee hours of the morning at the upstairs bar adjacent to the Gold Coast bowling alley, now draws upwards of 20 teams annually, with crowds of over 100 people jamming the room to watch a panel of judges determine which team struts its stuff the best. Sure, it’s all very subjective, based on crowd reactions and the purity of the strutting—after all, this is a strutting contest, not a dance-off, as one judge scolded the participants when they wandered too far from the point of the spectacle. But this new CAC tradition is always a great time whether you’re spectating or competing, The champs and their spoils: Buddy Royal with what is by far the rowdiest audience of any current and LeviShapiro (photo by Eric Chmiel) CAC attraction. Even Lisa Marie Varon was thereto watch!

The very entertaining duo of Shapiro and Royal had to outlast some stiff competition on their way to bringing home the championship cup (yes, there’s a championship up for this—two in fact, one for

each member of the winning team). Among the favorites was last year’s winning tandem of Short Sleeve Sampson and Raven Lake, who advanced out of the first round but could go no further. There were also girl-girl pairings, folks who stripped to their underwear to curry favor with the crowd, and one team that featured independent standout Harry Henderson, who has only one leg. Henderson, quite a remarkable athlete in the ring as well as when strutting in a Las Vegas bowling alley, was actually one of the better contestants, although his team failed to place. Sadly, the team of Adam Pearce and Strut-Off co-founder Rico Mann did not participate this year, after coming tantalizingly close to tasting victory in 2014.

Who will step up next year to win the coveted

Now this is how you win a strut-off; Shapiro and Royal cup for clever cavorting? The only thing for sure strut their stuff for a raucous crowd (pic by Eric Chmiel) is that we can’t wait to find out.

CANADIAN WORKER SETH KNIGHT WINS BELT RAFFLE

By Eric Chmiel

Everyone knows that nobody makes a more beautiful championship belt than Rico Mann, Reggie Parks and Dave Millican, who donated the great piece of art that was raffled off at the 50th year reunion. And now this lovely belt has a new home: on the mantle of independent veteran “The Canadian Sensation” Seth Knight, who is better known to his family and friends as Taj Johnson.

Johnson was this year’s “luckiest guy in the room” when his ticket was picked from the couple thousand or so that were jammed into the CAC’s newest banquet gimmick, a large lottery tumbling machine that mixes up all the tickets to maximize the randomness involved in

CAC member Taj Johnson and ticket mover extraordinaire Cheerleader Melissa selecting the final Anderson with the beautiful new belt that Taj won in the annual belt raffle winner. All proceeds at the 50th year reunion (photo by Scott Romer) from the belt raffle went to the CAC Benevolent Fund, so even if your ticket wasn’t drawn, buying a belt raffle ticket was still a winning proposition. Of course, it’s always best if you can walk away with the featured merchandise, as Mr. Johnson will no doubt be happy to tell you.

Johnson, a native of British Columbia, is a ring veteran of some 15 years. He was absolutely delighted to claim his prize, as anyone would be. The belt he took home featured a large “CAC 50th Anniversary” plate as its centerpiece, and a half-dozen other plates reproducing the likenesses of all of this year’s award honorees, from Larry Hennig and The Grappler to The Almighty Sheik and Diamond Dallas Page. It was a one of a kind masterpiece created by the most distinguished belt makers to be found anywhere in the world. Congratulations to Taj Johnson.

SEMINARS ARE AGAIN A BIG HIT AT THE REUNION by

Eric Chmiel

Everyone who attends a Cauliflower Alley Club reunion expects the event to offer a series of excellent seminars they can really sink their teeth into. And as seminar organizer Bob Leonard showed once again this year, he never fails to deliver the goods. From top to bottom, the seminars were very strong at the50th reunion.

One of the major highlights featured Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Sinn Bodhi discussing their thoughts about the ins and outs of the business to a packed room at the Gold Coast. Bodhi has given several seminars at past reunions, always getting rave reviews. His descriptions of how to piece together a match for maximum impact on the fans is without question

Bodhi looks on as his close friend Jake “The Snake” second to none. Similarly, there is no Roberts dispenses knowledge at the pair’s excellent CAC seminar one in the world who understands the (photo by Scott Romer) psychology of the wrestling business in the way Jake Roberts does. The hour-long seminar, which like all the seminars was free to anyone who paid for a ticket to attend the Wednesday night banquet, transfixed those who were lucky enough to see it, as Roberts put his considerable comprehension on display in explaining things like how to produce the strongest reactions from a crowd and how to build a rivalry to draw the biggest possible houses. When it comes to explaining psychology, there’s one like The Snake.

Another excellent seminar was given by Short Sleeve Sampson, a ring veteran who has spent two decades carving out a successful wrestling career. Despite being a little person competing long after the glory days of “midget wrestling” have died out, this remarkable man nonetheless has compiled a long list of achievements that are the envy of independent wrestlers from coast to coast. He shared his secrets about how he was able to thrive in such a tough business which often eats up and spits out men who are three times his size.

The CAC seminar series provides an opportunity for any young (or even not-so-young) wrestler to gain more knowledge about the business, in order to aid their career. It also provides endless entertainment for everyone else. You don’t have to be involved in wrestling to get something out of these excellent talks that break down the elements that go into a wrestling show, and explain the how’s and why’s of CAC seminar organizer Bob Leonard poses what goes on in the ring. The anecdotes and the with Short Sleeve Sampson after Sampson’s fascinating tidbits of info about the inner workings of talk at the 50th Year Anniversary reunion pro wrestling are always an invaluable addition to an (photo by wrealano@ aol.com) already jam-packed week of Cauliflower Alley Club enjoyment each year in Las Vegas.

If you’ve never attended a CAC seminar, you honestly don’t know what you’re missing. We hope you’ll join us for a seminar at the 51st reunion in 2016, which is certain to have another great lineup.

ROB SCHAMBERGER BRINGS HIS ART TO THE CAC

by Eric Chmiel

Renown wrestling artist Rob Schamberger came to the CAC’s 50th Year Reunion and treated us all to a demonstration of his incredible talent, setting up shop right in the hospitality room so everyone could watch as he created a portrait of the late “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig. Then on Wednesday night, when Curt’s father Larry “The Ax” Hennig accepted his Iron Mike Award at the climactic banquet, Schamberger presented the finished painting to Larry as a gift. It was a tremendous moment.

Schamberger, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, has an impressive résumé as an artist, especially in the realm of professional wrestling. He’s a published comic book artist and WWE-affiliated portrait painter Rob Schamberger paints a portrait of Curt Hennig at whose work has been hailed by the Kansas City Star, the 50th Anniversary reunion (photo by Scott Romer) Forbes magazine, Sports Illustrated, E! News and USA Today, among others. He has painted the official posters for several major motion pictures like “Summer League” and “Meet Me There.” His work is on display at WWE’s corporate headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut as well as at the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s Dan Gable Museum, for which he is the official artist. Several WWE stars have his work hanging in their own homes. Rob has used his artistic talents to raise many thousands of dollars for charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation. WWE also raises money for good causes by selling his original portraits and high-quality prints on the company’s official merchandise website. He’s painted live at WWE events like Wrestlemania and Summer Slam and does weekly videos for WWE’s “Canvas to Canvas” web series. Go check out his website www.robschamberger.com.

The CAC is proud to have Rob Schamberger as a member of the club, and we’re delighted to have had him do live painting at the 50th Year Reunion.

CAC’S SISTER ORGANIZATION “PWHF” HOLDS INDUCTIONS

by Paul Stratoti

Not long after the CAC held its 50th Anniversary event, its sister organization, the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in Amsterdam, New York, held its own 14th annual event, inducting a series of wrestling luminaries into the Hall. The CAC was well-represented at the festivities, with longtime CAC member and frequent reunion attendee Dave Burzynski acting as the induction emcee, and several past CAC award recipients—or members of their families—being honored.

Burzynski did a great job as host and was satisfied with his performance, saying, “I believe I entertained those in attendance beyond their expectations.”

Among the CAC notables in attendance at the PWHF were 2014 Thesz honoree Michael “P.S.” Hayes (inducted as a member of The Fabulous Freebirds along with the late 2003 CAC honoree Buddy Roberts), 2011 Thesz Award Dave Burzynski, acting as emcee of the PWHF winner Rick Martel who was inducted as a singles star, Hall of Fame event (photo by Paul Stratoti) 1994 CAC honoree Pedro Morales who also was inducted asa single (to this day, Morales remains a member of the CAC in good standing, although he could not attend the PWHF event due to suffering from Parkinson’s Disease), and reunion staple Paul “Butcher” Vachon (for the induction of his late sister Vivian Vachon). Also there were CAC veterans Roy & Lisa Haynes, Ken Jugan, Ross Hart, JJ Dillon and Jason Sanderson.

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