March 2013 The Ear

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GOLD COAST HOTEL & CASINO

2013 CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB REUNION 17th IN LAS VEGAS

The 2013 Cauliflower Alley Club Banquet and Reunion, where w

organiz

e’ll celebrate the 48th year of our great ation, is now only weeks away. And this year’s version is shaping up to be a classic!

its walk down memory lane, featuring tons of great photos from mat ing stars) who will offer a wide range of We’ve got a loaded seminar schedule featuring advice and entertainment from got us activities, like the cribbage and , as

s some well-known veterans. And of re always an’t-m he legends of the al from heir oe n’t hu t that lace in the most glamorous

We’ve got the Nostalgia Room and history and a smorgasbord of dealers (including several wrestl unique items for sale. some of the brightest minds in wrestling. We’ve got our annual championship belt raffle. We’ve numero bowling tournaments. We’ve got a great wrestling show lined up that will include some of the best indie talent going today well a course, there’s the Baloney Blowout and the Awards Banquet, both of which a c iss events where t business delight us with t es t days in the ring. Plus, it d s r our event takes p party city in the world: Las Vegas, Nevada!

g that makes the C m the pa e th inging togeth

au

But the thin liflower ck is the Alley Club stand out fro camaraderi at comes from 48 years of er the most notable names in br our beloved industry. A CAC reunion is not a

At the 2012 reunion, Terry Funk and Ted DiBiase share a laugh run-of-the-mill Fan Fest. It’s a place where at a picture Ted took on his phone (photo by Scott Romer) a slew of top names from throughout pro careers, not only with each other but with the great fans who attend our event every year.

wrestling gather to reminisce about their e to

Unlike a normal Fan Fest-type event, at the CAC there’s no lining up stiffly at a pre-prescribed time just to get 15 seconds with a wrestler for an awkward greeting and a rushed autograph. At our reunion, th wrestlers are there not for a payday but because they want to be there. As always, the boys will get catch up with other members of the ring fraternity who they may not have seen literally in years. But for fans, there’s the opportunity to rub elbows with all your idols. Want to talk to multiple-time AWA World champion Nick Bockwinkel? Just walk over and say hello! Want to take a picture with th great Ivan Koloff? Simply go and tell him so! At the CAC, it’s about wrestlers and fans coming together to share their love of professional wrestling.

As we go to press with this issue, there are still many details being worked out regarding the final list of attendees and what they’ll be doing. WWE will be purchasing a 10-person table, and there’s no telling what stars, active or retired, they’ll send. There are also some big Steve Austin and Bill DeMott (aka Hugh Morrus) are all surprises in the works. So we ask that members smiles at last year’s reunion (photo by Mike Lano) of the CAC make sure to keep checking the CAC website, www.caulifloweralleyclub.com, for developing news about the banquet. You truly never kno who might show up at a CAC reunion. w

So folks, tear off (or make a copy of) the banquet/reunion ticket order form on the opposite page, fill it out with your info, and send it to the Rolla, MO address listed at the form’s bottom. If you’ve come in the past, you know how great this year’s reunion will be. If you’ve never come before, you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s not too late to enjoy this tremendous event! We’ll see you in Vegas…..

A

HONOREES FOR THE 2013 CAC REUNION

by Eric Chmiel

s part of our preview issue for the 2013 CAC Reunion and Awards Banquet, let’s recap our great list of honorees for the Class of 2013.

“Iron” Mike Mazurki Award – IVAN KOLOFF

a widely-recognized professional wrestling career,

This award goes to a man or woman who has had and who has also achieved success in more than one area of professional wrestling, which taken together have brought credit to the profession. Ivan Koloff has had a fantastic nd distinguished wrestling career. Along with CAC member S a cott Teal, he has

CAC is th “ “

e organization that really honors wrestling’s past,” Ivan told The Ear. So for them to be ’s a great honor. the past, I’m looking forward to this so ething great for Ivan Koloff ng a lot of the boys I haven’t seen in years.”

interested in giving me this award, and just to be a part of it, I’m very grateful. Seeing the names who’ve gotten this award it in me. I’m looking forward to seei much. It’s really som

Past “Iron Mike” Award honorees ( ntura (1999), Lou Thesz (1998) and the Destroyer (199

include Steve Austin (2012), Sgt. Slaughter (2011), Ted DiBiase 2010), Nick Bockwinkel (2009), Bret Hart (2008), Harley Race (2006), Terry Funk (2005), Mad Dog Vachon (2003), Jesse Ve 6). now authored a book about his ring wars called “Is That Wrestling Fake?” He is most remembered for his stunning WWWF championship win over Bruno Sammartino in 1971, as well as a great run in the 1980’s with Nikita Koloff in the Crockett NWA. He has added so much to the wrestling industry over the years, and he richly deserves this award.

Lou Thesz Award – PAUL BEARER

This award goes to a man or woman who is immediately recognizable both to those in wrestling and to many people outside wrestling, and who is recognized as having achieved success in more than one field. Bill Moody was a superstar manager in several of the old North American wrestling territories, using the name “Percival Pringle” and managing such greats as Ravishing Ric Rude and Steve Austin. Later k , he went on to international fame as “Paul earer,” managing the Undertaker in the WWF (later WWE). In the latter part of

g p

B his WWE career, he was involved in booking the company. Today, he remains instantly recognized as a celebrity in and out of the wrestling business.

As Bill Moody confided to Ear editor Eric Chmiel, "After I received the call telling me the CAC wanted to present me with The Lou Thesz Lifetime Achievement Award, to say that I was myself, w

shocked would be an understatement. I kept asking hy me? Why me? There are so many more athletes that are far more

deserving. I looked at the list of past honorees, most recently Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat last year, and couldn't believe that the CAC was putting me Paul Bearer in that category of ring legends. I was honored to be involved in a match with M

r. Lou Thesz early on in my 30-plus year career. I'll take that memory to my rave with me. But I'm going to save that for now, and I’m excited to share it with everyone at the roper time. I was blessed with many opportunities to visit with Mr. Thesz through the years. From the heart of an Alabama kid who gr ed the dream...Thank you CAC, am truly humbled."

ew up on Gulf Coast Wrestling, and dream I

Past Lou Thesz Award honorees include Ricky Steamboat (2012), Rick Martel (2011), Bob Roop (2009), “Dr. Death” Steve Williams (2008), Danny Hodge (2007), Verne Gagne (2006), Jack Brisco (2005) an Antonio Inoki (2004).

Men’s Wrestling Award – JAKE “The Snake” ROBERT

This award goes to a male wrestler who has made an outstanding contribution to the pro wrestling business. Jake “The Snake” Roberts is one of the biggest wrestling stars of the past half-century, wel known and revered by fans the world over. His excellent ring work, tremendous interview skills and

Jake Roberts

classic finishing move the DDT have made a lasting impact on pro wrestling. He’s been a top star everywhere a pro wrestler can work, including the WWF/WWE, WCW, Mexico, Europe and many of the old recipient.

territories. In April in Las Vegas, he’ll star at the CAC’s annual reunion as the Men’s Wrestling Award

“This is a proud moment in my life,” Jake tells The Ear. “In the ring, I invested everything I had and I gave it my all. Outside the ring, I made a lot of mistakes. So I appreciate the Cauliflower Alley Club for judging me on my performance, not on my problems. I just thank everybody there for recognizing what I’ve done. I’m very thankful to th fo

e Cauliflower Alley Club r honoring me.”

Michelle Starr (2012), Bill DeMott (2012), Dan Kroffat (2011), Alex Knight 2011), Honky Tonk Man (2011), Bill Bowman (2009), Art Crews (2009), Ron Garvin (2008), Butcher achon (2008), JJ Dillon (2007), Cowboy Bob Kelly (2007), Bob Leonard (non-combatant) (2007), Mil Mascaras (2007), D Friend (2004), aron Von Raschke (2004), Charlie Smith (2004), George “The Animal” Steele (2004), Tom Andrews

A few of the men who have been honored in the past with the Men’s Wrestling Award include ( V r. Ken Ramey (2006), Pepper Martin (2006), Bill White (2006), Al B (2003), Brian Blair (2002), Jimmy Valiant (2002), Bill Watts (2001), Crusher Lisowski (2000), Ken Patera (1999), Fred Blassie (1998), The Dudley Boyz (1997), Jerry Brisco (1996), Stan Hansen (1996) and Larry Zbyszko (1996).

Men’s Wrestling Award MATT RIVIERA

Matt Riviera is a young m

an, but he has already accomplished so much, both in the wrestling business and in other endeavors in life. Outside the ring, he’s had star turns in several independent movies, and more recently he’s starred on the Bravo Network cable TV ratings powerhouse “Millionaire Matchmaker.” In wrestling, Matt owns, promotes and operates one of the truly great independent promotions in America, “Traditional Championship Wrestling.” Although he’s an excellent worker, a strong pr makes his biggest mark on the business. Check out their top-notch website at tcwwrestling.com, where you can see one of the best-produced weekly independent pro wrestling shows in the world, bar none.

’s

omo guy and a real showman, TCW may be where he

Says Matt, “It’s a great privilege for me to be presented with the Men’s Wrestling Award by a first class organization like the Cauliflower Alley Club. Matt Riviera It’s always a highlight of my year to travel to Las Vegas and see my friends and colleagues in the business. When you combine wrestling, my favorite thin in the world, with Las Vegas, my favorite city, and being honored by this great club, this is going to be a great, great time for me.”

This award recognizes a man or woman who, through his or her efforts or resources, has endeavored to improve their community and the lives of others, thus elevating the perception of the professional wrestling industry and its participants. Nobody epitomizes the spirit of this award like Ken Jugan, the man wrestling fans know as “Lord Zoltan.” His work organizing wrestling shows and other fundraisers for charities benefitting the deaf, the families of fallen police officers, autistic children, holiday toy drives, cancer victims and so many others is unparalleled. He is truly a credit to the Cauliflower Alley Club and to professional wrestling.

"The realization of being contacted to receive the Jason Sanderson Humanitarian Award at the CAC,” says Jugan, “has not really sunk in yet. God bless those that selected me. What an honor to be chosen for this award and Ken Jugan as Lord Zoltan to be able to accept it in front of so many distinguished people. Many of the people who will be there, I grew up watching them on TV and reading about them in the wrestling magazi

nes. Some of them I actually worked with, and others I wish that I’d had

the pleasure of working with. Some of them are old friends. I’m looking forward to renewing old memories and making many new ones at the CAC in April."

Past Jason Sanderson Humanitarian Award honorees include Al Burke (2012), Lisa Haynes (2011) and Yvonne Melcher (2010).

Women’s Wrestling Award – SANDY PARTLOW

This award goes to a female wrestler who has made an outstanding contribution to the pro wrestling usiness.Sandy Partlow was a natural in the ring, having had just six weeks of training with CAC staple quickly .

and promoting legend Bob Geigel before having her first match. She found her niche as the “bad girl” of the ladies circuit, and she stayed in high demand throughout her distinguished 23-year career. Sandy Partlow did it her way, and in the process she left a lasting imprint on ladies wrestling

“I haven’t been to a CAC since the 1970’s, I think 1977 or ‘78,” says Partlow. “How cool that I get to do this again after so long. I can’t wait! I’m just honored to have been nominated, let alone getting an award. It’s amazing. I’m looking forward to seeing everybody and saying hello. It’s gonna be great. ”

W include Judy Martin (2012), Lisa “Ivory” Moretti (2012), Rockin’ Robin (2011), Sandy Partlow Darling Dagmar (2011), Am

omen who have been honored in the past with the Women’s Wrestling Award azing Kong (2011), Joyce Grable (2010), Luna Vachon (2009), Betty Niccoli (2008), Ann Casey (2004), Sandy Parker (2004), thel Brown (2000), Beverly Shade (2000), Fabulous Moolah (1997) and Ella Waldek (1997). b

Women’s Wrestling Award – MOLLY HOLLY

Nora Benshoof spent nearly a decade as a staple of both the WCW and WWF/WWE women’s divisions, working first as Miss Madness and Mona in WCW and then as Mighty Molly and—her best-known persona—Molly Holly in WWF/WWE. In WWE, her consistently excellent ring performances and easily ikeable personality got her over strong with fans and kept her on top of the E

l biggest company in the industry until she decided to retire in 2005. During her time in the ring, she set a standard that the top names in the current WW ladies division still find themselves trying to live up to.

O

n being honored by the CAC, Nora tells The Ear, “There have been so many

people who have been honored by the Cauliflower Alley Club that I admire and respect for having paved the way for me in this business. To be a part of this, Molly Holly to be an honoree in the footsteps of so many greats of pro wrestling, is a wonderful thing for me. I cannot wait to be in Las Vegas. I hope my dear friend Al Mandell looks down from heaven with a big smile as I receive my award.”

George Schire

James Melby Historian Award – GEORGE SCHIRE

T rch w t p r G f d constitutes r

his award recognizes a man or woman as having conducted major resea ork in the eyes of the Historian Committee, who is dedicated to maintaining he history of professional wrestling as a whole, and who has had his work ublished by a third party. No one personifies those qualifications like enowned pro wrestling historian George Schire. His recent book, “Minnesota’s olden Age of Wrestling: From Verne Gagne to the Road Warriors,” is one of the inest wrestling-related books of the new millennium, and his previous work ocumenting the careers of stars like Verne Gagne and the Destroyer an essential contribution to the pantheon of serious wrestling esearch. George is undeniably a great resource for our industry.

ing the James Melby

“Wow!,” Schire told The Ear. “I am humbled to be receiv Historian Award at this year’s CAC reunion. Pro wrestling’s past is both confusing and complex, and to be acknowledged by wrestlers and fellow historians is indeed an honor."

FUTURE LEGEND AWARD RACE HEATS UP by Vance

Nevada

This year, there’s one CAC award where the winner isn’t determined in advance: the Future Legend Award. The intrigue surrounding this honor makes it one of the most exciting awards of all. For 2013, there were so many nominees for this award that the board of directors had to agree on a list of fo finalists, which in itself proved a difficult feat. It’s great that so many folks who are on the asc their pro wrestling careers respect and honor the traditions of the sport so well. These Future Legend Award nominees give us a sneak peek at the industry leaders who may one day be the driving force that keeps the CAC going strong in future generations. We’ll find out the winner at the reunion in April.

ur ent in he four finalists for the 2013 Future Legend award are:

Bambi Hall

Vancouver, BC Canada – 5’6”; 130 lbs; 20 years old. After only two years in the of her debut, -starring CAC staple Roddy Pipe Western Canada, surviving two infamous Tony Co urs” through the remote Canadian ring, Hall has already accomplished a great deal. Within 8 weeks she was cast in a syndicated reality TV series, “World of Hurt,” co r. She’s competed often in ndello “Northern death to arctic. Her work earned her the 2012 Canadian National Wrestling Alliance Rookie of the Year award. She was third runner-up for the same honor in Pro Wrestling Illustrated, making her the first Canadian indie wrestler to be a PWI finalist in that category in 25 years. She’s also held the CNWA ladies title.

Derek Sanders

From San Jose, CA – 6’1”; 220 lbs; 28 years old. Active for 9 years, Sanders has but he’s also toured a wide range of d by Robert Thompson at the All Pro Wrestling school, he’s also trained under Victor 010 CAC Future Leg Oliver John. For the past 5 years, he’s been a top star for olution and has served as a primarily worked the U.S. West Coast, places like Mexico, Canada and Portugal. Originally traine and J.J. Perez Ceron and 2 end Award winner Pro Wrestling Rev trainer at their school. He’s attended camps and seminars hosted by World League Wrestling, WWE, Ohio Valley Wrestling and TNA. He has held the All Pro Wrestling Universal Title three times, and the group’s tag team title twice.

Bobby Sharp

From Sherwood Park, AB, Canada – 5’10”; 217 lbs; 24 years old. Dubbed “The Lion Warrior,” Sharp has been wrestling for a full decade despite his youth. He began training at just 13 as part of Edmonton’s Monster Pro Wrestling “Under is first match just the following year. Lately, he’s had great matches with Adam Pe llo, and he attended a WWE recruitment camp in Fe named Wrestler of the 18 Division,” and had h arce, Gangrel and Menta bruary, 2013. He’s been Year by both the Edmonton Combative Sports Commission and the Canadian National Wrestling Alliance, and Newsmaker of the Year by the Slam! Wrestling website. He’s held the CNWA National Heavyweight Title.

Glenn Ulrich

From Garfield, NJ – 5’8”; 150 lbs; 21 years old. Ulrich’s first introduction to p wrestling was at the age of ten when, amazingly, he began to train with Richie Rotten. Though at first he was unable to compete due to being so young, he was committed to his training that for years he juggled his ring commitments ro tive high school ath an outstanding tenure on the mat. At just 21 and already boasting 11 years of involvement with wrestling, f so with an ac letic career, including he’s supported several New Jersey-area charities as well as serving as owner o his own promotion, the Bodyslam Wrestling Organization. In New Jersey, he’s held the BWO tag title and in Maine, he’s held the NWA On Fire tag title.

Vance Nevada celebrates his 20th year in professional wrestling in 2013 and is one of the most travelled wrestlers of his generation in Canada As a wrestler, author, historian, and promoter, his passion for and contributions to the wrestling industry are plentiful (Thanks also to Brian Westcott for the title information listed in this article)

THE CAC INTERVIEW: 2013 CAC AWARD HONOREE MOLLY

HOLLY ON HER DAYS IN WCW AND WWE

by Eric Chmiel

Some people come from a pro wrestling family and become stars in the business because of it. Others parlay an amateur wrestling background into a career as a pro. Still others just sort of fall into a the pro game to try to make a decent living. But for Nora Benshoof, who CAC members know as Molly Holly (a her other ring pseudonyms), success in the ring came largely from her own sheer will to move up the ladder by seizing upon any opportunity the industry presented to her. In fact, n

Molly Holly

mong

she made the absolute most of the

During the height of the glory days of the Monday night wars that defined the business in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, Benshoof defied the odds and rose to the top of not just one but both of the m

A ith only a minimum of training, she was able to convincing performer between the ropes while b u eaky clean personality and flair for comedy rself to a generation of fans. t

ot only did she seize on those opportunities, m. ajor promotions in North merica. W ecome a sing her squ o endear he

Preparing t

o head to Las Vegas to accept the Cauliflower Nora

Alley Club’s prestigious Women’s Wrestling Award, sat down with Ear editor Eric Chmiel to talk about how she got involved in the business, the many superstars who befriended her along the way, and her time as one of the most beloved female performers in pro wrestling.

The Ear: As a teen growing up in Minnesota, I nderstand you were a power lifter.

Randy Savage and he wasn’t able to talk. I u

Molly Holly: Yes. I grew up in a power lifting family. As a little kid, I used to go support my dad when he would compete. When I got to be around 13 years old, I started weight training, nd I had my first power lifting co a mpetition at town, or I guess in the country in

ar age 14. We lived in the country, and we had a gym in our house. People would pay money to lift weights in the lower level of our home, which had been transformed into a gym. Instead of driving 20 miles into town, they’d st come to our house. Our house was kind of ju the place in our case, for health and fitness.

E : I can tell you I’ve never heard of folks a

Holly running a gym out of their house. Sounds like great way to make a little extra money.

: Yeah, it was.

Ear: When you were yo wrestling, or was it so pay much attention to?

Holly

: When I was aro remember watching th

ung, were you into pro mething you didn’t really

remember being so devastated. I would tell my Ricky Steamboat and had him sign a picture for friends at school, ‘Did you see what happened to Ricky Steamboat? He can’t even talk, his vocal cords are all messed up!’ I was very concerned about him, which was neat because years later my friend Lanny Poffo contacted

me. This was before I was ever was on television or anything. I was really excited, even as an adult, to have gotten that picture. Then, six years later, I met him at WWE when he was working backstage.

Ear: After seeing that angle when you were young, it had to be something when your first ig gig in the business was working in WCW b with Randy Savage.

Holly: I know! Isn’t it weird? As a kid, I really ated Randy Savage because he hurt my h hero! as the one who gave me And years later, he w y big break and believed in me. He really m encouraged me. It’s funny how that works.

Ear: How did you get involved in the business? I ean, actually training for the ring. m

Holly: Well, in 1996 I graduated from high school. I packed up my 1965 Oldsmobile and moved to Tampa, Florida for no other reason than to try a new adventure. I was working at Subway making sandwiches when someone und 10 years old, I e WWF. My brothers would be wrestling in the background in the living room while I would be intently focused on the storylines. I remember when Ricky Steamboat got the bell dropped on his neck by

who was doing a wrestling training camp invited me to try it. He told me, ‘You look athletic, and I only have this one girl. She has no one to wrestle. Would you be interested in doing it?’ I didn’t even know women wrestle remembered certain characters in the WWF, like Sherri Martel and Miss Elizabeth, but I never remembered them actually wrestling. So I was intrigued, and I went to check it out. d! I

Ear: This person who invited you, was it a name that I’d recognize?

Tim Mahoney. He never made it onto television but he was a staple of the local Tampa scene. He was trained by Jim Neidhart.

It wasn’t until Malia got me booked into WCW for a TV taping that I met Dean Ma that I was invited to train at his school

E : There’s another Randy Savage connection nd brother! Is this how your shot in WCW here, because now you’re meeting his father a came about?

Nora training at t

Holly: His wrestling name locally in Tampa was , he WCW Power Plant in Atlanta with Torrie Wilson, circa 1999

Ear: Was Dean Malenko involved in this school?

Holly: No, Dean came later. The school I sta in was in the backyard of a trailer park, with rted ome garden hose for ropes. It was very h kids ho don’t really know what they’re doing? It as, e tling. s makeshift. You know all these ‘Don’t try this at home’ videos you see on YouTube, wit w was pretty much like that. But the beauty w I was exposed to people from all different walks of life. There were a couple teenagers, and a couple of metal heads with their Slayer t-shirts. There was a 6-foot-4 transvestite. There was a police officer. But they all cam together because of a passion for pro wres

Ear: How long before you were actually having matches?

Holly: Maybe six months, I’d say. I started having matches locally in the Tampa area. Then I started to meet other people who had a lot ore experience. One person I met was Malia es. I also met Lanny Poffo, ho was wrestling locally at the time, and lenko, and from . ar m Hosaka. She really took me under her wing and helped me get match w Angelo Poffo. They would always put in the good word for me and they help me get booked.

Holly: Well, Malia Hosaka had a lot of connections and was doing some work for WCW She wanted to work with me, so she asked Terry Taylor, who was booking WCW at the tim if she could bring me in and wrestle me at a taping. I had only had maybe 10 or 15 matc on the indies up to that point. Malia was the one who got my foot in the door. Without her, I may never have gotten into WCW at all. Tha was in late 1997, maybe early 1998. . e, hes t

Ear: You were barely in the business, maybe a year, and already you got such a big break!

Holly: I felt guilty! I knew people on the indies who had worked for 10 years, ready to give anything to get one chance to lose a match on television. I thought, ‘Gosh, how did I get this chance? I’m not even that good!’ It was overwhelming. I wore a one-piece bathing suit, like the women of the 70’s. I didn’t know how to fit in with all these cool people on TV.

Ear: Weren’t your nerves just shattered, being put in that position with so little experience?

Holly: Well, mostly I was very self-conscious ime that about the way I looked. I had been told that the Sables of the world would be taking over the industry, and people like me don’t stand a chance, and why don’t I just quit now. People ho were writers for the show, or had been w in the business, would tell me all the t I was too plain, or I didn’t have long enough legs. But I just wanted to have fun. I figured if I never make it, I appreciated at least that I was having this opportunity to be on TV.

Ear: You may not have had the Sable-type loo but sometimes, when someone with talent comes along who doesn’t look like everyone else in the business, it actually makes k, them tand out more, and it helps them. s

Holly: Sure. One person I always admired was ita. She was not typical of the women in the L business, but the fans went nuts for her. It was so great that she could have such an individual style and still people loved her.

Ear: You yourself were a little like Lita in that you may not have fit the mold of most of the women in the business at that time, but you seemed to connect with the fans anyway. I’d ay everything worked out pretty well for you. s

Holly: Yeah, six months after I first started with WCW, Randy Savage asked me to be in his TV ntourage on Nitro. Before I knew it, I was ir e involved in angles with Hulk Hogan and Ric Fla and Kevin Nash. They asked me to dropkick Sting on TV!

Ear: At that time, Nitro was a huge deal. Here you are going on TV in front of literally millions of people. It must have been almost surreal.

Holly: It all kind of happened fast. It was a lot to absorb, but it was more exciting than it was nerve-racking.

Ear: You were training with Dean Malenko even as you were doing the shots for WCW in Orlando?

Holly: Yeah. Dean watched me and Malia osaka wrestle at the Orlando tapings. He liked his regular lasses, he would work with me and Malia. But ff

H what I was doing, but he thought I needed work. I needed to improve my skills. Dean just felt like, ‘Hey, you guys are from Tampa, and I have a school in Tampa. Why not come and work with me?’ So before he had c then I’d stay for his regular class and wrestle his male students. Dean not only taught me wrestling maneuvers, but also all kinds of stu about the business that you could never know just from watching a video of how to do pro wrestling. He had a lot of insight, having grown up in the business. This was even before I even started with Macho Man.

Ear: How was it that you ultimately got hook up with Savag ed e?

Holly: Randy spoke to Lanny Poffo, who I knew and asked if there were any local girls in Tampa who wrestled and who would be able to teach , is girlfriend at the time, Stephanie (her ring

long great with her. So Randy called me and asked me if I’d be willing to ge!’

s just like on TV! I was freaked out y it. I started training his girlfriend, and after I’d be h name was Gorgeous George-ed.), how to wrestle. Lanny told him about me, and said he thought I’d get a teach her to wrestle. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m getting a phone call from Randy Sava His voice wa b about a month of that, Randy asked me if willing to be in his entourage on TV.

Ear: You started out in WCW as Miss Madness, but eventually you became known as Mona.

Holly: Well, when he asked me if I’d be part o his entourage, I was thinking that his girlfriend looked like a living Barbie doll. I thought, ‘I have to stand next to her on TV?’ I just didn’ fit the bill. But Randy told me not to worry, they’d fix me up and dye my hair blond. We all started brainstorming during a car ride, and

He said, ‘We’ll call you Miss Madness 1999,’ since the year was 1999. They started calling me Mona because it starte

But Macho Man’s girlfriend was very helpful. She gave me the heels and the fake eyelashes and taught me how to walk and act glamorous or whatever.

Nora as “Miss Madness ‘99”, posing with Tea Madness in WCW (l to r, Madusa, Randy Savage, Gorgeous George and Nora)

Ear: You eventually broke off from Savage and wound up as a singles wrestler, working with lot of the women in WCW at that time. a

Randy came up with the beauty queen gimmick. d with an ‘M’, so it orked with Miss Madness. The worst part was t. I had literally only worn igh heels once in my life, at my senior prom. m w that I had to wear high heels on live TV. I was so nervous about i h

Holly: Well, Macho Man was changing direction in his career and wasn’t on TV as much, so I as left without an entourage. So they had me in

me of my friends from the indies to wrestle at w at the Power Plant working out and learning. Jimmy Hart asked me if I’d be willing to bring so their tapings, so I did. So many of those girls helped me to become who I was, so to be able to give back and help them get on television was great.

Ear: When you finished up with WCW, they were starting to have money problems. Did tha play a role in you leaving for the WWF? t

Holly: Yes. I got a call from J.J. Dillon saying they weren’t going to renew me for the second year of my contract. Mostly it was due to financial reasons, and they didn’t have a women’s division anyway. I wasn’t paired up with any of the male wrestlers, so they didn’t really have a use for me. But they told me I could go ahead and look for work immediately somewhere else, there would be no waiting period. Well, what actually happened was, WCW had bought me a plane ticket to fly to Atlanta and work out at the Power Plant. I was fired,

but I still had this plane ticket. So I used it to fly to Monday Night RAW in Atlanta and talk to Ross. It turned out, WCW bought my ticket

as one f the Godfather’s ho’s. Well, I pretended that Jim to go interview with the WWF! That was pretty great. Dean Malenko introduced me to Jim Ross, and he told me they wanted to set me up o wouldn’t bother me in any way. (laughs) Meanwhile, I was really hoping that was not going to be my character on television. (laughs) But he offered me a developmental contract, and sent me to Memphis, Tennessee (WWE’s developmental league was located there-ed.).

Ear: You never ended up as a Godfather ho.

Holly: I escaped it by the skin of my teeth. ear.

ld not Dean Malenko was whispering in Jim Ross’ He said, ‘Well, she could be a Godfather ho, but she’s got this wholesome thing about her.’ I think he really convinced them that it wou be the best thing for me.

The Holly Cousins: Crash, Molly & Bob Ear: In Memphis, they called you Lady Ophelia.

Holly: Yes, but I was really only in Memphis for three months. I wrestled Kat, Stacy Carter. A Cindy, they called her Bobcat. Those were the main girls I was working with. Also Victoria, Lisa Marie (Lisa Marie Veron, aka ‘Tara’ in TNA-ed.), but she was coming in as I was on my way to start on television for the WWF. lso

Ear: You made the big roster in three months? Things really move fast for you!

Holly: Yeah, I guess they did! I remember Dave Hebner walked by me and said to me, ‘Molly Holly!’ I didn’t know what he was talking about.

As “Mighty Molly” with Hurricane Shane Helms : Yo y too. u eventually did a lot with Bob Holl

He smiled and said ‘Molly Holly!’ and then he walked away. I was like, ‘Okay. ’ Then the seamstress came by and asked me for an outf she could sew one of Crash Holly’s symbols on. I said, ‘Crash Holly?’ No one had told me anything. I was like, ‘Okay, I think I must be with Crash Holly now.’ Then Stephanie it cMahon came up and told me I was going to lond hair. You and Crash will be together while st Ear M be a Holly cousin. She said, ‘You’ve got the b Bob Holly is recovering from his injury.’ It ju kind of happened. But I was happy about it, because I was a big fan of Crash Holly, I really liked his style.

Holly: Yeah. When Bob came back from his injury, I was a little nervous because I had heard that Bob was a no-nonsense kind of guy. I was afraid he was going to be at home injured, watching WWE TV, and all the sudden he’d hav this new cousin he had no say-so over creatin and using his last name. I was nervous he’d b upset. But, it turned out he was okay with it.

e g, e

Ear: This was a totally different role than what you’d done in WCW. There was comedy involved, nd you were doing promos. But you never a seemed out of place. No one would’ve ever known you hadn’t been in the business very long. You handled it very professionally and you were good in the ring.

Holly: Thank you very much! Even though I hadn’t been in the business long, I had so many people with so much experience going out their way to help me, and mentor me, and trai me, like William Regal. Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero would watch some of my stuff and give me advice. Fit Finlay too. So many people were so nice and wanted to see me succeed. Lanny Poffo too. They went out of their way to make me the best I could be.

of n even

Ear: What did you think when they hooked you

up with the Hurricane? That was even more comedy-oriented than the Hollys.

Holly: I love doing comedy, so having this y, and the silly catch phrases, it was a lot of ar ridiculous gimmick where I pretended I could fl fun for me. And, I considered Shane Helms a friend of mine, so it just clicked. I wish I had more time with it before they turned me heel. I always enjoyed riding in the Hurri-cycle. Fans would come up to me and tell me they were me for Halloween. That was so amazing! Kids were dressing up as me for Halloween!

E : Can you talk about what it was like having your head shaved?

Holly: What had happened is, at the time, I women’s champion for I’d say seven months so. It was a pretty long stretch for a ladies champion. But I was told by the writing team that they were not going was or to ave a ladies title match at r ’t find have y head shaved if I could just they didn’t

be on Wrestlemania. They said yes. The thing do was follow my storyline, so it was like a two-week lead-up where ne me or Vi h fans cared, but I was excited to do somethi that I thought would be memorable. It was Wrestlemania 20 at Madison Square Garden, s I felt honored to be able to lose, and having m head shaved didn’t bother me. Lanny Poffo ha told me about the time when I think it was Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake had cut his hair, and he started wearing a wig with a chin strap, and he’d act all embarrassed when it came off. So I just kind of copied that idea. It fu

ctoria was positioned strongly as the eel or the babyface. So I didn’t feel like the ng o y d was really n. I was happy to do it. h Wrestlemania. I was devastated! They gave me the honor of being the champ fo all this time, and then I don get to be on Wrestlemania? My feelings were hurt. I was told they only had time for a women’s bikini pillow fight, or whatever. I had worked so hard, and I was so sad. So I thought, ‘Okay, I have to a way to get on this show.’ I came up with this 20-page storyline, with pictures of myself in a bald cap. I told them I’d be willing to m

Ear: It was about early 2005 when you stopped restling full-time. w

I didn’t like being a heel. It was fun when I first got my head shaved and I was doing comedy, but it was emotionally exhausting for m heel. I know some people love that aspect of i but for me, it sucked the life out of me. I also had a health scare, and it made me put things in perspective. I was thinking hey, I’ve accomplished my goals. I’ve been women’s champ, I’ve been hardcore champ, I’ve performed in 13 different countries, and 49 states. I felt I’d done what I wanted t my passion fizzled. Vince said how much he appreciated me, and said, ‘How about you just take some time off?’ He said I’m always welcome back, whether it’s six weeks or six years. And I thought, ‘Well, maybe I will go back in six months.’ But, the longer I was it was confirmed in my heart that my w days were done.

e as a t, o do, and away, restling

Ear: You don’t miss the camaraderie of it?

But when I was walking to the ring, in that packed arena, I felt like I was walking to my mailbox to get the mail. I felt nothing. It was insane! The biggest show of the year wit all these famous people, and I felt nothing. That was it for m If I can’t feel excited about Wrestlemania, then I should not be here. I do feel like my wrestling career was a blessing. It was an amazing experience for me, and I would not trade it for anything. But I do feel closure in that part of my life.

Holly: Okay. I was invited for the 25 year anniversary of Wrestlemania. It was a women’s battle royal. I said yes to coming back for a batt royal because, in my mind, thought, ‘Oh, I won’t have to do anything, I can just hide back le I in ent. Kid Rock is laying the theme music live. h e. the corner.’ (laughs) So it’s Wrestlemania, and all these legendary girls are there, all the excitem p

Ear: What are you doing with yourself th days, now that you’re out of the wrestling business? ese

Holly: Well, I’m married to a wonderful man, Geno Benshoof, who makes me very happy. I work as Program Staff at a place called “Teen Challenge.” It’s a drug and alcohol addiction recovery center. We help teens and also adults. It’s a worldwide organization. I supervise activities, drive women in the program to vents in a 15-passenger van, mentor, help kids ing

e with their homework. I do love what I’m do n

,

Holly: Yes, it was April of 2005. I asked Vince McMahon if I could be let out of my contract There were a lot of things, but to abbreviate it I was just burned out. My body hurt. I was tire

ow. I own a few properties that I rent out as well. It’s a good life.

EXCELLENT SEMINAR SCHEDULE IS SET

By nard Bob Leo

session

This year in Las Vegas, there are five top-notch s on tap in the CAC seminar series, and each one will include time for a Q&A session from the ust show your reunion badge upon entering the seminar room, and you’re in. All seminars alon D, adjacent to the Nostalgia Room, and the s and times are show

floor. J are held in S date n below. There are two new sessions on the schedule since the last issue.

Ron Hutchinson with two of his superstar pupils, Edge and Christian for, the importance of the trainer’s promoter

ve added what is sure be an awesome semi Ron Hutchi mat talent, a 30-year veteran of preparing ng men and women for the rigors of the pro stling ring. His track record is second to none. the man who developed the abilities of such erstar talent as Edge, Christian, Trish Stratus, Kim, Joe E. Legend, Sinn, Johnny Swinger and e, and aimed them down the road to fame. ’s seminar is exclusive to CAC, and marks the time he’s publicly discussed the “inside world” ng training.

ill give you the lowdo w wn on what to expect of away from, the right

a W around for a long time, you’ll come away armed with the tools to evaluate the many training programs that are out there. (Wednesday, April 17 at 1:00 p.m.)

Another great new addition to the roster of seminars is Steve Hooper “Working with the Zebra. ” This isn’t a how-to-referee lesson. It’s a seminar p apply his skills and knowledge to the art of refereeing. And it is an art: the third man should mesh seamlessly with the wrestlers’ work in ring, and enhance the story of the match.

We’ nar with son, “Inside the World of Training. ” Without a doubt, Ron is Canada’s premier trainer of top you wre He’s sup Gail mor Ron first of ri Ron a trainer, what to walk approach to training and the techniques and practices to look contacts, basic vs. dvanced training, the costs of training and much, much more. hether you’re just starting out, you’re self-trained or you’ve been ,

for wrestlers on dealing with the referee from a wrestler’s erspective. Steve was originally trained as a wrestler but elected to

Steve will talk about the true role and function of the ref, the importance of involving him in setting up the match, how he can add to your work and how to work with him instead of around him. All this

and much more from a 15-year veteran referee—and don’t be surprised if another the well-known “zebra” or two join in! (Wednesday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m.)

The remaining three seminars were detailed in the Janu

ary issue of The Ear. Briefly, they are:

Calgary legend Dan Kroffat, ”The Road to Retirement Starts Now. ” The consummate pro Kroffat knows that, so much more than in the old territory days, the road doesn’t go on forever. He’ll tell you how to start preparing now for the end of your wrestling career, and life outside the ring. (Tuesday, April 16 at 9:00 a.m.)

estling Illustrated

Pro Wr editor Dan Murphy, “The Art of Self-Promotion: Stand out from the Pack. ” As a member of the elite wrestling media, Dan knows how to get the word out about

yourself to promoters, commercial media, social media and fans. Hear from a guy who’s seen the best and the worst efforts at this all-important tool. (Tuesday, April 16 at 10:30 a.m.)

Ted Gordienko, with ring Hall of Famers ‘Butcher’ Vachon, Beverly Shade, Tom Andrews and Bruce Swayze, “The Lessons We Learne

d”. Ted will lead this quartet of all-star veterans as they share lessons learned from difficult in-ring situations they’ve encountered over the years. These

folks are sure to share some classic memories in this seminar! (Tuesday, April 16 at 1:00 p.m.)

THE NOSTALGIA ROOM IS A MEETING PLACE, NDISE BUT ALSO A CHANCE TO FIND GREAT MERCHA

The so-called “Nostalgia Room” at the annual CAC reunion is where most of the daily “action” t place. It’s where introductions are made, long-paused friendships are renewed and reminiscences are shared. It’s the nerve center of the event; this room represents the informal gathering place where old pals can share some playful ribbing or where—if you’re a young independent worker—you might meet your next employer. The Nostalgia Room has even hosted a wedding on at least two occasions in the past. And, the annual displays of rare memorabilia and classic photos are always mong the highlights of any r

Still, an often overlooked feature of the CAC’s Las Vegas event is the Nostalgia Room’s impressive array of merchandise dealers, who always offer unusual and darn cool items. If you’re a wrestling fan and you can’t find something you like here, then you’re not looking hard enough! And this ye will be no different. You’ll be able to take a photo with a wrestling superstar, or buy their book. You can find classic wrestling magazines from in the Nostalgia Room last year gone by, or pick up an 8x10 glossy of your childhood hero. There will be t-shirts on sale commemorating the event, and DVDs with the best matches of some of the greatest CAC superstars.

T ’ll find in the Nostalgia Room this year include Hollywood Book and Poster gia items), the Empire Wrestling Federation, Ted Gordienko (with a limited-e a ostal dition his legendary uncle George Gordienko, proceeds go to the CAC), Wrestling Cares (a grea shows for the purpose of donating to charity), Rob Schamberger (a talented h organization that runs painter of wrestling stars), Pat LaPrade (see the article on Pat on the next page), 2012 Humanitarian Award honoree Al Burke, Butcher Vachon (with several awesome self-penned books and other goodies), Bob Brown, Miguel Millan, Charlie Smith/Bobby Simmons (with the commemorative CAC reunion t-shirt, proceeds go to the CAC, see the article on Charlie below), the legendary Jimmy Valiant (buy his book, it’s an incredible read!), Molly Holly (get a picture and an autograph) and the Destroye (with a variety of Destroyer memorabilia, and you should buy his book too, it’s awesome).

he dealers you (with a large

akes eunion. ar Destroyer and Mil Mascaras clown around years rray of n shirt onoring t r

M yourself if you don’t take advantage of the amazing collections of wrestling-related memorabilia.

eet and greet new friends and old in the Nostalgia Room this year. But remember: you’ll be cheating

CHARLIE SMITH: THE CREATOR OF THE CAC’S ANNUAL COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRT

by Morgan Dollar

For the past 7 or 8 years, CAC honoree Charlie Smith has been creating the annual commemorative reunion t-shirt sold in the Nostalgia Room. Please support the CAC by buying one of these shirts this year, as the proceeds go to the club.

Charlie Smith's career in wrestling began in 1959 when he officiated his first match. He went on to referee, especially in Georgia, for more than 20 years. From Bobby Shane to Harley Race to Mr. Wrestling II, Charlie has been the third man in the ring for thousands of bouts featuring a who’s wh of the business. Once, Charlie was refereeing in Harlan, Kentucky for Ron Fuller's promotion. Harley Race was defending the NWA World Title vs. Bob Armstrong. Harley's heat got so intense that a riot broke out. Charlie jumped on the floor and hit one or the rioters square in the nose. The guy o never ven staggered, but just stood there and glared at Charlie. Charlie looked the guy right in the eye and

Everyone w

ho knows Charlie has nothing but good things to say about him. Bobby Simmons, his longtime friend, told me, “Charlie Smith is a real friend. He broke me into the refereeing business. We talk almost every day. Our families eat together. We go to CAC reunions together. My wife has known e said, "Um, the police will take care of you!," and jumped right back into the ring.

Charlie since she was eleven. The thing she remembers about him is he was always nice to people and treated everyone with respect. Charlie is loud and funny and not afraid of anything.”

One of Bobby’s favorite memories concerns the time Rocket Monroe first came to Georgia. Rocket and his “brother” Flash were living in Macon. One Thursday afternoon after a TV taping, Rocket's wife prepared a meal for some of the boys. Charlie entered Rocket's place in his usual loud and gruff manner. Rocket's wife asked who he was. Rocket said it was Charlie Smith, the ref. She in turn replied that if Charlie ever grew into that mouth of his, he’d be dangerous.”

Dean Silverstone has been quoted as saying, “When Charlie first started reffing, the count was only ONE!” Charlie Smith Wrestlers oke in the business. Charlie was on it!

in the early 1970’s and today There’s a photo that hangs at the Gulf Coast Reunion that shows Charlie when he first br so skinny then, his official referee’s shirt only had one stripe

Up until a couple years ago, Charlie had he annual CAC reunion t-shirts. Then along came “Renegade T-Shirts,” and a bidding Charlie and the new upstart as

quick to say, “It’s a rogue company out of Georgia that has been

the market cornered on t war began between company. Charlie made an offer to keep the CAC’s t-shirt business which, according to Karl Lauer, w “financially a better deal for the CAC.” Renegade made a counter-offer, but they were unable to match Charlie’s bid, and Charlie ultimately won the bidding war. When we asked Charlie if he knew anything bout Renegade T-Shirts, Charlie was a a thorn in my side for years. I’ve been trying to run them out of business!”

So everyone please be sure to stop by and see Charlie and Bobby Simmons at the reunion this year to get the annual CAC reunion t-shirt. Don’t wait till the last day! Charlie usually sells out very quickly! Morgan Dollar is the organizer of the annual CAC Banquet and Reunion.

PAT LAPRADE TO SELL HIS GREAT NEW BOOK ON MONTREAL WRESTLING HISTORY

by Eric Chmiel

a Untold Story of How Montreal Shaped the World of Wrestling. The book is quite an achievement, covering over 100 years of pro wrestling in Montreal from the late 1800s to 2012. There are rare photos, new info about some of the all-time greats who came from Montreal, and a new take on s of the famed historical events that have taken place in Montreal and helped shape the entire pr

In February, Bertrand Hébert and Pat Laprade teamed with ECW Press to publish an amazing book bout the great history of pro wrestling in Montreal. It’s titled Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs: The ome o wrestling world. on

Pat will be manning a table in the Nostalgia Room at the reuni

in Vegas this year, selling his outstanding new work. If ever

there was a book you’ll want to pick up at the reunion this year, this is it. You’ll read about the first midget wrestling match, find out the real reason behind the creation of the Vacho

n Brothers’ famed Grand Prix promotion in the 1970’s, learn the history of s and ertrand Hébert through at Laprade: Buy A Book From This Man! email at patric laprade@videotron.ca or bertwre@yahoo.ca, or

women wrestlers in Montreal and enjoy bios of the biggest names ever to compete in the city. With over 100 interview tons of exclusive photos, the authors feel this is the most comprehensive book ever written about an old-time wrestling territory. We highly recommend this book to any wrestling fan.

You can reach both Pat Laprade and B

find them on Facebook or Twitter. Pat’s website, www.quebecwrestling.ca, is an excellent one. If you can’t make it to the reunion this year, then sham

n you! but you can buy this wonderful book through Amazon.com.

at Laprade created the first Quebec Wrestling Hall Of Fame and contributes to SLAM! Wrestling and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. He is a foremost expert on the history of pro wrestling in the Canadian province of Quebec.

FOR THE AMENT FIRST TIME, THE 2013 CRIBBAGE TOURN WILL BE

FOR A VACANT

CHAMPIONSHIP

By Al Friend and Eric Chmiel

None of the eleven previous Destroyer Cribba

ge Tournaments at the kind of drama you’d expect when the best players in the business get together to compete. But this year, the ante is upped even higher because—for the first time—the tourney will take place without a defending champion. Last year’s winner Riki Ataki will not be able to make it to Las Vegas to play. Therefore, he won’t be able to defend coveted title. This leaves the field wide open for 2013, and anything can happen.

reunion have failed to produce the his

Maybe you can be the next CAC Destroyer Cribbage Tournament champion. All you need enter is your ID badge show to ing you’re a CAC r, and the $20 entry fee (all proceeds go he

membe to the CAC). Just see Al “Percival” Friend in t Nostalgia Room on Monday and he’ll get you signed up. It’s that easy.

Expected to be playing in this year’s tournament are previous champions Paul “Butcher” Vachon, Bill White, Dove Bodell, Al Friend and, of cou the Destroyer himself, as well as Jake Roberts last year’s runner-up Tim Pulkrabek and form

Before last year’s tourney final, eventual winner Riki Ataki WWE star Amazing Kong (aka Kharma, aka K fresh deck as Bill White looks on (photo by Eric Chmiel) Stevens). Standard rules will apply to the event. Under NO Circumsta

s

rse, , er ia nces will any games be topped because of bloodshed or finishing holds being applied during a dispute over holes pegged.

On a side note, we here at The Ear have to take our hats off to Riki Ataki. Although he won’t be able to play, he’s still planning to fly into Las Vegas to attend the final day of the reunion, so tha his $20 entry fee as a donation to the CAC and present this year’s winner with the championship plaque. Talk about an old-school gentleman! That’s a real stand-up thing to do o

t he can pay n Riki’s part.

LIVE MONDAY NIGHT WRESTLING RETURNS

TO THE CAC REUNION

By Billy Blade, Karl Lauer and Eric Chmiel

tling will once again present live wrestlin CAC reunion in Las Vegas. And this time, the bouts will be taped for later airing, as well as stream to fans across the world via the internet.

Vendetta Pro Wrestling will join forces with other standout indie leagues All-Pro Wrestling, Gold Rush Pro Wrestling and 2013 CAC honoree Matt Riviera’s Traditional Championship Wrestling promote

g matches as part of the 2013 ed to what will surely be a standout evening of live ring action. There will also be a tribute to

former CAC President Red Bastien, who passed away last year. The night will end with a 20-man royal rumble-style bout, dubbed the “Casino Royale,” with the winner receiving the second

be ready to re-enter the squared circle to defend

After last year’s wrestling card, Rock Riddle shows off his his crown, though the runner-up B. Brian Royale trophy, while runner-up Brian Blair settles for one of his WWE action figures (photo by Scott Romer) was dumped at the very end by the sneaky Riddle

annual Cauliflower Alley Cup. Last year’s Casino Royale champ, CAC stalwart Rock Riddle, is said to Blair (who went the whole way at the last event but )

may well have something to say about that. Besides the best indie talent around, there will also be other well-known ring veterans on the show, just as there was last year.

The card starts at 7pm in the Banquet Room across from the Nostalgia Room. Unlike last year, you don’t have to be a CAC member to get in, and the event is free to anyone. If you know a non-member i the Vegas area, by all means, bring them to the Gold Coast Casino for some high-quality grappling

n .

DR. KEN RAMEY BO B WLING TOURNAMENT JUST GETS BIGGER AND BETTER EVERY YEAR

y Joe Mauriello, Karl Lauer and Eric Chmiel

F ree years, the CAC has enjoyed presenting its newest annual tradit reunion: the (newly dedicated) “Dr. Ken Ramey Bowling Tournam This year, bowling is on the docket again, taking place on Wednesday, April 17th from noon until 3pm. You can sign up in the Nostalgia Room on Monday, Tuesday or early Wedn b organizer, to get your name on the list. Here’s a unique opportunity to roll a few frames with some of your favorite wrestling legends.

or each of the past th ion at the ent.”

esday by showing your reunion ID adge and donating $20 to the club. See Joe Mauriello, the tournament b, if opping 36 entrants, e p honors in both 2011 and 2012, but with

In past years, such luminaries as Ross Hart, Akio Sato and Adam Pearce have bowled. This year, Mauriello has issued a challenge to any and all workers in an effort to involve even more star wrestlers from the clu not as bowlers than as honorary captains of the various teams that compete. Entrants are broken into teams, but it’s the highest scoring individuals who win a plaque. Last year, we had a wh but the tourney promises to be even bigger this year. Illinois-based indi ref Brian Spade took home to such a large field, it’ll be difficult for him to repeat. Amazingly,

Sign up with Joe Mauriello for Ma bowling (pic by Scott Romer) tournament has taken place. Can he move up the ladder and crack the top three this time around? We’ll soon find out in Vegas in April.

IMPORTANT DETAILS REGARDING THE 2013 CAC REUNION

The 2013 Cauliflower Alley Club reunion is set for April 15-17 in Las Vegas. Since they’ve been so gre

uriello himself has taken home fourth place every single year that the at

to r the 2013 event. IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO ATTEND IF YOU ACT NOW! C

us in recent years, and we’ve been so successful there, we’ll be back at the Gold Coast Hotel and asino fo

HOTEL ROOM * : The Go

oom rates as last year, ith rooms available for Book by calling Gold oast’s Central Rese discounted rate, you should ask for Gro

Cut-off date for reservations is March 13, 2013, but der the special rate, so don’t wait to book! If you have a any other means, please advise when you book your

ld Coast has guaranteed the CAC the same outstanding r $36 (standard room) or $46 (premium room) per night. w C rvations at 1-888-402-6278 (toll-free). To receive your special up Reservation ID or Group Code ACACLUB. These rates are good from the day before the reunion begins (Sunday, April 14) to the also make a reservation online at http://www.goldc day after it ends (Thursday, April 18). You may oastcasino.com/groups by using the code above. we’re limited to a certain number of rooms un Players Club card or are eligible for discounts by room that you are with the Cauliflower Alley Club.

*BALONEY BLOWOUT and BANQUET: For tickets Banquet, please cut or photocopy the order form fou it to the CAC (see form for details). You can also pay Paypal. See our website at www.caulifloweralleyclub

to Tuesday’s Baloney Blowout and Wednesday’s nd on the inside cover of this issue and mail or fax for your Blowout and Banquet tickets through .org for details on using Paypal to buy your tickets.

*MERCHANDISE TABLES: If you’re interested in re lgia room, please contact Scott Hosey at shosey@powerp ards.com

nting a table to sell merchandise in the nosta laysportsc .

*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. W making reservations, you MUST use promotion code R318400 in order to guarantee the low CAC ra hen tes.

PASSAGES

By Bob Leonard

This issue, we bid farewell to 29 of the boys who traveled the roads with us and made their mark,

however big or small, on the wrestling business. Detailed obituaries appear on the CAC website, www.caulifloweralleyclub.org, under 2013 Finishes (RIP) on the home page.

Big Bill Dromo (William Dromo)

December 28, 2012, age 75

El Hijo del Andy Barrow

Al Mandell (25-year CAC director)

December 26, 2012

Natural causes

Age 92

Emilio Charles Jr (Francisco Gutierrez)

December 4, 2012

Heart failure, Age 32

George the Animal Jr

December 27, 2012

Kidney failure, Age 56

El Faisan (Gilberto Menses) (Steve Wallace)

December 8, 2012, Age 46

The Amazing Zuma

December 15, 2012

Cancer, Age 52

Ciclon Negro (Manuel Chaij Sr)

December 29, 2012, Age 86

Tito Montez (Edward Montemayor)

January 30, 2013

Complications from Alzheimer’s

Age 78

Count Billy Varga

(Edouardo Ramon 'Lalo' Rodriguez)

February 20, 2013, Age 80

Mod Squad “Spike”

(James Jefferson)

February 8, 2013, Age 52

Danny Williams

January 11, 2013 (TV announcer, Tri-State Wrestling)

Complications from Alzheimer’s

Age 94

Billy the Kid

(John William Guillot)

January 17, 2013

Natural causes, Age 76

February 19, 2013

Heart disease, Age 85

Cy

-5 (Sean C. Stopp)

November 27, 2012, 43

Ted Herbert King Jam

November 19, 2012

Died during heart surgery, Age 65

Also passing away since the last issue of The E

ar:

Vic Kalfus (Victor S. Kalfus, Jr.), February 9, 2013, Age 90 81 // Don Arnold, November January 11, 2013, Age ecember, 2012, Age 5 D Decemb

es (James Carroll Avret, Jr.)

December 14, 2012, Age 57

cancer, Age 66 // Marquis de Paree (Robert Pare), January 16, 201

Country Cuz (Charles Shelby Kidd), December 31, 2012 Macera), December 29, 2012, Age 88 // Re D

// Farmer Johnny Allan (John Allan), 22, 2012, Age 89 // Alan Osborne (referee), 2 // Ian St. John, December 8, 2012, Age 75 // Jason Speed, er 14, 2012, Age 29 // Pepe Cisneros (Marcos Manuel Vasquez Lopez), December 26, 2012, 3, heart disease, 78 // , Age 53 // Luigi Macera (Luigi Mario g Trood, January 2013, Age 69 // “Golden Boy” avid Hastings, December 22, 2012, Age 50 // Richard Trogdon, December 16, 2012, Age 39

Cauliflower Alley Club

A non-profit corporation “The Ring of Friendship”

MEMBERSHIP 2013

An association of past, present and future champions, con celebration of fellowship within the wrestling world Upon receipt of dues, your new membership card

testants and allied personages joining in recognition and & parchment membership certificate will be mailed

U S MEMBERSHIP

CANADA/MEXICO OVERSEAS

One-year membership $25 One-year membership $25 One-year membership $25 (include Tw o-ye -year Membership $35 (includes The Ear) ) (includes The Ear)

Membership $45 es The Ear) (inclu (in

(if any)

Lifetime Membership $300 Lifetime Membership $450 Lifetime Membership $550 (includ des The Ear) cludes The Ear) Name Address City ountry Email Fax

Mail membership application with your ch Cauliflower A 383 Highway Rolla, MO 654

holder s si ature FAX this page to: 1-888-235-7818 s The Ear) ar Membership $50 One (includes The Ear

Or charge membership to Visa, MasterCard, or Discover eck to: (American Express accepted online only): lley Club CC #: exp. date 0 card 0 three digit security code on back of code ___________ cardholder s n 01 USA zip card gn

N write in the name of the individual wh ab

ew members only: Please o referred you to the club; or indicate how you heard out the CAC

W Fame, displayed at our annual reu

hen time allows, please send two photographs of yourself; one for the CAC files and one for the Las Vegas Wall of nion.

w certificate if you check here ; wever, if you do not need an updated certificate, please ho do not check and help us sa p e co Thank you.

We will mail you a ne ve in ostag sts.

lease i if you agree to allo se your name an site from time to time

nitial here w us to u d image in “The Ear” and on the CAC

Members

It’s your responsibility to notify us if your address changes, as the post office does not forward bulk mail.