March 2020 The Ear

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear cherished members,

While we enjoy a unique connection already as members of the Cauliflower Alley Club, as we go to press with this latest edition of the newsletter, we are joined by a global health emergency that has had an unprecedented impact on communities and countries. Not just here in America, where we are seeing Statewide lockdowns, but we are seeing economic impacts that we never would have believed we would experience in our lifetime.

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing how the individual actions of each of us poses to influence history. Social distancing, self-isolation, working from home and increased attention to self-care will have an impact far beyond ourselves - particularly those who are most vulnerable. In a way, it’s a global extension of the very philosophy of our own efforts as the Cauliflower Alley Club.

Individually, our direct participation in the Club, its events and fundraisers serve to contribute to a community beyond ourselves -- men and women who have also walked the same road as we have, but now find themselves needing to reach for that tag. Proud men and women that have the bravery to ask for help to pull them out of financial hardship due to health issues or other obstacles in life that they couldn’t anticipate. Right now is time for our members and their loved ones to stay home and take care of yourselves. We, like you, find ourselves extremely challenged by the COVIS-19 virus and the protocol that has disrupted our lives. Together, we will make the “comeback” of our generation, as together we cannot be beat.

Be safe, see you soon and as always, wishing you all health and happiness my friends!

Sincerely,

B Brian Blair President/CEO

Visit our Website www.caulifloweralleyclub.org

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SERVING OUR MEMBERS

B. Brian Blair

President & CEO

Darlene Kreis

Benevolent Fund Chairperson

Ron Hutchison

Webmaster & Seminar Coordinator

Roy Lucier

Social Media Coordinator

Vance Nevada

Ear Editor

Royal Duncan

Ear Publisher

R. Bruce Tharpe

Attorney & Legal Counsel

Jim Valley & Matt Roblez

CAC Radio Hosts

Rich Ingling

Name Badge Coordinator

James Beard

Hospitality Room Vendor Sales

Barbara Goodish

Reunion Registration Registrar

Stuart Kemp

Cribbage Tournament Coordinator

Joe Mauriello

Bowling Tournament Coordinator

Charlie Smith & Bobby Simmons

T-shirt Sales

Billy Blade

Wrestling Talent Promoter

Cindy Hall

CAC Songstress

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

“Exhaust every other career possibility first.”

That was the advice that was given to me by our President B. Brian Blair just moments before the photo at left was taken at an independent wrestling event in January 1993. I had asked him what advice he would give to someone like me that aspired to a career in the world of professional wrestling. SPOILER ALERT: I didn’t follow his advice.

Instead, I jumped in with both feet just eight weeks later and started training for a ring career. Had I listened closely and heeded his wise words, I might not have this opportunity today to contribute in my own small way to the important mission that this Club carries out in respect and recognition of the efforts of so many men and women that have entertained and inspired us over the decades. Many of them we get the opportunity to thank and appreciate in person at our annual get togethers, but there are so many more out there who have given us memories that will last a lifetime.

I think, for me, one of the most encouraging things that I am seeing is that there is a growing representation at the reunion and who are becoming members of the club who are on the ascent of their careers. Young men and women who truly do appreciate the sacrifices of those who have paved the road and are part of the club not only to show their respect but also to spend some time under the learning tree, recognizing that there is indeed so much to learn.

When I share my experiences with the Cauliflower Alley Club in locker rooms and travelling the roads in Canada, and I think many of you will agree with me -- it is sometimes difficult to narrow down the CAC experience in a manner that can be clearly articulated. Truly, for myself - whose first CAC reunion was in 1999 in Newton, Iowa in conjunction with the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame inductions, each reunion holds so many memories, so many lasting interactions with legends, heroes, peers and devoted fans that the countdown to the next get together begins in the boarding lounge of the McCarran International Airport while waiting to board the flight home.

While I am excited to meet old friends again and make some new ones, I am equally thrilled to learn that we will be joined by a number of emerging talents who will participate in their first ever CAC reunion this Spring. I can only begin to imagine the experiences they will have and the memories they will make as they immerse themselves in a multi-generational wrestling culture for a few days. How will it shape their outlook on the career path they have chosen? Will a connection made in Las Vegas send it on a whole new trajectory? The possibilities give me goose bumps.

With respect,

VANCE NEVADA

Abbotsford,

* As with any project this size, photos are provided with no copyright or unknown photographer. We appreciate and thank the photographers that have taken these photos.

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Lou Thesz/Arts Abrams Award: ROB VAN DAM

Three simple letters, a bigger impact than most realize

Dory Funk Jr., Arn Anderson, Mick Foley are just a small sample of the big names who have been honored with the Lou Thesz/Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s honoree can be identified with three simple letters: R-V-D.

Of course, we’re talking about Rob Van Dam. Throughout his career, Van Dam wrestled a signature style. On the Steve Austin Show podcast, Van Dam recently referred to his style simply as “extreme.” If you go back and look at the intensity of his kicks, leaps and the pace of his matches, the word “extreme” seems fitting.

Van Dam’s list of accomplishments in this industry puts him among the best in wrestling. He has held titles at all levels of the industry, including the ECW World title and the TNA World title. But of all his accomplishments, Van Dam’s historic WWE World title win stands out as something the industry will never see again.

What made Van Dam’s WWE World title win so unique was the circumstances. Van Dam got a chance to work WWE’s top star John Cena at the Hammerstein Ballroom in front of a vocal, pro-ECW crowd. In that match, Van Dam hit his trademark Five-Star Frogsplash on John Cena. Paul Heyman acting as referee made the three-count. And the crowd counted along as an ECW star, in an ECW venue pinned WWE World Champion and poster boy John Cena to claim what is arguably wrestling’s top prize, in spite of the fact that ECW officially closed its doors five years prior.

The accolades don’t stop there. Van Dam has been named Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) Comeback Wrestler of the Year twice (2001, 2010), back-to-back PWI Most Popular

Wrestler of the Year in 2001 and 2002, and the number one ranked wrestler in the world in the 2002 PWI 500.

Van Dam can also claim to have made his WWE TV debut as a teenager. In 1987, a young Van Dam was pulled from the audience by the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase and offered $100 to kiss his foot.

Outside of wrestling, Van Dam has had success as a standup comedian and acted in numerous films and TV shows including The X-Files. He also released a documentary titled Headstrong. On Twitter in February, Van Dam tweeted that he will be launching his own strain of legal cannabis in Denver this year.

He’s even credited with an officially recognized weightlifting technique known as the Van Dam Lift. You may have seen images of Van Dam performing the splits between two benches, while lifting a dumbbell from the floor to his waist. Van Dam’s technique has been approved by the International All-Around Weightlifting Association.

The impact he’s made in wrestling can’t be denied. Van Dam was at the forefront of a wrestling style that was uniquely his own. So, if you’re wondering where many of today’s younger wrestling stars got their inspiration, look no further than three simple letters: R-V-D

Tag Team Award: THE ROAD WARRIORS

Dominance. A single word describes the career of one of the most decorated tag teams of all time and one would be hard-pressed to identify a team that can rival the cumulative success of the fearsome duo of Animal & Hawk - recognized as both the Road Warriors and the Legion of Doom during an incredible 20-year partnership.

“Dining on danger, snacking on death” the Road Warriors on the microphone forecast the outlook for their in-ring foes, added to an already formidable visual and physical presentation that the ringsiders couldn’t help but get behind. The combination of Michael Hegstrand and Joe Laurinaitis, accompanied by manager Paul Ellering proved to be a magic formula, propelling them to main event status from the moment they were first paired together.

In Georgia, the team was awarded the National tag team titles upon arrival and would hold them four times over the next year before leaving for Minnesota where they reigned as AWA World tag team champions for over a year. The NWA World tag team belts would follow in 1988, and by 1991 they became the first team in history to have captured the World tag team titles for all three major U.S. companies by claiming the WWF(E) tag team championships.

But beyond their own successes between the ropes, one

can’t tell the story of tag team wrestling in the 1980’s and 90’s without recognizing the significant influence that the Road Warriors were having in shaping the industry around them. Their use of face paint combined to accentuate an already commanding physical presence inspired peers and promoters alike to try to recreate the magic. Soon, teams like the Powers of Pain were launched - with an eerily uncanny resemblance to Animal and Hawk, right down to their distinctive hairstyles. Vince McMahon followed suit with the creation of Demolition. Dozens of other teams would borrow elements from the winning combination, hoping to translate that into box office success.

The Road Warriors were big business and their popularity with the fans was yielding them big contracts, especially for Jim Crockett’s NWA promotion. That had its own influence on the wrestling landscape as peers envious of their success opted to jump ship with hopes to securing a deal as lucrative as Animal and Hawk had secured.

On May 12, 2003, almost 20 years to the date of their first appearance as a team, Animal and Hawk wrestled their last match together, just five months prior to the tragic passing of Hawk at age 46.

Recognized by Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine as tag team of the year four times between 1983 and 1988, listed by the magazine in 2003 at #1 of the top 100 tag teams of the years it was published (1979-2003), and honored with inductions into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (1996), WWE Hall of Fame (2011), the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (2011), and NWA Hall of Fame (2012), this Spring they will add yet another honor to their impressive legacy as the CAC tag team award recipients.

Cauliflower Alley is about celebrating family members and being part of once-in-a-lifetime magical events. Like Moolah, Mae Young, Ella Waldek, Gladys “Kill’em” Gillem, Mae Weston, Penny Banner, Cora and Debbie Combs all on the same stage together in 1991. Where else could one experience those athletes putting heat aside to celebrate each other?

Being a member and event-attendee of “The Brotherhood of the Biz” is important for many reasons. It can be a chance to see greats who may not attend other functions but unfortunately it can also be amongst the last times a legend appears publicly like Buddy Rogers, Penny, Ida Mae, Tiger Conway Sr, Steve Williams, Miguel Alonso and of course Brickhouse Brown. We just lost 2001 CAC-Honoree Pampero Firpo, a 50’s-80’s star who immigrated to America from Argentina. I was a longtime friend of his after driving him several times from the Olympic Auditorium to/ from LAX back in 1974 and then the following year when I was covering his AWA return all while selling in Detroit a Sheik-fireball burn. It took years of nagging to get him to attend, but Firpo loved his lone CAC (plus his later PWHF 2018 induction). Those were The Wild Bull of the Pampas’ last public appearances and he received standing O’s at both. Bobby Heenan proclaimed his speech as “the loudest CAC acceptance speech ever.”

Firpo did have the pipes! He was an early hardcore icon besides working in nearly every territory including Japan, Honolulu, San Francisco, L.A., WWWF, AWA but most famously battling Sheik, Abby, Bobo, Tiger Jeet Singh and more in Sheik’s Michigan/Ohio office. I spoke at his upbeat San Jose memorial which seemed quiet without his trademarked “Oh Yeah” catchphrase-roar that Randy Savage paid tribute to years later.

We also just lost Rocky Johnson, top honoree at our only Tampa function in 1995. The first Rock was inducted by his then OVW training camp son Duane (now international icon and top movie-earner) “The Rock” Johnson, Nick Bockwinkel and Rocky’s San Francisco World Tag partner Pat Patterson. Others there included Wahoo McDaniel, Dory Funk, the Briscos, Buddy Colt, John “AJPW-Johnny Ace” Laurinaitis, Danny Miller and more.

That may also have been Ata Maivia - Johnson’s first big event because ever since she got the bug, she’s always at everything each year from CAC to every Wrestlemanias and HOF. Rocky’s “Soulman” nickname was coined by L.A. territory boss and 2019 CAC-honoree Jeff Walton (knowing Rocky was a longtime Sam and Dave music fan). His speed and dropkicks alone are still amongst

wrestling’s finest. Hopefully Ata will some day be honored on our stage too for all she’s done for the biz since the 60’s, besides giving us a Rock and her first grandaughter, originally nicknamed “Pebbles.”

Two of our top honorees this year I’ve covered nearly since they started. They’re both tremendous pioneering trend-setters who’ve forever changed wrestling positively. I’d photographed Rey Mysterio Jr’s career since his earliest Tijuana days (prior to AAA initially using a different gimmick) and it’s global news that he’s with us getting honored after everything he’s accomplished around the world and with his utmost professionalism and grace. Like Mil Mascaras, Rey’s mask and gear are ever-changing and few knew he recently and movingly wore a specially-designed mask paying homage to his early 90’s AAA-Penapromotion foes in Los Payasos. If anyone epitomizes “no limits,” it’s this beloved GOAT(Greatest of all Time) who WWE fans still can’t get enough of. We can’t wait to see what his son Dominick does once Rey fully breaks him in! In past years, CAC has honored other international lucha legends like Mascaras and nephew Hijo de Sicodelico plus Blue Demon Jr. This year it will be a most deserving 619 tiempo (time).

Celebrating empowered, strong women has to start with our board honoring dominating Joshi-athlete Madusa/ Alundra with our Iron Mike Award and celebrating wrestling females overall who still are defining, improving and ruling the industry. PWI Magazine’s 1988 Rookie of the Year is most deserving of our top honor after her earliest 1984 training with CAC-honoree Eddie Sharkey after her time helping care for others as a nurse after a rough childhood but excelling in school track and gymnastics. She was the first female gaijin (foreigner) to live and train at a

women’s dojo but few know she also recorded her own CD plus acted in her own music videos for the prestigious All Japan Women promotion after learning fluent Japanese. Then signing her three-year-contract there, something that had never been done in wrestling before. Her match with longtime rival Bull Nakano was later one of the headline matches at the Tokyo Dome Marinpiad/Big Egg Wrestling Universe show where all of Japan’s women’s companies sent their top stars to work this card that grossed ~$4 million from ticket sales and attended by either 32,560 or over 42,000 fans depending on the source.

In Madusa’s 2015 WWE HOF acceptance speech, she saluted AJW booker Rossi Ogawa along with magazine editor/writer/WWE broadcaster Fumi Saito (and CAC-attendee). During her WCW stint, she spent time at the Power Plant training centre and helped to develop Nora ”Molly Holly” Greenwald, Torrie Wilson, Stacy Keibler and more.

I first photographed her World Title match with another CAC-honoree in Sherri Martel at CAC-honoree Verne Gagne’s 1987 Superclash-II. Madusa would soon pin CAC honoree Candi Devine for the AWA Women’s World Title on 12/27/87 which was her third world title well before she’d conquer WCW and WWF.

Making history in All Japan Women’s ultimate work-rate-

promotion, Madusa beat legend Chigusa Nagoya(‘96 CAC honoree)for the IWA Title in 1989 and soon began diligently training in AJW’s dojo besides learning kickboxing and Muay Thai. Few know she also had to sing, record albums and star in her own music videos while also appearing on Japanese talk and game shows. All while keeping their amazing house-show schedule at the time beyond training each day.

She described to me what it was like starting out at AJW shows often competing in shoot-boxing (i.e. major potatoes) undercard matches and in particular, one of the times her nose was smashed into her orbital socket with significant broken facial bones. And never complaining about the excrutiating pain which quickly garnered her respect to where she was elevated, soon breaking out as one of Japan’s premiere athletes.

CAC attendee Shotzi Blackhart’s been impressive in WWE’s outstanding NXT brand with her fast-paced athletic style. I shot her earliest matches from her initial West Coast training years ago-on and like Madusa, she’s always been about finessing her craft working everywhere from APW to the all-women’s leagues, Impact and now WWE(where she’s ecstatic). Shotzi also cohosted a longtime San Francisco tv-network Saturday night horror movie show, never ceasing to plug upcoming wrestling dates whether she was on the cards or not.

Back to a just-because-reason to attend CAC, the late acting giant Kirk Douglas was a pal of CAC-founder Mike Mazurki and 1992 Iron Mike honoree Woody Strode. Douglas attended some of our earliest L.A. lunches plus a Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Awards Night. I once asked him about his longtime friendship with Strode (also a wrestling and acting legend). Kirk said “my friend Woody accomplished much in his lifetime. He was a UCLA football star and decathlete, fantastic pro wrestler, then became one of director John Ford’s movie family members in four different Ford pictures. We stayed close after Spartacus(1960) and Woody was also chums with John Wayne, Tony Curtis and your Mike Mazurki. Woody really was a true pioneer for Black actors in film and television, always lifting up others along with himself.”

See everyone in Vegas where we don’t want it to stay just there, but continue on everywhere from within our hearts.

DR. MIKE LANO

Alameda, California

Historian and retired dentist Dr Mike’s been a wrestling magazine photographer/writer since the 60’s also covering boxing, MMA and rock and comedy concerts besides his tv/film newspaper column and national radio show work.

Remembering the Territories

Wrestlers and fans of today were not directly exposed to the period of wrestling in North America fondly remembered by long time fans as “the territories”. A lot has changed in the sport of wrestling since the era of regional fiefdoms, an era that produced some of wrestling’s most heralded stars and was responsible for full time employment for more travelling wrestlers than any other period in the sport’s history. This series focuses on the schedule, the talent, and the lifestyles of wrestlers during that period. This issue, we remember the Canadian Maritimes.

Upon meeting J.J. Dillon at my first CAC in 2017, he summed up the Maritime territory best as, “the greatest territory that most don’t realize existed”.

While many would recognize Emile Dupre’s Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling (AGPW) as the main promotion in the territory, from 1969-1977 it was Al Zinck and Rudy Kay’s International Wrestling that ran the biggest towns.

The regular loop for International during its peak years would be New Glasgow on Saturday, North Sydney on Sunday, Moncton on Monday, Halifax on Tuesday, TV taping Wednesday morning in Halifax before driving 4 hours to Saint John for the show that night, Fredericton on Thursday, then finish with either Bridgewater or a rare day off Friday. This would give you 23 hours of driving a week and over 2200 kilometers (almost 1400 miles) on the road. The AGPW loop was more sporadic and harder to lock down in smaller towns like Cocagne, Shediac, Berwick, and Glace Bay, but the distances would have been similar.

Many talents returned year after year to enjoy the cooler summers along the coast. The road schedule was also steady -- 6 to 7 days a week from mid-May until as late as mid-October. This was especially true for the Cormier brothers from Dorchester, New Brunswick. Noted by many as the top talent to come from the Maritimes, Yvon (The Beast), Jean-Louis (Rudy Kay), Leonce (Leo Burke) and Romeo (Bobby Kay) would carry the torch of wrestling here for close to 40 years until the early 90s.

Leo would contend for the NWA World Title against Jack Brisco in ‘75 and Terry Funk in ’76, falling just short of winning the gold to the delight of thousands of fans in attendance. Leo would also face the returning Rick Martel who would defend his AWA World Title in Halifax in 1984.

Memorable feuds would include Leo Burke and Bobby Kay battling Freddie Sweetan and Mike “The Judge” Dubois, the bloodbath Chain Matches between The Beast and Killer Karl Krupp, Taped Fist matches with Leo taking on Frenchy Martin or Nature Boy Dillon and the year’s long war with Leo and “Rotten” Ron Starr.

Other notable names who spent significant time here in the 60s were Emile Dupre, Pat Patterson, Bull Curry and Rocky Johnson. The 70s brought the terror of “The Stom-

The Cormiers were ring royalty in the Maritimes The Beast, Leo Burke, Rudy Kay & Bobby Kay

per” Archie Gouldie, “Bulldog” Bob Brown, The Cuban Assassin, and Sweet Daddy Siki. The 80s would see Stephen Petitpas, “Hustler” Rip Rogers, “No Class” Bobby Bass and Hercules Ayala Cortez become household names like many before them.

With the opportunity to work almost every day, names like Andre The Giant, Randy Savage, Roddy Piper and Terry Gordy also worked here early in their careers to gain valuable ring time and hone their craft.

The heyday of Maritime wrestling came to an end 30 years ago this year. Despite this, if you bring up any of these names in conversation it brings back fond memories of what many consider the greatest era of wrestling.

ROB SEALEY

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Rob is an avid wrestling fan, historian and soon-to-be author of a book on the legacy of wrestling in the Maritimes.

Pro Wrestling Unplugged Returns in 2020

While the focus of our annual get together in Las Vegas is to honor the men and women who have paved the road for the present generation, one of the most popular attractions each year is the showcase of present and emerging talent that takes place on both Sunday and Monday nights. Bringing together a mix of past and present influences, the matches held on site help to bridge the generational gap between our members and provide a preview of what may be ahead for the sport.

The presentation of the matches is facilitated by Billy Blade (Billy Traughber) of Santa Maria, California. The 18year veteran of the industry as both a wrestler and promoter has contributed significantly to both his interest and resources to present crowd-pleasing cards year after year for more than a decade that he has been at the helm of this reunion feature.

“I was involved with running the shows when the reunion was held at the Riviera. When the CAC moved to the Gold Coast, live wrestling wasn’t part of line-up, so I stepped up to ensure that a live event would run in conjunction with the reunion every year as an ancillary event.”

Blade, who promotes under the banner of Pro Wrestling Unplugged, as well as a dedicated promotion for wrestling’s “mighty midgets” called Micro Mania, identifies that there are distinct differences to the cards held at the CAC reunion vs. other events on his schedule.

“These shows are unique because of all the different eras that are represented. We’ve often got three generations of talent sharing the ring at the same time – all to honor this amazing business. You never know who you will be in the ring with or what legend may be watching and see something in you so that they want to connect and share advice with you.”

Though the events amount to two evenings on the CAC itinerary, Blade reports that the process to prepare for the

events is actually taking place year round, beginning as soon as he returns home from Las Vegas. The biggest challenge, he shares, is trying to include everyone that inquires about participating on the events and being part of this memorable showcase. Working with established promoters and trying to keep tabs on everyone that reaches out throughout the year help to keep the events as a free attraction for the reunion, which he sees as a significant success. For his part, he tries to insist that only wrestlers who are members in good standing of the CAC have access to participate on the events and is an active advocate for the club throughout the year as booking inquiries come in.

“I believe that the CAC is an important organization to be a part of”, says Blade. “Especially when you consider how much the club gives back to the men and women that have sacrificed for our industry. I’m honored to be part of the CAC and to contribute a small piece to the reunion puzzle each year.”

The action in the ring takes place as Casino Royale 2020 will be held on Sunday, September 20th and Monday, September 21st. But Blade is also excited to present (and participate in the Larry Sweeney, Jackie Fargo Texarkana Open Invitational tag team strut off at the Red Zone on site at the Gold Coast after the live events have wrapped up.

We’ll see you at the matches!

James C. Melby Historian Award GREG OLIVER

On a 1986 broadcast of Pro Wrestling Plus, during a segment called Fan Forum, host Ed Whalen “the voice of Stampede Wrestlng” spoke of a devout 15-year-old wrestling fan named Greg Oliver. Whalen responded to a letter that Oliver mailed in: “I’m delighted to hear again from young Greg Oliver of The Canadian Wrestling Report, a publication the youngster puts out from Kitchener. Greg, just keep in there punching. I think your material is lucid, it’s clear; I think it’s good stuff. And I can see big things for you in the future. It is not inconceivable you could move into the wrestling field – I mean that most sincerely.”

Whalen’s prescience was remarkable. Not only did Greg Oliver “move into the wrestling field,” but he has authored seven books on pro wrestling. His latest, The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame: The Storytellers co-authored with frequent collaborator and Virginia-based writer Steve Johnson, was released last year. He has also written six books on hockey, self-published two children’s books, and lives in Toronto with his wife and son.

One of the most prolific and respected journalists to cover the unique world of professional wrestling, Oliver has written thousands of articles for his long-running SLAM! Wrestling website, which was among the first sites dedicated to the sport. Oliver is honoured to be recognized by his peers in receiving the James C. Melby Historian Award in Las Vegas this year at the reunion of the Cauliflower Alley Club.

“Jim was a friend and always there to help,” says Oliver. “The Cauliflower Alley Club is the closest thing pro wrestling has to an alumni association, and each year’s reunion is a mix of laughter, memories and sadness, as friends leave this Earth.”

The first CAC event he attended was in 1998 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. “George Napolitano strong-armed me into buying a ticket,” Oliver says with a laugh. “In 2001,

my wife and I went to Las Vegas, got married – and had wrestler Paul Diamond crash the wedding, as it was just before the CAC started that year. That was the first of innumerable memories from the CAC.

“I have been privileged to be a co-host of the Baloney Blowouts, be a presenter, I’ve created the banquet program, and my SLAM! Wrestling crew provides the bios.”

Every year, Oliver promotes the CAC reunion and its award recipients through numerous interviews and features on SLAM! Wrestling. “People read the stories and see the photos and want to be a part of it.”

As the producer and assignment editor of SLAM! Wrestling, Oliver is quick to credit his many writers and thanks Michael Holmes of ECW Press, along with Ed Whalen.

“The point is that no historian, no writer, lives and works in a bubble. We rely on the work of others to accomplish our goals,” says Oliver. “Jim Melby was always supportive and encouraging, and being honoured with this award, for me, is only a result of the work of so many others.”

MARSHALL WARD

Waterloo, Ontario

Marshall Ward is a Canadian artist, freelance writer, newspaper columnist and contributing writer for SLAM! Wrestling. He has worked in the field of education for the past 20 years and is a recipient of Wilfred Laurier University’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

James Beard is coordinating vendor tables for the 2020 reunion and can be reached at jbreferee1751@yahoo.com

Vendor table applications are available online via the CAC website at www.caulifloweralleyclub.org

Vendor table prices are $100 for one full table, or two vendor’s can split a table for $70 each.

All vendors must be a CAC member in good standing at the time of the event and have purchased a ticket for the reunion. Payments can be made with a credit card by calling 425 644 2658 (open 7 days a week, noon to 5 pm Pacific time) or by mailing a personal check to: CAC; 4138 187th Avenue SE; Issaquah, WA. 98027

The Hospitality Room will be open at 8 am on Monday for dealer set-up.

Monday Sept 21st, 9 am to 3 pm

Tuesday Sept 22nd, 9 am to 3 pm Wednesday Sept 23rd 9 am to 3 pm

Trainer’s Award DOMINIC DENUCCI

When he first stepped through the ropes in his debut match in Montreal as a fresh face at age 25, Dominic Denucci could not have predicted the lasting legacy of his body of work in professional wrestling. His track record as a performer speaks for itself. From 1958 until 1985 Denucci wrestled in every Canadian territory, had stays in Detroit, Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago and Florida as well as multiple tours of Japan and Australia. Fans may be most familiar with his fifteen-year run with the WWE (then WWWF) where he held the World tag team titles on three occasions with different partners.

In fact, Denucci was still occasionally lacing his boots until 2012 when he appeared in his final match at age 80 – a tag team encounter – right around the same time that he was rightfully inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. His accolades all well-deserved for his own time spent under the glaring ring lights, does not even begin to measure his impact on the wrestling world as a trainer for another generation of stars.

While his own road schedule was winding down in the mid80’s, Denucci turned his attention to training and mentoring talent that aspired to the same success that he had seen and opened a wrestling school in Pittsburgh. Though Dominic alludes to dozens of would-be superstars that trained at his camp, two of the graduates of his camp would go on to great success, including a combined eight world heavyweight titles between them.

Though it has been more than 30 years since Denucci was a regular in the squared circle, the exploits of his protegees Mick Foley and Shane Douglas have continued to entertain two more generations of wrestling fans even to the present day.

His pride in the success of his prize pupils is still evident in the interviews that Denucci gives today when talking about his time spent in the squared circle. He readily applauds the efforts of a young Foley, juggling College while attending lessons, often sleeping in his car in order to accommodate the unforgiving schedule that ultimately would lead to three WWE World championships and a TNA World title later in his career. In fact, there is only one circumstance where Dominic unapologetically has harsh words for the former Mankind.

In a 2014 interview with Hannibal TV, he had this to say about a now infamous June 28, 1998 Hell in a Cell match with the Undertaker which saw Foley take some extreme risks with his own health and well-being: “To fall 20 feet off the freakin’ cage, you have to be a nut! He was a nut to do that, but now he’s paying for it.”

Denucci identifies that Shane Douglas, who would become a four-time ECW World champion, was already an innovator in the wrestling camp. “He would say: what would happen if I do it this way? And I would say: I didn’t say to do it this way. You do it the way I’m telling you.” Perhaps it was foreshadowing for an authority-challenging career to come which has defined Douglas’ legacy.

This Spring, we recognize the great Dominic Denucci with the CAC Trainer’s Award.

Rising Star Award (Male): BRIAN PILLMAN JR.

Being a star is a dream almost all young professional wrestlers share. But only a handful of them have the accolades to back up their dream so early in their career. Brian Pillman Jr. is being honored with the Rising Star Award, and as 2019’s Pro Wrestling Illustrated Rookie of the Year, Pillman’s momentum is strong in 2020.

“Follow my journey. Be prepared for a very historic story about a young guy coming up in the business. I’ve got some very big shoes to fill,” Pillman says.

This unique blend of confidence and humility has helped Pillman make a solid impact and the right connections early in his career. Does he consider himself a rising star?

“It was overwhelming at first. Nothing’s set in stone,” Pillman says. He knows that if he wants to continue rising, he has to put in the work – even if he is the son of ‘90s wrestling star Flyin’ Brian. “The business doesn’t owe me anything,” Pillman adds.

So, he is putting in the work. He trained at the Lance Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary, Alberta –the same city where his late father trained and broke into wrestling. Already, Pillman has wrestled for well-known wrestling companies like Combat Zone Wrestling, Major League Wrestling, International Wrestling Cartel and All Elite Wrestling.

“This is how my father was trained. I want to make sure I’m doing what he would want me to do,” Pillman says. Lance Storm recently shut down his training school when he was offered a job with WWE as a producer. Pillman was lucky to experience firsthand the depth of knowledge Storm offered.

Speaking about his trainer, Pillman says, “Wrestling is a 24-7 job. That was one of the most impactful things Lance said.” For Pillman, this means constantly promoting his next match, and making sure fans, promoters and industry influencers are hearing his name. That’s just the work that takes place outside the ring. When it’s time to perform, Pillman wants fans to stay with him throughout his whole performance. That comes from perfecting the full package,

“I want to make sure I kill it in the ring and on the mic –both physically and aesthetically,”he says.That’s not an easy task, and it means having to appear larger than life while also being authentic.” Wrestling’s past is filled with people who have inspired the young Pillman.

“I try to be myself, but I also draw inspiration from the wrestlers I look up to, those who came before me.” Pillman appreciates the legitimacy of previous generations and wants to keep that style alive. “I do believe in keeping the realism in the sport. And I do believe in getting lost in your performance,” Pillman says.

His goal is to constantly improve. And when it comes to filling those big shoes he mentionedearlier, Pillman knows cementing a legacy as a star doesn’t happen all at once. “I’m going to be on that quest for a long time.”

DYLAN ROBSON

Regina, Saskatchewan

Dylan, an active wrestler in Canada since 2000, holds a degree in political science and has worked on the Creative Writing team for a federal financial institution since 2010.

Men’s Wrestling Award RICKY SANTANA

The 2020 Cauliflower Alley Men’s Wrestling Award recipient Ricky Santana has wrestled his way around the world with stops in Japan, Mexico, South Africa and Germany as well as many of the territories in the US.

Ricky began his training at The Malenko wrestling school in Florida and has come full circle, now himself a trainer at that school. Santana related several of the lessons that were related to him by Boris Malenko.

“I learned the wrestling basics that I still use to this day at the Malenko school, where I apply them as a trainer. When you walk into a locker room you introduce yourself to everyone. 40 years later I still do this. Boris Malenko always said, ‘Act like a professional, not only in the ring but outside of the ring. Don’t let your ego get the best of you. You need to check it at the door because this business is a work and a form of making a good living so the better you are, the more money you can make. Practice and study and learn your craft.’ That is the wisdom that I pass on to the current students.”

His career included stops in many territories including Florida, Portland, San Antonio, Charlotte and Los Angeles. Ricky commented on his travels,

“Florida, Portland and Charlotte were my favorites. South Africa was always fascinating to me. Germany was different. But I always enjoyed Japan the most. The fans appreciate a good match and you could get beat every night as long as you give them 110%, they will still cheer for you. Puerto Rico was a different beast all together. A great territory, always on the beach, short trips and great fans and beautiful women.

Another aspect of Santana’s career saw him working as a road agent for both WCW and WWE. He speaks to that

experience. “I did have a little bit of booking experience because I had booked the Puerto Rico territory and was assistant booker in Portland. I first became a producer in WCW and I was in charge of the cruiserweights. Granted I had some great talent in the business at my disposal like Rey Mysterio, Shane Helms, Juventud Guerrera, Chavo Guerrero Jr, Kid Romeo, Shannon Moore, Jimmy Yang and the lists goes on and on.

“We were having the highest rated segments every week. I utilized the ability of these great athletes and threw in a little bit of psychology and story lines to make it interesting and it was a winning combination.

“I went on to become a producer and agent for WWE, working with some of the top talent. As a producer I learned a lot from Vince McMahon, everything from storyline, to the Gorilla position, to production and house shows to live TV and how a mega giant company like that is run. It never ceases to amaze me the way this business has progressed. I am glad that I had the opportunity to work for WWE and learned on a large scale.”

Through Santana’s travels he was often paired with Dave Sierra as a team in different territories. Santana talks about their friendship, “I met Dave Sierra in 1987 in the Florida territory. I worked with him on TV and we formed a bond from the very first time we tied up. We’ve been up and down the road together and we’ve been overseas together. We have celebrated the birth of our kids and grandkids and we have had to bury our loved ones. We have been through the good and hard times. In the end I love him like a brother.”

On receiving the Men’s Wrestling honors, Ricky said, “Receiving the 2020 Cauliflower Alley men’s wrestling award gives me a great deal of satisfaction. To be recognized by my peers and the wrestling universe that my 40 years in this business will be remembered. I gave my best each and every time I stepped into a ring. I take pride in what I do and I have tried to give back to the business that has given me so much. It also taught me that it is not forever. It’s an honor to be recognized. It means to me that I made an impact on somebody’s life for those 10 or 15 minutes. I do accept with great honor and respect for the Cauliflower Alley Club, its members and its fans. Thank you for remembering Ricky Santana.”

MIKE RODGERS

Troutdale, Oregon

Mike published the Ring Around the Northwest monthly newsletter for more than 20 years, spotlighting the Portland region. Mike’s efforts as a ring historian were recognized as the James C. Melby honoree in 2019.

Women’s Wrestling Award

JAZZ

At WrestleMania 18, Jazz was put into the unenviable position of having to follow the once-in-a-lifetime dream matchup between Hulk Hogan and The Rock that drew a standing ovation from the 68,000 fans packing the Toronto Skydome. Her WWF women’s title match (a three-way against Trish Stratus and Lita) was slotted in the death position: after Hogan/Rock and before the main event of Triple-H vs. Chris Jericho.

But – as a testament to her work ethic, determination, and pure talent – Jazz put on a masterful clinic in wrestling, successfully defending her championship in a fast-paced and entertaining battle. As she has done throughout her 20plus year career, Jazz stepped into the ring and delivered.

The recipient of the 2020 Women’s Wrestling Award, Jazz said she is humbled by the recognition from the Cauliflower Alley Club.

“It’s such an honor,” she said in an interview with The Ear. “I’ve been blessed for over 20 years to be a part of such a wonderful business. To have this business to even think or consider me being worthy enough to receive this honor is a big achievement. I’m so honored to be amongst of some of the greatest to ever put on a pair of boots.”

Jazz found her way into wrestling when a knee injury put a premature end to her collegiate basketball career. Inspired by Jacqueline Moore, who was competing in the WWF at the time, she signed up for The Junkyard Dog’s wrestling school in Lafayette, Louisiana, training under the JYD and Rod Price.

In 1999, she began getting bookings in Extreme Championship Wrestling. Although ECW didn’t have a women’s division and was more known for its catfights than serious women’s matches, she was protected and presented as a serious and capable female wrestler. She had a long-running feud with Jason Knight, regularly beating Knight in inter-gender matches.

After ECW folded due to bankruptcy, the WWF signed her to a developmental contract. She made her main roster debut at the 2001 Survivor Series and won the women’s title three months later. She had two WWF women’s title reigns before leaving the company in 2004.

Though she took time off to start a family, she has remained active on the independent circuit in the subsequent years. She reigned as NWA women’s champion from September 2016 until April 2019, and participated in All Elite Wrestling’s “All Out” battle royal in August 2019.

“I’ve never seen a girl who had it right from the start like Jazz did,” said veteran referee James Beard, who refereed some of Jazz’s earliest matches. “She looked like she had been working for years right away. She was the best girl I’ve ever been in the ring with.”

Jazz said she has been thrilled to see how women’s wrestling has changed since she started in the business.

“When I broke in, there weren’t many women out there,” she said. “I had to wrestle men most of the time. The upside was that it gave me more opportunities and made people recognize my talent. Right now, the movement for women’s wrestling is undeniable at its highest, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

When asked about her legacy in wrestling, Jazz said she hopes to be remembered as someone who did things the right way.

“I allowed my talent to speak for me and never allowed anyone to disrespect me in any form,” she said. “I paid my dues in so many ways. When you doing things right, and respect the business, the business can only give the same in return.”

(This piece contains excerpts from the book Sisterhood of the Squared Circle: The History and Rise of Women’s Wrestling)

DAN MURPHY

Buffalo, New York

Best known for his 22-year tenure writing for Pro Wrestling Illustrated, Dan is Senior Editor-in-Chief of Online World of Wrestling and Diva-Dirt.com. His writing work include "Sisterhood of the Squared Circle: The History and Rise of Women's Wrestling" with Pat Laprade* and "Bodyslams in Buffalo: The History of Pro Wrestling in Western New York"

Red Bastien Friendship Award HERB SIMMONS

In wrestling circles, the 45-year tenure of Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling stands as one of the longestrunning independent wrestling organizations running. The circuit’s longevity can be attributed to one individual who is the heart of not only the promotion, but also of the communities where their unique brand of wrestling appears.

Growing up in the St. Louis area, Herb was hooked as a fan of the game by the larger than life characters appearing on his television screen on “Wrestling at the Chase”. Lou Thesz, Bob Ellis, Dick the Bruiser and Bob Orton Sr. all played a hand in creating a fan for life. As he grew, he befriended promoters Sam Muchnick and Larry Matysik and came to appreciate their roles in establishing wrestling’s strong reputation in that region.

When he began to promote cards himself, he did so with the intention to carry on the legacy established by the wrestling that he had seen in his youth. In fact, he seems to take great pride in being one of the few remaining “hold outs” to a bygone era of wrestling such as he grew up with at the St. Louis Wrestling Club.

In partnership with countless community organizations, emergency response agencies and charities, Simmons and his wrestling program have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for community causes. He points to fundraising efforts for the Swansea, Illinois firefighters

which yielded approximately $40,000 over a six year period, $25,000 raised for the village of Millstadt during a five year relationship and those are just a few examples of the philanthropic contributions back to the counties in his territory over the past four decades of service.

Away from the ring, Herb’s passion for the community is best reflected in his selfless service. He has served as the Mayor for the village of East Carondelet, Illinois for more than 30 years and has served on numerous boards and committees including work as the Director for the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency.

Even in public service, he finds that his association with wrestling has been an incredible catalyst for relationship building. “Wrestling has afforded me the opportunity to connect with people over a common interest. Everyone seems to know about my passion for the business and like to talk about the good old days of wrestling.

On the secret to his longevity, Simmons offers: “I’ve told many people that operating in a business like ours is like baking a cake. It takes top quality ingredients - great workers, great fans, great location and a great support group. I’ve been blessed to work with those ingredients all these years -- and the support of my wife and children that have allowed me to follow my passion all these years.”

Being named the 2020 Honoree of the Red Bastien Friendship Award is just the latest honor for Herb, who was awarded the Missouri Wrestling Revival Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012 and inducted into the Independent St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2018. However, this one holds great significance to Simmons.

“This award is special to me in a few ways,” says Herb. “One - Red Bastien was always one of my favorites. Two - being acknowledged for friendship because without friends wone doesn’t have much. Third - I’ve made so many friends in wrestling and through the CAC that it’s unbelievable.”

CAC Life Member Stuart Kemp

Not only is Stuart Kemp a CAC Life Member, but so is his wife Cathy Kemp and they have both been very supportive and appreciated since joining in 2014. In fact, when Al Friend passed away in 2018 and Bill White became ill, Stuart took over handling the annual Destroyer Cribbage Tournament at the Las Vegas reunion. So, if you’re planning to compete for the title (won last year by Kurt Beyer) you’ll need to contact Stuart at this April’s 55th reunion.

Stuart’s career in professional wrestling has encompassed every possible job there is to do in the industry - starting with publicity writing, ring announcing, refereeing, managerial work, wrestling, booking and that list is just scratches the surface of his contributions to the sport.

Growing up watching All Star Wrestling out of Vancouver, BC and Calgary, Alberta’s Stampede Wrestling, there wasn’t a talent he didn’t work with in either organization as well as while working with Sandy Barr in Portland, Oregon.

Some members may remember Stuart’s monthly column in Wrestling World magazine back in the late 80’s and early 90’s. His efforts to elevate the visibility of wrestling in Canada and the Pacific Northwest eventually led him to the ring himself to train for the ring himself. Introduced to the game by “Gorgeous” Michelle Starr in a ring that was set up in the promoter’s back yard, Kemp not only trained in it, but also tore it down and hauled it to the next town where we would re-assemble it numerous times.

While he made some early appearances as a manager under the name “Handsome” Johnny Flash, it was the late Oly Olson of Everett, Washington who was responsible

for the ring name by which Stuart is best known by in the Northwest. Identifying that his stature and appearance reminded him of Canadian veteran “Bulldog” Bob Brown, Kemp wrestled under the name “Bulldog” Bob Brown Jr. in British Columbia, Washington and Oregon in the 1990’s.

In 2018, while attending the CAC reunion, Stuart fell suddenly seriously ill. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was stabilized, but he insisted to return to the Gold Coast where he competed later that night at the Red Zone in the increasingly popular Strut Off contest with Papa Stro. Initially believed to be a case of food poisoning, he would soon learn that his situation was far more serious.

Upon returning home to Vancouver, Washington, he learned that he had experienced a stroke and soon suffered another attack which landed him in hospital for five weeks and required that he learn how to walk again. As a result, he experienced issues with his balance and vision. Fellow CAC members and friends Yves Leroux visited from Montreal, Quebec to help him in recovery and Christi Fox helped his wife prepare their home for Stuart as he was no longer able to navigate stairs.

Stuart (and Cathy) are grateful for the support that was provided through the CAC benevolent fund and thanks everyone from the wrestling community that contributed to his GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical expenses and lost income during his hospitalization and recovery.

Photos: LEFT - The late Adam Firestorm and Bulldog Bob Brown Junior on the road in Lytton, BC (1998) Credit: Michelle Starr. ABOVE - The Maestro (Rob Kellum) and Stuart Kemp at the 2016 CAC Reunion.

Even with an extended delay for this year’s reunion from Spring until Fall, it still feels like it will only be weeks until we are together again. There are still vendor tables available for the memorabilia room, and if you want to take part, you’ll see the contact information for James Beard on Page 10 of this issue to reserve your spot. This element of the reunion has become a great place to share one of a kind merchandise, is often the first meeting place for friends seeing each other for the first time in years and is always full of energy. Be sure to get your table before they are sold out.

2011 CAC Future Legend (Rising Star) Honoree, Kyle Sebastian catches up with Terry Funk in the memorabilia room at a recent reunion.

Another important deadline to keep in mind is the advertising deadline for the CAC Banquet program. This is a tremendous opportunity to reach out to the wrestling industry represented at the event and ensure your visibility to promoters, wrestlers and diehard supporters of our industry. Work is already underway, including magnificent cover artwork composed by CAC member Dave Boyce from the Maritimes and biographies penned by the team at Slam Wrestling! Keep any eye out for the submission deadlines, which will be published in the summer issue.

I look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s reunion and until then, keep your shoulders off the mat.

DEAN SILVERSTONE

Issaquah, Washington

Dean began his wrestling career in 1958, publishing and selling programs at arenas in the Northwest. In 1962, he began refereeing, 1965 promoting. In addition to authoring wrestling memoir “I Ain’t No Pig Farmer”, Dean has been one of the longest serving members of the CAC Board of Directors.

ARE YOU A LIFETIME MEMBER?

If you believe in the mission of the Cauliflower Alley Club, we encourage you to join the growing number of members who have become Lifetime Members. For a one-time fee, enjoy the benefits of CAC membership including exclusive member rates on club events, complimentary copies of the Ear and more. Check out this partial list of life members, including the newest additions to this exclusive list.

B. Brian Blair Pat Patterson

Blue Meanie

Adam Copeland

Art Crews

Barry Darsow

Len Denton

J.J. Dillon

Mick Foley

Dan Gable

Adam Pearce

Beth Phoenix

Bruce Prichard

Jim Ross

Cheryl Rusa

Tony Schiavone

Beverly Shade

Eddie Sharkey

Honky Tonk Man Fidel Sierra

Ata Johnson

Billy Silverman

Frankie Kazarian Sgt. Slaughter

Alex Knight

Gene Lebell

Madusa

Mike McGuirk

Ric McCord

Shawn Michaels

Hugh Morrus

Dan Spivey

Michelle Starr

Billy Two Rivers

Butcher Vachon

Tony Vellano

Bill White

Lord Zoltan

Dallas Page . . . and you?

PLAYING IT BY EAR

The Story of the CAC Radio podcast

BRADLEY CRAIG

Aberdeen, Scotland

British wrestling historian and founder of the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame for Scotland. He is also the co-author of “Through the Shattered Glass”, the autobiography of Jeanie Clarke.

Providing an outlet for education, opinion, and entertainment, the advent of podcasts has become an influential part of the 21st century’s cultural fabric. As the official podcast of the Cauliflower Alley Club, CAC Radio has captured many different perspectives from the professional wrestling community, a tradition that is set to continue into the new decade.

Launched on October 17th 2011, CAC Radio was initially anchored by David Buckler and Morgan Dollar. Over the span of six years, the duo would present 57 episodes. Buckler remembers the origins of the show,

“I had been doing radio for Online World of Wrestling and Diva Dirt the previous two years, so I had some experience hosting a show. CAC board member Jason Deadrich and I worked together on those websites, and he thought I would be a good host for the CAC program. Morgan was a natural fit as the co-host because [as then-CAC Executive Board Member] he knew a lot about the club and he is a great storyteller.”

The inaugural episode featured an in-depth interview with JJ Dillon, on his varied career in the industry. In the years since that first transmission, CAC Radio has welcomed a diverse array of guests. From revered ring legends to up-andcoming stars, other vital talent such as announcers, referees and managers, promoters, historians and even championship beltmakers have shared their individual experiences on the show. The output embodies the ethos of the Cauliflower Alley Club, and recognises the united efforts that binds our unique art form.

Mr. Niebla (Efren Tiburicio Marquez), Age 46, Dec 23

Andrea Hart, Age 52, Dec 27

Izzy Slapowitz (Jeff Smith), Age 71, Dec 28

Charlie Cook, Jan 5

Jon Ian, Age 48, Jan 6

Pampero Firpo (Juan Kachmanian), Age 89, Jan 9

La Parka (Alfonso Huerta Escoboza), Age 56, Jan 11

Donny Langdon

Kendo Nagasaki (Kazuo Sakurada), Age 71, Jan 11

Vaquero de Texas Jr (Jose B. Zavala), Age 23, Jan 14

Rocky Johnson (Wayde Bowles), Age 75, Jan 15

Bobby Kay (Romeo Cormier), Age 70, Jan 17

Steve Gillespie, Age 56, Jan 18

Hercules Ayala (Ruben Cruz), Age 72, Jan 22

Dicky Swales, Age 90, Jan 23

Crusher Doogan (John Mair), Jan 23

Starting with the November 24th 2017 edition, the partnership of Jim Valley and Matthew Roblez have served as the hosting pair for CAC Radio.

A familiar voice to Wrestling Observer Live and PW Torch listeners, Jim Valley has been broadcasting since 1988. His experience includes work as a disc jockey, news anchor and he was a regular on talk radio. A childhood fan of the Pacific Northwest territory, Jim launched the Portland WrestleCast in November 2018. He also co-hosts retro review show Wayback Playback with Pat McNeill. Last April, Valley served as the lead commentator for the joshi promotion Stardom, in its United States pay-per-view debut. His body of work often focuses on revisiting history and presenting it in a relevant way to a modern audience, and Jim has frequently moderated seminars for the CAC Learning Series.

Affectionately dubbed ‘MK’, Matthew Roblez initially operated as a ring crew member for American Xtreme Wrestling before working his way up into roles as an announcer and manager for a number of promotions. He was a co-owner of the Destiny Wrestling Organisation, which ran shows across Albuquerque, New Mexico. In addition, Matthew has worked in a variety of roles in the delivery of live broadcasting, and eventually became a spotter for ESPN. Roblez brings a lot of energy to CAC Radio, as well as insight from his various roles within the wrestling business.

The production team understands the inclusive value that CAC Radio provides, as they usher in a new era. Offering so much more than annual reunion information, CAC Radio continues to realise its intended potential as a key resource that celebrates contributions from every level of the wrestling fraternity.

Friends, wrestlers, colleagues, lend them your ears. Whether cauliflowered or not.

Justice Pain (Chris Wilson), Age 42, Jan 24

Carlos Rocha, Age 93, Jan 27

Donny Langdon, Jan 30

Gerardo M.L. Mendiola, Age 33, Feb 2

Joey Scarlo, Age 87, Feb 14

Nick Steel, Feb 15

Rip Oliver (Rick Oliver), Age 67, Mar 5

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