SERVINGOURMEMBERS
EXECUTIVE BOARD
B. Brian Blair
Rich Ingling
Darla Staggs
Vance Nevada
David Lawson
Royal Duncan
ADVISORY BOARD
Ricky Santana
Mark Charles III
Herb Simmons
Bob Cook
Joe Dombrowski
R Bruce Tharpe
INTHISISSUE
ON THE COVER:
We need to encourage younger members.
IoftenfindmyselfwonderingaboutthefutureoftheCauliflowerAlleyClub. Wearelosingagenerationoflegendsatanastoundingrateeachyear,our membership is aging, and we don’t seem to see the replacement of those members as quickly with the next generation oftalent. Whowillstepup to the plate? What does the CAC look like ten years from now?
I attended my first CAC reunion in 1999.At that time, at 23 years old and with two of my peers from Canada, we were the youngest attendees in the room, by a wide margin.Though we were warmly welcomed, and the experiencewasunforgettable,whenwereturnedhometosharetheexperience, we couldn’t really compel others to get involved.
In2002,LesThatcherproposedtheintroduction of the seminar seriesas a means to attract career-focused wrestlers on the ascent of theircareers to attend the reunions. Those sessions still continue to this day, but each year we see fewer and fewer rising talents in the room to hear them. We introducedthe FutureLegend/RisingStar award,andforatimetheaward included training at Harley Race’s camp in Missouri. That inspired interest. The addition of wrestling shows associated with the reunion would attractmoreactivewrestlers--butwedidn’talwaysseethemstickaround and plug in to everything happening at the reunion.
I’ve now been a lifetime member of the club for 17 years - more than half of my in-ring career. I have been an active writer for the newsletter for most of that time and editor for the past six years, sat on committees, volunteered for the Board, and it isencouraging to seesomefreshfaces and new blood on the Board, but we need to do more.
Forallofuswhoseethevalueinwhattheclubrepresents,each ofuscan become a recruiter to introduce one new member to the club each year. Chancesare,whenwegettheminthedoorthefirsttime,theyaregoingto keep coming back.Thelongevity of the Club requires that we are thinking aboutsuccession.Whowilltakethetorchhighandchargeforwardtocarry out the mission in years to come?
Sohere’smychallengetoyou:Whoareyoubringingtothe2026Reunion, our60th,thathasneverbeenbefore?I’llseyouthereandwecanhelpour newbie get connected by first introducing them to each other.
Yours in wrestling,
Vance Nevada
Vance Nevada Ear Editor Canadian Director, CAC Executive Board
Want to be part of the team?
Writers, photographers, artists, designers wanted. We are always looking for contributors. Contact Editor, Vance Nevada at vancenevada@hotmail.com
MickFoleysnagsanewtitle
HardcorelegendisnowCACGoodwillAmbassador
MickFoleyreadily admitsthathecould easily have been among the wrestlers who at the end of their careers face insurmountable health challenges without the financial means to addresstheir needs. This is why he has given so willingly of himself to support the CAC over, raising more than $25,000 to support the ongoing work of the club, and his efforts continue daily.
Recently, the Executive Board announced that Mick has been bestowed a new title as the Cauliflower Alley Club Goodwill Ambassador. This is his latest honor for the club, recognized with the “Iron” Mike Mazurki lifetime achievementawardandaspecialhonor forhisphilanthropyatthe2025reunion.
The spirit of Mick’s generosity will now carry forward as the CAC philanthropy award will now bear his name and be awarded to the members who, through their own efforts outside of scheduled CAC events support the cause through fund raising efforts and/or their own financial contributions.
Dear CAC Members,
I consider myself blessed to have enjoyed the career that I have inside the ring and to have made so many wonderful friends along the way. It is still very rewarding to be out on the road almost every week to fan conventions, autograph signings and other industry events whereIgettonotonlycatchupwith old friends, but also meet in person with fans who share with me their very vivid recollections of matches andeventsthatdatebackdecades.
WhenIhavetheseconversations,it remindsmehow impactful ourwork as professional wrestlers has been on the lives of so many. And often as I reflect on those moments, it brings to focus just how important theworkoftheCACis.Togiveback to the men and women that have created this enduring relationship for fans with our sport in ways that are most meaningful -- and often in their moments of greatest need.
It is difficult to learn when one of your heroes is struggling. Whether due to health, financial distress, or through an act of God like a natural disaster. These proud athletes that have filled arenas, brought joy and left a lasting imprint on fans, and helped their fellow wrestlers, through their own blood and
B. Brian Blair
sweat to feed their families. And now, when they need our help -- I am pleased to be part of an organization that can reach out in those times of need.
It’s a mission that we have carried outformorethansixdecades,andI am pleased to say that through the dedicated support of our members and with visible ambassadors and contributors like Mick Foley, the club and our work has never been more visible.
Though the club welcomes our membership for our annual reunion only once per year, the work of the CAC continues daily. The members of our Executive and Advisory Boards are working to prepare for the upcoming reunion, but also to serve the needs of those members inneed.Sometimeswesharethose stories here on the pages of The Ear, but often, at the request of the member, those stories are never
shared.
Before we know it, the 60th Anniversary will be here and we are very excited to share with you soon the line up of honorees, the slate of seminars, and the innovations of ourvolunteerstocreatememorable experiencesateachoftheactivities and venue spaces in the Plaza Hotel thisAugust.
I hope that you are marking your calendarandplanningtojoinusthis August because a Club is only as strong as its active members, and we look forward to seeing you all again in Las Vegas.
Keep buzzing,
B.
Brian
Blair
President and CEO
WhyHe’stheMouthoftheSouth JimmyHarttoperformhisgreatesthitsatthe60th
There are few faces in professional wrestling more universally recognized than “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart. From his antics at ringside that punctuated the international boom of professional wrestling in the 1980’s, to his colorful attire and ever-present microphone,JimmyHartmaywellbeone ofthereasonsthatyoubecameafanof the sport.
In recent years, Jimmy’s irrepressible energyhas beena constant at the CAC reunions as a co-host for the evening banquets,butthisyear, he plans tokick it up a notch with a reunion first. On Monday night, August 24, Jimmy Hart will be appearing in concert!
Many may know that prior to his career in professional wrestling, Jimmy was a successful musician, most famously performing with The Gentrys -- a seven member group of friends who had all attended high school in Memphis, Tennessee. From 1963 to 1972 they released three albums, with perhaps their greatest hit being 1965’s “Keep on Dancing”.
Jimmy’s talents as a musician were also put into play during his wrestling career as he was involved with the creation(andoftenperforming)ofentrance
music for WWE Superstars. He may be best remembered for “Sexy Boy”, the Shawn Michaels theme but there were countless others. And of course, who can forget Jimmy’s participation in the WWE’s“WrestlingAlbum”andfollowup “Piledriver”. In the mix of that, Jimmy also released his own solo album “Outrageous Conduct” in1986.
In Las Vegas, Jimmy is scheduled to perform a selection of his greatest alltime hits, and rumor has it that he may
be joined on stage with some of his wrestling co-collaborators. This one, an added attraction to the reunion lineup similar to the Mick Foley roast, will be an added attraction with a separate participation fee and we expect that it will sell out quickly, so keep your eyes on the ON SALE dates for this one as it is sure to be an experience that you’ll never forget.
BenevolenceinAction
TheCAChasbeenhelpingmembersfordecades
In recent years, members may have noted that we have devoted more space in the newsletter to speak about the work of the CauliflowerAlley Club’s benevolent fund -- the aid that we provide to wrestlers in need. We do this to illustrate the continued efforts to carry outtheclub’smissionandtoidentifythe purpose for fund raising events such as out annual reunion in Las Vegas.
And though we have been more visible in these efforts in recent years, these actions are not new. When wrestlers have asked that their setbacks not be shared, we have honored their wishes. Butovertime,therearethosewhohave written a letter to the club to express their gratitude and share the impact the Club’s support had on their situation. One such letter appeared in The Ear in August 2001 from the late John Sutton, best known to wrestling fans as Oliver Humperdink.
Transported to the hospital to replace an aortic valve, he found himself in the critical care unit. The CAC contributed to offset his medical expenses and received this kind letter in return.
“DearCAC,
Thank you so much for your concern during my recent health problems. Actually, I just got out of the hospital after anotheroperationonmyfemoralartery,
and what is called a “pseudo aneurysm”, soIhope Igeta littlebreak from medical problems for a while. I would indeed like to thank the entire CAC for thesupportandcheckthatwassentmy way.
I have been involved in the business in one way or another since I was about 17 years old (I’m 52 now) and have
always known and respected the fact that a lot of the time all we had were each other. I had the great fortune of having the likes of Dick Beyer, Ray Stevens, Pat Patterson, Nick Bockwinkel, Bobby Heenan, Red Bastien, Pampero Firpo (who saved my life once), and all the other great talent that was in Verne Gagne’s territory in the late 60s and early 70s as friends and mentors.What theytaughtmewas a respect for the business and each other that has been lost along the way.
I still love the biz, but it lacks the caring aspect that was there when I first started. I am so proud to be part of an organization that still promotes those values that I grew up with. From the verybottom ofmynowrepairedheart,I thank each and every one of the members of the CAC for their outstanding support in my time of need. THANK YOU!!!!! God willing, I’ll be able to be withmy“oldheroes”and“yettobemet” heroes in Las Vegas this February.
Mybestto all, SirOliverHumperdink
SPOTLIGHTINGOUTSTANDINGCONTRIBUTORSINCACHISTORY
RED BASTIEN
Born in Bottineau, North Dakota, Rolland “Red” Bastien broke into the game on the touring carnivals throughout the Midwest, as a 185-pound teenager, he would battle with local tough guys, learning the sport the hard way. Eventually, he would make his way to Minneapolis where he trained under Joe Pazandak and Einar Olsen before debuting under promoter Tony Stecher in 1949. Over a 31-year in-ring career, Red appeared in more than 3,100 matches. He saw some of his greatest success in Texas, California, Oregon as well as internationally in Japan and Australia, but may be best known for his tenures as World tag team champion for both the WWE (three times in 1960), and theAWA in 1971-72.
Hissharpmind for the gamealsosaw himserveinbooking roles over the years,bothwhile hewasstillactive and followinghis retirement from the ring. Following his retirement from active competition he became a promoter and booking agent, coordinating the international bookings for a number of wrestlers and became a west coast agent for the WWE during their national expansion in the 1980’s. He also spent time mentoring emerging talent, including future world champions Sting and the Ultimate Warrior.
In 2001, Bastien succeeded Lou Thesz as the President of the Cauliflower Alley Club. In his role he announced his intention to grow the international presence of the club and to see the club’s membership showparity inthe number of members based in the U.S. with those from other countries. To accomplish this goal, Red was very active in attending wrestling reunions and gatherings around the globe, particularly in England.
Fondly remembered by those who hadthe pleasure to knowhim by his hearty laugh and willingness to welcome new friends to the table, the CauliflowerAlley Club has forever recognized Red with the Red Bastien Friendship award, celebrating the member who best demonstrates the qualities that best remind us of our former President.
Red was succeeded by Nick Bockwinkel as the club President in 2007 when his health began to deteriorate. Bastien passed away in 2012 at age 81.
Red Bastien is enshrined for his accomplishments during his careerwithaLifetimeAchievementawardin2006,aninductioninto the Lou Thesz/George Tragos Hall of Fame in Waterloo, Iowa in 2007, and a posthumous induction into the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame, formerly of Wichita, Texas, in 2018.
Thankyou Redfor yourcontributions andcommitment to professional wrestling and the CauliflowerAlley Club.
GetYourPrograms!
Alookbackatanearlyextinctpromotionalitem
It is rare to attend a live wrestling show these days and have the opportunity to buyaprogramattheeventwhichspells out what’s in store for you that evening. Perhaps in the age of technology with video readily accessible and smart phones now allowing us to draw from contentonwebsitesandsocialmediaat will, promoters no longer see the value in print literature. But for many among our membership, we still remember the significanceoftheeventprogram--and many of us may still have stacks of them stashed away to help bring back the moments and memories from the times that we spent at ringside, rooting for our favorites.
Inwrestling’s golden era,theevent programwasnotjustanadditionalrevenue stream to sell advertising and supplement business at the ticket window, the event program was an important tool to help the fanbase get emotionally invested in the wrestlers and matches that were being presented. In some cities,promoterswouldevenmailthe programs for the coming week’s event out to local fans in advance to help them get excited about the upcoming card.
While newspaper coverage for professional wrestling was very active at that time in most cities, the event program createdanadditionalleveloflegitimacy. Havingsomethinginprintthatyoucould hold in your hands gave a fan added confidence to speak to what was being presented before their very eyes. Not only did it help to draw them in to the significance of the main event match, it helpedthemtoimmediately understand the events that led to this showdown if theyhadmissedamatch,orwereafirst timer that needed to be immediately broughtuptospeedonwhatwastranspiring before their very eyes.
But the event programserveda greater purpose. It allowed promoters to introduce incoming talent and help fans know a little of their back story (even if that was often fictional), they could share news of the wrestling world beyond their territory if a local wrestler was achieving success elsewhere, but the print program was also a piece of
enduring marketing material that every customerwouldtakehomewiththemto spur the word of mouth ticket sales for the following event.
With the card for that night’s event printedintheprogram,fanscouldfollow alongwiththeaction,oftenmakingtheir ownnotestokeep trackofwhowonthe matchesfortheir own records,sinceoften it seemed that there were no official recordskeptbypromoters--asidefrom the total gate receipts, ofcourse.
For many fans today, their sole exposure to this important piece of wrestling lore is through online sales by collectors and vendors online, sometimes offering complete series’ of weekly event programsfromasinglecityorvenuefor years. Even decades later, these gems of wrestling history that offer a glimpse into a point in time are treasured items.
And those of us who hold those collections, how often have you flipped one open and marveled at how many wrestlersappearing in the earlydaysoftheir careers in your local territory went on to become some of the biggest stars in the sport. It’s really something to reflect upon to realize how good those men and women were and we had the chance to intersect with them before their careers took off.
And of course, we can’t dismiss how much more valuable those programs havebecometouswhenwewerelucky enough to get them signed by one or more of the wrestlers appearing on the card that day.
Who else misses the era of wrestling programs? What territories or cities wouldyouliketofindmorematerialon?
You may be in luck as often some of these classic programs, posters and magazines are available through vendors at the annual reunion who book tables in the hospitality room. If you’re a vendor and would like to share your wares with diehard wrestling fans you can find the table rate information and the reunion contact on page 16.
“TheCount”MarkCharlesIII AdvisoryBoardCo-Chair/Membership
A Pittsburgh-based independent professional wrestling referee, The Count Mark Charles III is defined by a lifelong passionforthesport,adeeprespectfor wrestling tradition, and an unwavering commitmenttogivingbacktotheindustry that shaped him.
Growing up as an ’80s kid in Niagara Falls, New York, Mark was raised on professional wrestling, watching the WWF’s classic broadcasts from Madison Square Garden in New York City and Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. A lifelong Hulkamaniac since the age of ten, he absorbed wrestling not only as spectacle, but as storytelling—drawn to the personalities, the drama, and the craftsmanship that defined the era.
Whilemanyfansfocusedonthestarsin the ring, Mark found himself fascinated by the officials. He gravitated toward referees who carried wisdom, contrast, and bow-tied authority—men who grounded the chaos and gave structure to the action. Officials such as Dick Woehrle, Dick Kroll, Jack Lotz, Gilberto Roman, Jack Kruger, Kevin Jeffries, Billy Silverman, Jimmy Korderas, Joey Marella,DaveHebnerandhistwin,The
Evil Dave Hebner, left a lasting impression. Even as a fan, Mark was studying positioning,cadence, and presence, often watching the referees more closely than the wrestlers themselves.
In 2019, his relationship with wrestling evolved from spectator to participant when he met Pittsburgh-based 30-year wrestling veteran Todd Taylor. Through Taylor, Mark discovered the independent wrestling scene, attending shows in Johnstown and Altoona, Pennsylvania. Before long, he knew he didn’t want to remain on the fan side of the guardrail. Becoming a referee felt like a natural extension of the way he had always watched wrestling—observant, respectful, and detail-driven. Stepping into the role allowed him to honor the officials he admired while contributing meaningfully tothe product in the ring.
Mark’s involvement in wrestling deepened further in 2022 when he befriended Virgil, best known as the former bodyguard to Ted DiBiase, The Million Dollar Man. Mark began traveling with Virgil to autograph signings, forging friendshipswithmanyofthelegendshe had grown up watching on television. Throughtheseexperiences,hebecame increasingly aware of the challenges faced by wrestling veterans and felt compelled to do more to support them.
Through mutual friend Pamela Morrison, Mark was introduced to Darla Staggs,BenevolentDirectorandSecretary of the CauliflowerAlley Club. Darla stood alongside Mark during Virgil’s passing and throughout the fund raiser
Coordinator
Mark coordinated to assist Virgil’s family.Theveryfirstcontributioncamefrom the Cauliflower Alley Club, inspired by President andCEO, B.BrianBlair.That moment proved pivotal. Mark realized thathisgreatestimpactwouldcomenot just from officiating matches, but from dedicating himself to helping the men and women who built the industry he loved.
In 2024, Mark formally joined the Cauliflower Alley Club. Shortly thereafter, he was voted onto the CAC Advisory Board, where he now serves as Membership Coordinator, and Vice-Chair of the Advisory Board. In these roles, he works tirelessly to support CAC’s missionofhonoringwrestling’spast,assisting those in need, and preserving the stories of the sport’s pioneers.
Mark is also a familiar presence at wrestling conventions and fan festivals acrossthecountry,including SICWFan Fest in St. Louis, Squared Circle Expo in Indianapolis, and GrappleCon in Tampa. Most recently, he attended the 85th birthday celebration for Abdullah the Butcher in Atlanta, where he was honored with the prestigious Abdullah theButcherHelpingHandAwardinrecognitionofhiscompassion,service,and dedication to the wrestling community.
Whether enforcing the rules inside the ring or advocating for wrestling’s legends behind the scenes, The Count Mark Charles III represents the best of professional wrestling’s past and present—an official, a friend at heart, and a tirelessstewardoftheindustry’slegacy.
Whowillbehonoredin2026?
12categoriesrecognizingmembersofdistinction
For decades, the CauliflowerAlley Club has honored wrestlers, referees, trainers, promoters, boxers, actors and friends of professional wrestling that have been ambassadors or solid contributors to our craft. But it is important to remember that these awardsreflectthemembership.Whodoyou think shouldcross thestageas part ofour milestone 60th reunion? We’d like to hear from you.
“Iron” Mike Mazurki LifetimeAchievementAward
Lou Thesz/ArtAbramsAward
Ron HutchisonTrainer’sAward
Charlie Smith RefereeAward
Jim RossAnnouncer’sAward
Red Bastien FriendshipAward
James C. Melby HistorianAward
Mick Foley PhilanthropyAward
Lucha LibreAward
Independent WrestlerAward
Independent PromoterAward
Rising StarAward ReelAward
CourageAward
InternationalAward
Men’s WrestlingAward
Women’s WrestlingAward
TagTeamAward
FamilyAward
PosthumousAward
The President’sAward
Not each of our award categories is represented on the bill each year, as we do want to allow enough time for each of our honorees to be suitably celebrated, and while we have honored dozens of wrestlers to date, we want to ensure that we aren’t missing any deserving member.
If you would like to submit a name for consideration for any of the recognized award categories,reachouttoanymemberoftheExecutiveBoardtoensurethatthepotential honoree’snameispart of the discussion. We will start to announce2026’shonoreesin the next issue ofThe Ear.
“Iron” Mike Mazurki
“Lou Thesz
“Ron Hutchison
ACACTipoftheHat
The Cauliflower Alley Club is grateful for the support that we receive from the wrestlers and promoters who are still active in the industry. This spring, the efforts of the club will be supported by wrestlingorganizationsinboththeUnited States and Canada.
Prospect Pro Wrestling (2PW) has announced that proceeds from their event scheduled for the Elements Venue in Irwin, Pennsylvania will be donated to support the club. The promotion, which has been operating events since 2018, announced the following via social media in relation to their upcoming event:
“High stakes, big fights, and a cause that supports the legends and lifeblood of professional wrestling! The Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC) is a non-profit organization that’s been supporting the professional wrestling community since the1960’swhichhasgrownintoacherished institution that honors the legacy of our industry and gives back to those who made it great.
Eachyear, theCAChostsreunionsand presents various awards that generate money to provide financial assistance to wrestlers and industry members facing hardships — from medical expenses to everyday needs — and we want to help give back to those that helped shape our industry into what it is today
- so our May show will be a full benefit to the CAC!”
We would like to thank the promoters andthewrestlersinvolvedwiththe2PW eventfortheirsupportoftheCauliflower Alley Club and we hope that you’ll join us in Las Vegas this year for the reunion.
The club has also received a pledge of support from north of the 49th parallel as Primetime Wrestling has announced that partial proceeds from their multi-agency community fund raiser on March 6 in Wetaskiwin, Alberta will be committed to the CAC.
Promoter and new CAC life member, Davy Greenlees was more than pleased to make the announcement.
“We see the Cauliflower Alley Club as an organization that shares our values. They exist to serve. That’s a model that we have adopted in our company as well, using wrestling as a vehicle to supportnumerouscommunitynon-profits and organizations that do so much for the communities we appear, but are always struggling for funding. We are pleasedto partner withtheCAC andinclude them in our ongoing fund raising efforts in 2026.”
In only three years, Primetime Wrestlinghascontributedmorethan$48,000 to local non-profit and charitable organizations in northern British Columbia, and they have been recognized as top community contributors by the City of Prince George Chamber of Com-
merce among a short list of finalists as one of the City’s most philanthropic companies of the year in 2025. A rare honor for any wrestling company.
The March 6 event is slated to include 2011CACFutureLegendhonoreeKyle Sebastian, 2014 CAC Men’s Wrestling HonoreeShortSleeveSampson,CAC Member and 2025 reunion attendee Battle Wasp, and one of the club’s newest members -- and youngest referee in Canadian pro wrestling history at age 14 -- Oscar Henry
GET INVOLVED
If there are other member promoters and wrestlers that would like to partner with the CAC in support of the club’s benevolent fund, we encourage you to reach out to any member of the Executive Board with your proposal.
SupportoftheCACBenevolent Fundis a sincere thank you to the legends of professional wrestling that have paved the roads that we now get to travel and every contribution helps us to meet the on-going needs of so many individuals experiencing a personal setback or health emergency who are in need of a “hot tag”. Will you reach out for it?
CourageandSelflessness
“Nature Boy” Paul Lee is no stranger to wrestling fans in the southeast - and whether you’ve booed him or cheered him,hehasbeencaptivatingaudiences for 44 years. However, recently events in his own family caused him to take action that threatened his livelihood between the ropes, and he didn’t hesitate to do what needed to be done.
Paul’s son, Peyton Lee has been featured on the pages of The Ear for his 2023 book “Imaginary Ivan”. Peyton suffers from a condition called Bardet Beidyl syndrome which has a debilitating impact on kidney functions and vision. In 2022, when his kidneys shut down, he completely lost his sight.
Recognizing that Peyton would need a new kidney, the Lees sought to put him on the transplant list. They learned that thewaittimeforadonorkidneywasestimated to be eight years and unfortunately Paul was not a match. However, the doctors told the Lees that the time line for a donor kidney could be accelerated if Paul participated in a ‘kidney swap’ program. Paul would donate his kidney to a recipient in need, and a another donor would provide a matching kidney that could help his son.
But there were risks. Doctors warned that it was possible that after the pro-
cedure that Paul may not be able to return to the ring. His choice was clear, though. Give up the ring and save his son.
The surgery took longer than expected. The extraction of Paul’s kidney took longer when it was discovered that he had thick scar tissue in his lower back, a common side effect of a four decade wrestling career, but the extraction was a success and Paul donated a kidney toa strangersothatthesamekindness couldbe afforded to his son.
The Lees were unable to attend the CAC reunion last year as Peyton had a boutwithsepsisbuthasreboundedand is thriving now.
Intransplantprocedures, it is atradition that recipients will name their transplanted organ. Keeping with this custom, Peyton is proud of “Kidney Omega”, his new kidney, named in honor of anAEW favorite of his.
And there has been a bonus light at the end of the tunnel for Paul as well. The thicklayerofscartissueinhisbackthat made extraction more challenging than usual also signals that his remaining healthy kidney is well-protected and he is able to resume action between the ropes.
Previous CAC Courage Award winner Jim Valley caught up with the Lees recently in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee while at Dollywood to snap this photo of himself and the resilient and inspirational transplant survivor.
WewouldliketocongratulatebothPaul andPeytonfortheirtriumphoveradversity and hope that we see you both at the 60th annual reunion this year.
RIBS:They’reNotJustForDinner
straight answer, instead insisting he should speak toVictor.
I think “The Prince” realized he was not going to get anywhere further with me, he endedourcallrequestingI pass along the message to Victor.
Not long after hanging up the phone, Savio, Miguel Perez and a returning Victor came to the door and asked if there were any calls. After giving them my account of this incredible call from anIndianPrince,talkingaboutamatch, marrying his daughter and fighting Two Cobras (at this point I was still unsure if it was two wrestlers or two reptilian snakes!) They burst into laughter!
Ajoke.Aprank. Sometimes in the blink of an eye. Sometimes drawn out for days, weeks, months or even years. Mostly harmless and for fun, unfortunately sometimes done withmalice and hate.Inourworld,someofthebeststories told and re-told are these “ribs”.
Over my past 30 years in the business, ribs have becomea dying breed.I have beenatthereceivingendofafewinmy early days. The most notable occurred around 1999-2000 in the early days of IWA Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican Legend and former WWE Superstar Savio Vegadecidedtohavesomefunwithme one day whileI wasin oneoftherooms in the IWAoffice.
I was working on the computer when the phone rang. I answered, to hear whatwasadistinctIndianvoice,“Iwant totalktoVictorQuinones(IWAOwner/ President)”.
I politely informed him that Victor was not available and asked if I could take a message. The gentleman proceeded to explain that he was a Prince from India, he was putting on a big wrestling show and needed a wrestler. He went on to ask if I was a wrestler and when I confirmed that I was, he insisted that I come to India.
“You will come to India, wrestle theTwo Cobras and if you win, you will marry my daughter.” At first I was in shock.
First,thisoffer didnot soundappealing. Second, I am dealing(supposedly) with aPrincewhoshouldbehavingthisconversation with Victor, not a greenhorn like me who had only been in the business for about four years!
The conversation went back and forth for about 10-15 minutes. I was simultaneously calm and nervous. The Prince would repeatedly insist his initial offer, thatIwouldcometoIndiaforthismatch and marry his daughter.
I diplomatically deferred giving a
Savio began talking just like the Indian Prince! I was stunned! They continued to laugh, explaining how they were in another room in the office on a Speakerphonemessingwithme.Theygotme good. I had no idea it was Savio. I was praised though, for how well I handled the call and the “Prince”.
To this day, when Savio and I converse or our paths cross, the “Two Cobras” inevitably comes up. Graçias, Mi Hermano.
-AndyAnderson
Welcometotheteam
Somenew faceswillbepartoftheCACexperience in 2026 and you may be hearing from them soon as they commence their duties to create a great experience for all in the Hospitality Room for the 60thannual reunion.
Taking the reins from Dan Murphy, the team welcomes Stone Keezy and Mitch Obeid to thevolunteersquadheadingupthisyear’sactivities.
Stone Keezy is a self-declared WWE super fanandself-taughtVFXartistandcontentcreatorbasedinPittsburg,Californiawhohasenjoyed a love affair with pro wrestling for more than 50 years.
His earliest introduction came through attending matches at San Francisco’s Cow Palace and seeing the likes of Bobo Brazil, Kinji Shibuya, Pat Patterson, Pepper Gomez and more. Outside of his association with wrestling, he is a founding member of the ”Ace Lord Chillers” a Bay Area rap group.
Introducedto the CAC in 2021, hasbecome a lifetimememberandperennialattendeeofour annualreunions.
Mitch Obeid is the proud son of an immigrant wrestler and grew up with a deep love and respect for wrestling. In the mid-2000’s, he stepped through the ropes himself for a few years, further cementing his passion for the game.
He joins the team as a co-collaborator for the hospitality room experience and shares that it is an honor to be working alongside the CAC family.
Stone and Mitch will be leading the sales for ads in the banquet program as well as vendor table bookings for the hospitality room. Pleasejoinusingivingthemawarmwelcome should they reach out to you to participate in this year’s event.
REACH THEMALL
Advertise in the Banquet Program
The banquet program is circulated for free to every member in attendance at the banquet and has become a valued souvenir from the event that members take home with them.
Advertise your wrestling promotion, podcast, product, store, and more. You can also wish your congratulations to a specific honoree (first come, first served)
To reserve your ad, contact Stone Keezy at stonekeezy@icloud.com
Pre-payment is required to confirm your ad space.
TABLE REGISTRATION IS OPEN
If you have attended a CAC Reunion, you’ll know that the Hospitality Room is at the heart of our annual reunion. It’s a gathering place for honorees and attendees, home to the annualcribbage tournament, and the place for selling and sharing one-of-a-kind memorabilia and collectibles. You can reach EVERY attendee of the CauliflowerAlley Club reunion in the Hospitality Room.
Book a Full Table: $125.00
To reserve your table, or for more information, contact Stone Keezy at stonekeezy@icloud.com
Pre-payment is required to confirm your table.
