Volume 55, Number 3 Fall 2020
The Official Publication of the
2021 Female Rising Star
MADDISON MILES 5 Years, 10 Countries 1 Shakeable Goal
CELEBRATING WRESTLING’S PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBERS NEW LIFETIME MEMBERS
Great Akuma, Daniel Anderson, Justin Andrews, Victor Arrigo, Robert Arrowood, John Binder, Jerry Buchholz, Jason Burk, James Candelmo, Kiley Carson, Travis Cook, Andy Dean, Mark Golden, Kevin Grace, David Hancock, Brody Herman, Doyle Irons, Stephen Jackson, Marty Jannetty, Wayne Jewett, Matt Koon, Judy Martin, Derek James Moore, Rob Moore, John S. Otto, Joe Pearson, Frank Pesce, Jason Pittman, Jason Salamun, David Schultz, Jeffrey Sheldon, Conrad Thompson, John Watson, Brent J. Wright
NEW ANNUAL MEMBERS
Leon Atterberry, Stuart Belshe, Kenneth Brewer Jr., Thom Brewer, Mark Bujan, Jeffrey Butz, D.J. Ellis, Mike Ellis, Michael Etingoff, Corey Forrester, Matthew Giberson, Collin Haney, Matt Hankins, Heinrik Hellwig, Dustin Howell, Jason Huffman, Tyrone Johnson, Sean Jones, Derek Kelly, Jimmy Kriener, Michael Lombardi, Domenic Lombardo, Rick Lopez, J.J. Lund, Darcy Lunn, Dave Miller, Kevin O’Doyle, John Owens, John Rogers, Dave Rolands, Jeff Rush, Joseph Russo, Robbie Skipper, Kevin Wilson, Sean Young
Rob Moore
Greenville, Texas
B. Brian Blair President & CEO
Judy Martin
Columbia, South Carolina
Kevin O’Doyle
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
SERVING OUR MEMBERS Vance Nevada Ear Editor
James Beard Hospitality Room Vendor Sales
Darlene Kreis Financial Secretary & Treasurer
Royal Duncan Ear Publisher
Barbara Goodish Reunion Registration Registrar
Darla Staggs Benevolent Fund Chairperson
Bob Cook Social Media Coordinator
Stuart Kemp Cribbage Tournament Coordinator
Shawn Colonna Member Relations
Jim Valley & Matt Roblez CAC Radio Hosts
Joe Mauriello Bowling Tournament Coordinator
Ron Hutchison Website & Seminar Coordinator
Charlie Smith & Bobby Simmons T-shirt Sales
R. Bruce Tharpe Attorney & Legal Counsel
Rich Ingling Name Badge Coordinator Cindy Hall CAC Songstress
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK On the ascent of my wrestling career, I never imagined that there would be a day when I was employed in the wrestling industry in some way. When my in-ring days were done, surely there were roles as a booker, a trainer, maybe even a promoter. But, as many of us discover, at some point, we can no longer delay the inevitable - it was time to hit the streets with a resume in hand and try to sell the occupational abilities earned from two decades between the ropes to a labour market that didn’t readily see the transferrable skills as a fit for their corporate culture. I had enjoyed a few reunions by 2015 when the core mission of the Club suddenly hit home with me. I was six weeks into a new job and ineligible for benefits as a new hire. However, at the exact same time, after months of waiting to see a specialist for a lower back injury, was diagnosed and slated for a spinal fusion surgery to address two deteriorated discs between by C4 - C5 and C5 - C6 verterbrae. With a doctor directed six-week recovery time during which time I would be unable to drive, that meant six weeks within a means to provide for my family - and that stress meant significantly compromising my recovery time and returning to work early, potentially compromising this back-saving surgery. It was a critical moment in time for me and my young family at home. I reached out to the Cauliflower Alley Benevolent Fund and their support helped to ease the burden of worry as I recovered from what had been a rapidly devolving issue with my lower spine. It was a gesture that said to me that the fraternity that we enjoy in professional wrestling has not died. That the brotherhood and sisterhood of professional wrestling still took care of their own. It’s a blessing that I want to pay forward and I have continued to look at ways to contribute to the CAC and its mission ever since. Whether through participation in the Seminar Series, through promoting the club to potential new members, up to today, as the fifth in a short line of editors for The Ear -- following in the footsteps of Art Abrams, Dean Silverstone, Eric Chmiel and Royal Duncan before me. With respect,
IN THIS ISSUE Welcome Our Newest Members . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 From the Editor’s Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 CAC: More Relevant Than Ever . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2021 Seminar Series Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Shad Gaspard: Brother, Friend, Hero . . . . . . . 8 Tip of the Hat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Mike Lano’s Canvas Cavity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Mott’s Marvelous Mat Memories . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Cauli-Con: CAC’s first “Virtual” Event . . . . . . . 13 Remembering the Territories: Long Island . . . . 14 Managing CAC’s Social Media: Bob Cook . . . . 15 R.I.P. Our Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 “I Miss the Way Wrestling Used to Be” . . . . . . . 18 Membership/Banquet Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Writers: Bradley Craig Ron Hutchison Mike Lano Frank Mott Darren Paltrowicz Dave Dynasty Joel Eisenberg Vance Nevada
ON THE COVER ... The ambitious Maddison Miles from Atlantic Canada has traversed the globe in pursuit of excellence between the ropes. Named as our female Rising Star Award honoree this year, Maddison has appeared in 10 countries already (and recently made her home in Europe), all before age 21.
VANCE NEVADA
Abbotsford, British Columbia Vance is a Canadian wrestler and writer. He has published two books including “Wrestling in the Canadian West” and is a 2010 CAC James C. Melby Historian award honoree.
Published by:
Become an Ear contributor, e-mail the Editor at vancenevada@hotmail.com
The Ear is published quarterly by the Cauliflower Alley Club and is distributed exclusively as a membership benefit to current members of the organization. No part of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission of the Executive Board of the Cauliflower Alley Club. 3
President’s Message:
LIVE FROM THE HIVE
This has been a challenging time for everyone across the globe, as we have dealt with the C-19 pandemic. Fortunately I feel we are finally turning the corner with new treatments and the hopes of a vaccine by the end of the year. I want to thank every CAC member for their understanding and support during this challenge, as together we will be stronger for it!
Please don’t forget that beginning December 1st, all hotel reservations will need to be rebooked with a new passkey code. This is an exciting time to be a CAC member as we have some things going on that should be a lot of fun. Both “Collar X Elbow”, of which Al Snow is co-owner and Ryan Barken, owner of PWTee’s are having a CAC T-Shirt sales push, with all proceeds going to the CAC Benevolent fund. Each company will have multiple designs using our logos and they will present the CAC with a check at the 55th reunion. Please help the CAC by supporting these fine companies and pick up the CAC T-shirt of your choice, as I believe you will really like these T’s!
After rescheduling the 55th reunion from our April dates to the September dates, we were forced to postpone our 55th reunion once again but have secured the new official dates of April 25th-28th, 2021. We are fortunate to work with a great partner in the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino that allowed us to transfer our $52,000 deposit over to 2021 with no penalty.
Our 55th reunion T-shirt’s designed by Charlie Smith, who turned “90” in February and is still going strong, along with our Chaplain, Bobby Simmons, who design and sell these exclusively designed 55th reunion T’s, will be available at the reunion only.
I am very grateful to our Honorees and members whom have stood strong with the CAC, as most are planning to attend the big event in April, 2021. I would also like to thank our all volunteer staff for the extra burden this has put on their shoulders. What a great TEAM we have assembled with no complaints regarding the extra workload placed upon them. From writing refund checks, (fewer than we thought there would be because so many wonderful members simply carried forward their reunion tickets), to changing articles for this publication of “The Ear,” everyone has rolled with the punches!
We are also planning for a “Virtual” fundraiser on Sunday, October 4th, with several wrestling stars answering fan questions, sharing some interesting never heard before stories, as well as other surprises. We want to thank Mike Weber of Fite TV and Kenny Casanova for their help in putting the October 4th event together. Be sure to stay close to our social media sites for further CAC information. Thanks again to everyone for your support of the best wrestling club in the world and I wish everyone health and happiness! Keep on Buzzing,
WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB? Visit our Website www.caulifloweralleyclub.org Join our 10,000+ fans on Facebook @caulifloweralleyclub.org CAC Radio http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/cac-radio.html
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CAC - MORE RELEVANT THAN EVER It’s a changing world. As we continue to navigate our way through the fall, the significant historic events that have unfolded this year will likely leave a lasting legacy, and an impact for future generations. For many, global circumstances in 2020 have pushed our limits and tested our resolve, as we tentatively begin to look forward and make a positive contribution to the ‘new normal’ way of life. But what has become abundantly clear over the last annum is the tremendous strength that humankind can find through unity. And this is very much a core value at the heart of the Cauliflower Alley Club. The aggressive pandemic of COVID-19 has changed our very notion of day-to-day life, and restricted much of our fraternity to a confined existence. This was an essential measure responsibly taken to prevent exposure to this deadly virus, and curtail its resultant spread.
Woody Strode
Yet despite facing the isolation in the home, the community built by the CAC online network has provided an important social outlet for our members during times of great despair and loneliness, a challenging side-effect imposed on us by lockdown.
ourees included Jimmy Casino, Fabela Chavez, Clarence Henry, Dave Maier and Jimmy Roybal. Headlining the festivities was legendary NFL star and actor Woody Strode, who earned double top honours in the Iron Mike Mazurki Award and Reel Award categories.
The Ring of Friendship is much more than a mere motto for the CAC. Indeed, many within our community made it their duty to reach out and ensure that the most vulnerable of us are not excluded from important social interaction during this trying time in human history.
In the years that have followed, CAC Awards ceremonies have continued to recognise the ground-breaking efforts of its deserving honourees, while serving as a celebratory reminder of the tremendous gender, ethnic and age diversity that flourishes within the world of professional wrestling.
It is this sense of inclusion that is more relevant now than ever. Since its formation, the Cauliflower Alley Club has continued to evolve beyond its original admittance of actors, professional boxers and wrestlers, into a much greater network. With the addition of every new member, the CAC continues to realise the vision set out by ‘Iron’ Mike Mazurki when he founded the Club in 1965. His intention was to create a fraternity of acceptance without cultural boundaries, and this has been further enhanced by the teams of Board members who have built upon this original notion.
As an art form that is built upon memorable characters and marketability, it is essential that all minority groups are represented. Not only is it the morally right thing to do, it makes smart business sense. We want to encourage the best and brightest to every industry, and inclusion is the only way ensure that this is possible. As members of the CAC, it is our united mission to ensure the Ring of Friendship continues to thrive greater than it ever has. As members, we are all ambassadors of the ideals set out by Mazurki when he first established our organisation. Indeed, as custodians of the standards set by our illustrious predecessors, we each have a shared responsibility to ensure that our club remains a truly inclusive and accessible one.
Today, the CAC welcomes members from all four corners of the world. It is this diversity which enriches our community; it brings real vibrancy to our Reunion, discussion boards and online forums, where our members can share their memories and varied life experiences. We value the efforts of everyone who contributes.
As a collective, that can be our lasting legacy.
BRADLEY CRAIG
In 1992, the CAC Awards were introduced into the festivities of the annual Reunion. These inaugural awards established a tradition of celebrating diversity, with a list of pro wrestling honourees including Penny Banner, Donna Christantello, Debbie Combs, Pepper Gomez, Hard Boiled Haggerty, Johnny James, Gene Kiniski, Diamond Lil, Belle Starr, Rey Urbano and Maurice Vachon. The boxing hon-
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.
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2021 SEMINAR SERIES The CAC Seminar Series was launched by the late Bob Leonard as an avenue to connect wrestling’s present generation with its past and to create a forum for careerminded rising stars to propel their careers forward. Check out this incredible line-up for the 2021 reunion!
Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestling
Bridging the Past & Present of Pro Wrestling First done for side-bets in the fields and coal pits of Lancashire, England after a grueling day of labor, and later brought across the Atlantic after the Civil War, professional wrestling in North America traces its origins most directly to the art of catch-as-catch-can wrestling and its competitive champions like Evan “Strangler” Lewis, Tom Jenkins, and Frank Gotch. While showmanship always played a part in the wrestling business, the art was built upon a bedrock of real technical wrestling know-how (characterized by riding, pinning, escapes, and submissions). Professional wrestlers took their craft seriously, and despite the rise in prominence of showmanship, the most skilled competitors were still held in high esteem among their peers.
Those Crazy Canucks!
Ice Road Wrestlers and Northern Death Tours It’s come to be considered a rite of passage for aspiring wrestlers - a campaign across the northern Canadian wilderness to perform in the most remote aboriginal communities in the country.
The recent evolution of “sports entertainment” to focus on never-ending high spots and false finishes resulted in the near-disappearance of the foundations of professional wrestling. However, the rise in popularity of mixed martial arts is seeing increased attention to provide a more realistic product.
Braving temperatures plunging to minus 25 degrees Celsius (-13 Fahrenheit) and colder, waist-deep snow drifts, and miles of travel across ice-covered frozen lakes, it’s hard to believe anyone would subject themselves to this - let alone sign up to be booked the following year.
This Scientific Wrestling catch-as-catch-can learning seminar will revivify the heart and soul of what it once meant to be a professional wrestler by introducing attendees to the history, techniques, and sport of professional catchas-catch-can wrestling. For older CAC members, it may be a trip down memory lane, but it is also our hope to light a passion within younger members for the sport’s past by bringing real catch-as-catch-can wrestling into the future.
Among the alumni of these tours, which have been discussed on the WWE network and other podcasts and biographies include Edge, Chris Jericho, Lance Storm, Christian, Kerry Brown and dozens more. The experience they get is invaluable. The tales, shared by survivors of these tours will have you shaking your head in both disbelief and laughter.
Presenters: Jake Shannon, Head Coach at Scientific Wrestling Jake launched the first catch-as-catch-can competitions in nearly 100 years with his King of Catch Wrestling open tournaments in 2006. He apprenticed in coaching under Billy Robinson, helping ghost-write Billy’s autobiography “Physical Chess”. Prior, he trained in American carnival style catch-as-catch-can with Pacific Northwest hooker Dick Cardinal. Jake is a proud lifetime CAC member.
This year, for the first time ever, the Cauliflower Alley Club is pleased to present stories from the Ice Roads. It’s a 2021 Learning Series event that you certainly won’t want to miss! Panelists: Massive Damage Alumni of 13 Ice Road Tours 2014 CAC Jason Sanderson Humanitarian Honoree
Dr. C. Nathan Hatton is a professional historian who holds a PhD in History from the University of Waterloo. He is the author of two books and numerous academic and popular articles on the history of wrestling.
Bobby Sharp Alumni of 10 Ice Road Tours 2013 CAC Rising Star Award Honoree Vance Nevada Alumni of 6 Ice Road Tours 2010 CAC James C. Melby Honoree Steve Rivers Alumni of 6 Ice Road Tours 29-year ring veteran, long-time CAC member Kat Von Heez Her first tour was on the ice roads 8-year ring veteran, long-time CAC member Maddison Miles 2020 CAC Rising Star Award Honoree 6
Lessons from the school of Hard Knocks Tracy Smothers: Wild-Eyed Southern Boy
My Life Inside & Outside of Wrestling and How You Can Learn From It! Joining us for the first time in 2021 Tracy Smothers is a ring vet from the Southern United States that has pretty much seen it all and done it all as well. From being the first person in Springfield, Tennessee high school history to go to the state championship in amateur wrestling to competing in Memphis Wrestling, Florida Championship Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, World Wrestling Federation, Extreme Championship Wrestling, Smoky Mountain Wrestling and all points in between the “wild eyed Southern boy” can teach you a lot of things, including how to wrestle a real live unmuzzled bear, and live to tell about it! CAC radio co-host Jim Valley will delve into the mind of Tracy in what should be a very interesting and entertaining chit chat. Tracy will dish the dirt on everything from why the airports are a bigger work then pro-wrestling to his thoughts on strong style wrestling, old school wrestling versus modern day wrestling and even getting hired and fired by World Wrestling Entertainment’s Bruce Prichard, aka Brother Love.
Pacific Northwest Wrestling
Vancouver Wrestling Then and Now As a follow-up to our very popular Portland Wrestling seminar of 2018 the Cauliflower Alley Club continues with the Pacific Northwest theme this year and presents a Learning Series event devoted to the wrestling action on Canada’s west coast, specifically the province of British Colombia and the province’s biggest city Vancouver.
No topic will be off limits and Tracy will shoot from the hip. He’s a straight talker, no nonsense, old school professional wrestler and the Cauliflower Alley Club is delighted to present Tracy Smothers as part of our 2020 Learning Series at our 55th annual reunion.
Touching on the earliest days of professional wrestling in BC promoted by Rod Fenton under the banner of Big Time Wrestling and continuing on through the famed All Star Wrestling era of Sandor Kovacs, Gene Kiniski and Al Tomko up to the present day incarnation of All Star Wrestling under the direction of CAC lifetime member Michelle Starr this is a learning series event that is bound to be both informative and entertaining. Our panelists for this group chat have a wealth of knowledge of everything that is British Columbia wrestling. They’ve lived it. They’ve loved it, and they’re ready to share their stories and experiences for all CAC members.
SEMINAR SCHEDULE: Tuesday, April 27 11:00 am Those Crazy Canucks! 1:00 pm Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestling
Panelists: Bobby Bass: Worked the territory from 1977 - 1979. Kevin Jefferies: Referee, wrestler, and agent since 1977.
Wednesday, April 28 11:00 am Pacific Northwest Wrestling 1:00 pm Tracy Smothers: Wild-Eyed Southern Boy
Greg Lake: Worked the territory in 1979. Fidel Sierra: Worked the territory in the early 1980’s Michelle Starr: Worked the territory from 1988 - 2017.He has promoted in British Columbia since 1991.
*Admittance to all seminars requires a 55th annual reunion banquet lanyard. Have your lanyard visible at all times. *Audio and/or video recording of CAC Seminar Series events is strictly prohibited without the expressed written consent of the Cauliflower Alley Club. *Please note seminar and panelists/presenters are subject to change and/or cancellation without notice.
Stuart Kemp: Announcer, referee, wrestler 1986-2003 Raven Lake: Wrestler, referee 1993 - present Adam Ryder: Current headliner, active from 2009 - present Moderated by Vance Nevada
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SHAD GASPARD - Brother, Friend, Hero Shortly after Kobe Bryant was pronounced dead, on JanuPhoto courtesy of WWE ary 26, 2020, I was one of several friends and family members who received the following text from Shad:
The text meant the world to me and I told him so. I will always cherish it. Shad and I hit if off when he and Jaye attended an entertainment industry networking group I used to run in Los Angeles. We were all introduced by Rick Bassman. Shad became close with my family, and I came to love him like a brother. He called me his “He-bro” due to my Jewish heritage, and we lived minutes away from each other in Brooklyn, New York for a time. Only we didn’t know back then.
My wife, Lorie, and I were eating breakfast when we heard the news. The radio was on in the background, and the following words rang in monotone over the airwaves: “Former WWE Superstar found missing and suspected dead in Venice Beach … We’ll be back in 60 seconds.”
When I hung up with Jaye, Lorie asked me what happened. “They can’t find the body,” I managed, but it looks like he drowned … saving his son.” Shad Chad Javier Jesus Roman Chittick Gaspard was born January 13, 1981, the son of Ingrid Chittick and Ben Gaspard. The third of six children, Shad was of Haitian and Curaçaoan descent. He used to tell me his father was an enforcer of street gangs, who taught him boxing at an early age. He initially received recognition as a contestant on WWE’s “Tough Enough,” and was given a shot in Ohio Valley Wrestling’s (OVW’s) developmental system in 2003 where he became a two-time Southern Tag Team Champ with JTG. Both men made their main roster debuts in 2006. Da Beast, as he called himself, stood 6’7” and was billed as 285 pounds for most of his career.
That was a hell of a lead-in to a commercial break. I have a history with the business; aside from being friends with some of the boys I used to write for George Napolitano’s newsstand wrestling magazines back in the 80’s and 90’s. From there I became a columnist for “Wrestling’s Main Event” and others. Though my participation was brief, I never stopped watching. I had always respected this business, and the immense sacrifices made by the workers in the name of entertainment. My honest first thought was, Not another one. Lorie asked, “Who could it be?” I was thinking which workers lived near the area when the commercial finally ended and the news report returned. “Former WWE Superstar Shad Gaspard …”
Shad was primarily trained by Al Snow, Rocky Johnson, and DeWayne Bruce. Our friendship aside, I had long believed Shad and Jaye should have had a run with WWE tag team gold, and when they split Shad was beginning to find himself as a potentially dominant singles heel. His run was too quickly terminated, in my opinion, when he was assigned to return to developmental.
I didn’t hear the rest. I stood up in tears, grabbed my chair and threw it to the ground. “No!” I yelled at the top of my voice. I immediately called his tag team partner, Jayson Paul (JTG). Thankfully, he picked up. “Jayson,” I was crying and could barely get out the words, “what the hell happened?”
He left WWE shortly thereafter, and networked himself into various acting roles and independent spots. He started a business ... but none of this mattered more than his family.
*** 8
Absolutely nothing mattered more than his family … which is how it should be. Siliana, Shad’s wife, and Aryeh, his beloved son, were Shad’s world. His universe, actually. If he treated his friends like family, his true family was royalty.
A TIP OF THE HAT ... We have some pretty remarkable members in the CAC. In this issue, we tip our hat to just a few that have gone beyond the call of duty during a most unusual time, each giving of themselves to support the CAC mission.
It was no surprise to me Shad had made the ultimate sacrifice for his own. He and Aryeh were caught in a riptide; Shad pleaded with the lifeguards to save his son and then come for him. They saved Aryeh. It was too late for Shad. His body washed ashore days later. Anyone reading these words can find the particulars of Shad’s tragedy online. Anyone reading these words can also find other reasons why Shad is a hero today, most especially stopping a holdup years ago by walking into a gun at a convenience store. I called him when he was featured on TMZ. I thought he was one crazy s.o.b. and told him so, and yet he likely saved a life that day. Saving lives, it seems, is what Shad did best. Aryeh had his dad for far too short a time. If there is any silver lining here at all, it’s to the world Shad Gaspard has become an icon.
“This man feels no pain!” Jim Ross declared of a young Cactus Jack tearing up the competition in WCW in 1992. As it turns out, few have a bigger heart than Mick Foley. Mick has donated proceeds from his Cameo calls over the summer to the CAC Benevolent Fund to help us carry out our efforts.
To Aryeh, and Siliana, Shad was a human being like the rest of us but he walked his walk. I miss reading his Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts raving about you both, and also praising his mom and dad. I’m proud to have known such a hero. I love you, uce. I miss you, uce. I hope to see you again one day. Shad Gaspard January 13, 1981 — May 17, 2020 “Only the good die young.” — Billy Joel
Both Al Snow, through his Collar & Elbow clothing line and Ryan Barken from PWTees have come to the aid of the CAC with a friendly competition in support of the Club. Each will offer two CAC-inspired design with a goal to see who can raise the most funds for the CAC by the time we meet again in April. While , like the ‘squared circle’ that unites us under this shared passion, nothing beats attending the annual reunion L-I-V-E ... we are pleased to see the innovation proposed by manager and author extra-ordinaire, Kenny Casanova and Mike Weber of FITE TV who are making preparations for the CAC’s first ever virtual event. More details on that can be found on Page 13.
JOEL EISENBERG
North Hills, California Joel is an award-winning writer and producer, and partner in Council Tree Productions, a television development company.
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Kamala
One Of Many Reasons We Attend If we had a legendary females Mt. Rushmore, with any number of athletes represented; who’d you pick after June Byers and Mildred Burke? Possibly Penny Banner, Moolah, Mae Young, Judy Grable, Nell Stewart, Ella Waldeck, Betty Nicolli, Vivian Vachon; Lioness Asuka, Chigusa, Manami Toyota, Bull Nakano, Akira Hokuto, Mariko Yoshida (and we’ve not yet mentioned Lucha and European stars yet like Hermanas Moreno)? Email your choices to wrealano@aol.com, and you’ll be credited here.
Mildred Burke
We recently lost two major names amidst others. Kamala(James Harris) and Regis Philbin. CAC had given “the Ugandan Headhunter” a substantial sum to help his major medical issues that cost him his legs and nearly his farm. I’d known James for years and wherever he worked from Otto Wanz’ Catch and UK’s Joint Promotions, to Bill Watt’s Mid-South; everyone agreed he was one of the nicest wrestlers ever backstage, often playing checkers or cribbage, smiling while beating you. CAC’s Jerry Lawler and his Memphis boss Jerry Jarrett took CAC honoree Frankie Cain’s rough Kimala concept and finessed it into the headhunter/Idi Amin bodyguard character. His first manager as Kamala was our own JJ Dillon who claimed on TV he’d discovered him on one of his excursions (cough) to Africa. Kamala had more managers than most with everyone from Great Mephisto/Cain to Blassie, Albano briefly (as a babyface), Gary Hart, Baron Von Raschke, Sika and Montreal’s Eddie Creatchman. During his run in the WWF, he feuded with Hogan, Andre, Savage, Warrior, Undertaker and more. We’re devastated he passed so young.
CAC’s seminar/lecturer/ring announcer AJ Kirsch made the Wall Street Journal’s front page in an article highlighting his live-stream Twitch-channel fitness classes that can benefit anyone. This MLW TV-booth commentator(BeIn Network)supports his family this way until shows are held again. CAC’s Geoff Winningham just republished his incredible 1972 book “Friday Night At The Coliseum” on Houston wrestling with his eye-popping revolutionary photos. He only shot for a few months, but changed how action was captured by most of us for decades after using unique angles. It’s@geoffwinningham.com and he had unprecedented access to/from promoter Paul Boesch who told the boys to call him “Professor” since Geoff taught at Rice University. Paul was an early proponent-attendee of CAC and close Mike Mazurki friend actually telling Geoff to get in the ring and photograph the boys during their introductions!
Regis’ non-stop string of daytime TV shows began in San Diego on ABC’s-KOGO affiliate in 1962. He’d attended several Jules Strongbow cards and was such a fan of thenheel Fred Blassie that he had Fred on several times plus Dick Beyer. Years later for a bigger ABC network in Los Angeles(and even when Regis cohosted Joey Bishop’s late night show attempting to “pin” Carson’s Tonight Show on NBC), Regis brought Fred back several times and Fred gave him a Brass Knucks honorary wrestling plaque onair. Regis would often work-tease Blassie trying to get him to break character, sometimes even trying to mess up his hair. Things went south once as Regis accidentally caught his finger in Fred’s fancy jacket button-hole. Fred jumped up too quickly while pretending to act outraged and somehow Regis’ finger became legit broken. Often when Fred returned to Regis’ New York Syndicated Live! Show, he’d
boast he’d “done it on purpose.”After Fred turned face not long before we lost him, Regis teased him on his last Live! Appearance. Working Fred back into a mock-lather saying “I’m not buying the nice guy act and you’re NOT the Hollywood Fashion Plate!” They always played well off each other and Fred’s “show-homeruns” led to Hogan, Austin, The Rock, Bret Hart, Edge and many others appearing later until Regis retired. When Dick Beyer was first on in 1963, he gave Regis one of his famous Destroyer masks and Regis conducted the rest of the interview “with the sock on!” Both Blassie and Destroyer/Dr X/Dick always marveled when asked about their decades-long friendship with Philbin.
have been honored by or attended CAC like Tolos, Mascaras, Shibuya and of course Fred. Fred even tried to get Philbin to our NY ancillary-CAC in 1998. Regis verified that to me on my radio show in 2003 saying “I didn’t want to take attention away from the boys at their own event. But I really wanted to go see Fred and Dick Beyer!” Regis really appreciated that as we all do. ‘Hollywood’ Jeanne Basone with fellow GLOW pal Cheryl Rusa have been CAC regulars since the 90’s. After GLOW, they sought additional training, wrestled everywhere and have worked steadily in film and TV. Jeannie’s also tirelessly helped those in-need plus recently received global acclaim for her hand-made, hypoallergenic HollywoodBotanika.com soaps for people and pets. Some resemble actual coral, Italian marble and fruit sculptures. Her quality biz skyrocketed since now everyone washes their hands more. Jeannie also wrote the forward on legendary wrestler Elvira Snodgrass for John Cosper’s new book “The Ballad of Cousin Elvira.” John’s also a CAC regular with books on David Schultz and Tracy Smothers.
Jeanne Basone
Photo: Mike Lano
A young Regis Philbin & Freddie Blassie Regis once nearly accidentally exposed the biz taping his TV show in July 1981 while covering Lawrence Welk’s annual golf tournament (co-chaired by Jimmy Lennon). Welk asked Jimmy to bring wrestlers who golfed like John Tolos, Louie Tillet and Dale Lewis each year. When Regis arrived, he saw his pal Blassie, and shoved a mike in his face. Both later told me that Fred said “ixnay” since he was trying to kayfabe being there. On our TV for weeks, Fred had been shown in a St. John’s Hospital bed (where they taped a bunch of segments). Selling blindness after his longtime rival Tolos had thrown Monsel’s Powder into his eyes while Fred accepted his Wrestler of the Year trophy from announcing legend Dick Lane at KCOP-TV-13. “Reege, I’m supposed to be hospitaled this week. Not having fun golfing. Don’t air that.” Regis didn’t thankfully and one of wrestling’s greatest angles ever lead to a huge house of 28,000+ the following month with Blassie getting revenge on Tolos at an outdoor L.A. Coliseum spectacular (normally home to Rams NFL games and USC/UCLA college football). Underneath, other longtime global feuds like Sheik - Bobo Brazil, Mil Mascaras - El Solitario, Shibuya & Masa Saito - Gordman & Goliath and much more. Most
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.
MOTT’S MARVELOUS MAT MEMORIES With a summer thunder storm outside, I was sitting front row ringside at one of the weekly wrestling shows in 1949 put on by promoter “Big” Bill Lewis. He did live up to his nickname at a weight of 300+lbs. He booked shows in both Norfolk and Richmond, Va. He was well known for his promotion abilities. But back to this skinny 11-year old watching his first ever pro-wrestling card. Yep, I was skinny once long ago. (Aw, the days of my youth),
vocal disapproval to the action against me would be to say a hurricane was a gentle breeze. But I love it. I was part of the action. One day my dad came down after getting “off duty” in his uniform to pick me up. As Bill knew officers were somewhat rare at his shows, he came over and talked to dad. He found out dad had some influence with the Shore Patrol (Navy Police). The fans did get somewhat rowdy at times and having Shore Patrol guys there would be a help. He would give me 2 free passes and let me work on the clean up crew in exchange for dad’s help.
I had been begging for what seemed to be a 1,000 days to go to a wrestling card at the Norfolk City Auditorium. My dad, a Navy officer in a Navy town and NOT a wrestling fan at all, finally gave in. He bought 2 ringside seats for me and my buddy. Most of the cards were packed with about 70% sailors and the rest made up of civilians. The main event that night was “The Sailors Knot” match. Prior to the start of the main event Lewis chose 5 sailors to come up to the ring and see who could tie the most knots in the shortest time. The winner got two passes for two months. Of course, as I sat there in awe, I had no idea what a great promotion idea that was. Sailors would go wild to see if one of their buddies from one of the many ships in port would win.
Memories include Ernie Dusek walking over to insult a bunch of Sailors and a mini riot taking place. Then the “Mormon Mauler” Brother Frank Jares running like a mad man toward me and....but that is a story for another time.
FRANK MOTT
San Bernardino, California Frank, who saw his first pro-wrestling match in 1949 says there must be a mistake, he can’t be THAT OLD!! Frank has been working with Jesse Hernandez San Bernardino based Empire Wrestling Federation for over 20 years.
Now it was time for the main event. The mutton chopped John (Wolfman) Smith was taking on Gene “Mr. America” Stanlee. As the evil Wolfman walked by me, he grabbed my soda and threw it on the floor. To say the fans gave
photo: Johnny Bradford
BOOK YOUR VENDOR TABLE NOW James Beard is coordinating vendor tables for the 2021 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: Cauliflower Alley Club, 19823 Indian Hills Court, Unit 29; Seminole, FL, 33777 The Hospitality Room will open at 8 am Monday for set-up. Monday April 26, 9 am to 3 pm Tuesday April 27, 9 am to 3 pm Wednesday April 28, 9 am to 3 pm
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SUNDAY, October 4 The CAC’s First Virtual Convention Presented by Kenny Casanova & Mike Weber Kenny Casanova and his group of wrestling book authors/ historians “WRESTLING BOOKMARKS” are organizing CAC’s first ever interactive virtual fundraiser “CAULI-CON” on FITE TV. This will air live on October 4th with a similar format to their popular “COVID-CON.”
Fan questions will stream through the hosts throughout the event. They will select as many live questions as can best be accommodated in each session. To ask questions free live during the show, you need only need to sign up at http://facebook.com/groups/wrestlingbookmarks
Bringing together wrestling personalities, historians and industry insiders for this exciting online event, CAC members and fans alike will be treated to a unique fan experience withe a series of interactive panels that give you access to some of your favorites.
As we go to press, details are still being finalized but it is expected that the event will start at 7:00 pm EST on Sunday, Oct 4th in FITE TV pay-per-view for under $10. Net revenues from the event will be donated to the Cauliflower Alley Club. Organizers are hopeful that should the event prove to be a great success, this could become an annual event, creating another opportunity to engage our membership throughout the year.
Fans will be treated to many familiar faces and honorees from previous CAC reunions as well as other recognized wrestlers who support the club. Wrestling historians and authors will moderate the sessions giving YOU the chance to reach out and ask the questions that are most on your mind.
For more information, contact Kenny Casanova at Ken@ thedjservice.com@www.theDJservice.com service.com
CHECK OUT THESE SPECIAL GUESTS:
And Many More!
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. In this issue: The forgotten territory: Long Island. When wrestlers and historians talk about the “New York” territory, you are immediately supposed to pick up on it being a reference to WWE, WWF and/or the McMahon dynasty. Even if Vince McMahon Jr. has been based in Connecticut for decades, New York City was where the big happenings tended to happen, including Madison Square Garden live events, “RAW” tapings at the Manhattan Center and the old WWF restaurant in Times Square.
the world about wresting. Explained Evan Ginzburg, a producer of “The Wrestler” and “350 Days”: “They were significant pre-Internet and cable TV, and made worldwide stars out of their featured wrestlers. On the cover regulars like Andre, Bruno, Superstar Graham, Dusty, Mil Mascaras, etc. were all able to headline around the world due to their worldwide magazine exposure.” But not all the wrestling shows on Long Island took place at the Coliseum. “A lot of high schools ran WWWF shows,” Bill Apter -- who famously introduced Andy Kaufman to Jerry “The King” Lawler -- told me in August 2020 when talking about wrestling history. When later discussing forgotten Long Island greats, Apter told me about Mark Tendler, who was instrumental in training Mick Foley. “Vince Jr. and Vince Sr. loved Mark because if they needed a favor, someone picked up at an airport or something... Mark was a professional gopher of sorts, but they let him wrestle all the time... He was one of Bruno’s very closest friends.”
Just a few dozen miles away from New York City is the strip of land known as “Long Island,” 118 miles long and 23 miles wide with over 7 million residents. It has been a prime destination for professional wrestling for decades. But as a result of being in the shadow of “the city,” it often feels like a “lost territory.” “I’m not from Long Island -- I’m from the Jersey Shore, which isn’t too far off, let’s be honest. But Long Island was one of those great places to wrestle in,” explained Hall Of Fame wrestler and DDPY founder Diamond Dallas Page. “Always a hot crowd.”
Ginzburg says of Tendler: “I saw Mark Tendler virtually every month at the Nassau Coliseum in the 70s. He was quite popular with a large local following. Mark was fan-friendly, approachable, and always willing to sign an autograph.” He also told me of another often-forgotten local wrestling icon, Bobby Lomardi, the local indie promoter who ran the Doghouse and the Long Island Wrestling Federation. “He weaned future stars like Low Ki and Homicide. More importantly, he was a beloved father figure who kept a generation of kids off the street and out of trouble.”
Current AEW star Maxwell Jacob Friedman agreed with DDP’s assessment: “Long Island has the reputation of being in New York City’s shadow, but it has definitely produced more legendary wrestlers than the city. Myself included.” Continued MJF: “Long Island has everything that a proper territory should have. Great venues, major events, wrestling schools, legendary performers who are from there, and future world champions. Like myself.” Patrick Fitzpatrick, F.K.A. DJ Phat Pat, agreed with MJF’s assessment: “There’s not a better concentrated area producing such influential people in wrestling both in and out of the ring over the past four decades.”
“Platinum” Max Caster, a graduate of Brian Myers and Pat Buck’s Create A Pro, pointed out recent successes of the school: “2 of the biggest recent influences on Long Island are Tony Nese and Alex Reynolds. I’ve heard it said that up and coming wrestlers didn’t have their first good match until they wrestled 1 of those 2 guys... Now seeing them on TV every week is continued inspiration for the guys who are still here trying to make it big.” To that statement, MJF added: “Name me a school [anywhere] that has produced more television and independent stars in the past year than Create A Pro.”
Few wrestling families are more synonymous than the Harts of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Yet not everyone realizes that Stu and Helen Hart met on the Island.” Explained Joseph Hasan: “Most people associate the Harts with Calgary and Canada. That Long Island can stake any claim to a piece of the Hart Dynasty’s legacy, is something which should make any local fan feel as proud as they are of connections to Mick Foley and Andy Kaufman.”
DDP further summed it up to me about Long Island’s influence as a whole: “Without Long Island, there’s no ‘Apter mags,’ no Chris Jericho, no Kaufman feud with Jerry Lawler, no Mick Foley, no Create A Pro... Man, would wrestling be different without Long Island!”
Bret Hart’s first “WrestleMania” was the long-running event’s second edition, which partially took place at Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum. Continued Hasan: “If you focus on the Nassau portion, you had the first WrestleMania matches of both Randy Savage and Jake Roberts, and a legendary moment in the Roddy Piper boxing match.” Said Coliseum was also the home of JCP’s “Bunkhouse Stampede” pay-per-view in 1988, “Summerslam” in 2002 and WWE “Evolution” in 2018.
DARREN PALTROWICZ
Long Beach, New York Darren Paltrowitz is a New York based writer, podcaster and author, whose 2019 book “Good Advice From Professional Wrestling” featured a foreword written by Diamond Dallas Page.
One of Long Island’s biggest contributions to the wrestling business were what famed journalist Dave Meltzer dubbed “the Apter mags.” “Pro Wrestling Illustrated” and other magazines overseen by Bill Apter helped teach fans around 14
The Best Punch in Wrestling Takes on CAC Social Media:
BOB COOK always humble and very respectful can’t ask for more than that.” Cook’s in ring career wound down in 1996 and he spends his free time relaxing and enjoying his collection of Evil Knieval memorabilia. Cook is a noted Knieval fan and met his hero several years ago. Cook remembers being nervous that his hero would turn out to be a disappointment, but instead notes Knieval exceeded his expectations. Cook also recently took over the role of CAC social media coordinator. He takes over following the departure of Roy Lucier, who did an outstanding job in the position. Cook is proud to assume the role and hopes to help the organization grow its membership. “CAC is a great organization as everyone knows so it’s an honor to be asked to do anything to help the organization grow, create more awareness, and potentially gain more members. Obviously, the goal of social media is to get more eyes on the product to create more revenue because the more members we have the more people we can help.” Bob Cook had a long and storied career as a professional wrestler and hopes to continue to give to the business he loves. He stresses the importance of the CAC and its mission to pro wrestling. “I personally think every wrestling school in the country should make it a priority that your students join the CAC from the beginning. Just like getting a pair of boots join the CAC. It’s the right thing to do.”
photo: Pete Lederberg
When discussing the great talents of wrestling, the name Bob Cook is often mistakenly overlooked. Dubbed “The Best Punch in Wrestling” by the legendary Bill Watts, Cook appeared for every major promotion during his in-ring days after getting his start in the state of Florida, training in the Great Malenko’s school. “Being trained by the Great Malenko was as good as it got” Cook said. “He didn’t just teach wrestling. I was just an eighteen-year-old kid when I started, so he helped me become a man. He was a father figure, mentor, and friend.” Cook has often spoke of how the school physically left much to be desired and had holes in the walls and rats in the building. However, he said the training he got with the Malenko family was top notch. Cook had a couple of distinctions when wrestling in Florida. He wrestled his trainer Malenko in his final match. “Having the Great Malenko’s last match was a double-edged sword” Cook remembers. “You are honored to be part of it but sad that it was taking place to begin with. I remember sitting in the dressing room afterwards and just crying.” On the other side of the career spectrum, Cook also had the task of being young Dustin Rhodes’ first match. “Being Dustin’s first match was also an honor and working with him many times after that through the years was always fun and easy, just like it’s supposed to be. Dustin was
DAVE DYNASTY
Rocky Mount, North Carolina An avid wrestling historian, Dave is a former manager, wrestler and promoter and now hosts a wrestling podcast called the Dave Dynasty Show. Dave can be followed on Twitter @thedavedynasty
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3 Action-Packed Days await you at our 55th Annual Reunion
April 26 to 28, 2021
Gold Coast Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas TWO GREAT NIGHTS OF AWARDS and great stories of past & present: Bockwinkel Blowout - Tuesday night Formal Banquet - Wednesday night
Dr. Ken Ramey Wrestle-Bowl X bowling tournament
THE 2021 SEMINAR SERIES will expand your industry expertise
Check out rare memorabilia, books and collectibles and get exclusive meet and greet access to the stars!
Destroyer Cribbage Tournament
L-I-V-E PRO WRESTLING ACTION from Pro Wrestling Unplugged
. . . and much, much more!!
CHECK OUT THIS INCREDIBLE LINE-UP:
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Indio Vitela Jr., March 24 Dean Silverstone, March 28, Age 73 Howard Finkel, April 16, Age 69 Zebra Kid (Kevin Clark), April 16 Dick Steinborn, April 17, Age 86 Arana Atomica (Francisco Dominguez), April 12 Joe Pedicino, April 12, Age 70 Dr. Rafael Olivera Figueroa, April 16, Age 91 Scott Bowden, April 20 Billy Caputo, April 21 Black Demon (Roberto Carrillo), April 22, Age 40 Isaias Noriega Alcantara, April 24 Ed “Haystacks” Ross, April 24 Cosmos (Rafael de la Torre), April 24, Age 62 Flash (Tamaulipas), April 25 Steel Warrior II (Refugio Duran), April 25 Supreme (Lester Perfors), May 6, Age 49 Billy Wicks, May 6, Age 84 Pantera Azteca (Luis Gil), May 7, Age 51 El Mercenario, May 9, Age 67 Winona Littleheart (Winifred Childree), May 10, Age 64 Mr. Justicia (Jose Fourcade), May 11 Discovery (Antonio Corona), May 15, Age 55 Cholo Garcia (Jose Garcia), May 17, Age 60 Olga Martinez, May 17 Shad Gaspard, May 18, Age 39 Mohawk (Florencio Gonzales), May 20 Ricardo Brofft, May 21 Dr. Juan Ramirez, May 21 Hana Kimura, May 22, Age 22 La Tapatia (Ofelia Pulido), May 23 Silver Fox II (Cruz Franco), May 23, Age 80 Exotico Pena, May 27 Estrella de Mar (Leon Perez), May 28 Aguila Tapatia (Braulio Gomez), May 30, Age 62 Michael Blade, (Michael Runco), May 31 Danny Havoc (Grant Berkland), May 31, Age 34 Casanova (Luis Dasa), June 1 Indio Yoko, June 2 Cheon Gyu Deok, June 3, Age 88 Dragon Chino II (Alejandro Gomez Barrientos), June 2 Mathematico II (Rodolfo Garcia), June 4, Age 50 Super Bracito, June 4 George Guimond, June 4 Kaiser, June 6, Age 33 Bello Andy (Andre Jimenez), June 7, Age 66 El Extrano, June 7 El Impala (Andres Gonzales), June 7, Age 68 Punos de Roca, June 8 Mr. Wrestling II (Johnny Walker), June 9, Age 85 Ares el Guerrero (Francisco Gonzales), June 11 Esther Leon, June 11
Sombra Vengadora (Rogelio de la Paz), June 12 Pilatos (Mario Mendoza), June 13 Herodes (Victor Cisneros), June 14, Age 69 Sangre Guerrera (Jorge Chavez), June 14, Age 65 Temerario I (Raul Garduno), June 14, Age 45 Antonio Alvarez Silva, June 15 Cyborg (Jose Hernandez), June 15, Age 54 El Molusco, June 15, Age 79 Pepe Luis Esparza (Jesus Esparza), June 15, Age 62 Estrella Blanco III, June 16, Age 54 Kilowatito (Angel Salas), June 16, Age 79 Carcinero Aguilar (Julio Yanez), June 18, Age 73 Pequeno Jaque Mate, June 19 Anubis Black (Francisco Meza), June 20, Age 31 El Lider (Rafael Mendoza), June 20, Age 56 Gran Titan (Jose Galvan), June 20, Age 70 Cash (Gaspar Rodriguez), June 22, Age 52 Julio Rosales (Fidel Hernandez), June 22 Anubis, June 23, Age 43 Edgar Ortiz, June 23 Soldado de Plata, June 23 Shaunymo (Shaun Morris), June 23, Age 35 Audaz (Domingo Leon), June 30, Age 73 Killer Brooks (Tim Brooks), June 30, Age 72 El Musulman, June 30 Atila (Ruben Velasquez), July 2, Age 70 Arriero de San Juan, July 4 La Furia, July 5 Furia Guerrera, July 6 Espiral Negro (Rodrigo Rodriguez), July 11, Age 60 Exorcista I (Victor Navarrete), July 13, Age 70 Enigma, July 14 Pitufo Sr., July 15 Anticristo (Toribio Campos), July 16, Age 67 Marakame II, July 16 El Cadete (Guillermo Tapia), July 17 Gabriel o Gabriela (Victor Gabriel Peralta), July 17 El Marquense, July 18 Centella Roja I (Julian Cazares), July 20 Funebre I (Jose Jimenez), July 21 Golden Bull, July 21 Imagen de Oro (Edgar Espino), July 21, Age 36 Relampago Gomez (Julio Lopez), July 22, Age 75 Tony Viccaro, July 23, Age 69 Farmer’s Daughter Sally (Beckie Mullen), July 27, Age 55 Kat Leroux (Kathleen Leroux), July 27, Age 55 Big Slam (Walt McDonald), July 28, Age 54 Marc “Rollerball” Rocco (Mark Hussey), July 31, Age 69 Vijay Singh (Vijay Hemanchal), July 31, Age 46 Mitch Ryder (Mitch Bell), August 6, Age 48 Kamala (James Harris), August 9, Age 70 Xavier (John Jirus), August 16, Age 43 Tony Russo, August 17 Bob Armstrong (Joseph James), Augist 27, Age 80 Ric Drasin, August 30, Age 76 Tom Andrews (Tom Andersen), Sept 1, Age 83
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“I MISS THE WAY WRESTLING USED TO BE” The Only Constant in Wrestling is Change Spend any time around wrestlers and wrestling fans and you’re sure to hear a common lament: “Wrestling sure ain’t like it used to be.” Events like the Cauliflower Alley reunion allow us to tip our hat to the bygone days of professional wrestling and salute the efforts of the men and women who gave of themselves so unselfishly in an industry that seems to have had an imbalance of the risk vs. reward.
We might also forget that in this early era, the proper care of the ring canvases themselves was not common, Ed “Strangler” Lewis suffered significant loss of his eyesight in later years of his life stemming from bacteria picked up on wrestling mats in his battles across the country. Take a look around at this year’s reunion and take note of the number of emerging wrestlers and currently active independent wrestlers that comprise the Club membership. Here is a cohort of talent that is growing up in the business long after the death of the territories where regional opportunities to make a living were more plentiful.
Many factors have contributed to the changes that we each see in professional wrestling, and not all of them are for the worse. In fact, in some cases, when we look back to the “good ole days” we recognize a lot of hardship that we wouldn’t choose to endure again. Surely, wrestling has evolved.
Still, despite the economic changes, the lack of television exposure, tighter border restrictions, the modern era of political correctness which frowns on many of the cornerstones that hot angles were built upon back in the day, these young men and women soldier on - hopeful to see that next positive wave in the ebbs and flows of wrestling’s popularity and to realize their dreams of wrestling stardom. They’re also self-aware to recognize they have more to learn - so they’re here at CAC to meet and learn from you.
The photo above features a 1923 match between Paul Martinson (left) and Jack Taylor and in itself says a thousand words. Look at the composition of the crowd, it’s primarily men in the seats. In fact, only one woman can be seen present in the balcony. As wrestlers that rely on their charm to sell photos and t-shirts at the merch tables to carry them through when the houses are a little light, we can recognize the importance of women and children at wrestling shows and their influence to help snap up those 8x10’s and other memorabilia.
Take time to share an encouraging word and share the timeless wisdom from your careers - that might help them to set themselves apart and propel them to success. Who knows, we might see some of that old magic make a comeback.
These loose ropes certainly did not afford the dynamic action that we have come to appreciate over the past two generations. I think we’d also identify that by and large the use of the ring ropes has been a positive change for the presentation of wrestling. 18
CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB MEMBERSHIP *To pay via Check or Money Order mail form to: Cauliflower Alley Club 10823 Indian Hills Court, Unit 29 Seminole, FL 33777
NEW RENEW AMERICA ANNUAL: $25 via Check* $27.50 via Credit Card**
PAYMENT OPTIONS • Check • Money Order
**To pay via Credit Card mail this form to above address with Credit Card information ***To pay via PayPal go to www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/shop and follow instructions. Name _____________________________________________ Ring Name _________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City __________________ State _________ Zip __________ E-mail _____________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________________ Accomplishments in wrestling (or send resume) ___________ __________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
AMERICA LIFETIME: $300 via Check* $307 via Credit Card** CANADA ANNUAL: (U.S. Funds) $35 via Check* $37.50 via Credit Card**
OVERSEAS ANNUAL: (U.S. Funds) $45 via Money Order* $47 via Credit Card**
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To charge membership via mail Credit Card # ______________________________________ Amt. Charge _________ Expiration Date ________________ Name of credit card holder ___________________________
To pay via PayPal please visit: www.caulifloweralleyclub.org
2021 CAC BANQUET/BOCKWINKEL BLOWOUT Gold Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV Blowout: APR 27, 2021 TICKET OPTIONS Banquet: APR 28, 2021 MEMBERS PAYING Total number of Tickets You Wish to Order __________
PRINT & MAIL FORM TO: CAULIFLOWER ALLEY CLUB 10823 INDIAN HILLS COURT UNIT 29 SEMINOLE, FL 33777
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(List the RING NAME of each person who will be using the tickets) PRINT NAME CLEARLY ____________________________________________
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DOMESTIC: $125 per person for both nights
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Enclosed is a check in the amount of _____________
MEMBERS PAYING VIA CREDIT CARD:
in the amount of ______________ for _____ tickets.
DOMESTIC: $127.50 per person for domestic orders for both nights
If paying by credit card:
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or charge my credit card
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Name of credit card holder ______________________ E-mail __________________________________________ *To pay via Check or Money Order mail form to: Cauliflower Alley Club 10823 Indian Hills Court, Unit 29 Seminole, FL 33777 **To pay via Credit Card mail this form to above address with Credit Card information
OVERSEAS: $132.00 per person for overseas residents for both nights MEMBERS PAYING VIA PAYPAL: Please visit: www.caulifloweralleyclub.org
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Cauliflower Alley Club 10823 Indian Hills Court, Unit 29 Seminole, Florida 33777
55th Anniversary of The CAC Gold Coast Hotel/Casino, Las Vegas
April 26 to April 28 2021
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Peoria, IL Permit #376