Cauliflower Alley Club News

Ken Patera

2009-03-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce yet another first timer for the CAC reunion. In 2009, Ken Patera will make his way to Las Vegas to attend the CAC reunion.

Ken Patera was one of the first "strongmen" in professional wrestling following his weightlifting career. He wrestled mainly as a heel for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and American Wrestling Association (AWA) during the 1970s and 1980s. In 1976, he challenged Bruno Sammartino for the WWWF Heavyweight Championship. This was a huge draw around the northeastern part of United States and at Madison Square Garden and was one of Sammartino's last challenges before he lost the title to Superstar Billy Graham. When Bob Backlund won the title, Patera unsuccessfully challenged him. At the height of his career (in the early 1980s) he simultaneously held the WWF's Intercontinental Championship, and the NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship, two of the most important non-world championship titles of that era. He also was one of the most hated heels in wrestling during this time. Patera often used his Swinging Full Nelson to "injure" opponents during matches (most notably Billy White Wolf in August 1977). The Swinging Neckbreaker was a simple full nelson applied with the opponent then swung in a circle so his feet would leave the ground.

Seminars are announced!

2009-03-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

After a very successful time with the seminars, The CAC has planned yet another outstanding lineup of personal in the pro-wrestling business to conduct seminars at this years reunion. If you are in the wrestling business and want to further your career, this is a must attend seminar. Below you will find the schedule(s) listed. These seminars will be conduct by world famous names such as, Harley Race, Superstar Billy Graham, Dick Byer, Percival A. Friend, Rip Hawk. just to name a few. And we have others that are asking to volunteer to help the young guns of this business out. Due to popularity of certain wrestlers, we will have "surprise" speakers. Just to add to the excitement of the seminars. If you are truly dedicated to the business, I ask you this, were can you go and get all this knowledge and information, FREE?

This is just one more way the CAC proves there motto, "The Ring of Friendship".

----------WRESTLING SHOW MONDAY NIGHT! ----------

Seminars are as follows:

Tuesday

You're a professional wrestler....look it and act it! (Day 1, Seminar #1 - 10:00 am) Guest speaker(s), Harley Race, Leo Burke

Promote Yourself! (Day 1, Seminar #2 - 11:30 am) Guest speaker(s) Superstar Billy Graham, Dick "Destroyer" Beyer

Can you promo.....effectively? (Day 1, Seminar #3 - 1:30pm) Guest speaker(s), Terry Funk, Ted Dibiase, and a SURPRISE guest

Booking 101 (Day 1, Seminar #4 -:3:00 pm) Guest speaker(s), Nick Bockwinkel, Bob Geigel, Karl Lauer, and a SURPRISE guest

Wednesday

Managing and Being Managed (Day 1, Seminar #1 - 1o:00 am) Guest Speaker(s),Ken Ramey, Percival A. Friend, J J Dillon

Working Hard or Working Smart (Day 1, Seminar #2 - 11:30 am) Guest speaker(s), Bob Roop, Tom Drake

It's not what you make, it's what you keep (Day 2, Seminar #3 - 1:30 pm) Guest Speaker, Magic Schwarz, Bruce Swayze and Nick Bockwinkel

Life after wrestling -- career planning and choices (Day 2, Seminar #4 - 3:00 pm) Guest speaker, Rip Hawk Rock Riddle

Detailed overview of seminar content:

You're a professional wrestler….look it and act it!

YOU:

your body

your ring attire

your work

your attitude

your image: why would anyone pay to see someone who looks "just ordinary"?

Your Professional Conduct:

in business dealings
in the dressing room
in the ring
in public

Promote Yourself!

What have you got to market? Take careful, honest stock of your skills and abilities
Your package: written materials, publicity photos, VHS/DVD video, business card
Your website
Networking
Contacting and following up with promoters
Nobody works for nothing – why should you?
Negotiating fees, transportation, accommodation
Gimmick sales at events
Return bookings
Non-wrestling appearances – fanfests, conventions, Hall of Fames, reunions, etc.

Booking 101

It isn't about who goes over, or who gets to shine -- it's about putting butts in seats!
You're the booker – now what do you do?
The promoter-booker relationship
The good booker always keeps the big picture in focus, short-range and long-range
You're the wrestler -- know the role of the booker, and how to deal with him
Know your role as a wrestler, manager, or referee
Got suggestions? How to present them to the booker

Can you promo….effectively?

Interview and promo techniques, face and heel
TV versus in-ring promos
Tailor your promo to the situation
Keep focused, keep on topic
Less is more: design your words and delivery for maximum impact
Anybody can scream, yell and threaten: does anybody listen?
The most riveting promo is often intense and quiet
Body language

Working Hard or Working Smart

Lessen your wear and tear, lengthen your career, leave it with a working body.
Face or heel? What you want, what the promoter wants
Working snug vs working stiff - North American vs Japanese style
You're hurt, your opponent's hurt: how to handle it in a match
Potatoes and receipts
The ropes or the ring break: take advantage of it

Managing and being managed:

What does a good manager do? What does he not do?
Developing your manager character
Know your role: you're there to add to your boy's performance, not distract from it
Make your moves count: continual interference distracts, and a major interfere loses impact
Being managed: what's different for the worker

It's not what you make, it's what you keep

You are a business, set yourself up as a business
Control your expenses: training costs, ongoing gym costs, self-promotion costs, communications, working gear, car and air travel, accommodations
Document every expense, maintain careful records, and maximize your tax deductions
Keep your interim tax payments up to date, and avoid year-end surprises

Life after wrestling - career planning and choices:

Take honest stock of your life skills and capabilities – early in your wrestling career
Education: before or after your wrestling career?
What's your savings target while you're wrestling
What are you going to do after your wrestling career is over?

From wrestlers, to promoters, to referees, to bookers, no where, ever, have you had this opportunity to learn so much! And might I add, FREE!

Due to airport delays, health issues, filming projects, contractual obligations,
*card subject to change

Keller Entertainment Presents "The Karaoke Show with Bob Keller"

2009-02-28T16:43:00.000-08:00

We have been ask by several members if the Karaoke show will take place this year. The Answer? YES!

Keller Entertainment (from Columbia, South Carolina)will once again will be performing, "THE KARAOKE SHOW with Bob Keller" on Tuesday night immediately after the blowout. I talked with Mr. Keller tonight. He said, Morgan, we can be there aslong as people want to party and have a good time. I sent President Bockwinkel a email to confirm this, and he replied that he was practicing on a song. And that he should be ready by April.

Bob Keller has been a CAC member for several years. A Professional Wrestler known as the FABULOUS PLAYBOY, traveled with pro-wrestler,the Barbarian for several years and has turned a part time Karaoke job into a full time job. Mr. Keller has made arrangements to have his bookings on the east coast taken care of so he can head west and bring his talent to the CAC.

So for all you KARAOKE stars get ready! Its a go! The KARAOKE show is set!

See you all in Vegas!

Billy Graham, Iron Sheik Among Scheduled Attendees

2009-02-21T08:50:00.000-08:00

Folks, this year's CAC is shaping up to be an exciting, not-to-be-forgotten event. Between the bowling tournament, cribbage games, wrestling show and new, improved venue, it's going to be a year of excitement and fun. We have several attendees confirmed - both first time and returning attendees.

We are particularly excited about all of our first-time attendees, some of whom include:
Superstar Billy Graham
Trevor Murdoch
Rip Hawk
Iron Sheik
Ted DiBiase
Jean Antone

Among the returning attendees we have confirmed are:
JJ Dillon who will be hosting our awards banquet for the second consecutive year
Betty Niccoli
Omar Atlas
Bob Giegel
Terry Funk

Of course, this is only a partial listing of those who are scheduled to attend and there are always some last minute surprises.

If you haven't ordered your banquet ticket yet, there's still time to do so! Ordering is easier than ever now that CAC is able to accept PayPal for banquet ticket orders and membership. For more information on sending your order via PayPal, e-mail wes@caulifloweralleyclub.org. To order your ticket directly, contact cac@fidnet.com.

We'll see YOU there!

This year is one that is truly not to be missed.

2009 CAC Raffle Belt Design Revealed

2009-01-21T22:05:00.001-08:00

Rico Mann who designed our 2006 and 2008 raffle belts has, once again, generously donated more than 80 hours of his time to design a one-of-a-kind collectibe that is sure to go over huge. As most everybody knows, Rico, Dave Millican and Reggie Parks regularly donate their time, labor and materials to provide these belts and each one is more special than the last. This belt will, undoubtedly, be our most successful yet!

Don't forget, you can win this belt with as small as a $1 investment! The most important thing to remember, though, is this: You have to be there to win!!

Only Two Advertising Spaces Left in Banquet Program!

2009-01-11T22:45:00.000-08:00

Want to get word of your business, product, service, promotion or other event out to CAC members? There's no better way than through advertising in our annual Banquet Program.

As of today, there are only two main advertising spaces left in the publication - one full-page ad ($200) and one half-page ad ($125).

If you're interested in purchasing this advertising space, please contact Wes Daniel at wes@caulifloweralleyclub.org as soon as possible.

What Happened to the Board Briefs?

2009-01-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

If there's anybody out there who regularly reads the site (is there?), I'm sure that you may have wondered over the past several weeks what happened to the weekly Board Briefs.

After a year and a half of regular weekly board briefs and nearly three years of the feaure on a less-regular basis, believe it or not, our Directors just ran out of stories to tell! I know it seems hard to believe taht wrestlers would EVER run out of stories, but I guess it's true!

In all seriousness, we have decided to shelve the "Board Briefs" section of the website (the archives will remain in place for anybody to read) in favor of some other features. We have worked with several members to come up with monthly articles that will be posted in their place. The first monthly article, "Morgan's Corner," will be coming up within the next couple of weeks followed by some other writers and pieces.

In the meantime, we're making regular announcements of upcoming honorees and adding other tidbits of interest.

Have you made your 2009 banquet reservations yet? Time is ticking away!

Happy, Healthy New Year from Rolla, MO!

2009-01-04T12:49:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a very healthy and happy new year! Needless to say, we are in a very bad economy at this time, but America has been there before and will once again come through. Those of you over 50 can remember and us over 70 can reallly remember coming through bad economies before. I hope this will not keep you from the big trip for the 44th CAC reunion in Vegas this coming April13th, 14th and 15th. We are in a new location that promises to be a good move, plus very affordable rates of $57.00 and a delux upgrade for $71.00. The Gold Coast Casino and Hotel have a lot to offer, check out their web site, http://www.goldcoastcasino.com/ I think you will be impressed.

Look and see if Allegiant Airlines flys from a smaller airport near you, if so you may find a great air fare, I flew from Springfield, MO to Las Vegas last November in peak time for $99.00 round trip, with tax and fees a total of $137.00. They do not fly from everywhere, but are nice big planes and clean and newer and all leather seats. If they go near you at least check it out, also Southwest has some really good fares to Vegas via Phoenix.

Last year a lot of members complained that they did not come but would have if they knew that Steve Austin, Jim Ross, Bret Hart and Terry Funk were all there, all I can say this year there will be a bunch of first timers there, and some major names, the CAC has always tried to be sure that we never advertise someone who MAY NOT show, due to their schedule, but every year have alot of surprises and guys show up that were able to make it last minute.

There is so much going on this year, a new bowling tournament with Dr Ken Ramey, the cribbage games, the nostalgia fair, the Japanese Tribute with some really big names coming in from Japan, the banquet and the surprise IRON MIKE award. Plus the kareoke after the Baloney blowout and if like last year the bar going with everyone till around 4:00AM when Jim Ross and Steve Austin finally got tired.

Make your reservations early, the deadline at the hotel for the rates in March 13th, for the banquet is April 5th to mail them in. It makes life a lot easier for me if you do it NOW.

FLAIR...The legacy continues at the Harley Race Wrestling Academy

2008-11-19T04:25:00.000-08:00

In life we all want to be respected and admired for our achievements. The ultimate form of respect is when your fellow peers put their children and grandchildren in your hands to teach them the very business they themselves excelled in. Reid Flair, son of the legendary Ric Flair, has moved to Eldon, Missouri to begin his training at the Harley Race Wrestling Academy.

Reid joins the list of second and third generation superstars that have trained or are currently training under Harley Race including:
• Ted DiBiase and Mike Dibiase, son of the “Millon Dollar Man”, Ted DiBiase.

• Joe Hennig and Amy Hennig, grandson and granddaughter of Larry “The Axe” Hennig, who held the AWA World Team Championship with Harley Race, and son and daughter of the late “Mr.Perfect” Curt Hennig. Joe Henning who was recently signed by the WWE is currently one-half of the FCW’s Tag Team Champions. Amy Hennig is currently training at the academy and is on her way to future stardom.

• Ricky Steamboat Jr., son of wrestling great Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat is also currently training at the school and will make his mark like his father before him. He will also be leaving after the first of the year, to train in Pro Wrestling Noah’s Dojo.

Since it’s inception in 1999, Harley Race has been providing its students with the necessary tools to propel forward in the wrestling industry. Within the last five years seven students from the academy have signed with WWE. Several others have toured and trained with Japans premiere promotion ProWrestling NOAH. The Harley Race Wrestling Academy has a strong working relationship with WWE and ProWrestling NOAH. Both organizations attend the Harley Race Wrestling Camp every year to scout talent. The camp held every September in Eldon, Missouri, is the only place in the world that you will ever find both WWE and ProWrestling NOAH under one roof scouting talent.

Harley Race lived a dream every time he stepped into the ring. He continues to pass that dream along by training the superstars of tomorrow. You can achieve your dreams too and be the next superstar to graduate from the academy.

The Harley Race Wrestling Academy has moved to a larger facility at 1406 South Business Highway 54 in Eldon, Missouri. Due to the increase in size and the addition of a second ring, the school is now able to accommodate new students.
For more information you can contact the school at 573-392-4100. Or go to harleyrace.com, See pictures of the school and training session.

CAC Life Members Walk For Make-A-Wish!

2008-09-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

CAC Life Members Richie Rotten and Glenn Ulrich will be walking in the Make-A-Wish Foundation's 2008 "Walk for Wishes" on October 5 in New Jersey's Liberty State Park.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. All proceeds from the "Walk for Wishes" will provide the resources necessary to ensure that no medically-eligible child in New Jersey goes without a wish.

Every day people wonder how they can make a difference in today's world. Please know that through your participation you can make a significant difference in the life of a child with a life-threatening illness. A wish gives a child the chance to forget treatments and hospital stays as they plan their own unique wish, anticipate it, experience it to the fullest, and then relive it through happy memories that will sustain them and their family through the days ahead. Thank you for believing in and supporting this important mission!

To contribute to Richie Rotten's fundraising goal, click here.

To contribute to Glenn Ulrich's fundraising goal, click here.

Gorgeous George Book Review

2008-09-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

“Gorgeous George: The Outrageous Bad-Boy Wrestler Who Created American Pop Culture”

What a title and what a premise to live up to. The first thought that ran through my mind was that author John Capouya was going to have a difficult time drawing a line from Gorgeous George to the likes of Ryan Seacrest and Paris Hilton, but, draw a line he does. Though it may be dotted and circuitous at times, he certainly makes a compelling case for American pop culture starting with the “Human Orchid.”

I was born in 1968 and became enamored with wrestling in the early 1970s. Both of my parents remembered and spoke regularly of Gorgeous George and, from listening to their conversations, I knew that George was different than the rest of the grapplers I saw on television. EVERYBODY from my parents’ generation knew George and he was probably the last wrestler you could say that about until the days of Hulk Hogan. I never realized just how much he contributed to later staples of pro wrestling or how good he was in his role until seeing some video clips and, of course, learning more with the later advent of the internet.

George’s early life isn’t covered in great detail as, honestly, there just aren’t that many (if any) people left who would be able to provide solid direction and facts. Though George was a teenager during The Great Depression, his family came through the period relatively unscathed. This information – the lack of true hardship caused by the Depression – leads one to a better understanding of how George would go on to be a spendthrift, living only for today, while so many others of his era became hoarders of money and were always concerned about the future.

Betty, the first Mrs. Gorgeous George, appears in the sixth chapter of the book, titled, “His Gorgeous Muse,” and as you read you come to understand that she was not only his muse. She was his protector-from-self who eventually tired of that role and wanted simply to be his wife.

The list of those influenced by George is long and certainly impossible to cover completely. James Brown, Bob Dylan, John Waters and Muhammad Ali are all covered in the book. At varying times, Ali has credited both George and Freddy Blassie with his histrionics; however, most believe, based on timelines and research that Blassie probably had more influence on Ali than George. Brown, Dylan and Waters? Point directly to George. If George would not have taken the “gimmick” as far as he did, somebody else, undoubtedly, would have; however, there is no telling when or how much impact they would have had.

George’s near-perfect delivery of his schtick was enough to attract the attention of a nation in the nascency of television and, it is explained in the book, many who bought televisions in the early days did not buy television sets, rather, they bought, “wrestling sets.” In those days of “wrestling sets,” George could be seen most every night of the week in one’s living room, making him one of the most recognizable figures of the era.

It’s not uncommon in wrestling or other celebrity businesses for spouses to eventually want the person they married back only to discover that person no longer exists. Sadly, as the story progressed, Betty found that George Wagner no longer existed; having been replaced with “His Gorgeousness.” Betty and George divorced and George lost his muse and his protector.

The remainder of the book details George’s not-so-gradual decline leading to his Christmastime-death at the young age of 48. The story of one of the most famous people in the country dying penniless – unable to buy a skateboard for his son and living in a flophouse on Hollywood Boulevard – is sad, though not uncommon.

While Gorgeous George didn’t exactly fit the bill of “being famous for being famous,” he certainly did more than his part to bring the era of over-the-top personality combined with startling visuals into our living rooms.

This book takes you on the roller coaster ride that was Gorgeous George as you learn about his highs, lows and swirls in the middle. If there’s one complaint about the book – and it’s a minor one – I would replace alliterative references such as “the grunt-and-groan game” with simpler, more reader-friendly words like, "wrestling." It’s just a pet peeve of mine, and it certainly won’t distract from the book for most. The book is thorough, well-researched and, as noted wrestling historian J. Michael Kenyon described it, “superlative.”

Hopefully this book will bring Gorgeous George alive to a new generation of fans and will spark their interest in the history of pro wrestling.

To visit the book's website, click here.

To order the book on Amazon, click here.

Gorgeous George Book Contest!!!

2008-08-28T17:08:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to our five winners in the Gorgeous George book contest!

The first five people to request the book via e-mail were:
Yan Lin
Dale Spear
Bob Leonard
Alan Osburn
Jeff Sharkey

Your books should come to you directly from Harper Collins. Thanks for your e-mails!

Harper Collins, the publishers of the critically acclaimed new book, "Georgeous George, The Outrageous Bad-Boy Wrestler Who Created American Pop Culture" is offering the first five people who respond to this post a FREE copy of the book!

This book is getting great reviews and has been covered in The New York Post and Wall Street Journal amongst other newspapers. I received my advance copy of the book and, at about half way in, I am blown away at the amount of information author John Capouya has been able to unearth.

Every fan of professional wrestling owes it to him/herself to read this historical retrospective on wrestling's first television superstar!

Send an e-mail now to wes@caulifloweralleyclub.org and include your full name and mailing address.

Donations Sought for Killer Kowalski - Fundraiser Scheduled

2008-08-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

As most everybody reading this post has heard, Walter Kowalski has been off life support since last Monday (August 18th).

A fund for Walter's medical care has been set up that is accesable ONLY by Theresa Kowalski. The address to directly send funds that will be immediately available to help with medical costs and other expenses is:

The Walter "Killer" Kowalski Memorial Fund
Citizens Bank
876 Main St.
Malden, MA 02148

There will be a benefit show held for Walter and his medical expenses in Malden, MA on Sunday, October 26 at 2PM. Theresa's wishes are that all efforts be concentrated on this one event that she will attend. A longtime friend of Walter's (and former partner in his school), Richard Byrne, has secured the venue.

All participation in the event will be donated and all proceeds will go directly into the fund. They've already had volunteers from former students to stars wanting to participate.

If you knew Walter or even if you feel you have something to lend to the show talent-wise, please contact 781-324-9568 for more details.

Over the years Walter has touched so many people, so here is a special event and opportunity to give back to Walter and Theresa who both need financial help at this time.

Welcome Newest Life Members!

2008-08-26T20:33:00.001-07:00

The Cauliflower Alley Club would like to extend a warm welcome to our two newest lifetime mebers, Peggy Patterson and Ted Lewin. Both are folks who have been members of the Club and decided to make the contribution for a life membership!

Don't forget, a life membership to the Club is only $300, $275 of which may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

Welcome to our ranks, Peggy and Ted!

For a list of current life members of the Cauliflower Alley Club, click here.

Update on Killer Kowalski

2008-08-10T12:08:00.001-07:00

This was received from Jamie Jamitkowski of Killer Kowalski's Pro Wrestling School:

In an effort to minimize inaccurate reports about Walter "Killer" Kowalski, his wife has asked us to send a brief update:

Initial reports by Georgiann Makropolous were correct in that Walter did, in fact, have a heart attack late on Friday. At the time, he was revived, placed on life-support and transferred from the nursing facility to an area hospital. Friday night and Saturday were critical for Walter. As of Saturday evening, Walter was more responsive to those around him, including some visitors from the wrestling industry. He is still being assisted by medical equipment but certain vital signs have improved slightly. The medical staff is hoping that he will continue to stabilize.

Walter is still in serious condition and we can all only hope for continued improvement. His wife believes that his slight improvement is due to the thoughts and prayers that he has been receiving from around the world. She asks that everyone continue to pray for Walter.

As always, messages can be sent to Walter through his school: www.killerkowalskis.com or through the mailing address on the site.

Again, we ask that everyone think of Walter during this difficult time and resist the spread of inaccurate information and reports.

Thank you,

RIP: Inita Conway wife of Tiger Conway Sr.

2008-08-09T23:44:00.000-07:00

Inita Marie Conway, wife of Tiger Conway Sr. passed away August 6, 2008. Services will be held Monday, August 11, 2008, at Pinecrest Presbyterian- 4913 Market St. Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00a.m. Funeral Service will begin at 11:00a.m. Interment-Houston Memorial Gardens.

If you would like to sign the online guest book it is found HERE

The Cauliflower Alley Club sends its condolences to the family and friends of Inita Conway.

Killer Kowalksi Suffers Heart Attack

2008-08-09T07:30:00.001-07:00

The Cauliflower Alley Club has received word that Walter "Killer" Kowalski suffered a major heart attack on Friday night. Killer is now in ICU in a MA hospital. There are no further details at this time.

Please keep Killer and his wife in your thoughts and prayers.

Walter "Killer" Kowalski Grapples with Mortality

2008-07-28T18:59:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Diane Devine for passing along The Boston Herald article about our Walter "Killer" Kowalski today. Unfortunately, Killer is in a nursing home with bad knees.

According to the article, one of the things that keeps him cheerful is receiving cards and letters. If you'd like to send him words of encouragement, they can be sent to:
Walter Kowalski
Everett Nursing Home
289 Elm St.
Everett, MA 02149

To read the full article, please click here.

43rd annual CAC reunion t-shirt

2008-07-17T12:07:00.001-07:00

Did you miss the annual CAC Reunion? Or did you miss the chance to purchase a Cauliflower Alley Club Authorized reunion t-shirt? Now is your chance to obtain one of the highly sought after 43rd annual CAC Reunion t-shirts.

The Cauliflower Alley Club authorized only 288 shirts to be made (this is the only CAC Authorized shirt). Of the 288, we only have 70 left! This is a first come first serve offer! Get your order in the mail today. The only sizes remaining are:

Limited amounts of
SMALL
MEDIUM
LARGE
X LARGE
XX LARGE
XXXX LARGE ( 2 or 3 left of this size)

If you would like to verify your size requested. You can email Board member Charlie Smith at nwa_ref@yahoo.com

These Shirts are $20.00 each plus $1.95 shipping in the United States. Send your check or money order or credit card info to:
Cauliflower Alley Club
HCR33 Box 107
Rolla MO. 65401
They will be shipped within a few days.

ATTENTION: If You Wrestled At The CAC Show.....

2008-07-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

If you wrestled on the Monday night show at Cauliflower Alley Club's reunion last month, it is important that you contact Dean Silverstone at cacdean@hotmail.com regarding your CAC membership.

There were several membership applications that are either illegible or are not completely filled out. Please contact Dean as soon as possible to ensure that your membership is correct in our database.

Thank you.

CAC President to Receive Honor

2008-07-07T17:49:00.000-07:00

Nick Bockwinkel has been voted into the Class of 2009 for the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, it was announced recently. The Hall of Fame is located in the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum, in Waterloo, Iowa. The pro hall has its own separate wing where the honorees are represented by beautiful plaques in the Hall of Fame Court.

Next year's group will be the 11th class. The hall of fame honors athletes who (1) had a large impact on the professional sport, and (2) exhibited true wrestling ability as evidenced either by their amateur background or by the consensus of the hall of fame voting committee. The committee is comprised of all living hall of fame members and four wrestling historians.

Nick will be one of three living inductees and there will also be three deceased inductees, the others to be announced later. The date of next year's inductions has not been set yet. The museum was hit hard by the recent floods in Iowa and is closed for reconstruction. For more details, see the Dan Gable museum web site.

Thinking of "The Dog"

2008-07-01T07:21:00.001-07:00

The CAC has received word that Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon is still in rehab at the Windsor Regional Hospital after undergoing knee replacement surgery. Mad Dog is facing some challenges because he is in a lot of pain and is not recovering as quickly as he would like.

Anybody who would like to send a card, letter or other words of well-wishes can do so to:

Maurice Vachon
1995 Lens Ave.
Windsor, Ont.
N8W 1L9
Canada

Please remember this is a rehab facility / hospital, so please send your cards and letters quickly to be sure he receives them!

The Penny Banner Women's Project

2008-07-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Bishop Jason Sanderson is pleased to announce the establishment of the Penny Banner Women’s Project aimed at providing support and relief for the women of the war torn Democratic Republic of Congo.

Since the beginning of the Civil War in the country in 1998, nearly 5.4 million people have died either as a direct result of the war itself, the resulting epidemics brought about by malnutrition and pestilence, or as the result of a society that has yet to be satisfactorily rebuilt following the end of the hostilities. These conditions were further exacerbated by the AIDS epidemic that continues to spread through Africa.

As a result, many women lost homes and families and became destitute in a society in which they do not have significant status and in which violence against women is perceived as normal. Women who have no means of supporting themselves are often at the mercies of exploitation. In 2006, the UN, and African studies reported that improving the status of women, as well as preventing violence against them, was deemed to be a small priority.

In response to this, the Liberal Catholic Church International has formed The Penny Banner Women’s Project to meet the following goals:

To provide women with the means of learning a trade to be able to achieve financial independence.
To provide education to the Congolese society to discourage violence against women.
To provide Congolese women with refuge from domestic violence.
To provide women with the spiritual and material means to assist in the rebuilding of Congolese society.

This project is named in memory of Penny Banner, former AWA Women’s Heavyweight wrestling champion. Penny was a woman who experience firsthand discrimination against women, and the struggles a single mother faced through domestic upheaval from which she was able to establish herself as a successful businesswoman and leader of the sport of professional wrestling and in her community. In the face of these obstacles she maintained a faith in God, a spirit of compassion and courage and became an example to others for her continued efforts to improve not only her life, but the lives of others. It is therefore felt that she would be a stirring example to women who are faced with these same situations.

For more information, or to find out how to help, contact Bishop Jason Sanderson at bpsanderson90@yahoo.com

A "Hunk" Of A CAC Life Member

2008-06-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

CAC member and supporter, Richie Rotten, submitted the following news bit:

Glenn Ulrich, the youngest life member in CAC history, was selected "Hunk of the Day" for June 25 at www.prowrestlingdigest.com (scroll about half way down the page). Glenn has been having a great month of June, having attended the CAC Reunion, competed in the battle royal at the Reunion, graduated high school, won his BWO match against Preacher and now being named "Hunk of the Day."

Congratulations, Glenn! Keep up the good work!

Waterloo, IA Hall of Fame In Need of Help

2008-06-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

I spoke to BJ Race this morning. As I understand it, the Iowa Hall of Fame DID NOT have flood insurance. This means that this already near-catastrophic damage will be even harder for them to work their way out of.

She and Harley's World League Wrestling are, of course, doing a benefit show for the Waterloo Hall this weekend. In addition, she is planning on holding a silent auction during the weekend. She has asked for donations of memorabilia to be auctioned off at the Induction Weekend and has already gotten commitments from Roddy Piper, Bret Hart and Wendy Weaver to bring items to be added to the silent auction.

I will be sending some of my memorabilia that I hope will help the Hall and am hoping that some other folks can do the same. If you have items to donate to the silent auction, please get in touch with me and I will figure out a way to place you in touch with the Race's to schedule delivery.

Time is short as they are leaving next Wednesday, so we have to get it to them quickly. BJ has also told me that any items that might not sell at the Iowa Hall would then be donated to the Cauliflower Alley Club to be auctioned for their Benevolent Fund next year.

Any questions, e-mail me at wes@caulifloweralleyclub.org

Thanks for your support!

Another Year's Reunion Finished

2008-06-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

Well, some of us have already returned home from this year's Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion, others are still traveling and some are still in Las Vegas enjoying the sights, sounds and opportunities to lose money (right, Morgan?). I think that all of us, though, will agree that this year's Reunion was one of our most successful ever.

There were certainly some roadblocks on the way to success.... the memorabilia fair room wasn't open, let alone ready, when we arrived Monday morning to begin our set-up, we had the usual challenges with audio at an event of this type and there was the case of those missing keys (right, Nick?); however, despite any roadblocks, the successes were much greater.

I believe that all of the vendors set up for the memorabilia fair had very successful weeks despite the concerns over the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday dates, the Baloney Blowout was fun and festive and the Reunion Banquet itself was tremendous. I don't believe that there was a dry eye in the house as we closed the banquet with Pat Patterson leading us in singing "My Way."

Over the coming days, I will be working on a full report of the events. In the meantime, our friends over at SLAM! Wrestling already have their reviews and photo albums posted.

To everybody who contributed to this Reunion, thank you. I hate to try to do this because you always forget somebody, but thanks particularly go to Dave Millican, Rico Mann, Reggie Parks, Ted Gordienko and Vince Fahey for donating items for our auctions and raffles this week; to BJ Race, Melissa Anderson and Al Friend for helping us earn as much money as possible for the items that were donated; to Mike Lano, Kurt Brown and Bob Barnett for their contributions to the Baloney Blowout; and to JJ Dillon, Morgan Dollar, Kurt Nielsen and Scott Hosey for helping to make the banquet itself so successful.

Texas Rattlesnake Sighting in Las Vegas

2008-05-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

Good Ole' Jr has posted in his blog that "Stone Cold" Steve Austin has committed to attend this year's Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion in Las Vegas. This will be the first visit for both Jim Ross and Austin.

The CAC is excited about the attendance of these two greats of the wrestling business and we are also excited about the rest of the attendees. At the Cauliflower Alley Club, every member who attends is important and appreciated.

If you have not yet bought your ticket to this year's event, there's still (a little) time. Download your order form here and there is still room available at The Riviera! In the words of a famous wrestling announcer, "Don't you dare miss it!"

Life Member Roster Grows!

2008-05-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

The CAC's roster of life members continues to grow! Neal "Dakota" Isaak is our newest life member.

Prior to joining the professional ranks, Neal lettered in football, basketball and track in high school. Neal has trained at Harley Race's training school in Missouri and has even wrestled in Japan.

We are proud to add Dakota to our ranks and look forward to seeing him in Las Vegas!

First Pictures of the 2008 CAC Raffle Belt!

2008-05-08T07:51:00.000-07:00

Dave Millican was kind enough to send me photos of the 2008 CAC Raffle Belt last night and, WOW!, is it one for the collectors! I'm short on time this morning, so can't post them all, but here's a sneak peek!

Important Announcement RE: 6/9 Wrestling Show

2008-05-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

To those interested in working the show that will take place in conjunction with Cauliflower Alley Club 2008 Reunion in Las Vegas at the Riviera Hotel and Casino.

Our goal with this show is to raise funds for the Cauliflower Alley Club Benevolent Fund and provide a showcase for talent to work in front of and alongside some of wrestling’s current and future legends.

Here are the details of the show:

Location: Riviera Hotel & Casino

Date: Monday 6/9/08 7:00 pm belltime

Tryouts: Monday 6/9/08 at Noon. Please bring your gear, resume/portfolio and ID. This will be the promoters' opportunity to see you work and prepare the matchups for later in the night. They are planning a full card including a battle royal to give as many people a chance to work as possible.

Requirements: Professional gear and boots are required. No t-shirts, jean shorts, etc..

Merchandise: You are welcome to bring and sell any merchandise you may have or do autographs. Tables will be provided to sell after the show.

They need to confirm names asap. If you are planning to attend CAC and would like to be part of the show, please confirm to deadrich@caulifloweralleyclub.org by no later than Wed (5/7). When replying please let us know if you are a current CAC member. If you have links to online matches for the promoters to review in advance, it would be very helpful as well.

Thank you all and looking forward to a great show!

Update on Dick Beyer's Knee Surgery

2008-05-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

The CAC received an e-mail from Wilma Beyer today that Dick is already up and getting around using a walker. He is still having some pain at the site of the operation; however, they anticipate this to get better every day. He will start rehab tomorrow. Dick and Wilma thank everybody for their thoughts and prayers.

Time Is Running Out - Book Your Rooms Today!

2008-05-02T21:58:00.000-07:00

The CAC's block of rooms at the rate of $89 per night will expire on May 8. That leaves less than one week left for you to make your reservations and get your rooms (including weekends) at this rate. Be sure to log on to the Riviera website or call 800-643-6753 and mention the Cauliflower Alley Club.

Update on Susan Green

2008-04-18T22:15:00.001-07:00

I received the following e-mail today:

As many fans recently learned, wrestling legend Susan Green was hospitalized with an extremely serious staph infection following a surgical procedure several months ago.

She is better, but as we all know, staph infections can be very serious. Susan has been in the hospital since Feb 5th. Doctors discovered the infection while looking at a stomach & intestine problem and the staph infection that was around her back area.

She is making progress. Early on, the doctors had said that her condition was critical. Although her condition is still very serious, she is improving.
While she is no longer critical, I want to stress the seriousness of this. The infection has affected her left side and she is partially paralized on that side. She does physical theraphy every day for about 3 hours, and there is every hope that she will regain her full mobility. She still has a long way to go, but she is doing her best. And anyone who has been lucky enough to know Susan knows just what her "best" means...it means that she won't give up, and she won't give in.
Please pray for her complete recovery.

Also, it would be very encouraging for her to receive cards and letters, etc sent to her in care of:

Susan Green / Room 953
Palmetto Baptist Hospital
Taylor and Marion Steets
Columbia, SC 29220

Al Friend Recuperating

2008-04-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

We received an e-mail from good friend of CAC, Al Friend, today. After a routine check-up on Monday, it was discovered that Al required vascular surgery. Fortunately, Al was able to quickly schedule the surgery and, even more fortunately, Al seems to have amazing recuperative powers as he was released from the hospital already! Please keep Al in your thoughts.

CAC Adds Another Life Member!

2008-04-18T21:45:00.000-07:00

The newest life member to CAC's Ring of Friendship is none other than "Good Old JR" himself, Jim Ross. According to his April 17 blog entry, JR is still planning on making it to our June Reunion. The CAC is proud to welcome Ross to our membership roster and hope that he will join us year after year!

Get Well Soon, Killer!

2008-04-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

We received an e-mail last night letting us know that Walter "Killer" Kowalski has been in a rehab center since April 2.

Walter fell three separate times and hurt his knees badly. After a two week stay in the hospital, he was sent to the rehab center. Walter is walking with a walker and can't navigate very well. They are speaking to an Orthopedic surgeon tomorrow to see if anything can be done to help Walter walk better.

Contrary to what has been reported, we have been told that HE DID NOT HAVE A MINI STROKE.

According to his wife, Walter just wants to go home.

Please keep the Kowalski family in your thoughts.

Former Girl Star Susan Green In Critical Condition

2008-04-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

The CAC received word from Al Mandell today that former girl wrestling star, Susan Green, is in critical condition in the hospital with a grim prognosis. Details are limited; however, according to Al, Susan had surgery and contracted an infection. We will post information as it becomes available.

Please keep her and her family in your thoughts.

For more information on the life and career of Susan Green, see SLAM's article here.

UPDATE
I got another call from Al and, as he explained to me, Susan went into the hospital in mid-February for surgery. After the surgery, she developed a staph infection and was in the hospital for an extended period. It appeared that the infection cleared up and she was released from the hospital and sent home, but then went back to the hospital. After being in the hospital for several days, somebody noticed a sore on her back and, as it was explained to me, the staph infection had gone into her spine or spinal column.

On the bright side, Al did say that she has stabilized since being in ICU. Hopefully this means that the prognosis has improved as well.

WWE Announcer Jim Ross Vegas bound!

2008-04-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

Jim Ross and his black Resistol hat has made plans and committed to attend the CAC Reunion in Las Vegas in June. This is just one of many reasons why you should make your plans to attend this years reunion.

As JR would say,
This is sure to be one slobber knocker of a good time!

Golf Discounts Available!

2008-04-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

All CAC members coming to Las Vegas for the annual Reunion have received a special offer from The Rhodes Ranch Golf Club and The Tuscany Golf Club. For any CAC member wishing to play either or both of these courses, they are offering:

* 10% green fee discount
* 50% off rental clubs
* Free $10 pro-shop gift certificate
* FREE TRANSPORTATION to and from the Riviera

If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please call the club of your choice and mention the Cauliflower Alley Club!

Final Advertising Spot Available in Banquet Program!

2008-04-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

That's right - there is only one spot left for advertising in the 2008 Reunion Banquet Program! The last available space is for a full-page ad priced at only $200!

If you're interested in supporting Cauliflower Alley Club with your advertising, please send an e-mail to wes@caulifloweralleyclub.org

CAC Member Doing Good Things!

2008-04-04T22:30:00.000-07:00

Longtime CAC Member, Lisa "The Adjuster" Haynes is still active in rescuing homeless animals and is also the founder of "Save Our Strays" in Huntington, VT. This article was recently passed along to the CAC webmasters. Please take a read at the good things this CAC member is doing!

Banquiet Program Advertising - Time Is Running Out!

2008-03-29T01:14:00.000-07:00

If you haven't placed your order for advertising in the CAC banquet, program, now's the time to do it!

Our deadline is April 25, which is less than one month away. We still have one full-page spot, one half-page spot and two quarter page spots left.

If you're interested in advertising your business, product or service to every CAC member at the annual banquet, please e-mail Wes Daniel at wes@caulifloweralleyclub.org.

Confusion about the wrestling show

2008-03-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

Since we announced there would be a wrestling show in conjunction with the CAC reunion in June, I have had numerous e mails and calls asking to be on the show. The show IS NOT a part of the CAC reunion but is being produced by various indy promoters, headed by Jason Deadrich and his Black Pants production company along with Harley Race and his WLW promotion and Dale Gagne and his AWA group. Other groups such as Fusion Wrestling in Denver and TNA in Tennessee have been asked to participate, and several NWA groups also have been asked.

By holding it at the Riviera hotel the opening night of the 43rd reunion, this will allow many of our legends to appear and at the same time provide our younger CAC members a chance to work before all the other promoters in attendance. NOAH wrestling from Japan will also be represented and their managing team will be on hand to watch, and scout new talent.

If you want to be a part of the show, please contact Jason direct. deadrich@caulifloweralleyclub.org He is working with the others to make this a great event. Profits from this show are being given to the CAC benevolent fund. Keep watching the web site for the names as they confirm. Jason plans a major press release in the next few weeks.

Also remember that May 8th is the cut off for the special rates on the rooms at the Riviera call toll free 1-800-634-6753 and if you want a dealer table to sell your photos and books or what ever call Scott Hosey at 702-459-7529 The general public and fans will be allowed into the nostalgia fair and the wrestling show, the BLOWOUT and BANQUET WILL STILL BE MEMBERS ONLY with private members only hospitality area.

Major Wrestling Show Planned for Cauliflower Alley Reunion on June 9!

2008-03-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release

(San Francisco; March 18, 2008) - The special CAC wrestling exhibition, which has become a tradition at the annual reunion of the Cauliflower Alley Club, will be bigger and better this year. For the first time, the show will be open to the public.
The card, presented by Black Pants Productions in conjunction with the Cauliflower Alley Club, will take place at the Riviera Hotel on June 9th, 2008. Cauliflower Alley has made the event the kick-off of its three-day convention, scheduled at the Riviera Hotel and Casino June 9th-11th.

Several promotions have already pledged to make talent available. "This show will have match-ups that fans could otherwise never see, because it will bring together wrestlers from all over the world", explains Jason Deadrich, CEO of Black Pants Productions.

Wrestlers, promoters and sponsors who would like to be part of this historic event should contact Jason Deadrich at deadrich@caulifloweralleyclub.org directly.
The Cauliflower Alley Club is an association of past, present and future champions, combatants and allied personages joining in celebration and recognition of fellowship within the wrestling world.

Contact:

Jason Deadrich
Chief Executive Officer
Black Pants, Inc.
Cauliflower Alley Club Board Member
deadrich@caulifloweralleyclub.org

Arnie Katz
Direct of Business Development
Black Pants, Inc.
Crossfire4@cox.net

Two New Life Members

2008-03-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

The CAC would like to welcome our two newest life members, Chasyn Rance and Chris Ostrouvsky.

Chasyn lives in Orlando, Florida and has wrestled for TNA, AWA, Stampede, ROH and has also toured England. We hope to see Chasyn at a future CAC Reunion!

Chris lives in Las Vegas and has been a fan for a long time.

Welcome, gentlemen, to the Ring of Friendship!

Les Thatcher Remembers Don Curtis

2008-03-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

Les Thatcher sent along this story saying farewell to Don Curtis. Please take the chance to read it and pay respects to Don.

Reminder Regarding Travel Arrangements

2008-03-01T21:34:00.000-08:00

The CAC would like to remind all of our members and attendees of the importance to the Club for as many people as possible to book their travel with our host / primary vendors.

Hotel rooms at The Riviera are all counted towards our minimum block of rooms (whether booked through a casino host, a travel agent or directly with the hotel). The Riviera comps our convention space as long as we meet our minimum room night guarantee. Without this, the Reunion becomes a tremendous expense for the Club and takes money away from our philanthropic efforts. To book your room reservation online, please visit The Rivier's website.

Also, the CAC has selected Budget Las Vegas as our official car rental company. Budget will be assisting the Club with our transportation needs for moving our wrestling artifacts and items to the venue from storage. Your patronage of Budget helps us with the expense involved with this. You can book your car rental online at Budget's website.

Thank you.

Information on Don Curtis

2008-02-28T22:06:00.000-08:00

The following was sent by Scott Teal:

In order to avoid incorrect information, Dotty Curtis, the wife of Don Curtis, has asked me to pass along this statement. I am in regular touch with Dotty and will keep everybody informed of future developments regarding Don's health. Dotty has a lot on her plate right now, so please don't call or e-mail. If you have specific questions, please contact me directly.

Don suffered a massive stroke due to a blood clot breaking loose and hitting the left side of his brain. I (Dotty) found him in a pool of blood, face down in the bedroom two mornings ago, but it wasn't until late last night that an MRI confirmed the stroke and severe damage. He has been transported to the new Hospice facility at Mayo Clinic, where he will receive the best of care.Please know that Don is in no pain, and would want nothing more that to end the life that he presently lives in. If anyone could say, "I've done it all!", it would be Don. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend no one could have asked any more from. Pray for him.

Dotty & Don

Our family tree continues to grow

2008-02-26T07:29:00.000-08:00

Nancy Miskin, daughter of Enrique Carmargo Mexican wrestler El Satanas has recently joined the club as a life member. Nancy's father, El Santanas began his wrestling career in 1945 at the early age of 16. Santanas won the Mexican middleweight title in 1950. Nancy's father joined the CAC in 1978 and was very active in the club until moving to the Bay area. He later rejoined in 2005 and attended the annual reunion.

The CAC welcomes Nancy Miskin to the Cauliflower Alley Club and looks forward to seeing her in Las Vegas in June.

Sneak Preview of 2008 Reunion Raffle Belt

2008-02-13T18:32:00.001-08:00

I wanted to give everybody a sneak preview of our 2008 raffle belt. Rico really outdid himself on this design. When you have a chance to see the belt in greater detail, you'll be really surprised at some of the unique designs on it. In talking to Dave, I don't know that I've ever heard him so excited about making a belt. I have no idea how much this belt would retail for, but I would guess it would be well over $1,500!

Don't forget, you can win this belt with as small as a $1 investment! The most important thing to remember, though, is this: You have to be there to win!!

CAC Selects Budget as Its Official Car Rental Company of the 2008 Reunion!

2008-02-11T18:20:00.000-08:00

The CAC has named Budget Rent-A-Car of Las Vegas as the official car rental company of the 2008 CAC Reunion. Budget has put together a terrific package of rates for our members and we are pleased to welcome them. Rates are as follows:

Economy:$26.89 Per Day $119.99 Per Week

Compact: $28.89 Per Day $199.99 Per Week

Intermediate: $30.89 Per Day $139.99 Per Week

Full-Size: $33.89 Per Day $154.99 Per Week

Premium: $37.89 Per Day $174.99 Per Week

Luxury: $54.89 Per Day $219.99 Per Week

MiniVan: $51.89 Per Day $219.99 Per Week

Sport Utility: $51.89 Per Day $219.99 Per Week

12 Pass. Van: $79.99 Per Day $399.99 Per Week

*All rates include unlimited free mileage

As you can see, these rates are outstanding and present a great opportunity for savings! To book at these rates you must reserve your car through this Budget Website or by calling 1-800-922-2899 and using code LCR7777130.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2008 Reunion!

Tom Drake Undergoing Surgery

2008-01-22T23:26:00.001-08:00

The CAC received word today that longtime Executive Board member, Tom Drake will be undergoing hip replacement surgery at the Mayo Clinic this Friday, January 25. Tom's surgery was originally scheduled for April; however, the hospital had a cancellation, so the surgery was moved up.

Tom is one of the most decorated and honored men in our business, having been honored by the Gulf Coast Wrestlers' Reunion, received the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame Senator Hugh Farley Award, the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute & Museum's Frank Gotch Award and the Cauliflower Alley Club's coveted Iron Mike Award.

We all wish Tom will through his surgery and recovery and look forward to seeing him in Mobile in March and Vegas in June! Maybe Tom can challenge fellow Board member Dick Beyer to a hip vs. hip match!

Get well soon, Tom!

How to Donate to Lex Luger

2008-01-16T21:19:00.000-08:00

Larry Pfohl, known to wrestling fans worldwide as Lex Luger, has returned to Georgia from California. As many people know, Lex suffered a debilitating episode while at the hotel for the Wrestle FanFest in San Francisco and was in the hospital in California for quite a long time.

Lex has regained some feeling and movement in his hands; however, progress is still slow.

As with anybody in a situation like this, Lex will have mountin hospital and medical bills and is in need of any support - financial or otherwise - that we are able to provide. Donations towards his medical expenses can be sent to:
Western Hills Baptist Church
c/o Steve Baskin, Pastor
700 Mars Hill Road
Kennesaw, GA 30152

Please write "Benevolence" in the Memo portion of the check so that it will directed appropriately. Lex, his family and his friends appreciate any help members of the Cauliflower Alley Club are able to provide.

Welcome Newest Life Member!

2008-01-16T21:10:00.000-08:00

The Cauliflower Alley Club would like to welcome Ramon Barreto as our newest life member! Barreto worked for 12 years in the US and Mexico as Chicano Flame and has been a member of CAC for several years. Barreto lives in San Francisco and we look forward to seeing him at our 2008 Reunion for the tribute to Hispanic wrestlers.

Don't forget, a lifetime membership to Cauliflower Alley Club costs $300, $275 of which may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

We're glad you've decided to join us as a lifetime member, Ramon!

Get Well Soon, Sir Oliver Humperdink!

2008-01-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

The CAC has received word that Sir Oliver Humperdink has been hospitalized with pneumonia. They are also running some other tests while he is admitted.

All of us at CAC wish Sir Oliver a speedy recovery and we hope to see you soon!

Please keep SOH in your thoughts and prayers.

PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2008

2007-11-30T23:13:00.000-08:00

AMSTERDAM, NY - The Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (PWHF) is pleased to announce the 2008 PWHF Induction Class and the Senator Farley Award recipient. The PWHF, a New York State chartered not-for-profit corporation, will be celebrating its seventh annual Induction Weekend in May 23 and 24, 2008 in Amsterdam.

In the Pioneer Era Category former World Champion Ray Steele and former American Champion Tom Jenkins will be honored. Ray Steele was born Peter Sauer in Norka, Russia in 1900 and immigrated to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1906. On March 7, 1940 Steele reached the pinnacle of his career when he defeated Bronko Nagurski to become the National Wrestling Association World Heavyweight champion. Tom Jenkins was born in Bedford, Ohio in 1872 and he popularized the catch-as-catch-can style of wrestling. On November 7, 1901, Jenkins defeated Dan McLeod to become the undisputed wrestling champion of America

In the Television Era Category, the 2008 inductees are Bobo Brazil and Gene Kiniski. Houston Harris, better known by his ring name of Bobo Brazil, was born July 10, 1924 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Trained by Joe Savoldi, Bobo eventually relocated to Benton Harbor, Michigan. Brazil is considered one of the most successful African-American professional wrestlers in history. His popularity helped to break down the barriers of racial segregation in professional wrestling in the 1950’s and 1960’s. On October 18th, 1962, Brazil defeated Buddy Rogers to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title. Due to an injury suffered by Rogers during the bout, Bobo refused the belt and returned it to Rogers. Eugene Nicholas Kiniski, later known as “Big Thunder”, was born November 23, 1928. Gene began his career in 1953 after a notable career in football. He defeated Verne Gagne in 1961 to become the AWA World Heavyweight champion. In December 1965, he defeated Dick The Bruiser to become the World Wrestling Association champion. One of Gene’s finest moments came on January 7, 1966, when he defeated Lou Thesz to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. After almost 40 years on the mat, Gene retired from the ring in 1992.

The Modern Era Inductees for this coming year are Bret Hart and Bob Backlund. Bret Hart was born July 2, 1957 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He received his training along with his brothers in the legendary Stu Hart dungeon. Honing his skills in Stampede Wrestling, Bret's great success was achieved by stressing technique rather than showmanship. Known as “The Excellence of Execution” and “The Hitman”, Hart claimed championship gold in Stampede Wrestling, The World Wrestling Council, World Championship Wrestling and is a five-time WWF World Heavyweight Champion. The self-proclaimed, “Best There Was, The Best There Is, and The Best There Ever Will Be”, Bret retired from the ring in 2002. Bob Backlund was born August 14, 1950 in Princeton Minnesota. He was an accomplished amateur wrestler, winning the Division II NCAA championship at 190 lbs in 1971. Bob turned pro in 1973 and defeated Superstar Billy Graham in New York's Madison Square Garden on February 20, 1978 and held the belt for an incredible six years.

The 2008 International Category Inductee is Shohei "Giant" Baba. Born in 1938, Baba made his pro wrestling debut in 1960. He became the first Japanese wrestler to ever hold the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, defeating Jack Brisco in a 2 out of 3 falls match on December 2, 1974 in Kagoshima, Japan. He would hold the championship on two more occasions. Under his leadership, All Japan Pro Wrestling became the number one wrestling company in the world during the 1990s

The inductees for the Tag Team Category are Ernie and Emil Dusek of Omaha, Nebraska. Ernie was born in 1909 and Emil was born in 1905. They were part of the larger “Dusek Bothers Riot Squad” and they were one of the roughest and most respected teams of their era. They won the Central States version of the NWA World Tag Team Championship on three different occasions in 1958, 1959 and 1960.

Joseph Raymond “Toots” Mondt is the recipient in the 2008 Non-Participant Category. Mondt, a former world class wrestler, is best known as the promoter who revolutionized the wrestling industry in the 1920’s. His vision of a “slam bang” style of wrestling changed the entire landscape of the game and his blueprint for successful promoting is still in use today.

The 2008 Women's Category Inductee will be Betty Niccoli. Betty was a former United States Women’s Champion and a former North American Women’s Champion. She began her career in Missouri in 1963 and wrestled for thirteen years. She now resides in Kansas City with husband, Akio Sato, also a former wrestler. They have two children.

The Senator Hugh Farley Award, which is given to a wrestler who has brought honor and dignity to professional wrestling, will be presented to attorney Tom Drake. The Farley award is determined by committee decision and is based upon the ring career as well as the non-wrestling societal contributions made by the honoree. Chairpersons this year were Bob Bryla and John Pantozzi. Drake’s wrestling career spanned twenty-two years, from 1956 to 1978. While serving as a wrestling coach at the University of Alabama, Drake served nine terms in the Alabama State Legislature and was Speaker of the House from 1982 to 1987.

The PWHF officials wish to thank John Pantozzi for his efforts as Chairperson of the Screening Committee this year. Also serving on the Screening Committee were wrestling historian Don Luce and historian/collector Dr. Robert Bryla. The PWHF also wishes to acknowledge the support from Karl Lauer, Executive Vice-President of the Cauliflower Alley Club. The rotating thirty member Board of Selectors, which is equally divided between professional wrestlers and wrestling experts, voted upon this year's ballot.

As further information regarding the planned May 2008 Induction Weekend develops, it may be obtained on the PWHF website address www.pwhf.org.

Get Well Soon, Al Friend

2007-11-19T20:58:00.000-08:00

The CAC has received word that former pro wrestling manager and longtime CAC member Al "Percival A." Friend is in the hospital recovering from gall bladder removal surgery. We all send our best wishes to Al for a speedy recovery.

At the very least, he needs to recover before the next Reunion so he can remind Ox Baker of who won the 2006 Cribbage Tournament!

Best wishes, Al!

Bockwinkel Home From Hospital

2007-11-17T22:21:00.000-08:00

Nick Bockwinkel was released from the hospital on Thursday, November 15. Nick was happy to be at home and is happy to start his recuperation. Nick has enjoyed hearing from his friends and, though he can't talk for long, he has enjoyed receiving our good wishes. He will have a follow-up with his Doctor in two weeks and will know the next steps in the process at that time. He has not been happy, though, about the forced change in his diet!

On a side note, we're sorry for the delayed posting of this news. Your webmasters have been facing some computer challenges; however, we believe they are resolved and we should be back on track!

New Cauliflower Alley Club Forum on Kayfabe Memories!

2007-11-15T20:03:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce the opening of the Cauliflower Alley Club forum at the Kayfabe Memories Message Board! Vince Fahey, the owner of KM has been a CAC member for several years and many of our members are regular posters there.

A suggestion was made several weeks ago that CAC consider opening our own message board, and this seemed like the perfect solution.

Please come visit our forum and feel free to add to the discussion! The CAC forum can be found here!

Bockwinkel Recovering From Successful Surgery

2007-11-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

CAC President Nick Bockwinkel's triple bypass surgery was completed at approximately 2:40 PM Pacific Standard Time today (Friday, November 9). The doctors said the surgery was a success and Nick is breathing on his own. Nick will be in ICU for the next few days and then in a cardio step-down unit for a few days after that. They are hopeful that he will be home by next week.

Nick and his family would like to thank everybody for their prayers and good wishes.

Anybody wishing to send Nick their wishes can do so via e-mail (if you don't have Nick's e-mail address, please send them to cac@fidnet.comor wesdaniel@aol.com. PLEASE HOLD ALL CALLS to Nick until after it is confirmed that he is home from the hospital.

We will keep you updated on Nick's recovery here at the CAC website as any further details come available.

Bockwinkel To Undergo Heart Surgery

2007-11-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

We received word today that CAC President Nick Bockwinkel will be undergoing heart surgery at 6:00 AM on Friday, November 9.

Nick went into the hospital this morning for a heart catheterization and, at that time, Doctors discovered that Nick would require triple bypass surgery.

We all send our thoughts and prayers to Nick for a speedy recovery. We will update you on the CAC website as soon as we have more details.

In the meantime, any well wishes can be sent to cac@fidnet.com or wesdaniel@aol.com and we will forward them on to Nick.

Newly appointed Director of Canadian Affairs

2007-10-30T01:52:00.000-07:00

The Cauliflower Alley club is proud to announce that Bob Leonard has been elected to the Board of Directors as, Director of Canadian Affairs.

The Cauliflower Alley Club president, Nick Bockwinkel has made many changes to better the club in the long term and feels this will be a great asset to the organization, with the growing Canadian membership.

Chairman Karl Lauer said, "This will give the club great representation in Canada now, we have a large membership there and this will allow them to have a rep at all our Board meetings."

Bob is known through out Canada and is respected for his years of dedication to the wrestling world (not only Canada, but in the United States as well) and friendship with Canada's wrestlers, he has done just about every phase in the wrestling business except have a match (Rumor has it,he might have done that beit was under a mask).

Bob's other claim to fame is he is a Red Bastien look a like, pony tail and all, so if you call him Red or call Red "Bob" neither will be offended, as they have been friends for many years.

Bob has been a dedicated supporter of the Cauliflower Alley Club website and the EAR newsletter. We look forward to the continued working relationship with Bob Leonard and the Canadian members.

Welcome a board Bob!

CAC Returns From Wrestle FanFest

2007-10-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

Fellow CAC Board Member Kurt Nielsen and I just returned from San Francisco and the 2007 (and probably only) Wrestle FanFest.

First, on behalf of all of the fans there, I think we owe a thank you to all of the wrestlers who attended and acted with so much class. Some of those who, despite not being paid or not receiving what was promised, acted with class and dignity and still worked to give the fans their money's worth included Harley Race, Nick Bockwinkel, Ted DiBiase, One Man Gang, Slick, Rock Riddle, Chavo Guerrero, Dr. Death Steve Williams, Koko B. Ware and many, many others.

Kurt and I manned the CAC table in the convention area and, despite the general disorganization, many of the fans seemed to be pleased. There were, of course, some who paid a great deal for the event and did not get what they were promised who were understandably upset. For all of those in that situation, we empathize.

On behalf of the CAC, we would also like to extend a very big THANK YOU to Nick Bockwinkel, our Club's President, and member Rock Riddle who did their best to help us sign up new members. Thanks to a combination of Nick's presence and Rock's salesmanship, the Club gained SIXTEEN new members this weekend! We would like to take an opportunity to welcome the following new Club Members:

"Russian Wolf" Alexis Darevko
Maynard Skynard
Badd Blood
Ray Dorst
Adam Crites
Grant Baciocco
Jessica Herrick
Damien Prowse
Marco Padilla
Sir Samurai
Sexy Chino
Jim Fitzpatrick (of Bay Bombers Roller Derby fame)
Scooter Aboot
Helfyre
Markus Mac
and last but certainly not least, Larry Zbyszko

To all of our new members, we offer you a hearty welcome to The Club. We hope that you'll join us at our 2008 Reunion on June 11 in Las Vegas.

Doctor Death chats with Blue Meanie

Rock Riddle goes on the offensive

Newest CAC Member Larry Zbyszko poses with Club President Nick Bockwinkel

Change To The Baloney Blowout

2007-10-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Board of Directors has made some changes to the Baloney Blowout. This event is always a popular event and, now that it is buffet style, it is very well attended. Over the past several years, the costs have increased substantially and, in 2007, the Club lost $7.50 for each person who attended the Blowout.

Effective with the 2008 Reunion, the cost for the Blowout will be $15 for all those who have a banquet ticket and $20 for those without. We think you'll agree, this is still a very good price for a buffet-style dinner.

In addition, we will be making several announcements in the coming weeks regarding the "theme" of the 2008 Blowout and hope to be announcing some exciting attendees.

Thanks and we look forward to seeing you in 2008!

Dewey MISSING LINK Robertson Memorial

2007-08-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Family, friends, media and fans
Come and Remember Wrestling Legend

Dewey "The Missing Link" Robertson

When: Monday August 27, 2007

Where: The Joshua Centre
Pastor Ace Clarke
616 Main St. East - Hamilton, Ontario
(Main St. E. and Gladstone one block east of Sanford)

Time: 7:00PM (sharp)
Space is limited so please arrive early.

What: A gathering of family, friends, media and fans to reflect, tell stories and fondly remember one of professional wrestling's true characters.

** Following the official part of the evening
Food and Beverage will be served downstairs at the Joshua Centre.

For more information please contact:
Glenn AllanDirector: Media, Public Relations and DevelopmentPromise Keepers Canada1295 North Service RoadBox 40599 RPO Upper BrantBurlington, ONL7P 4W11-888-901-9700 x 24905-331-1830 x 24
Cell 905-975-6455Fax: 905-331-1832

gallan@promisekeepers.ca

glenn16@sympatico.ca
www.GoodNewsSports.ca

Dewey Robertson Hospitalized

2007-08-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

The CAC received word today from Bob Leonard that Dewey "The Missing Link" Robertson is hospitalized in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Dewey is suffering from cancer and does not have a good prognosis.

We will post more information as it becomes available to us.

Please keep Dewey, his family and friends in your thoughts.

CAC Renames An Award

2007-08-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

In 2007, the Cauliflower Alley Club introduced a new award, the "Friendship Award." Originally to be called the "Iron Mike Friendship Award," the purpose of the award was to recognize a non-participant in the wrestling business who is recognized and respected by both wrestlers and fans for their contributions.

The Board of Directors recently voted to rename this award the "Red Bastien Friendship Award." As Red's CAC profile states, the one thing that everybody agrees on is that Red is an all-around great guy. Because of how highly thought of Red is by all who know him, it was determined that he defines the spirit of this award, thus, the name change.

Lita Marez Information?

2007-07-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

It has been reported at prowrestling.com that Lita "Latin Hellcat" Marez passed away recently; however, we have not been able to find independent confirmation of this. If you have any information related to this, please contact cacwebsite@triad.rr.com or wesdaniel@aol.com

Thank you.

Penny Banner Recovering From Surgery

2007-07-20T21:40:00.001-07:00

Received an e-mail from the lovely Penny Banner this week. She had hernia surgery and returned home on 7/18. She was in the hospital for six days - first for the surgery, then recovering from complications. Penny reports that she is tired, but is working hard on getting stronger and healing. Penny, we're all rooting for you just like we used to when you were in the ring! Get well soon and we can't wait to see you next year!

Let's Play Name Those People!

2007-07-07T22:39:00.001-07:00

There's a new picture posted in the Down Memory Lane section. We're looking for help identifying the people in the photo as well as what year its from. As we get confirmed names, we'll post them on the webpage. Click here to go to the photo!

Less Than 2 Weeks To Waterloo!

2007-07-01T08:14:00.000-07:00

We are just two weeks from the Inductions Weekend event for the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Waterloo, Iowa, at the BRAND NEW Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum. The Museum is looking for as much support from CAC members as possible.

Waterloo has a sensational wrestling history, having hosted Frank Gotch defending the world title in 1909 and being the spot where the NWA was formed in 1948. Most of the top pros of the last century wrestled there and it is home to such names as Dan Gable and Ox Baker.

There are four tremendous events planned for the weekend.

CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT, Friday, July 13, 12:00 Noon: Don Perkins (ex Dallas Cowboys running back) and many other former NFL players and Olympic wrestlers will be there, along with Baron Von Raschke, Nikita Koloff, Tom Drake, Dan Gable and Dan Hodge. Cost is $95 and includes a steak dinner.

WLW PRO WRESTLING SHOW, Friday, July 13, 7:00 PM: at Young Arena. Tickets are $15 for ringside and $10 general admission. Beautiful arena, lots of legends there to greet public, sign autographs. Trevor Murdock of the WWE is the headliner, and Curt Henning's son will be making his pro debut. Steve Williams is also wrestling, and so is the son of Ted DiBiase. We will have 13 Legends at ringside, including many hall of famers.

OFFICIAL INDUCTIONS into GEORGE TRAGOS/LOU THESZ PRO WRESTLING HALL OF FAME Saturday, July 14, 11:00 AM: Reception and authors' book signing to follow. General admission for $5. Inductees are Red Bastien, Steve Williams, The Great Gama, Dale Lewis and Curt Hennig.

INDUCTION BANQUET at Saturday, July 14, 7:00 PM: At 5 Sullivans Brothers Convention Center, for $60. Limited seating. Must order tickets by July 10. Can call museum at 319-233-0745 for additional information.

The new museum is tremendous. The pro wing is much larger and nicer.

Tickets for the Saturday night banquet are now $65 (they went up last weekend from the original price) but we will STILL sell hem for $60 to any CAC member that orders in the next four days.

Also, the host hotel is the Ramada Inn, just two blocks away. They have a special rate for this weekend.

The golf tournament on Friday afternoon still has a few spots left.

This is a great opportunity for our CAC members to help support this Hall of Fame and Museum!

Sneak Peek at the Next "Ear!"

2007-06-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Even thought it's still two months away, I've got the scoop that there's big news and info coming up in the next issue of "The Ear!" Some of the stories and scoop to be included will be:

The first of several announcements regarding special arrangements already made for the 2008 CAC Reunion....

Information on the 2008 Ladies Honoree as well as information on the 2008 Lou Thesz Award Winner

"Then and Now" photo pages featuring photos of CAC members - wrestlers, referees and fans - from yesterday to today.....

Read how and why a National Guard MP attended the 2007 CAC Reunion and find out just how important the Reunion was to him....

Memories and photos of the now-departed Old Spaghetti FactoryRestaurant in Hollywood....

As always, news and updates on your favorite stars of yesterday, today and tomorrow!

RIP Chris Benoit, Nancy Benoit and Daniel Benoit

2007-06-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

WWE was informed today by authorities in Fayetteville County, Ga., that WWE Superstar Chris Benoit, his wife, Nancy, and their son, Daniel, were found dead in their home. Authorities are investigating, but no other details are available at this time.

This is a terrible tragedy and an unbearable loss.

The Cauliflower Alley Club sends condolences to the family and friends of the Benoits.

RIP Boogie Woogie Brown

2007-06-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

It has been reported that longtime East Coast Wrestling Alliance wrestler Boogie Woogie Brown died June 23. While the specific cause of death is unreported as of this moment, Brown had battled lupus for several years. Brown was a former ECWA Tag Team Champion with Danny "Inferno Kid" Gimondo, was twice ECWA Mid-Atlantic Champion, and served briefly as storyline Commissioner. More information will be posted as it becomes available.

The Cauliflower Alley Club sends condolences to the family and friends of Boogie Woogie Brown.

RIP Princess Tona Tomah and Biff Wellington

2007-06-24T22:07:00.000-07:00

The Arizona Republic newspaper has reported that Tona Ford, 72, also known as Princess Tona Tomah, of Whitearth, MN, a former professional wrestler and boxer died in her sleep, at home, with her caregiver, son Piper Carle. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tona Illa. She worked with law enforcement and also had a youth club and trained boxers & wrestlers. Formerly rated as one of the top female wrestlers in the world, she passed away on the 15th of June. She is survived by her granddaughter, Javette Goostree.

Calgary's Biff Wellington (Shayne Bower), who was a major player in the '80s Stampede Wrestling and a regular in Japan for years, has died. He was 42. Full details can be found at SLAM! Wrestling.

The CAC sends our condolences to the families and friends of both of these individuals.

RIP: Sherri Martel

2007-06-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

"Sensational" Sherri Martel died this morning at the age of 49 at her mothers home in Birmingham, Alabama, according to her husband of 10 years,Robert Schrull. A previous CAC honoree ( March19, 1994, Sportsman's Lodge, Studio City, CA.), Martel was most famous for her managerial skills. She managed Shawn Michaels, Randy Savage to name a few. Sherri was inducted into the 2006 WWE Hall of Fame.
The CAC sends condolences to the family and friends of Sherri Martel.

CAC Board Member Receives Honor

2007-06-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

CAC Board Member and Executive Director of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute and Museum, Mike Chapman was given the Order of Merit on Saturday by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It is in recognition of decades of work to promote the sport of amateur wrestling. Each award winner has to choose a "presenter" to stand with him when the award is given. Mike chose Dan Hodge, who was an amateur wrestling legend before becoming a professional wrestling legend. Mike has written 19 books - and the first was called "Two Guys Named Dan," about Dan Hodge and Dan Gable, written in 1976.

At the awards ceremony, Mike said he would have liked to have had both Frank Gotch and Dan Hodge there to present him, but that since Frank couldn't make it, Dan would have to carry the load for both of them. (Frank Gotch died in 1917, at the age of 39).

In the photo above, Dan and Dolores Hodge stand with Mike and Bev Chapman.

RIP: Sandy Barr

2007-06-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

(Compliments of SLAM! WRESTLING)

Sandy Barr, a longtime fixture on the Pacific Northwest wrestling scene as a wrestler, referee, trainer and promoter, has died of a heart attack at his Portland, Oregon flea market Saturday June 2, 2007. Barr got into wrestling in 1957, in Idaho Fall, Idaho, for a promoter named Cliff Thiede. He mostly worked in the west, including stints in Calgary, Vancouver, Idaho, Utah, Nevada and Arizona. He was not a big man, and worked a lighter style, going barefoot in the ring. Barr worked programs with Gorgeous George and Dr. Jerry Graham at various times.

For more info. on the career of Sandy Barr click on the SLAM! WRESTLING link above.

The CAC sends our condolences to the friends and family of Sandy Barr.

CAC Announces 2008 Reunion Information

2007-05-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

After reviewing several packages presented by the Riviera Hotel, we have chosen June 9, 10 and 11 as the dates for our annual Reunion. We believe that the package presented for these dates offers the most value and appears to be the most financially attractive for our members. With room rates of $89 per night, a guarantee that even those staying on their Players' Club cards will be credited to the CAC and several extras thrown in, these dates will offer an opportunity for substantial hotel savings.

In addition, because of the change of days, we will have much more floor space for the various activities surrounding the event. While we will no longer be hosting in-ring wrestling training seminars, we intend to offer two classrooms featuring all-day wrestling seminars by some of this sport's most legendary individuals. Some of the classes we hope to offer include "Booking Basics," "The Art of the Heel Promo," "Getting Booked in Japan," "How to do an Interview," "Getting the Right People to See You" as well as classes on how to make working the independent circuit as profitable as possible.

The closing song by Pat Patterson and Pepper Martin, "Our Way" was so well received that our new President has added dancing and karaoke AFTER the Baloney Blowout on Tuesday night, complete with music. President Bockwinkel correctly noted the amount of talent we have in the CAC and we want to give them a chance to showcase it.

Please start reserving your dates now to be at this great event! The Riviera will accept reservations at these rates from November 1st, 2007 through May 8th 2008. Be sure to book your rooms early to lock in these great rates! There will be more surprises added on a regular bases, so be sure to check the CAC web site regularly as we lead up to the Reunion.

RIP - Cocoa Samoa & Sonny Myers

2007-05-09T00:55:00.000-07:00

Right around the time of the reunion, Onosa'i Ulualoaiga Emelio, professionally known as Cocoa Samoa, died of unspecified causes. He was 62 years old. Cocoa Samoa wrestled in many of the key territories: Florida, Memphis, Southwest, Mid-South and the Pacific Northwest, to name just a few. He was a main event star in Portland for a few years, and headlined as Sabu the Wildman in Memphis against Jerry Lawler and Terry Taylor.

An icon of the Central States region, Sonny Myers died this past Saturday at age 83. Working under Gust Karras, Myers was the backbone of the region until Harley Race established himself in the late 1960s. More importantly, he held a version of the world heavyweight title just prior to the formation of the NWA in 1948.

We at the Cauliflower Alley Club offer our deepest condolences to the families of these two gentlemen. They will be missed.

Breaking News Regarding 2008 CAC Reunion

2007-05-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Please hold off on booking your trips for the 2008 Reunion. The Riviera is in the process of putting together a fantastic package for CAC members in an attempt to move the reunion to different dates than previously announced.

In reviewing preliminary information for pricing and packages, we believe that many CAC members will be able to save over $100 on room rates alone due to this change. As soon as we have contracts signed, we will post revised dates and information for the change.

Thanks for your patience while we work to put together an exciting Reunion for 2008!

CAC reunion photos by John Arthur Lowe

2007-04-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

Random phots from the 2007 CAC Reunion
Photo Credit: John Arthur Lowe

CAC Reunion review -Newest Board Member Wes Daniel

2007-04-26T00:24:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a Reunion! It’s 2:11 PM on Sunday, April 22 and I’m home after a whirlwind trip to Las Vegas. I’m functioning on only about three hours of sleep (one of them being the time I was on the airplane on the way home), so I’m not sure how coherent this will be, but I’ll do my best. And I will try to keep it short and sweet (those of you who came to the banquet should appreciate that!).

First, I want to thank the Board of Directors for the confidence they have displayed in my abilities by electing me to the CAC Board. It is truly on honor to serve this Club and cause that I feel so strongly about. I hope that, in some way, my service on the Board will allow me to give something back to the guys (and girls) who gave me so much enjoyment when I was growing up. From what came out of the Board meeting on Saturday, it looks like the Club is in a stronger, healthier and more financially sound position than it has ever been before.

There was a lot of sad news this weekend. Probably most striking was the addition of the "In Memoriam" section of the Memorabilia Fair. It is hard to believe that there were 57 names on those boards. I say this every year, but, it bears repeating; we never know when any of our times will be up, so we need to take every opportunity to appreciate those we know and care about. What an honor for me to have had the opportunity to meet and talk to Ernie Ladd, Ray Stern, Tiger Conway Sr. and Bob Orton Sr. before they died. I regret that I didn’t start attending CAC earlier and thus never had the chance to meet Lou Thesz, Curt Hennig and so many others who attended in years past.

I think that the entire Board of Directors greeted the departure of Red Bastien from and election of Nick Bockwinkel to the post of President with mixed emotions. There weren’t very many dry eyes in the house when Red accepted his Award of Appreciation of Saturday and we will all surely miss Red’s convivial and jovial nature; however, with his departure comes the promise of new ideas, new direction and different points of view. We look forward to working with Nick to grow the Club more and ensure its continuation to the next generation.

(Hey! Didn’t I promise to keep this short and sweet? Eh, what the heck, you’re not a captive audience; you can stop reading and come back anytime you want to.)
We had several new vendors at the memorabilia fair this year and I hope that all had success. Charlie Smith, of course, manned his post behind the registration desk threatening to "disqualify" people if they didn’t buy T-shirts and I, along with many other members, was quite pleased with the great new design!

Friday night’s "Baloney Blowout" (if I had a dollar for every question that I have been asked about that name, I’d be almost as rich as Uncle Karl!) was great. Greg Oliver and Scott D’Amore did a GREAT job hosting the event by keeping it moving and keeping it entertaining. These two guys were well-prepared, had great timing and delivered one of our better Blowouts! It was great that so many of our Canadian members had a chance to speak. Don Leo, Pat Patterson, The Hitman, Mad Dog, Pepper Martin and so many others shared memories, told jokes (if I hear another Viagra joke, I’m going to start worrying about our members!) and swapped road stories with the attendees and everybody enjoyed hearing the legends tell their stories.

The banquet facility was great. The room was very well laid out and tastefully decorated with a great wait staff; the food was good, and the comedic and musical stylings of Pat Patterson and Pepper "The Godfather" Martin were enjoyed by everybody.

Were there things that could have been done differently? Of course there were. But, saying that, we need to remember that in any event of this scope (13+ people to be honored, 350+ attendees) there will be areas where improvements can be made.

Doing some work "behind the scenes" this year made me realize the level of effort that goes into these events is unbelievable. Everybody involved – Karl Lauer, Nick Bockwinkel, Dean Silverstone, Gloria Lovell, Scott Hosey and others put an incredible amount of effort into planning and coordinating the event while others work to contribute in their ways to get people active in the Club.

I’m looking forward to 2008, back at The Riviera!

CAC Presidency Changes for 4th Time in Club History

2007-04-26T00:21:00.000-07:00

Iron Mike Mazurki, Archie Moore, Lou Thesz, Red Bastien. These are some big shoes to fill.

That’s right, at the 2007 Board of Director’s meeting in Las Vegas, Red Bastien resigned his position as President of Cauliflower Alley Club. During Red’s tenure, we have seen our paid membership grow to new heights and have achieved a level of financial stability not seen before. Red has been a dedicated and popular leader at CAC and will be missed by all of us.

Stepping into the position of President of CAC is Nick Bockwinkel. Nick has been active in CAC for many years and already serves on the CAC Executive Committee. Nick hasn't announced any plans he has for the direction of the Club, but we are certain that, under Nick’s guidance, the Club will continue to grow and prosper.

The recognition of Red’s contributions on Saturday night’s banquet brought Red to tears and there were not many dry eyes in the house. Red is an incredible human being and is as genuine and kind as anybody. Red will, of course, continue his membership in CAC and we hope he will continue to be a fixture at reunions for many years to come.

Welcome, Nick! We look forward to working with you!

CAC 2008 - The Countdown Is On!

2007-04-26T00:19:00.000-07:00

That's right, folks! We have it confirmed that CAC 2008 will be held April 17, 18 and 19 back at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas!

There were several rumors floating around at the Reunion this year about the Reunion moving to Nashville or St. Louis and, while there was a proposal on the table to go to Nashville, the Board decided to remain in Las Vegas for the foreseeable future.

While Nashville would have been an excellent location for a reunion (and there's always the possibility of adding a second reunion at some point in the future) and the venue in Nashville offered an attractive package, the deicision was made that Las Vegas still offers more than most any other major city. Between the 24-hour nature of the City providing round-the-clock opportunities for socializing, the availability of shows for those who want outside events to attend, still reasonable room rates and the availability of convention space, Las Vegas is truly a destination city to host the Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion!

As many will attest, rooms sold out quickly this year, so, please book your room reservations quickly after we post our reservation code!

We'll look forward to seeing you in 2008!

Top 10 things to bring to the CAC Reunion.....

2007-04-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

1. An extra clock so that you don't accidentally ask Nick Bockwinkel what time it is and learn how to build a watch.

2. A salt shaker so that you'll have another seasoning to go with your "Pepper" at the banquet.

3. A pair of new running shoes so that you can get to the buffet table before Father Jason at the blowout.

4. Your "Webster's Revised Cross-accented Dictionary" so that you can understand Charlie Smith's mix of Oxford/Hillbilly accents.

5. Extra money to buy a raffle ticket form the lovely Penny Banner... or else!

6. A bucket to give to ox baker. Since he can't carry a tune while singing, maybe he can carry one in a bucket.

7. A pair of sunglasses so Georgous Michelle Starr's sequines and glitter don't blind you at the Banquet.

8. A ladder. You'll need one to pay attention to some of the tall tales that will be told!

9. An empty suitcase. Gotta have something to carry home all the stuff you buy from the gimmick tables!

10. The most important things of all.... yourself!

Please hold all emails

2007-04-15T19:41:00.000-07:00

Please hold all "general" emails concerning the CAC until after the reunion. Several of the Board of Directors have left and in route to Las Vegas. Any emails sent the CAC will not be received until after the reunion.

I will not be back home until after April 26th. So, if you are sending information for the website please wait until after April 26th. to do so. If you send photos for the website, please make them aprox. 400 x 500 pixels. This will help out on the server space of the website.

Everyone have a safe trip! We look forward to seeing you all in Vegas. The Cauliflower Alley club has worked, over the past year, to make this reunion a success. And I believe it will be one of the best! Lots of surprises are in store this year!

See you all soon,
Morgan

Be sure you’re at Friday night’s main event.......

2007-04-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

Cauliflower Alley Club honors the many Canadians who have left such an outstanding mark on professional wrestling over the years on Friday evening, with the special presentation "Salute to the Canadians" at the annual baloney blowout.

Slam!Wrestling’s Greg Oliver, a regular at our functions over the past several years, pairs up with CAC newcomer Scott D’Amore to emcee the event. Scott had a lengthy run with NWA TNA Wrestling as the brazen manager of Team Canada, and worked extensively behind the scenes over much of the promotion’s existence to date. He also has his own promotion, Border City Wrestling, in Windsor, Ontario. Greg and Scott are no strangers to the microphone, and they’ll be passing it around among the many Canadian wrestlers who’ll be on the scene.

Canadians will be especially identified with a Canada flag pin on their name badges.......look for it, and tune in to the many "tales of the road" that they’re sure to have at the ready. Nine shows a week out in the maritime provinces? Driving the loop in Stampede Wrestling in forty degrees below, snow and high winds, as much as a thousand miles out and back for a single show? Working in Ontario, in every kind of arena from Toronto’s hallowed Maple Leaf Gardens to small-town curling rinks on Dave "Bearman" McKigney’s tours? All those recollections and more are yours for the asking!

Special greetings from the Government of Canada, recognizing our sport’s hundred year history in the nation, will be delivered. Copies of one of Greg Oliver’s top-flight books will be awarded to some lucky winners. And all the Canadians will be gathered together for a group photo, to be displayed at future reunions.

The Canadians will be out in force. Bret Hart. Maurice and Paul Vachon. Killer Kowalski. Don Leo Jonathon, who’s lived in Vancouver so long he qualifies as Canadian. Ditto for long-time Ontario resident Angelo Mosca. Pepper Martin. Gil Hayes. Michelle Starr. Jack Laskin. Ross Hart. Bruce Swayze. Pat Patterson. Ted Gordienko, George’s nephew. Nick and Jerry Kozak. John Cozman. Billy Two Rivers. The list goes on and on.......

Friday will be a great evening, so be at ringside sharp at 6:30 when "Salute to the Canadians" gets underway!.

Banquet Ticket deadline...Riviera SOLD OUT!

2007-04-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday is the last day to reserve your Banquet Tickets. There's just a few left. After Saturday you will not be able to reserve a Banquet ticket to the Reunion Banquet.

The Riviera is sold out! You can still find rooms at nearby hotels close to the Riv. Several last minute people have made their plans and we are looking forward to many new comers to the reunion this year.

Looking forward to seeing you all in Vegas! This will be a reunion that will be talked about for many years to come.
See you all soon,
Morgan

Recollections....

2007-04-13T00:25:00.000-07:00

With just a week before I head out to CAC, I've continued to get some more classic tales of our treasured sport, as evidenced below. As mentioned in a previous post, you can see many more of these kind of stories in a book that will be on display, much like those wonderful photo books you can see each year. Right now I understand that Scott Hosey has dutifully accepted the package containing the book, so it's already there in Vegas. I'm not sure how the artifacts get stored, but the book is hereby donated to CAC so every member who wishes to see it can have their chance this year and in the future. Enjoy this little story and see you next week!

Jeff Sharkey

***********

Dear Mr. Sharkey,I hope you and your former professional wrestling performers get some enjoyment from my wrestling memory. Am now seventy myself so I’m sure even some of your associates are even younger than that!

I had to struggle to come up with a correct date. I’m only a few months out, if that:Gorgeous George came to the Memorial Auditorium in downtown Sacramento, California in approximately September 1953. My friend Jimmy Richardson and I were sixteen. We were not wrestling fans but we knew of Gorgeous George and went to see him personally.

The ring was on the lower floor, with good attendance around the ringside. We sat in the first area balcony (not many souls seated there). Before “GG” came out, lots of hoopla. His handlers went around spraying/disinfecting the ring. Then lots of cologne sprayed from the ring onto all the fans in the first few rows. “GG” came out wearing his hi-top lace-up Boots, flowing robe, long blonde/white curled flowing hair. His handlers wanted to wipe down/clean his opponent. Much argument and hurly-burly between his team, their team, the other wrestler and the referee. “Georgeous” was gorgeous. (Haha)

Now even I know a wrestling event is noisy and even moreso as seen on TV today. Well, Jimmy and I were screaming and having a really good time I can remember we were on the south side of the auditorium and people on the lower floor were turning to look at us. So an usher came to us and said, “Boys, boys. You’ve got to stop this screaming!!” So we screamed longer and louder!! (Haha)

We were having one swell time so eventually they came (more than several ushers) and escorted us to the north end of the auditorium. As they left us out on the street, we said, “Hey, this is America, you can’t throw us out.” You bet they did! (Haha) Jimmy and I said, “If you throw us out, you’ve got to give us our money back.” --They didn’t. (Haha)

I have told this true story a few times through the years. I’ve been excited to probably have been one of the very few to get tossed--no profanity --no lewd conduct or gestures. Just pure happy noise!! Imagine getting thrown out of a wrestling match today!!

Good health and happy memories to you and your friends.
Ken FryCorvallis, OR

President's Welcome 2007

2007-04-08T15:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings CAC Members!

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Cauliflower Alley Club, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Riviera Hotel for our Forty-Second Annual Reunion! We anticipate nearly 400 attendees this year, and, although not our largest reunion, it is sure to be one of our best.

While no member is any more or less important than any other, we are always particularly pleased to welcome first-time Reunion attendees, and there are many this year. We look forward to renewing our friendships with many of you and meeting others for the first time! It is also a privilege to welcome the families of some of the all-time greats of our sport including Erik Holmback and several other family members of the late Yukon Eric, Mary Chene-Stephens and Donna Fletcher who are members of the "Leaping" Larry Chene family and Joyce Farhat, widow of Ed "The Original Sheik" Farhat.

For the first time in several years, we will have a Scholarship Honoree, Frankie Buenefuente of New Jersey's Garfield High School. Frankie has won several wrestling competitions and is an impressive young athlete who we believe will make the Club proud in his future pursuits.

Unfortunately, each reunion brings the realization of just how many of our members and former members have passed. Recent attendees Ernie Ladd, Ray "Thunder" Stern, Tiger Conway Sr. and Bob Orton Sr. have passed since our last reunion and they will all be missed this year. We should also remember those who have attended reunions in the past; Abe Coleman, Arnold Skaaland, Bob Luce, El Shereef, Willie Pep, Captain Leslie Holmes (Lord Blears's manager and WWII medal of honor winner), Sputnik Monroe, Crybaby Edwards, Ric Carter, Barbara Huizar, Harry Elliott, Crazy Luke Graham, Bull Ramos and Cowboy Bob Yuma. Don "The Spoiler" Jardine who was to attend and had just joined the club and intended to come to this reunion will also be missed by his many friends and fans this year.

While mentioning those who are no longer with us, I feel it necessary to make particular note of two who will be especially missed by all those active in CAC. It will be with sadness that we hold our Board meeting on Saturday without the presence of wrestling historian and writer, Jim Melby. Jim faithfully served on the Cauliflower Alley Club Board of Directors for several years and was well respected by all those who knew him. Certainly, the contributions made by Anne Bowman, the late wife of CAC Board member will be missed by all this year. We will miss her welcoming face at the registration table and the quiet dedication with which she performed any task needed at the reunion.

Friends, if you are not a member of the Cauliflower Alley Club, I encourage you to join us. Come to a reunion and see what we are all about. This is different than any fan-fest or convention you might attend. The Cauliflower Alley Club is truly a "Ring of Friendship" where all are equal and there is a genuine spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

Welcome, friends!
Sincerely,
Red Bastien
President
Cauliflower Alley Club

Recollections....

2007-04-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

Back again with the second fall. One of CAC President Red Bastien's biggest supporters comes direct from Pasadena, Texas. Tim Huddleston wrote another follow-up letter to me and his passion for professional wrestling, and Red Bastien in particular, comes shining through. I sent Red the bulk of this letter, and want to include a poem that Tim wrote years ago as a member of Red's Fan Club, which apparently was based out of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. It sounds like Red must have been a class act in his dealings with Tim. Of course, we would expect nothing less!

Jeff Sharkey

The Legend of Red Bastien
by Tim Huddleston
There once came a wrestler to the Lone Star State
A wrestlers fans could support and appreciate
He rassled by the book and he rassled clean
This wrestler was named Red Bastien

Pretty soon after his timely arrival
He captured the Texas State Title
He defended it with pride, not like junk
He defended it against big Texans like Terry and Dory Funk

Once our hero got himself in one helluva bind
He had to defend it against Big Johnny Valentine
Well son, he defeated Big John in two straight falls
The name of Red Bastien filled the halls

Soon after these worthy trends
He became one of my very best friends
To me he's like those legends that never fade
He was one of the best that God ever made

Or maybe the best wrestler you ever seen
Thank God for "Red" Bastien

Recollections....

2007-03-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

In recent months I have received a number of letters that are from all across the country; letters from people who grew up watching professional wrestling. These are people who you will not necessarily meet at the CAC reunion or fan conventions. The letters tell stories of wrestlers and encounters, to be sure, but they are recollections that remained in their hearts, and represent some of the best times of their youth.

At this year's CAC reunion, I hope to have many of these letters available for easy reading by our members, along with a few photos and memorabilia. One letter arrived that focuses on this year's Iron Mike Mazurki Award recipient, Don Leo Jonathan. It showed up just in time to be included exclusively on this CAC website. If you enjoy this article, seek me out and I'll make sure you see the others.

Jeff Sharkey
Appleton, WI
jefshark@yahoo.com

A MEMORY OF OURS ABOUT DON LEO JONATHAN
By Judy Jackwin Ederer

Mr. Sharkey,
Looking through the pictures really takes me back, black and white photos. Nowadays some photographers love the black and whites. I do wish I had dates etc. written on pictures but as so many people we think at the time we are sure to remember all data!I wanted to add mention and thanks to Mr. Don Leo Jonathan. A giant of a man and a great wrestler. He didn't lose too many matches around this part of the country Of couse all the wrestlers that came to Omaha to a match knew that Nick Bockwinkel's fan club would be there cheering for them too unless they were the "bad dude" at that time. Don Leo Jonathan was a favorite with the Omaha fans, no matter what. If you were a real diehard wrestling fan the ultimate experience was waiting around after the matches and hope to get an autograph, talk to the pro's and to get a snapshot was the best. Don Leo was great at staying around for awhile and taking time to talk with fans, sign autographs and always happy to pose for a picture for a fans memory book. I don't know if that even happens for any fans in any entertainment industry today.

Back in the 1960's our fan clubs ride did not show up, guess they got mixed up whose turn it was to get us. Well Mr Jonathan waited with us waiting to see if our ride would come. After a long while Mr. Jonathan said, I am not leaving your group out here so we rode home in style that night. He was a cadillac man if I am remembering correctly so there was plenty of room to chauffeur all of us home. Sure enough he brought us home safe and sound. That was a biggie thrill for us to have a star doing that for us.

Thanks for many great wrestling memories Mr. Don Leo Jonathan.

Sincerely, From the fans of the best era in professional wrestling AKA The Nick Bockwinkel Fan Club of yester years!

Classic 70's results from the vault of Dr. Mike Lano

2007-03-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

Cobo Arena Detroit July 21,1973
Main Event
* The Sheik Def. Johnny Valentine Won U.S Title

Other Bouts:
* Fred Curry Def. Ali Baba
* Tony Marino NC Pampero Firpo DDQ
* Bobo Brazil & The Stomper DEF. Ben Justice & Killer Tim Brooks[ WonU.STagTitles]
* Rufus Jones Def. Gene Madrid
* Lou Klein Def. Bobby Blain
* Chris Tolos Drew Tony Parisi
* Dominic Denucci Def. Baron Scicluna
* The Mongols Def. Dan Miller & Tiger Jeet Singh
Att. 8,750

************************************************************************************************************ Same Night at the Olympia , Olympia Stadium Detroit July 21, 1973
WWA Promotion

Double Main Event
* Dick The Bruiser & Bruno Sammartino DEF. Ernie ladd & Baron Von Raschke { Won WWA Tag Titles ]

Co. Main Event
* Cowboy Bob Ellis Def. Jimmy Valiant
Other Action :
* Mitsu Arakawa & Great Saki DREW Bull Bullinski & Pepper Gomez
* Sailor Art Thomas Def. Kenny Dillinger
* Haiti Kid Def. Frenchy LaMonte
* Bobby Heenan Def. Carlos Belafonte
Att. 5,856Fans
_____________________________________________________________________________

RIP: Abe Coleman (oldest known professional wrestler)

2007-03-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

Abe Coleman (born Abe Kelmer) was a retired professional wrestler and, at the time of his death, believed to be the oldest member of his profession in the world. His wife, June Miller, who he married in 1939 died in 1987. Coleman says he landed in Miller's lap after being thrown from the ring in Madison Square Garden.

Coleman was born in Zychlin, Poland, and moved to the United States in 1923, by way of Canada, to avoid the fate many of his family members faced who perished in the Holocost. Coleman's first match took place in 1928 in New York City when local promoter Rudy Miller offered Coleman $25 to wrestle after seeing him work out in a Brooklyn gym.

Coleman's notability comes from claims that he invented the dropkick. He claimed the move was inspired by kangaroos he saw on a tour of Australia in 1930.

Coleman's nicknames included Hebrew Hercules and Jewish Tarzan. A Jewish man, he wrestled at a time when there were few Jewish athletes.
Coleman's fighting size was 5'3", 200lbs, 18" biceps, and an 18.5" neck. He earned approximately $10,000-$12,000 per match, a high sum during the Great Depression.
Coleman retired from wrestling in 1958 after which he served as a wrestling judge, and inspected license plates for the New York State DMV. Outside of wrestling, Coleman's interests included poker and horse racing.

Coleman died on March 28, 2007 in a nursing home in Queens, New York.

The CAC sends our condolences to the friends and family of Abe Coleman.

A little about the 2007 Reunion M.C., Pepper Martin

2007-03-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

We’re honored to have wrestling and Hollywood legend Pepper Martin as our M.C. this year in Vegas.

Canadian Pepper began his career in Buffalo working with Al Lovelock as the Masked Bolos. After conquering the northeast, he sought the warmer clime of the West Coast and never looked back.

Pat Patterson said years ago that if it wasn’t for Pepper, he wouldn’t have been hooked up with his booking mentor, promoter Roy Shire in the San Francisco territory. Pepper suggested Roy bring in Pat from Don Owen’s Portland territory where Pepper had been a top star before Pat arrived from Texas.. He thought, as Shire would concur; that Pat’s bleached blond hair would make him a great tag partner and foe for San Francisco’s biggest wrestling star. Pepper also had a keen eye for talent everywhere he worked, and particularly in the Los Angeles territory. That’s where he first began doing the ringside television commentary with legendary Dick Lane for the Eaton/Lebell promotion besides wrestling there as well.

While in L.A., Pepper teamed and grappled with the likes of friends Fred Blassie, John Tolos, HB Haggarty, Pepper Gomez, Pedro Morales, Mil Mascaras, George “Crybaby” Cannon, Mark Lewin, and more greats. It was Dick “The Sensational, Intelligent Destroyer” Beyer who “first suggested I go with Don Owen’s circuit where a babyface was needed. I’d return to L.A. later and wrestle up and down the West Coast actually.”

“And it was Fred Blassie who got me my first announce, sit-down job for wrestling. He suggested it very strongly to the promoter and booker, and Charlie Moto and Jules Strongbow had me do it with Dick Lane after Fred put in the good word for me. I was nervous since Dick was such a professional, and one of the greatest at the mike. But he put me at ease. You’ll remember Dick had his own movie and tv career appearing in all sorts of classic gangster films on up to Leave It To Beaver. He did everything, and was so incredibly nice to me. I owe a lot of what I learned in announcing to him.”

Pepper took those honed color-commentating skills back to San Francisco where Shire paired him with Walt Harris and later Hank Renner on “Big Time Wrestling” commentary. He slowly retired from the ring, doing the announcing and flying down to Hollywood to work on his growing tv and movie career. But he learned valuable skills doing commentary for various promotions.

He credits CAC legendary actor/wrestler Woody Strode with helping get his showbiz career going and introducing him to great director John Ford, actor Lee Marvin and others. “It really was the start of a new and longer career for me, with obvious longevity. You can’t wrestle forever, as much fun as we all had in the ring. Roy let me go back to L.A. once I was done with my Northern California bookings; to focus primarily on Hollywood” Pepper told me in 1993.“I really had no dreams of ever becoming an actor. I was happy slowly easing into the commentary end of things after various back injuries. In a nutshell, I broke my back in a match in Long Beach and could barely move. Thank goodness for my wife(Jordy), my two daughters and Woody. They helped me avoid major back surgery. And once I later got the acting bug, which is a long story I ran with it.”

Around 1968, Ray Stevens suggested to Roy Shire that Pepper also do the color commentary(now with primary announcer Hank Renner) for the San Francisco wrestling TV show, once legendary Walt Harris quit. “The TV show had to move to Sacramento after Roy lost channel 2 in Oakland over a disagreement. Walt was so busy with Roller Derby, he just didn’t want to make the much longer drive to Sacramento. I flew to Vegas to meet with Shire, and surprisingly he agreed that my acting career had to remain my main priority. Roy flew me up to Sacramento every week for his tv.”

“Perhaps my favorite territory was Don Owen’s in Portland. I asked him for a silly amount of money, 10%, and he gave me that. His word was his bond, and we all had a lot of fun there. Thank you Dick(Beyer) for the suggestion I try working Portland.” Pepper won Don’s single and tag belts many times over and had a tremendous feud with the late Lonnie “Moondog” Mayne. “I asked Don that my retirement match there be with Lonnie, and we had a great one. I was very sad when we lost him in 1977. And I did commentary in all the towns there too.”

There Pepper teamed with Billy White Wolf fresh out of Honolulu(aka Sheik Adnon el Kaisey), Shag Thomas, Luther Lindsay, Paul Jones and besides the wars with Lonnie Mayne; fought Dutch Savage, Tony Borne and of course Pat Patterson. “Pat and I had a really long feud, nearly two years! Every match was different, we prided ourselves on that. I also had some wars with Stan “the man” Stasiak. I’d even suggested to Don(Owen) that he bring him into the territory as I would suggest Pat start with Shire later on.”

In Hollywood, I worked on over 200 tv shows, often as a bad guy or ‘heavy.’ We didn’t call them ‘heels’ there! The more I worked, the better and bigger the parts became. One of my biggest breaks was a film with Dean Martin and some other heavyweights called “Wrecking Crew.”Then things also ballooned after I worked with Henry Fonda and other top names in the play The Time Of Your Life. I’m very proud of the work I did in Superman 2, Walking Tall which The Rock recently remade, Cahill U.S. Marshall and of course with Burt Reynolds in the original “Longest Yard.” I know Adam Sandler remade it with some pro wrestlers like Goldberg, but I like the original because we had so much fun!”

A few years back, Charlie and Lou Thesz asked Pepper for help. They had him look over and help with editing suggestions for Lou Thesz’ magnificent book “Hooker,” which remains a classic. And Pepper reportedly is penning his own autobiography which should be a great read for anyone in both sports and entertainment worlds. He’s attended reunions beyond Cauliflower Alley Club like the Gulf Coast Reunion in Mobile as well as my 1993 Sam Muchnick Tribute weekend I promoted in St Louis. Pepper and his entire family are looking after his health after eye and lung cancer several years back, which caused him to ease off on his acting and script editing. He’s always got family around his Glendale home, still golfs and maintains all his Hollywood friendships. And of course his many relationships in the wrestling business.

This April in Las Vegas, we’re honored to have this great athlete and entertainer as our M.C. He definitely fits in with Mike Mazurki’s original CAC concept of combining fighters and entertainers to break bread and pay tribute to one another. “I’m very honored Mike to be M.C., and Cauliflower Alley is great,” Pepper says. “We all love getting together with one another and this will be a great year.”

A special thank you for all the contributions Dr. Mike Lano has made with this, and this years Bios of the 2007 Honorees.

Systems check please ignore

2007-03-27T14:40:00.000-07:00

After several weeks of "blog" problems the CAC blog is now functioning correctly. I will be posting under my own name now instead of using Karl Lauers. Sorry for any inconvenience this has caused.
Morgan

Doctor commits to CAC Reunion!

2007-03-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

Karl Lauer attended a wrestling show this weekend that Harley Race was running. Karl had a long talk with Dr. Death Steve Williams and he has "signed the dotted line" to attend the reunion! Dr. Death will be bringing a limited amount of his just released book "How Dr. Death became Dr. Life" For the very few people that do not know Dr. Death Steve Williams., you can view his website at OKLASTAMPED

One other note:
Scott Hosey said threes only a few tables left for the nostalgia fair that runs all day Friday and Saturday, this is the only area that we allow non members to come into, to help those who are selling items a chance to move a few more. The Hotel WILL NOT ALLOW any tables to be sold the day of the event. So if you are wanting a table, I strongly suggest calling Scott ASAP at 702-459-7529 or e mail him at shosey@aol.com to reserve your table. The CAC does not ask for percentage of your sales, this is just a way to put a extra pay day in your pocket. If you have a book, a lot of photos or just some collectible's you want to sell, here is your chance to do so.

This is going to be a bang up year for first timers! Just a few weeks from now we will all be in Las Vegas!
I look forward to seeing you all there,
Morgan

STILL A FEW LEFT

2007-03-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

I had a call from CAC director Scott Hosey yesterday and he informed me there are a few tables left for the nostalgia fair that runs all day Friday and Saturday, this is the only area that we allow non members to come into, to help those who are selling items a chance to move a few more. A few years ago Terry Funk sold all of his books the first day as well as his famous t shirts. You can call Scott at 702-459-7529 or e mail him at shosey@aol.com to reserve your table. The CAC does not ask for percentage of your sales, this is just a way to put a extra pay day in your pocket. If you have a book, a lot of photos or just some collect ables you want to sell, here is your chance to do so.

We have a record number of first timers coming this year, to name a few Bret Hart, Lars Anderson, Princess Jasmine, Mike "Bolo" Rykoff, Laura Martinez, Fred Peloquin, Takeshi Morishima, Gil Hayes, Dr Hiro Ota, Giby and Vinny Sihra, Akio Sato, Betty Niccoli, Nate Burke and a huge group returning this year.

We are still accepting reservations up till April 14th, after that I will be on my way to Vegas, if you show up with out a reservation, you may not have a seat. I know that some are not able to make plans too far in advance and bookings do change and all of a sudden you find you can make it, we always try to accommodate those who are "late".

In closing if you have not booked your room at the Riviera Hotel, THEY ARE COMPLETLY SOLD OUT FOR OUR WEEK, so try the Circus Circus, Sahara or the Hilton. Hope to see you in just a few weeks. Be Well
Karl Lauer

Enhancement Talent

2007-03-22T01:42:00.000-07:00

I was talking to Karl Lauer this weekend and amongst the different CAC related items we was discussing, It was brought to my attention I was the newest Board member of the CAC. In this business of Professional Wrestling I would be considered "enhancement talent". It is my job to, put "people over".

Working on the CAC website, I have put some of the greatest of greats "over". And have enjoyed every minute of it. When my "storyline" gets old I will gracefully walk away a "champion in my own mind" (Keep in mind that's along way from now). But the hardest part of the entire website is the RIP section (Several of the legends I have never met, Several I have never had the privilege to watch them in the ring. But since joining the CAC I have become friends with some of the best wrestlers in the world. "Heels" that I hated with a passion, now are some of the best friends a person could ask for). So many have left us this year already. So just be sure and thank your hero's this year at the reunion when you see them. I know they will appreciate it!

Now Im going to wrestle a broom and put myself "over"....
March 15th was my 41st birthday. Minus my back problems I feel pretty darn good (to be an old hillbilly)! My fulltime "real" job is owner/operator of a Taxidermy Studio. So with that said, Annette and myself headed to Raleigh,NC on the 15th for a art expo. reception. President Lancaster of the North Carolina Community colleges received 2000 submissions for the art expo. Of the 2000 submissions only 150 pieces was accepted, (these 150 pieces will be on display for 1 year) Mine being the only art of taxidermy accepted. These items was placed throughout the 5 story building. Mine was located in the "Presidential suite". I talked to many of the Staff there and was informed that President Lancaster decided were each piece of art went. So to know that he chose my piece to go in his office area was very humbling. At the end of the year, Commissioner of Insurance for the state of N.C. will walk through and decide if he would like to have any of the pieces to go in his office for a year. So my taxidermy work is in the running for that as well....

So now you know alittle bit about what I do outside the CAC and professional wrestling. Im looking forward to arriving in Vegas a few days before the reunion kicks off and enjoy some time away from phones ,work and computer. Be sure to say hello to me and let me know what you think of the reunion. Don't hold it against me if I don't speak first, Several of the BOD are very busy at the reunion and have a million things going on.

Looking forward to another wonderful reunion!
See you all in a few short weeks,
Morgan