Greetings.
One of my favorite events on the wrestling calendar is the annual Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC) reunion. It will be take place at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas, from April 29th to May 1st.
The CAC was founded back in 1965 by legendary Southern California wrestler Iron Mike Mazurki. Its original intent was to honor and perpetuate wrestling’s long and colorful history and to have a place for wrestling fans to come together every year, which it still does. It also does great work in helping to provide financial aid to former wrestlers who have, unfortunately, fallen on hard times. I commend CAC president Brian Blair, secretary-treasurer Scott Teal, publicist Royal Duncan and Canadian rep Verne May (aka Vance Nevada) for their great work.
Two of the main honorees at this year’s CAC gala are two old friends of mine, the legendary Dory Funk Jr. and David “Dr. D” Schultz. For those of you who are unfamiliar with them, I’ll provide you with a brief biographical sketch.
Dory was the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) World Heavyweight Champion from 1969 to 1973, when that belt was the most prestigious belt in the business. During his glorious title reign, he defended the title against the likes of Harley Race, Jack Brisco, Wahoo McDaniel, Fritz Von Erich, Joe Scarpa, Billy Robinson, Les Thornton, Geoff Portz, Abdullah the Butcher, Archie “The Stomper” Gouldie and Lou Thesz. He was considered by many, my dad included, to have been the greatest NWA World Champion of all time.
Dory was an inspiration to a whole generation of young, up and coming wrestlers, including myself, my brothers Bret and Keith and countless others. His glorious title reign was responsible for a huge resurgence in the popularity of pro wrestling in the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia and other places.
In addition to his unparalleled exploits as the world champion, Dory was also one of the foremost trainers in modern pro wrestling history, having mentored a myriad of superlative performers, including: Bruiser Brody, Ted DiBiase, Stan Hansen, Bob Backlund, Tito Santana, Jay Youngblood, Kurt Angle, Edge, Christian, Matt & Jeff Hardy, David Hart Smith, Lita and Mickie James, among others.
Beyond all his wrestling accomplishments, Dory, and his brother Terry, are two of the nicest guys in the business. True class acts, all the way.
I’m also pleased to see another old friend, Dr. D. David Schultz being honored. David, who worked up in Calgary for my dad’s renowned Stampede Wrestling promotion back in the early 80’s, was one of the most charismatic and talented wrestlers of his era, headlining cards not only in Canada, but in Japan and many major promotions in the States, including Tennessee, Minneapolis and the WWF.
During his tenure in Calgary, David mentored and was instrumental in the success of many of our up and coming young wrestlers, including my brothers Bret and Owen, my brothers-in-law Davey Boy Smith and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, the Dynamite Kid and Flyin’ Brian Pillman, all of whom went on to become major stars. David, I might add, also had an influence on future WWF champions like Hulk Hogan and Honky Tonk Man. He truly is an authentic American original.
I’m delighted that the Cauliflower Alley Club has seen fit to honor Dory and Dr. D at this year’s gala event. Heartfelt congratulations to both of them.
On that note, I’ll call this a wrap but will look forward to catching up with you all next time.
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