Missouri Wrestling Revival

At The Flamingo

By Darla Staggs

All photos courtesy of Darla Staggs.

Another Cauliflower Alley Reunion has come and gone for another year, but it was a wonderful three days spent with so many friends. I have often said that some of the best friends in the world are my wrestling friends and I will always believe that.

This year we had to say goodbye to Karl Lauer, only as the Executive Vice President of the club, as he has officially retired. He will still remain involved with CAC and be at the reunions. It was great seeing Karl being honored for all of his hard work he has done for the CAC. This year at the Baloney Blowout, it was dedicated to Karl with a Toast and Roast……the funny thing is, no one really roasted him, as there were just too many things to toast him about. Congratulations to Karl!

I’m not going to list all of the awards from this year, but just a few that were the best to me. If you would like to see all of the award recipients and their bios, you can go to the Cauliflower Alleys website at www.caulifloweralleyclub.org.

Wendi Richter…..recipient of The Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award

Wendi Richter was recipient of the Art Abrams Lifetime Achievement Award. I always thought that Wendi and Joyce Grable were the best ladies tag team there ever was. I was friends with Wendi back in the late 70’s when she would be in St. Louis. It was great to see her after 25 years. She is still as beautiful as ever and she was thrilled at being honored by the CAC this year.

Ricky Steamboat and Brian Blair

The second one I’d like to talk about is Ricky Steamboat! He was recipient of the Lou Thesz Award. This man is probably one of the nicest guys to ever be in the wrestling business. He really takes the time to talk with all of the fans and it’s like he has known you for years. Of course, when Ricky walked into the room all of the fans went to him for autographs and to pose for photos. I overheard someone say to him, “I told you all of the marks were going to mob you!” Ricky looked at him and said, “That is why I’m here, to mingle with my fans!” I thought that was awesome!

Jim Ross and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin…..recipient of The Iron Mike Award

The last honoree I want to speak about is none other than “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. He was recipient of the Iron Mike Mazurki Award. Wow……there are no words that can even describe him. He is another one who is so thrilled to be with his fans. I couldn’t tell you how many hours he spent signing autographs and posing for photos with fans. He stayed until everyone was finished.

The one thing I want to stress is that during Ricky and Steve’s speeches, they stressed to all of the young guys in the business today…..”LEARN TO WORK.” It’s not always about making sure you get all of your moves in and showing what you know how to do, but learn how to work. That is what the fans and promoters and scouts want to see. So guys….remember those three words!

Classiest Champion of all time…….AWA Champ, Nick Bockwinkel…… Love him!

Of course, there were many other wrestlers there that I got to see and talk to. It’s always good to visit with Nick Bockwinkel and his beautiful wife, Darlene, Ted DiBiase, Terry Funk, Tom Andrews, Bob Giegel and Bill Kersten….they have all been wonderful thru the years.

Tom Andrews and Bill Kersten

I have said many times before that for me going to the CAC reunions is a great time for me to spend quality time with my wrestling family. It’s always a thrill to see the wrestlers, but most important for me is to spend time with my friends I’ve made through the years. I have met so many wonderful people in this crazy business, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. And this year, I also had the pleasure of traveling to Las Vegas with our own, Gary Jackson……

My dear friend, Gary Jackson

It was a fun three days!!!