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| Question: Is the Oriental Spike a nerve hold or just a fancy way of cutting off the blood supply or oxygen to the brain? Bill Ostrander, Jr. in Bellingham, Washington |
| "Hi Bill from Bellingham. The oriental spike? Never heard of it. But the REAL sleeper was taught to me by the great Olympian and former gold medalist Danny Hodge. The sleeper he used did cut off the oxygen to the brain, and when you put it on a person you counted to 5 and let him go, because if you went past ten you would do bad damage to the person. Danny hardly ever used it, but when a mark challenged its authenticity he put it on them with - or without - their permission. That was long ago before political correctness and law suits. Oriental Spike? NAH. Fairy tale. Incidentally, Danny Hodge could out shoot any of the so-called college greats of today. Hodge was one of Dan Gable's heroes, you remember him don't you? He was a pretty fair hand from Iowa. Hodge was also an Olympic champion in his weight division in boxing. Danny and I worked together for some time in the old Oklahoma territory, and we were roomies on a couple of trips to Japan. He still is a real credit to this business." |
| Question: I will always remember the way my grandfather used to love watching you wrestle in Kamloops at the house shows. He always thought you and Ron Morrier were father and son. I know you weren't. My question is: Buck Ramstad, what was he like to work with and would you say that Buck Zumhofe was the originator of entrance music? And do you still keep in touch with John Quinn? Mike in Kamloops & Abbotsford |
| "Hello Mike. Thanks for being a fan all these years. No, I
was no relation to the best announcer and host of Canadian professional wrestling, Mr. Ron
Morrier, yet he was a father figure to us all. May he rest in peace awaiting the return of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As far as Buck Ramstead goes, he was a bit different
and I didn't work with him too much. He was hardly ever in the main events on the cards I
worked on. Buck Zumhofe was not the orginator of entrance music. Roddy Piper picked that
up from Freddie Blassie down in L.A. years ago and ran with it. No, I do not keep in touch with John Quinn and have no idea where he is today. You were thanking me for the memories; well I thank you for your fond memories of all of us. God's peace, Dutch." |
| Question: Who was your favorite tag-team partner in Portland? Jeff in Lynnwood, Washington |
| "Hi Jeff from Lynnwood, thanks for the letter. My favorite
tag-team partner is a very easy choice. He was and always will be the best working partner
I ever had. Jimmy Snuka. We worked hand in glove, he learned my every move and I his.
There was nothing in the ring he couldn't do. Great babyface, unsurpassed talent, a gentle
soul and a very hard worker. There was no nonsense when we worked together. I think this
is the reason we were so successful, box office wise, and against any and all opponents.
We both worked very, very hard at making our opponents look like supermen, because then
when we beat them it appeared we beat top-notch teams. Believe me, some of the opponents
weren't all that top drawer, but if you worked real hard they all looked good. You know,
when Jimmy left and went to the WWF in New York, McMahon really blew it when he let Jimmy
go. He could have still been there today if he was used correctly. One of the greater
workers the business has ever had, and has not recieved the credit or respect for his
enormous talents. Hope you're enjoying life like we are and if anyone knows out there
where Jimmy is I would be grateful for a phone number. God's peace, Dutch." |
| Question: Growing up I went to the Medford Armory with my dad to watch you and the other wrestlers. Do you have any good stories of matches you or the other wrestlers had in Medford? Toney Lewis in Medford, Oregon |
| "Hi Toney Lewis from Medford, Oregon. Good to have you
aboard. I have many fond memories of the Medford Armory and doing their local cable TV
down there. One night we had a packed house and I was working against Jonathan Boyd of the
Kangaroos. I knocked him out of the ring and chased him all the way out the front door of
the armory. Well, as he went outside so did half of the crowd. But one guy took off after
Boyd and he was between Boyd and I. Johnny reversed the direction he was going and dodged
the big guy that was chasing him and headed back towards me with that guy hot on his
heels. I didn't know that Nelson Charles, Boyd's partner, was on MY tail. Boyd was headed
straight for me, I took a swing at him, he ducked and went by me, the guy took a swing at
him and also missed. I side-stepped the guy and Nelson Charles really nailed the guy that
went by me...Kapow!!! Knocked him out colder than a dead fish. Boyd high-tailed it into
the dressing room and was counted out when he refused to return to the ring. Great fun,
except for the guy Charles nailed. Thanks for the note, Dutch." |
| Question: Wow! What a great site! I just wanted to say that I have NEVER seen anything that comes close to a show with "the Flyin' Dutchman" and the "Wild Apache"!!! Wrestling in the Pacific Northwest kept me and my buddies off the streets on Friday and Saturday nights! By the way Dutch, how long has it been since anyone called you the "Duke of Hazel Dell"? (Nobody called 'em like Frank Bonnema.) James in Eugene, Oregon |
| "Hello James from Eugene. No one has called me the
"Duke of Hazel Dell" in a long time. Frank got that started in the very early
1970s and it seemed every one in the state of Washington (and Oregon, for that matter)
picked up on it. I'm amazed you remembered it after all these years. Glad your still a
fan, and the credit for the page goes to our Webmaster, Tom Voigt. He made it what it is.
The site is even going to get bigger as we go along, more new photos and more tributes to
the real folks who have broken their backs to make this business what it is today for the
men and women who are in it. Thanks for the letter James, Dutch." |
| Question: In your opinion, who was the best wrestler at using a mask as a gimmick? Brian in Eugene, Oregon |
| "The best wrestler under the hood (in my humble opinion) was "The Destroyer", Dick Byers. His box office receipts prove that fact. He was "money in the bank" for promoters during his career. World renown, he is still a living legend in Japan and Germany, and none of the folks stateside will ever forget his ability in the ring.. He was a pure wrestler and all-American running guard from the U of Tennessee football team back in the late 1950s. Pretty good shooter as well, although he never took advantage of anyone. But if you pushed his button the wrong way, you had better be prepared for a long hospital stay. He was - and is - a friend of mine, and a true gentleman that the business was lucky to have during his vaulted career." |
| Question: Whatever happened to Beauregarde? I remember some fans flattening his tires one night after the matches. Steve Ford in Vancouver, Washington |
| "Hi Steve Ford from Vancouver, Washington. Larry Pitchford
is, the last I heard of him, in the great state of Florida and owns a huge sheet rocking
company. Good for him. Beauregarde was a nifty little heat-generating machine during his
stay here. He was my partner for about 6 months before he left. Yes, the fans did flatten
his tires and that's too bad. People that do that sort of thing are rabble of the worst
kind and pure cowards. I never sanction any kind of gang mentality. It's immoral and just
plain trouble for the people involved. Thanks for the note, Dutch." |
| Question: First of all, I'd like to say that as a kid watching you on All-Star Wrestling out of Vancouver, BC, you were -by far- my favorite. Lots of great memories. I know you wrestled against the likes of Gene Kiniski, Andre the Giant and the Brute (just to name a few), but did you ever wrestle against Haystacks Calhoun? And whatever happened to him? Lou Favaro in Kelowna, British Columbia |
| "Hey Lou Favaro from Kelona B.C., good to hear from a
loyal cannuk fan. I have many great memories from Kelona. Not only the wrestling, but the
fly fishing at the lake as well. Back in the 1960's 2 to 4 pounders were nothing to catch
by wading out from shore and using a "doc spracley" elk hair fly. Great fun. Yes, I did wrestle with Haystacks Calhoun, both in B.C. and Hawaii. I also witnessed Don Leo Jonathan body slam Stacks in the old Vancouver Gardens one night. Leo slammed him so hard he pooped his levi's. Man what a site. Stacks is gone now, bless his heart. Have a good life, Lou. Regards, Dutch." |
| Question: Do you have any info on Roddy Piper? I heard that he left the area and went to L.A. because of pressure from the county and other things. Greg in Portland, Oregon |
| "Hi Greg. I have no idea where Roddy is, and I would not, not
listen to any gossip about the man. Only the Lord and Roddy knows what's up. Take care and good to hear from you again, Dutch." |
| Question: There was a guy who teamed up with Roddy Piper for a bit that went by the name "Bad News" Brooks. I remember some great tag team matches that involved them vs Bull Ramos and Jesse Ventura (and others.) Do you remember working with him, and what happened to him? Hubie in Seattle, Washington |
| "Hello Hubie from Seattle! I'll be dipped if I know what
happened to Brooks, "Bad News" that is, when he left. I have no idea where he
went. Maybe some of the others on the site will have some idea of what happened to him.
Sorry I can't be of more help. Thanks for the note, Dutch." |
| Question: How did you enter professional wrestling? How did you end up on the West Coast? Michael in Chilliwack, British Columbia |
| "Oh My. Michael from Chilliwak, B.C., what a question! It
would take a hundred pages to answer your question. Short way is, Don Jardine and I left
the old Amarillo territory back in 1966 because the promoter at that time (who shall
remain nameless) had a beef with Jardine, came into the dressing room that night and
started an argument with Jardine, slapped Jardine across the face (VERY wrong thing to
do), and Jardine ounched him between the horns; end of fight. We dropped the belts in the
semi, didn't wait for our payoffs and hightailed it for the New Mexico border. Got to
Clovis, New Mexico, called our friend who picked up our payoffs, (the promoter didn't know
we hightailed it), and forwarded them to us. Came to the coast to work in the Portland territory, both of us. Well, Don Owen liked the looks of Jardine because of his build better than he did me. ( I was the voice and the heat-getter.) Don was the killer and the bumper. Don went to work for Owen, I ended up with Cliff Parker and Rod Fenton in Vancouver. Stayed about two years. Jardine and I split; I went to Japan, Jardine to Texas as "The Spoiler". I was supposed to rejoin him after Japan as "Spoiler #2". However, on the way back from Japan I stopped off in Hawaii and got over so good as Dutch Schultz that I stayed a year-and-a-half. Then I went to Minneapolis and did very well. Japan wanted me back (it was too good a deal too pass up) and Kiniski came into the territory and begged me to come back to Vancouver after Japan, as he needed a good heel to get the territory up and going again, and to keep it going while he was out defending his World Heavyweight Championship belt all over the world. Well, Kovacs made me a star, and I got over so good there that the rest is history. I went into the Portland territory and was the only man to ever hold the PNW belt 21 different times. I worked all over the world from there, bought into the promotion of Washington and Oregon and so on and so on. Hope this helps and my finger is tired. I left out a lot of the story but this should pretty much answer your inquiry. God's peace, Dutch." |
| Question: How did guys move from territory to territory? Did you lineup your own programs and leave when you wanted to, or did you give notice? How did you prevent "burning bridges", or did the promoters control it all? Dutch, great website. Thanks for answering questions!! Keep up the good work!! Ron in Fraser, Michigan |
| "Hello Ron from Fraser, Michigan. When we left territories
to go to another, you would generally give 2-weeks notice; that is, if you liked the
promoter. I would usually give the promoter enough time to set up a program to get the
guys over who were going to replace me, and then I would leave in good standing. However,
if the promoter I was working for mistreated me or cut my payoffs in the bigger towns
(let's face it, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out a payoff on a sell
out...unless you were stupid!) I would give the guy one -that's one- warning. If he did it
again, the next day I would be gone for greener pastures and his territory would go down
the drain for months. Especially if I had the single and one-half of the tag straps, which
I usually did. "Burning bridges"? The promoters thought they controlled it all, but that was a sham. If you were the promoter and you had a guy who turned everything to gold for you and sold out everything every single week and he flies the coop and leaves you bare, and if he wanted to come back down the road, would you rebook him??? Of course you would, only an idiot wouldn't. Bridges can always be rebuilt if they are broken. Promoters always liked to say they were going to blackball you in the entire business if you left them when they didn't want you to. I went to school very early on that "hogwash". Promoters are business men and there is no love or hatred in business; just business. Boy oh boy, am I glad I serve Christ now and not the world, especially the business I used to be in. I march to the beat of a different drummer now, and He is GGGGRRRREEEAAATTT! God's peace, Dutch." |
| Question: Thanks for the great site! Went to my first match at the Armory. Watched for years and enjoyed every bout. Do you ever see the Von Steigers or Bull Ramos? How about a reunion sometime with all the great ones from the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s? Larry Miller in Vancouver, Washington |
| "Hello Larry Miller. No, I never see the Von Steigers
anymore. It seems Kurt has a septic business down in the Salem area, and Karl was killed
in a plane crash some years ago, sorry to say. Great fellow. As far as a reunion goes, it
would be great. Bull is blind and has no kidneys and only weighs about 195 now. It would
be great to see him and a host of others. Maybe you could host a reunion??? I'd be glad to
come. Thanks for the note. Regards, Dutch." |
| Question: Dutch, bare with me on this one. I think I remember a story in an old Sports Review Wrestling magazine about you getting fined a thousand dollars for slugging a promoter in San Francisco. Hope I'm not wrong on this one. God Bless. Mark in Fort St. John, British Columbia |
| "Hi Mark in Ft. St. John B.C...nice to hear from you up
there. Bet it's still as beautiful as ever. Well now, about me punching a promoter in the "Wrestling Review" back in the 60's... me thinks someone has blown smoke at the public through the printed media. Naaahhhh, they wouldn't do that, would they? You mean the media might have printed an untruth? Come on now, really. I can't believe it. Well, yes I can. Didn't need to do that. I got my heat in the ring. Someone might have said that for an angle we were working at the time, but I can assure you I have never hit or shoved or struck any promoter anywhere in the world, and that's a fact. Not even in a TV angle. Sorry to bust your bubble. Sometimes we were fined but no money exchanged hands, that was only to impress the public who was watching. The commissions never collected any "fines", that is just TV stuff. God's peace, Dutch." |
| Question: Didn't Mr. Fuji spend some time in the Northwest? He was a terrific heel. What are your memories of him? Brian in Eugene, Oregon |
| "Hi Brian, if you'll investigate the site you will find an expose on Fuji and some of the others. Yes, he worked here for two years and was in Hawaii when I was there also." |
| Question: Do you remember Johnny Eagles? What might have happened to him? Randy Henderson in Springfield, Missouri |
| "Hi Randy, Johnny Eagles is resting in his grave waiting
for the judgment. He had ruined his heart with booze and smoking, had a massive vein
transplant a few years back, went back to the booze after that and the rest is history.
Folks have to learn to take care of the temple. We sometimes treat our bodies like septic
tanks, the junk we put into them, and then later in life wonder why we are sick so much. I
got Johnny his green card so he could become a citizen. Too bad, he wasn't that old of a
man. Glad your still a fan and thanks for the inquiry! God's peace, Dutch." |
| Question: I grew up in Coos Bay, Oregon. Do any memories stand out about working there? Brian in Eugene, Oregon |
| "Hello Brian, yes I do have some memories of Coos bay. I
remember Bull Ramos and I selling it out on many, many occasions. One night I was working
with Lord Jonathan Boyd of the Royal Kangaroos, and we had a no D.Q. match going. Well, we
ended up out on the floor and fought towards the exit door at the back of the building.
Boyd knocked me into the door and it opened, I in turn grabbed him and threw him through
it. We didn't know that it was the outside fire escape. Boyd hit the railing and I heard
him yell for help. I looked outside and he was hanging on for dear life to the fire escape
railing, feet first and he was 30 feet off the ground. Well, I helped him back in and he
was shaking like a leaf. I took him back to the ring and beat him. God's peace, Dutch." |
| Question: Any thoughts on The Sheepherders? It was sad to see them in the WWF. Jeff in Lynnwood, Washington |
| "I have no idea what Vince did to the sheepherders in the WWF, I hardly ever watch that nonsense unless I'm channel surfing or just curious as to how immoral the business has gotten in the past decade or two. Luke and Butch are two great hands, and if their gimmick is worked correctly they will make a promotion lots of money. Very hard workers and great gentleman, the both of them. Some of the very few wrestlers that I ever invited to my home. Too bad Vince didn't know what to do with them. Hope they are doing well these days. If any of you contact them tell them to please get hold of me via the web site." |
| Question: Just wondering if you knew what Jesse Barr was up to these days? Jenny Boyle-Gibson at Hill AFB, Utah |
| "Last time I heard, Jesse was in Louisiana working...and
not in pro wrestling. However you can contact his dad Sandy at 360-289-4222 and he could
tell you where Jesse is. Yes, Jesse is a super nice young man and was a credit to the
wrestling business. Say young girl, I was in the USAF also in 1954-1958. Sampson AFB in Genevea, N.Y. and then Andrews AFB in D.C. Played on all the baseball and basketball teams, and we were intra- service champions in basketball. Only stood two class "A" inspections the whole time I was in, they catered to us jocks, don't you know. I had a ball, it was even more fun than college. Went down to Kinley AFB in Bermuda for a tournament, was only supposed to be there for 3 days. Legend has it the Captain who flew us down in the C1-18 liked it so much he threw the nose radar gear in the ocean and it took two extra weeks for them to get a new one shipped down to us. Needless to say we all had a great time on that beautiful island." |
| Question: Did you know any Christian wrestlers? I know Ted Dibiase and Sting are involved in religious activities. Jim in Portland, Oregon |
| "I do not know any real "Christian" professional wrestlers. I do know a lot of folks who profess to be Christian, but their works are far from being Christian. Many have a form of Godliness but deny the power thereof by their actions. Read 1st and 2nd Thes:., and 1st and 2nd Timothy and you tell me if what your seeing in certain folks that call themselves Christian are really what they say they are. "By their fruits ye shall know them". Putting on Christ requires much more than a mere profession. Sacrifice and humbleness, combined with a teachable spirit are the norm for a Christian. Have you seen many within the wrestling profession lately???? God's peace." |
| Question: My grandfather (RIP) once told me that he remembered Don and Elton Owen as tag team partners, heels even. Is there any truth to this? Cato in Eugene, Oregon |
| "Don Owen never had a pair of tights on in his life. However, Elton did wrestle both in college and pro. Elton (now deceased) was also a pretty fair boxer while he attended the U of O back in the 30s. No, Don never wrestled professionally to my knowledge, and I have no pictures of Elton. Maybe someone else out here does." |
| Question: Could you tell us about those road trips throughout the Northwest in the 1960s and 1970s? Did you guys go solo or carpool? Any money left after motel, gas and food? Greg in Portland, Oregon |
| "The trips in the 1960s and 1970s, well, some of them were legendary and most were not. Some of the babies went two or three to a car, some of us like myself were loners and the heels usually always rode together. Some carpooled, some didn't. They usually charged each other 2 cents a mile for gas. Motels were cheap, food was mostly baloney blowouts. Sunday was usually Pendleton every other week, Vancouver B.C. on Monday, Tuesday every other week was the Portland Special or a spot show, which could be Klamath Falls, Coos Bay or somewhere else. Wednesday was either Medford or somewhere else. Thursday was always Salem for Elton or Sandy. Friday was Eugene and Saturday the Portland TV show...and this is just the old Oregon territory. (Some other time I'll tell you what the Washington itinerary was like...don't want to bore you right now. When the two territories joined in the 1970s the big money was made.)" |
| Question: Do you remember the real name of "The Brute"? John Breidford in Palmer, Alaska |
| "I don't remember the Brutes real name. I just used to call him "Biggy" because he was very big. Maybe someone else would care to enlighten us as to his real name. And by the way, whatever happened to him and where is he now???" |
| Question: Did you ever work for Stu Hart? And if so, what stories and memories do you have from there? Cato in Eugene, Oregon |
| "I never worked for Stu Hart, or in the old Calgary territory. To be honest, I hated the winters up there because they were worse than the Minneapolis territory. That means the were RRREEEEAAALLL bad. Too much wind and snow. Two seasons up there, winter and bad sledding. If you were born Canuck you didn't mind it. But me being a warm weather sissy, I never cared to go up there, although I was asked several times. I'll stay in the PNW. God has made this place here in the valley for great all-year living. Sorry, no stories or memories, and ain't I glad." |
| Question: You were involved in a fued with Dr. X in Minneapolis. It was said you were the first person to make him bleed. Do you recall if that was a blade job or hard way. Also. how was it working with one of the all time greats, Dick Beyers (Dr X)? Lew in South Carolina |
| "Yes, Minneapolis was a great territory, and Verne Gagne a
great promoter, as well as Wally Karbo. No, it isn't a fairy story. Dr. X and I were to
work and angle for the entire territory. On Minnesota TV, Mad Dog Vachon and I were
working with Dick and his partner, and Mad Dog turned on me and decided to help Dr. X put
me out of commission. Well, Dick got bumped by Vachon when he was trying to use a blade,
and cut extremely deep and hit a bleeder (small artery). Bled very badly through his mask
and it went all over the studio. I was supposed to pop Mad Dog the hard way because he had
bled a few days before and it should have opened up with out any trouble. I potatoed him
and the cut widened and blew up all over me, Cowboy Bill Watts, the time keeper and the
audience. Women were screaming and heading for the exits. Verne was really pleased with the
whole she-bang. We sold out everything we touched for months after that one. Dick Beyers was - and still is - one of the all-time greats of this business. A true professional. Maybe you should write to him and ask him how many times I potatoed him during our programs back then. He'll always have a special spot in my book as a true box-office giant. The man could work with a broom and make it look good." |
| Question: Who was the wrestling announcer in Portland and whatever happened to him? Chuck in Lacey, Washington |
| "Frank Bonnema was the first announcer I got to know really well during the late 60s and 70s. He passed away many years ago due to heart problems. Then we broke in Don Coss. After him, I don't think there was another one. Have no idea who is doing what today, as there are so many wanna-be promoters out there it's hard to keep track of all of them." |
| Question: How long was Jimmy Snuka here for? I started watching Portland Wrestling in 1981 and don't remember him at all. Skip in Tacoma, Washington |
| "I think Jimmy came to the area about 1971 or 1972, and he was here until just about before I retired from active participation in the ring around 1978 or 1979. Don't quote me now, other people out there keep better records that I do. But if you had seen him work you would always remember him as one of the better workers in the entire world." |
| Question: I was wondering if you knew anything about the April 6th wrestling show in Forest Grove titled "Grapple at the Grove". Chris Bergstrom in Forest Grove, Oregon |
| "I have no idea who is promoting the Forest Grove matches. Maybe you could ask Sandy Barr. I think he has a site, either for his flea market or otherwise. I wonder whatever happened to advertising just good old "professional wrestling"? Seems everyone wants to copy the WWF, and then they wonder why they don't draw decent crowds. You can't duplicate an original...you can only imitate one." |
| Question: Question 1: Did you ever wrestle in the Portland Armory? Question 2: I heard Eric Pederson died in an insane asylum. Is this true? Mike G. in Portland, Oregon |
| "Yes, I knew of an Eric Pedersen, little guy with one
great body, so I'm told. He was in the territory when it was generally a light-heavyweight
(weight divisions in those days). He drew a lot of big houses, or so I'm told. As far as
Eric dying in a sanitarium, I don't know...neither will I speculate on the matter. I just
heard he was one great wrestler, and I'll leave it at that. Yes, I wrestled in the Portland Armory on a few occasions, with Shagg, Luther, and many others. Glad you remember those days, the business was quite different then." |
| Question: What were your impressions of the Dynamite Kid? Do you stay in touch with him? Mark in Fort St. John, British Columbia |
| "My impressions of Tommy Livingston, i.e. "The Dynamite Kid": I got Tommy his first green card to come into the Portland territory back in the early 1970s. He came and no one really knew him, but I saw some box office talent in him. Great worker and a real fine gentleman. I knew he was going to go far in the U.S., it was just a matter of time. The rest is history, and if any of you run across Tommy give the young chap a hello for me." |
| Question: In your long and storied career in the squared circle, who was by far the greatest shoot fighter you met? Harry B. in Victoria, British Columbia |
| "By far -and only if he wanted to, and it took an act of
congress to make him do it - it would have to be Don Leo Jonathan, my easy-going giant
friend from Utah. No one - and I mean no one - would ever be stupid enough to get the big
Mormon angry enough to be fighting mad. The things I have seen that man do just
"playing around" with some so-called "shooters" in this business would
amaze you. Most all of the REAL "shooters" in the business never pushed their
weight around with anyone. However, there are quite a few who thought they were tough.
Ex-college wrestlers and the like and some pretty big boys are very tough, but the people
who would put you in the hospital really quick would never pick a fight with anyone, but
if you were to get toooooo smart with one of the real dangerous people in the business,
you would end up in the hospital for a long stay and probably not be able to walk
correctly again. I'm not kidding you. Probably the other great "hooker" that I remember was Danny Hodge. He was (and is) legendary. Thanks for the nice e-mail and keep in touch." |
| Question: I'm a big Jimmy Snuka fan. Can you talk a little bit about his development as a wrestler in his time in the Northwest, and a little bit about the kind guy he is? Brian in Eugene, Oregon |
| "First of all, James Reyer Snuka is one of the nicer men
and legends in the "real" professional wrestling business. A true gentleman in
every sense of the word. Willing to help anyone at any time. Quiet and unassuming, this
man is as gentle as a lamb outside the ring and on the street. But once it's time for
business and doing "his thing" in the ring, there are few who could ever match
him. Not too many folks knew that Jimmy was also an all-world rugby player on the Fiji
national team when he was younger, and the top featured lead male dancer of Honolulu's
Intellectual Prefectural Centers, (HIC), during his early days before stepping into the
ring. As far as his development went, I teamed up with him in the very early stages of his career, and he was as green as a vine rope. However, he had "hutspa" (great talent and athletic ability). I saw it right off. We were tag partners for over 6 years, and made tons of money together. He certainly out-distanced his teacher, and became box office all over the world and is still working today in his 50s. I might also add there are not too many people in the business that can match his "shooting ability" either. James is a legend and should be inducted into the Hall of Fame, if he is not already there. I miss him and haven't heard from him in years. I hope his life is peaceful and quiet." |
| Question: If you could do things over again in life, would you change anything? If yes, why? A fan in U.S.A. |
| "Yes, if I had my life to live over, knowing what I know
now, I would change just about everything I have done, except finding the Lord. I wouldn't
even pick up a ping pong ball as far as sports are concerned. The way they teach
competitive sports today is immoral. There has to be a winner, nobody likes a loser, win,
win, win, cheat if you have to, lie if you have to, bend the rules if you have to...just
win!!! Hurt your opponent, do whatever it takes...win, win win. Competition the way it's
taught today from the pee wees on up breeds contempt, one person for the other. I would be a teacher of scripture or have a small church somewhere, way out in the country away from the very sick cities, with all their vice and crime. I would slow down and enjoy the life and the common sense the Lord has provide me with. Could go on and on about this, but by now I think you must have the idea." |
| Question: Do you know of any promotions in this area that I can get hold of for info on becoming a pro wrestler? Douglas Hart in Oregon |
| "Sorry Douglas, as far as I know Sandy Barr's school was the only reputable organization in the PNW. Some of the others that have come and gone were overnighters and didn't amount to much. Sorry I can't be of more help." |
| Question: They always listed Andre the Giant as 7'4" tall. Do you know his actual height and weight when you wrestled with him in Portland? Gregg in Salem, Oregon |
| "Andre, for all intents and purposes, was 7'4" tall and weighed about 545 lbs...or at least that is what he was billed at. If you were ever around him for very long you would believe it. This gentle giant was something special to behold and to work in the ring with." |
| Question: Are you in Oregon? How have you been? Cindy Lee in Oregon |
| "Well now, Cindy Lee, it was my pleasure to work for the Oregon fans, as well as the fans in Washington, B.C. and Idaho. Nice memories. I have a little place up here in SW Washington by Mt. St. Helens, and we are doing just GGGRRREEEAAATTT. You have our address via the site, you feel free to e-mail anytime. Enjoy hearing from you, bless your heart." |
| Question: How would someone get involved in pro wrestling that isn't a wrestler, but would like to do other things involved with wrestling, like behind the scenes stuff? Shawna in Scappoose, Oregon |
| "Call Sandy Barr, his flea market is 503-289-4222. Bet he can answer all your questions and maybe give you a lot of information to help you out. Give it a try." |
| Question: How come there are no videos of the old California days with you, John Tolos, Vampire Fred Blassie and Paul DeMarco? LA is (and was) the media capital of the world. Who has all those old TV's, films and tapes? John Mozuke in Worthington, West Virginia |
| "Boy I tell you, I'd like to know too. Don't have but one tape of me wrestling anyone during that era. Bet Blassie would. Maybe someone should research the subject, make some calls and get back to me. I'd like to see some of those old tapes, especially me kicking the stuffings out of DeMarco. HA! Thanks for the email." |
| Question: What was the evenings paycheck for yourself and the top talent back in the 1970s? Also, how much did guys get for losing hair matches? Wayne in Sunnyvale, California |
| "The paychecks were never enough, no matter where it was
in those days. We were making thousands convincing the people with wrestling, and today
they are making millions with tumbling. Never ceases to amaze me. The boys on top in the
old Portland territory were making anywhere from $800 to sometimes close to $1700 a week,
depending on the program that was drawing at the time...and that was a lot of money back
then. But you have to remember we had thousands to draw from throughout the entire states
of Washington and Oregon. Back east they had millions to draw from. Per capita, I think we
held our own and better against them during that period. That's why they all wanted to come
out here to our "small territory"; short trips, home every night, and few
expenses. With hair matches, we usually gave the person who was losing it about an extra hundred or three, depending who it was." |
| Question: Which wrestlers influenced you most in your younger days? Brian in Eugene, Oregon |
| "Well lets see...some of the guys who helped influence me in my younger days: Steve Kovacs (Steven Little Bear), Jackie Fargo, Bob Geigle, Lou Thesz, Dory Funk Sr., Fritz Von Erich, The Bruiser, Killer Kowalski, Gene Kiniski, Don Leo Jonathan, Wilbur Snyder, Luke Brown, John Tolos, Johnny Valentine, Ray Stevens, Mario Gallento, Eddie Graham, The Stomper, Gino Sammartino, Danny Hodge, Karl Gotch, Hiro Matsuda, Ed Francis, Jimmy Hady, Curtis Ieaukae, Johnny Barrend, and the list goes on and on. Oh, did I mention Lord Nelson Royal who just passed away? Bless his heart. Oh, and Red MacIntyre, just to name a few. These are guys I'll never forget, and if I have left someone out shame on me." |
| Question: What was it like working with Stan Stasiak? I have great memories of watching him and his finishing move,"The Heart punch" (a finisher I have never seen copied to date). Brian Walker in Seattle, Washington |
| "Working with Stan Stasiak was a privilege, and one heck of a lot of fun. He was a ring general and understood what it took to bring people into the arenas. He should be in the Hall of Fame. A big, jovial, fun-loving, very strong man with a heart of gold. Never felt him in the ring and he could work an hour match and not break a sweat. Drew money everywhere he went. He is sorely missed by a lot of folks, but never forgotten. A class act." |
| Question: What is your opinion of Ed Farhat, The Sheik? Fan in Detroit, Michigan |
| "Eddie Farhat was an OK guy and a decent payoff man. He did very well in Detroit and Texas. The only problem in the later years of his promotion was he just couldn't keep up with the younger guys, and should have done what I did: retire from the ring and just promote. Other than that, Eddie did ok. Every one of his matches had blood in them: his own. Ever notice?" |
| Question: It seems a million years ago, but it was about 1990 that you spoke to my Scout troop about the dangers of chemical abuse. Even though I wasn't an addict, it cut me to the quick, and I gave it all up that night and never went back. Thanks for the speech. It changed my life. Steve Bauer in Portland, Oregon |
| "Well I'll be dipped. This is the kind of letter that makes this old man's heart sing. I'm so humbled by your note! What a nice thing to say. I'm sure glad that you decided to do for yourself what you did back then. Bet it's paid big dividends to those around you. I really have no way of knowing just how many people we really reached with our Northwest Outreach seminars in the middle 1980s. It's great to know someone still remembers that anyone can change their life habits. By the time you get up out of your chair and walk to your door, you can change your mind about anything in your life...if you CHOOSE to do so." |
| Question: What are your memories of Gentleman Ed Francis? Does he still live in Pleasant Hill, OR? I remember him as having the best sleeper hold. Also, do you and Jimmy Snuka keep in touch? What is he up to? Gregg in Salem, Oregon |
| "Ed Francis was a super guy and one great promoter. Not to
mention the fact that he was really box office while he was in the ring all those years,
and held his own with the best of the shooters of that era. I made a ton of money when he
booked me into Hawaii as Dutch Schultz, the grandson of the infamous gangster of the
Chi-Town days gone by. Where he is now is a mystery to me. Maybe someone out there knows. Snuka was, and still is -I think- one of my better friends in the business, although I never hear from him anymore, and I haven't the faintest idea where he is." |
| Question: As a Duck fan, I have to ask your assessment of Josh Wilcox (former University of Oregon tight end) as a wrestling talent. I know he's green, but do you think he's got what it takes to make in wrestling these days? Brian in Eugene, Oregon |
| "You know, I don't remember John Wilcox, although I think he worked for Sandy Barr once and I may have met him there or had an interview with him on Sandy's TV show. (Terrible this getting-older stuff!!!) However, any young man that played tight end for the Oregon Ducks has to be one of the better athletes on the club. This young man could go far, if he connects with the right people who have the experience to teach him correctly. Good teachers are hard to find these days, although. I wish him luck." |
| Question: I saw you today at the feed store. You were kind enough to stop and shake my hand. You look exactly the same as you did back in the 1980s when you went to my church. You have no idea how us teenagers looked up to you! It was so cool to be able to say that I knew you. It was great to see you! Pat Rhoads in Brush Prairie, Washington |
| "Well, Sister Pat, what a sweetheart you are. Thanks for the really nice e-mail. You know, they were supposed to have a 50% off sale, and I just missed it by one day. Doesn't that just tell you the story of just about everyone's life these days...a day late!!! Have you been watching our Bible show on cable access TV? It's on 5 days a week, and the Lord has been blessing. That's CH. 11, and the schedule is in the TV guide. It's called "Dutch's Corner". It was really nice shaking hands with a Christian lady too, especially one that I knew in her teens. Bless your heart." |
| Question: Do you have any memories of Buzz Sawyer? Skip in Tacoma, Washington |
| "Buzz Sawyer is gone now, but Hacksaw is around somewhere. Great kids, Hack was a pet of mine; not very big, but he could out work most of the bigger guys in the business." |
| Question: I used to watch you wrestle on KPTV 12 on Saturday nights. You were my favorite! Where do you live now? Tony Mueller in Astoria, Oregon |
| "I'm alive and well, living on a little 30-acre place here in Washington. 10 grand-children and working in real estate for Prudential Northwest Properties of Battleground...having the time of my life. Glad you're still a fan after all these years." |
| Question: What was it like to work with Gene Kiniski, both in the ring and as an associate on the promotions side? Gary in Victoria, B.C. |
| "Gene was a real good worker, probably one of the best
conditioned individuals in the business during his tenure. When you worked with Gene you
knew you had better be in shape to go at least 50 minutes in each and every match, or he'd
wipe the matt with your remains. I was proud and still am to be his friend. On the promotional side Gene was great. He'd listen to different ideas, and if he like your idea he'd use it. Gene was a money man and wasn't so full of pride that he wouldn't bend a little to make money, just because an idea wasn't his. Gene took on Sandor Kovacs as a partner and between the two of them they did some fantastic business. Yes, Gene Kiniski is a living legend in a sport that has all but forgotten about him. I won't forget him, and neither will the hundreds of guys that he helped along their way." |
| Question: What was Roy Shire like to work for? Michael C. in Amarillo, Texas |
| "Roy was one of my favorite people. Anytime you're as
successful as Roy was in promoting, you're going to have guys take cheap shots at you
because they think they could do a better job than you, or they think you're not treating
them the way they should be treated. Roy respected me from the get go. I'll tell you why; he called my partner, Don Owen, and asked if I was still working in the ring or just promoting. Said he could sure use me, because he had some trouble with the Medics and they were his top guys and they left him cold. He had heard that I was box office everywhere I went. (Not bragging, just quoting Shire.) Don told him he would talk to me and see if I would go down and help him out until he established a couple of other heels. I said if the price is right I'll go. Talked to Shire and he was very up front and honest with me. Paid me quite handsomely, also. Went to San Francisco, and as the Lord would have it, made quite a splash. You can ask Moondog Moretti, he was a kid there when I first went into San Francisco. We pumped out several real big Cow Palace shows with Pat Patterson, Ray Stevens and myself, and Roy was elated. He never forgot me for it, either. Any time he had a big show I was asked to be on the card after that. Yes, Roy Shire was a class "A" business man and ran H I S business they way H E thought it should be run." |
| Question: I am not sure if you remember me, but about 7 years ago you were the guest referee for a coal-miner's glove match in Cloverdale. (I was the in-ring ref.) I just wanted to let you know it was an honor to work with one of the true greats of the business. Cactus Jackson in Surrey, B.C. |
| "Hello and bless your heart. Yes, I remember you at Cloverdale, B.C. How is Starr getting on? Tell him I said hello. Good to hear from you. Thanks for the nice compliment, I don't deserve it." |
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