When promoter Barry Bernsten made a brief bid to return to promoting pro wrestling in 1986, one Dan Clift entered the wrestling world as Evil Rodriguez. The routine, like Bernsten's shows, did not fly. A year later one Tim Hoffman entered the world as Hi Voltage, which worked out better than Clift and his moniker, but something was lacking. It was only when they became pseudo-military personnel as Special Forces and started breaking the rules that they really caught on. Now calling themselves The Mercenary and The Ranger under the fore noted Special Forces banner, with military fatigues and berets, they became top villains on the Indy scene.
Coming into the ring to Charlie Daniels tunes, the two provoked instant heat from the fans. They had many wild feuds and even won a regional tag team title. Either as singles or as a team, they were truly hated by the fans.
Among the teams they feuded with were Mike Contreras & Eli Hernandez, The Pale Riders and Black Mamba, & Thrillseeker.
Some of their matches still survive on video and crop up among varied tape traders in the system.
In 1992, Clift left Arizona and headed down south, where he reportedly retired. Ranger continued for several more years as a single. He still makes his home in Phoenix and I would not be surprised if he makes a return to the ring some day.
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