Wrestling in Akron June 10 release

Wrestling in Akron from Arcadia Publishing at http://www.arcadiapublishing,com   will be on the stands June 10. It may be ordered from any book store chain also.

Mainly photographic in content, the book includes The Sheik, Chris Kole, Brandon X, Whipper Watson, Brian O, Jake Roberts, Don Eagle,  Hank James, Waldo Von Erich, Hans Schmidt, Kevin Sullivan, Dave McKigney, The Crusaders,. The Mongols, Bull Curry, Fred Curry, Mark Mustang, Bad Boy Hines, Tony Altimore, Ivan Putski, Stan Hanson, Zoltan,  Bobo Brazil and many others.

The book also has photos and bios of many who were regulars in Arizona, including Lou Thesz, Monte Ladue, Benny Mendeblis (he never made it east though he tried as the Midwestern offices felt him too small, a fact noted), Killer Brooks, Ben Justice, Luis Martinez,  Mildred Burke, Dory Funk Jr., Tex Riley, Jerry Graham, Lord Carlton, Mike Mazurki, Primo Carnera , Marvin Mercer, Navajo Warrior and Don Kent.

Joyce Grable Fighting Cancer

A speedy recovery is sincerely wished to veteran wrestler, Joyce Grable, who is bravely battling cancer.

Death Of Rip Hawk

Famed wrestler Rio Hawk has passed away. He did, however, live to see his 80s.

Hawk had several matches in Arizona early in his career, where he was seen as a heel in Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma and Globe. He was better known for his tag team combo with Swede Hanson, especially in the southern states.

Tragedy For El Sol De Oriente

Tragedy has struck the popular luchador from Nogales, who lives in Tucson and uses the name of El Sol De Oriente as he has lost his brother. Details are not available yet.

Especially tragic to see this happen over the holidays.

QEPD

Christmas Greetings

Christmas greetings to all my readers

Johnny Ramon

 Johnny Ramon was a stumpy little guy who sometimes had a mouth too big for his body which led to confrontations with other wrestlers, but overall, he was respected and liked in the game. He tried a brief stint at wrestling, but learned quickly that the referee's job was more of a calling.

In the 1980s and 1990s, he was active for numerous promotions in Phoenix and the surrounding area as the valuable arbitrator in the squared circle.

For whatever reason the variosu luchadores such as Flama Negra, Eruption, Super Argo, Indio Seri and Caballero Rojo all prefered him to be in the ring during their matches. They often requested him when there was more than one referee working the card.

Awhile back, there was gossip he died in Phoenix, whcih ahs been refuted, thoguh he seemed to drop out of sight a few years ago. His health though,, is said to not be the greatest, but without many details offered.

Arizona saw a share of great referees in the past. Russ Barker, Bill Hargus, Firpo Zybysco...and Johnny Ramon.

The Golden Eagle Is In Bad Shape

Keep Jim McFarland, who wrestled for many years as The Golden Eagle in your prayers or thoughts . He is in the hospital and has been for several weeks, with a multitude of ailments. It frankly does not look good.

The Golden Eagle's longest run came in the Phoenix/Tucson area in the 1980s where he had feuds with David Rose, Pedro El Grande and Danny Snyder. For a time, eh held a version of the Arizona State title.

Updates will come as we get them.