NOTE: A new video that has just been released about Penny Banner includes footage of a handwritten note from Elvis Presley sent to her when she wrestled in Memphis and some new matches not before seen of her in action. The cost is only $20. Money Order .....and you can get yours by sending to:
Penny Banner c/o P.O. Box 473362 Charlotte, NC 28247-3362 .
Don't miss a chance of getting your copy!
Thanks!--Percival
Saturday, February 10, 2001 will go down in infamy as one of the greatest days of my life and also one of the best Cauliflower Alley Club conventions ever.
It was the Riviera's Grand Ballroom that shaped the elegance and size for the event. It was the hosts, Red and Carol Bastien, that made the event one where everybody felt welcome, no matter where you came from or who you were.
It was a day that started for me by going to the Peppermill for a breakfast of biscuits and gravy with a large cup of decaf coffee and a large glass of orange juice. I then went back to my suite and readied myself for the big day ahead.
I entered the ballroom, and whom do I run into but Billy Two Rivers. I had not seen him in over 30 years, and what a reunion we had.... talking about the old days and guys that are now gone from us. He even reminded me of the time that he and Angus were in a knock down, drag-out battle in Germany in the mid-60's and how he saved Angus from a rioting crowd.
Cowboy Bill Watts came by and said his hellos to everybody at our table. Seated with me were Chief Paul Farber, Billy Two Rivers, Moondog Ed Moretti, Dr. Billy Darnell, Kay Noble, and Reggie Parks. Seated at the next table were Bruce Swayze, Ray "Thunder" Stern, Killer Kowalski, and Fritz Von Goering.
Everybody was reminiscing about the old days gone by and telling stories of exciting or life threatening ribs that were pulled on each other or someone else. It never ceased to amaze me the stuff we could come up with traveling as much as 500-600 miles in a car.
Stu Hart, Bruce and Ross Hart, and Diana Hart Smith were next to come into the room. Their presence brought about a hush in the room, as everybody, including people that were setting up the dining room tables for the banquet, seemed to be turned towards the greatest family in Canada, and rightfully so...they had earned their day in Las Vegas.
As I looked towards the rear of the room, there were three men dressed in a native garb that would be worn in Africa. Sunny Wonder and two associates were seated watching a video of past events at the CAC. You can also bet that I took my time at getting to know these fine men from Lagos, Nigeria that had been in an airplane and airports for over 20 hours getting to the Cauliflower Alley Club reunion.
The day was broken up by Paul Farber and I going to the afternoon brunch at Katy's in the Riviera. Paul asked me for a few stories about the road, and, of course, almost an hour later, he suggested that we give the table up to other guests of the hotel. We both went back to our rooms to ready ourselves for the big evening.
Around 5 p.m., I wandered into the ballroom again, and the room was full of people going around and getting pictures made with various superstars of our business. As I looked over a few tables, I saw Roddy Piper and Sgt. Slaughter. I also saw Bobby Heenan and Mike Tenay, the Masters of Ceremonies, along with J. Michael Kenyon, noted columnist and wrestling historian.
I also saw Danny Hodge and went behind him and grabbed him in a waist lock and began to lift him and called out for somebody to get a camera, as I had gotten two points on Hodge. Wouldn't you know it.... There is never a camera or a video person around when you need one. I let him down, and we exchanged handshakes and hugs. I then introduced Danny to two of my friends, Paul Farber and Dan Roeglin. Dan was going around the room afterwards trying to shake some life back into his hand that Danny grabbed on to. I guess that Danny still can break pliers in his bare hands.
I was also asked to be a part of Saturday Night Slam, the great wrestling radio program from Des Moines, Iowa, run by Scott McLin and Scott Casber. They had another K.C. Reunion with me and Tom Andrews, former Masked Intern. It was during the segment that I was asked about coming out to Newton, Iowa for the Hall of Fame inductions on June 15 and 16.
I assured everyone that was listening that I would make every effort to be there, but that it would have to come second to my wife's recovery process. We had just found out four days prior to the banquet that Nancy had been diagnosed with cancer and that I would make every effort possible to be there. I began to get very emotional, and Scott took the program to break.
I was grabbed in a viselike bearhug by Scott Casber and let my emotions out. Scott comforted me and assured me that everybody would be praying for both Nancy and myself during these hard times. I cannot put into words the feelings and comfort that I have felt from that small act of friendship...but I will remember your kindness forever.
It was nearing time for the dinner to start serving, and they asked us to be seated and come to order. The meal was family style, where you had to go in line to get what you wanted. It was OK, but it was not the same as the previous year. Following the meal, J. Michael Kenyon began to announce some of the wrestlers and notables attending the reunion.
About half way through the 20 minutes of introductions, he said, "Seated at table 29 is a young man that has done it all in the business, from announcer to referee to wrestler, and then to being a tremendous manager that set the Midwest and a lot of other places on fire.... Mr. Percival A. Friend." As I rose to accept the adulation of the crowd, I was delighted that so many people remembered me. I had goose bumps running up and down my back with that introduction. Paul Farber, my friend and writer of columns, was also acknowledged by J. Michael, something that he did not expect.
People began to come to our table and ask for autographs and take pictures. I did not refuse them, as I would have done in my heyday; instead, I put on a bigger smile than I had worn in many years. In the words of Harry White, there was a different persona in Percival A. Friend. You saw the real him in his nonstop smile and attitude...not the hated manager of champions that left opponents not wanting to come back for more.
The awards that followed Sharon Valentine's graphic reports of her husband, Johnny Valentine, were shadowed beyond total response. The crowd seemed to be mesmerized by her talk of how Johnny was doing in the hospital and how he had fought every thought out of the doctors' minds by overcoming the life threatening complications he is going through. She got a standing ovation for her being there, and buckets were passed around and a huge amount was collected to help with John's expenses, which goes to show you that we are still the best group of people in the world.
Next, the club and audience paid tribute to 43 fallen comrades that had gone on to that big ring in the sky. There was not a dry eye in the building, as the names called out affected or touched someone's life in our gathering.
Pampero Firpo, George Scott, Bill Watts, Lord Alfred Hayes, Billy Two Rivers, Jack Laskin, Reggie Parks, Kay Noble, Rita Cortez, Ann LaVerne, Norman Frederick Charles III, Joey Marella, Roddy Piper, and Stu Hart were all honored with beautiful awards.
What a beautiful way to end a great weekend in the fabulous city of Las Vegas, Nevada. I ended the evening by being reunited with a friend from the old Kansas City days.... Billy Howard. I only wonder what the CAC will bring for me next year?
Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers
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