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This week, I am proud and honored to have a guest writer from the old Big Time Wrestling era in Detroit. He managed the Original Sheik, Malcolm Monroe, Al Snow and Mickey Doyle, to name a few. He was instrumental in a recent event in Beecher, Illinois, helping to raise money for Alicia's House. He is a personal friend that I have known for over 30 years … Dave "Supermouth Drason" Burzynski.--Percival
For those who were not in attendance, recently, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame hosted a fund-raising event in Toronto, Canada at the Airport Fairfield Inn & Suites, in addition to honoring some of the game's greatest stars that had worked this territory over the glory years of wrestling.
With a sellout crowd of 140 in attendance, a great time was had by all. Prior to the evening's event, a full card was held at the Galleria Mall near downtown Toronto, which featured superstars such as The Missing Link (Dewey Robertson), Al Snow, Brian "Grandmaster Sexay" Christopher, Sinn, and many others who thrilled the standing-room-only crowd.
Baron Mikel Scicluna, Willie Farkas & Dewey Robertson
(From the Dave Drason Burzynski collection)
To kick off the event, a social gathering took place where everyone mingled, swapped stories, photographs, and renewed old acquaintances. It was great to see many old faces once again, such as George Steele, Dewey Robertson, The Wolfman Wille Farkas, Baron Scicluna, Waldo Von Erich, Johnny Powers, Bruce Swayze, Reggie Love, Ken "Lord Zoltan" Jugan, Milt Avruskin, Ida Mae Martinez, Big Mac and Bobby Bass.
I was surprised by the number of fans who came up to me and remembered my days on Superstars of Wrestling with George Cannon and Milt Avruskin, repeating lines from my TV promos, outfits I had worn, (not to mention my lack of hair and weight gain over the last 30 years).
After a hearty and delicious meal, Master of Ceremonies George Steele kicked off the festivities with hilarious tales of the road and the reason why we had all gathered, to get the word out about the Hall of Fame itself in Schenectady, N.Y. and to hear from many of the superstars themselves who had worked the Toronto area. One thing I noticed in everyone's speeches was their connectivity to the Detroit area, where many of these stars got their start or break.
Waldo Von Erich
(From the Dave Drason Burzynski collection)
A great deal of thanks should go out to Greg Oliver, Andy Stefanides and The Magen Boys for hosting this fine event, and everyone from the PWHF who made this such a successful event.
It was great to see you all again, and, until our paths cross once again, I hope this message finds everyone healthy and happy.
"Supermouth" Dave Drason Burzynski
Royal Oak, MI
Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers
2004 CAC Honoree
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