Dazzlers Corner: The Names Of WCW Australia
By Ken Dunlop
During the hey days of World Championship Wrestling a lot of young Australian Wrestlers got a lot of work all around Australia, sure most were used as enhancement talent but they were still getting the work. I was blessed in one way and that was as l was just starting as WCW was winding down, l had the opportunity to train and wrestle against many of the wrestlers that were used during that era, l thought I would write about only the people that I personally got to be involved with, hopefully the names will jolt some memories for different people.
These wrestlers and people involved should never be forgotten. As l have said previously I started training at MB’s Gym in North Melbourne, it was run by 5 workers, John Schneider, Sam Rossi, Fred Burger, Jim Dimeros and Casey Miller. While training there l got to train with Johnny Doyle, Fat Dominic, Tony Marino (referee) Sherrie Sinatra, Patty Ryan and Kid Hardy. This is also when I first got to meet the Legendary Jack Little. Then for a short time l trained with Mario Milano and George Guliovas. I also trained at a gym in Fitzroy with Kurt Schneider. I moved to Sydney in December 1980 and from the January in 81 l got to meet and train with another Legend Roy Heffernan, also with Andy Harpas, Mario Marino, Bill Rawlings ( Bobby Burns) and I wrestled so many of the WCW gang, some as partners in tag matches and against many, guys like Ron Miller, Kevin Martin, Dominic Bianco, Steve Rackman, Jack Clayborne, Ken Medlin, Spike Robson, Vic Murray, Bobby Regan, El Greco, John Tolios, Con Tolios, Pancho Omego, Noel ” Grumpy” Davis, Dennis Lykouris, and George Barnes.
Sadly many of these wrestlers have passed away. Again l hope when you read this you will go, oh yes l remember him. I was truly blessed to mix with all these people, including Larry O’Dea but I never stepped in the ring with him but had a lot of involvement with him. The experience these guys offered was incredible. Sure l didn’t get on with all of them but l always listened and respected them.
If any of today’s workers get to talk to and train with some of the older guys, again you might not agree as the business has changed but always listen and respect.
