Television inflated interest in wrestling and isle stars

By A.J. McWhorter

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Nov 13, 2011

~~<p>With the passing of Curtis "Da Bull" Iaukea last year and "Handsome" Johnny Barend on Sept. 20, local wrestling fans lost a part of their childhood. Watching "50th State Wrestling" was an island staple during the 1960s and '70s. This month we look back at the history of local professional wrestling and how a fan keeps those memories alive.</p>
<p>When professional wrestling in Hawaii began in the '30s, some of the earliest publicists were Maurice Gomberg, a local automobile dealer; Ed Ratsch, a promoter at Honolulu Stadium; and Manuel Calhau, a promoter at the Civic Auditorium.</p>
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With the passing of Curtis "Da Bull" Iaukea last year and "Handsome" Johnny Barend on Sept. 20, local wrestling fans lost a part of their childhood. Watching "50th State Wrestling" was an island staple during the 1960s and '70s. This month we look back at the history of local professional wrestling and how a fan keeps those memories alive.

When professional wrestling in Hawaii began in the '30s, some of the earliest publicists were Maurice Gomberg, a local automobile dealer; Ed Ratsch, a promoter at Honolulu Stadium; and Manuel Calhau, a promoter at the Civic Auditorium. Login for more...