Wrestling promoter helped broaden sport's appeal in isles

By A.J. McWhorter

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jan 08, 2012

~~<p>In November we looked back at pro wrestling in the islands. Local fans who enjoyed watching their favorite wrestling stars in action can thank promoter Ed Francis for bringing these events into the arenas and our homes. This month we look back on Francis and his time spent in the islands.</p>
<p>Francis grew up in Chicago during the Great Depression. As Francis grew older, he felt getting bigger and stronger was not only an important key to being safe, but also a way to get ahead in life. Francis learned amateur wrestling from his mentors Lou Talibar and Ruffy Silverstein and performed with the German-American Weightlifting Club as they toured various German taverns throughout the Chicago area. "At the time I was only 15 or 16 years old," Francis said.</p>
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In November we looked back at pro wrestling in the islands. Local fans who enjoyed watching their favorite wrestling stars in action can thank promoter Ed Francis for bringing these events into the arenas and our homes. This month we look back on Francis and his time spent in the islands.

Francis grew up in Chicago during the Great Depression. As Francis grew older, he felt getting bigger and stronger was not only an important key to being safe, but also a way to get ahead in life. Francis learned amateur wrestling from his mentors Lou Talibar and Ruffy Silverstein and performed with the German-American Weightlifting Club as they toured various German taverns throughout the Chicago area. "At the time I was only 15 or 16 years old," Francis said. Login for more...