Karl Lauer

While many people know this executive vice president of the Cauliflower Alley Club on a first name basis, many are unaware of the heart of gold he has in his chest.

For a lot of years, he was involved with promoting a small part of the Los Angeles territory in the 60's. Towns like Long Beach, Los Angeles, Hollywood, San Bernardino and a lot of others were the grounds that produced many superstars into wrestling. Some of the biggest stars, like The Original Sheik, Fred Blassie, Pedro Morales and others came to do battle for Karl.

Karl has been involved with the Cauliflower Alley Club for over a quarter of a century and joins Nick Bockwinkel as the number two men in charge of nearly 5000 members. Karl jokes about saying once that he and Nick take care of all the vice that needs to be attended to.

I have known Karl for the past seven years, and he has given me a lot of reasons to be his friend. He and I share a common bond for music from the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll and big bands. His firm handshake tells you that he still has a lot of life left to live.

His love for professional wrestling, both as a promoter in California and, now, as an inspector for the Missouri Athletic Commission, gives him many hats to wear. He currently also holds down a full time job as an oil company executive for a large concern in Missouri.

He has retired to being a gentleman farmer and rancher on a 160-acre plot of central Missouri, only to return to active work status. As he claims, "It's hard to keep a good man riding on a lawnmower eight hours a day sipping on lemonade." He enjoys the challenge of an active day and looks forward to every detail that he has to do to get his job done.

This past Monday, Karl underwent heart surgery to correct a leaking valve in that gold heart of his. The prognosis was wonderful, and he is at home, recouping and rebuilding his broken body. He will be on the "resting list" for the next six weeks and looks forward to being able to spend some special times with his child bride.

I will be seeing Karl at the Riviera Hotel and Casino during the CAC reunion April 19-21. He is lucky that there will be no ring there for him to defend his new body in. I am sure that a lot of his friends would be trying to see just how tough he really is.

I am happy that my prayers and thoughts helped to bring this great friend through a life threatening surgery. Karl told me that, this year, he will be driving to Las Vegas for the CAC gathering. He also said that he will be making a side trip to Los Angeles to see a boyhood friend ... I am sure that it must have been Noah, the guy that built the ark.

Until I see you in Las Vegas, Karl, take care.

Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers

2003 BWC Hall of Fame Inductee
2004 CAC Hall of Fame Inductee
2006 LWA Hall of Fame Inductee