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During the past 10 days, the wrestling world has lost three of its biggest names to that big ring in the sky. Ray "Thunder" Stern, Allen "Bad News Brown" Coage and, now, it is with a very heavy heart that I write about the passing of another of our beloved wrestling family, Ernie "The Big Cat" Ladd.
He was born on November 28, 1938, in Rayville, but raised in Orange, Texas. He lived in Houston for many years but moved to Louisiana around 2000.
Selected 15th in the American Football League draft by the San Diego Chargers out of Grambling College, Ladd was part of a team that won the 1963 title.
Elected to four straight AFL All-Star Games from 1962-1965, he later played with the Houston Oilers and the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. While with the Chiefs, he was on the roster for both of Kansas City's Super Bowl appearances.
Terry Funk, Oliver Humperdink, Gary Hart and Ernie in the nostalgia room during the CAC weekend.
Ladd began wrestling as a sideline during his rookie AFL season and found the payday and fame so alluring that, eventually, he gave up pro football. It was there that he picked up a nickname that would remain with him for life: "Big Cat."
Ladd debuted in 1968 in the WWWF, and his epic battles with guys like Bobo Brazil, Bruno Sammartino, Andre the Giant, Johnny Valentine and others set box office records that still stand today. The Grand Wizard (Ernie Roth) was his manager during his stint in the WWWF.
He's the only person in both the American Football League and World Wrestling Federation Halls of Fame. Ladd is also a 1994 inductee into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and he joined the San Diego Hall of Champions in 2004.
In 2005, Ernie was honored in Las Vegas at the Cauliflower Alley Club for his many years in the business. He was reunited with many friends that weekend, including Terry Funk, Tim Brooks, Mil Mascaras, Playboy Gary Hart and Sir Oliver Humperdink, just to name a couple.
Ernie accepting his award and speaking to the capacity crowd.
(Photo courtesy of the Rob Moore collection.)
Ernie was a pastor in the small town of Franklin, just outside Monroe, Louisiana, during the final years of his life. He was told of the cancer in his body in 2004 and was told by doctors that he had three to six months to live. Ernie looked at the doctor and told him that Dr. Jesus would determine how long his life would be.
At 6'9" and 315 pounds, he was an awesome sight to see coming down the aisle towards a ring. Even if fans hated his style, they still respected the gridiron monster that donned tights with number 99 on the front.
I will miss you, Ernie, as will all the friends that you made in the 40 years that you have been around the wrestling business.
To your family, I give the deepest of sorrow and hope that God will also give them the strength to overcome losing you. I am glad that you gave me the opportunity to be your friend.
Rest In Peace … BIG RED!!!
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
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