Colonel DeBeers Passes Away
Colonel DeBeers, whose real name was Ed Wiskowski, has passed away at the age of 80. He was a well-known figure in the world of professional wrestling, particularly in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) where he feuded with notable wrestlers like Jimmy Snuka and Scott Hall.
Wiskowski’s wrestling career spanned several decades, during which he won various regional championships, including the NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship, NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version), and NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship.
The Cauliflower Alley Club announced his passing, expressing their profound sadness and extending condolences to his family, friends, and fans worldwide.
The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Edward Wiskoski, better known to fans as Colonel DeBeers, who passed away at the age of 80. Wiskoski’s career spanned decades, and he left an indelible mark on the industry with his controversial characters, memorable feuds, and contributions to wrestling’s golden era.
Early Life and Wrestling Debut
Trained by the legendary Harley Race and Lord Littlebrook, Edward Wiskoski entered the world of professional wrestling in 1972. Early in his career, he became a staple of the Portland, Oregon wrestling scene, where he formed a dominant tag team with “Playboy” Buddy Rose. Together, they captured the Pacific Northwest Tag Team titles multiple times and won the NWA World Tag Team titles (San Francisco version).
Beyond his tag team success, Wiskoski thrived as a singles competitor. He held several prestigious championships, including the United States Heavyweight title, the Pacific Northwest Heavyweight title, and the Central States Heavyweight title in 1975. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Wiskoski gained international experience, competing in tournaments in Germany and Austria organized by IBV (later CWA) and VDB.
Evolution of a Heel
https://twitter.com/i/status/1883643453839700249
Wiskoski was a master of reinventing himself, playing a variety of heel characters throughout his career. In the early 1980s, he worked under the name “Easy” Ed Wiskoski in Tulsa, Oklahoma, managed by Skandor Akbar. His feuds with Tommy Gilbert and Eddie Gilbert during this period showcased his skill as a villainous performer.
In 1983, he had a brief stint in the WWF as “The Polish Prince,” managed by the iconic Fred Blassie. Later, he adopted the comedic persona of “Mega Maharishi Imed” in the Pacific Northwest territory, a parody of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, complete with red robes and a stocking cap. This character cleverly tapped into the public’s awareness of the controversial Rajneeshee movement in Oregon during the mid-1980s.
The Colonel DeBeers Era
Wiskoski reached the height of his fame in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) under the persona of Colonel DeBeers. From 1985 until the AWA’s closure in 1990, he portrayed a pro-Apartheid South African villain. The character, though controversial, captured the racial and political tensions of the time, making him one of the most despised heels in professional wrestling.
During his AWA tenure, Colonel DeBeers feuded with stars such as “Big” Scott Hall, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, Sgt. Slaughter, Derrick Dukes, and Jake Milliman. His feud with Snuka stood out for its overtly racist undertones, as DeBeers refused to wrestle Snuka because of his ethnicity. This rivalry resulted in intense and brutal matches, solidifying his reputation as a top heel.
DeBeers also participated in the infamous “Team Challenge Series,” including the comedic “Great American Turkey Hunt” match against Jake Milliman. These moments highlighted his versatility, as he could be both a serious antagonist and part of wrestling’s lighter, more entertaining storylines.
Controversy and Later Career
After the AWA, Colonel DeBeers continued his wrestling career in Herb Abrams’ Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF), where he stirred further controversy. He participated in racially charged storylines, including refusing to have African-American referee Larry Sampson officiate his matches. This angle led to a feud with Iceman Parsons, further cementing his villainous persona.
In the 1990s, Wiskoski controversially used his character to promote divisive ideologies, associating with Aryan Nations and Richard Butler’s Church of Jesus Christ–Christian.
Wiskoski’s final wrestling match took place on January 29, 2005, at WrestleReunion in Tampa Bay, Florida. He teamed with longtime ally Buddy Rose and Bob Orton Jr. in a losing effort against Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka, and Jimmy Valiant.
A Complicated Legacy
Edward Wiskoski’s career as Colonel DeBeers remains a significant chapter in professional wrestling history. While his characters often pushed the boundaries of controversy, his impact on the industry cannot be denied. He was a master of his craft, creating memorable moments and feuds that resonated with fans and performers alike.
Final Farewell
Edward Wiskoski, better known as Colonel DeBeers, will be remembered for his contributions to professional wrestling and his ability to captivate audiences as one of the most notorious villains of his era. Rest in peace, Colonel DeBeers.
1945 – 2025