He was one of the main reasons to watch All Star Wrestling in the 70s.
The show boasted “Greatest professional wrestlers from throughout the world!” but none were more beloved than Wisconsin’s own, The Crusher.
While some may have enjoyed other top good guys, or even the villainous Baron von Raschke, it was The Crusher who was universally cheered, especially in Wisconsin.
The Crusher, whose real name was Reginald Lisowski, was a legendary figure in the world of professional wrestling. Known for his larger-than-life personality and blue collar persona, The Crusher gained a massive following during his career in the ring with the American Wrestling Association . One of the key factors that contributed to his success was his workman like demeanor in and out of the ring.
Lisowski was born on July 11, 1926, and grew up in South Milwaukee where he would play fullback on the South Milwaukee High School football team, After high school he joined the Army and, while stationed in Germany, began to participate in amateur wrestling events.
His professional career spanned from 1949 to 1989. In the early part of his career he was teamed with his tag partner, his storyline cousin Dick The Bruiser. While they would enjoy success as a tag team, it was as a singles performer in the 60s, 70s and 80s that The Crusher would reach icon status.
One of The Crusher’s most famous moves was the “Bolo Punch,” a devastating strike delivered with precision and power. This move was often used to knock out opponents and assert his dominance in the ring. The Crusher’s ability to execute the Bolo Punch with such force and accuracy made it a feared weapon among his competitors and a favorite among his fans.
The Crusher was Milwaukee’s unofficial ambassador. His promo speeches were often littered with references to local landmarks. He would boast of his workout routine which he once said entailed carrying a barrel of beer over his shoulder from South Milwaukee to Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa and back.
Throughout his career, The Crusher faced off against a wide range of opponents, each presenting their own unique challenges. From technical wrestlers to brawlers, The Crusher proved time and time again that he had the skills and versatility to adapt to any situation in the ring. He was an AWA tag team champion nine times and held the Heavyweight Championship title three times in his career.
In terms of cities where The Crusher would frequently wrestle, Wisconsin held a special place in his heart. With its passionate wrestling fanbase and vibrant wrestling scene, Wisconsin provided the perfect backdrop for The Crusher to showcase his skills and entertain audiences. Cities like Milwaukee (at the Eagles Club and later at the Auditorium), Madison, and Green Bay became regular stops on The Crusher’s wrestling tours.
The Crusher had memorable matches with a number of legendary wrestlers during his career. Some of the most notable opponents he faced include Mad Dog Vachon, the aforementioned von Raschke, Larry ‘The Axe’ Hennig, and Verne Gagne (who in reality owned the promotion).
These battles were regularly the most entertaining on the card and helped cement The Crusher’s reputation as one of the greatest brawlers of his time.
His charismatic personality and larger-than-life presence solidified his reputation as a legendary figure in wrestling history.
The Crusher was married to with wife Faye for 55 years. She passed in 2003 and the Crusher would succumb from a brain tumor two years later. They are buried at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Cudahy. He is immortalized in his native South Milwaukee where a bronze statue depicting him carrying a barrel of beer over his shoulder has stood watch since 2019.
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