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Former AWA star Colonel DeBeers Passes Away

Posted: Jan 30th 2025 By: Jerome Wilen - WrestleView.com

Wrestleview is sad to report that Colonel DeBeers (real name Ed Wiskowski), has passed away at the age of 80.

The news of Wiskowski’s passing was made known by the Cauliflower Alley Club.

Wiskowski as the Colonel DeBeers character was best known for his time in the AWA from 1985 until the promotion closed down in late 1990. During his time in the AWA, he had feuds with “Big” Scott Hall and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. DeBeers also held various championships across several different independent wrestling promotions.

Wiskowski and Buddy Rose (real name Paul E. Perschmann) operated a wrestling school in Portland, Oregon from 2001 until 2006. Caden Matthews who was one of their students received a tryout from WWE in May 2006, wrestling Dave Finlay on an episode of WWE of SmackDown, which aired from Portland.

He began his pro wrestling career in 1972 after he had trained under WWE Hall of Famer Harley Race and Lord Littlebrook. Wiskowski mainly wrestled in the Portland, Oregon area throughout his career.

Wrestleview sends its condolences to the family, friends and fans of Ed Wiskowski during this difficult and sad time.

At time of this report, there is no known cause of death.