279. Col. DeBeers

A journeyman wrestler in the eyes of many, Ed Wiskoski became a successful commodity in the industry when he adopted the gimmick of a South African mercenary. Wiskoski played a “Polish Prince”, a “Maharaji” but once he decided he was an African racist in the American Wrestling Association, he struck gold in the last half of the 1980’s.

Wiskoski in his various personas did capture regional championships across the United States, but as Colonel DeBeers (a gimmick where he did not win a lot of titles) he would be on the cusp of the national spotlight. Often, we wonder what would have happened if Colonel DeBeers had entered the World Wrestling Federation; it would have been interesting to say the least!

Should Col. DeBeers be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in. - 57.5%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 13.7%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 11%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 17.8%

The Bullet Points

Other Aliases: Ed Wiskoski (Real Name)
Derek Draper
Mega Maharishi Imad
The Polish Prince
Billed From: South Africa
Key Championships Held: NWA Central States Heavyweight
NWA Austra-Asian Tag Team w/Larry O’Day
NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight (2)
NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team (5) 3w/Buddy Rose, 1w/Kendo Nagasaki & 1w/John Rambo
NWA World Tag Team (San Francisco) (3) 2w/Buddy Rose & 1w/Roddy Piper
NWA United States Heavyweight (San Francisco)
NWA Tri-State Tag Team w/Mike George
NWA Southern Heavyweight (Florida)
CWUSA Television (5)
Why they will get in: His gimmick was unique. That should mean something.
Why they won't get in: “Colonel DeBeers” never set foot in the WWE.
Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1.   Won the Pacific Northwest Title from Dutch Savage (12/12/77)
2.   Won his first of many Tag Team Titles with Buddy Rose (9/9/78)
3.   Defeated George Wells for the United States Title in San Francisco (6/7/80)
4.   Beat David Von Erich for the Southern Title in Florida (7/16/82)
5.   Beat Wahoo McDaniel at WrestleRock (4/20/86)