Hawaiian Wrestling Territory
Brief History:
Background:
Known as "Russian Lion," a nickname shared with the great George Hackenschmidt, Al Karasick took over promoting wrestling in Hawaii around 1936, running at the Civic Auditorium, a venue that sat upwards of 6,000 people.
Karasick was connected to politicians throughout Hawaii, particularly the Mayor of Honolulu and the Governor, and those friendships were vital to his success. Hawaii didn't have a state athletic commission, and wrestling was sanctioned and governed by the National Wrestling Alliance.
Karasick planned to expand his booking operations to Hong Kong, The Philippines, and expand his ventures in Japan.
After 26 years at the helm of professional wrestling in the Hawaiian Islands, Karasick sold his interests to former NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion Edmund Francis. That news was released to the Honolulu Advertiser on May 17, 1961 and printed the next day. The newspaper, however, reported that Karasick "will remain as the National Wrestling Alliance representative in the State of Hawaii and other Pacific areas."
"Francis has many friends and good connections in professional wrestling circles and he will continue to bring in top talent," Karasick told the newspaper.
Within a few months, Karasick stepped down completely, relinquishing his membership in the Alliance. Francis, who had bought the Hawaiian territory with financial help from Don Owen of the Pacific Northwest, was accepted into the NWA, and proceeded to book the region.
Obituaries:
High Chief Fanene Leifi Pita Maivia passed away on June 13, 1982 of cancer in Honolulu. He was 45.
