Earlier this week, it was reported that former AWA director Al DeRusha died at the age of 88.
DeRusha was a jack of all trades for Verne Gagne from directing its weekly television program, serving as an on-screen figure, promoting local towns, and even serving as a referee among his duties throughout his tenure.
He was born on November 8, 1935, and passed away just shy of his 89th birthday. He grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota as the youngest of eleven children and found work in the carnivals before hearing his calling in television production.
DeRusha’s entry into the television business occurred when he gained a mailroom position at the upstart WMIN (later merging with WTCN in 1964) and rose the ranks to become an accomplished director.
His experiences in television led to an eight-year stint in the Naval Reserve as a correspondent to produce documentaries profiling the military.
His oversight included children’s programming, sports events, and eventually, professional wrestling.
The All-Star Wrestling program launched in 1961, airing on Saturdays from 6 – 7:30 p.m. on WMIN, and was directed by DeRusha. In time, DeRusha was hired away from the station by the AWA to oversee its production.
His work at the promotion was interrupted during Vince McMahon’s national expansion when he scoured the county for talent and hirings with the AWA being pillaged. It included DeRusha being hired away, although it was a short-lived tenure and DeRusha would opt to leave and return to the AWA two years later, where he remained until the company’s demise.
His post-wrestling career saw DeRusha join the Outdoor Amusement Business Association where he became a senior vice president.
Other accolades include an induction into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2015.
In 1955, DeRusha married his wife Marlene and the couple had four children, eight grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held next Wednesday.
Additional reading:
– Al DeRusha obituary
– SLAM Wrestling obit
