Karl Lauer, who was an instrumental force behind the Cauliflower Alley Club, died at the age of 83 on Sunday. Lauer held a variety of positions including vice president, chief operating officer, and chairman of the board for the CAC throughout his career and helped transition the club from a closed-door get together among those in pro wrestling, boxing, and acting into an open event that fans could attend and grew its membership.
In Greg Oliver’s obit on Lauer, he noted Lauer was a member of the U.S. Air Force in 1958 and served for four years where he met his wife, Barbara, who passed away six years ago. The couple had two children, Mark and Wayne. Lauer was born in Chicago but grew up in Los Angeles, which is the area of the country his wrestling involvement was centered. With Gory Guerrero, the two promoted in Southern California beginning in 1979 and connected Lauer with the CAC. Lauer continued onward after Guerrero was in poor health and got his promotion onto KDOC in the market while running cards at The Olympic Auditorium and The Showboat in Las Vegas.
The Olympic Auditorium was the focal point of wrestling in the city, and the home of the WWA, which was promoted by Aileen Eaton and her son, Mike LeBell. Eaton and LeBell would rent out the auditorium for outside events while they controlled the concessions and parking. This lasted until 1982 when Jack Needleman bought the arena and wrestling had to move to the L.A. Sports Arena. LeBell Promotions ceased operations in 1982.
Lauer was in an advantageous position in the state where he was one of the few promoters to hold a license to run in California along with Roy Shire, according to the SLAM Wrestling obit. Lauer would be a conduit when WWF or WCW came to run and needed someone with a license.
Lauer also served on the U.S. Congressional Advisory board throughout the ‘80s and lasted until 1992 under two administrations.
Lauer stepped down as chairman of the board at the Cauliflower Alley Club in 2015 due to health issues, a role he held since 1983.
