Moretti started out as a referee, then merged into the role of wrestler. In time he became one of those strong performers who may not have necessarily been a headliner every place he went, but he carved out a solid reputation for himself through his love and dedication to the wrestling business. CAC executive director Dean Silverstone, who worked with Moretti several times over the years, had this to say about his friend: “After the thousands and thousands of wrestling matches I have seen since starting in this business in 1958, I am still captivated by the working skills of Ed ‘Moondog’ Moretti. He rates as a fan favorite (the heel that fans love to hate), but his style and ring psychology represent ‘old school’ wrestling, a creative art that exists only amongst a handful of today’s performers. One can never tire of watching him work, because he seldom, if ever, does the same thing twice.”
Moretti’s idol was “Moondog” Lonnie Mayne, and his way of paying tribute to him after his death was to adopt his nickname. “I chose to use the name Moondog about two years after Lonnie's tragic death,” said Moretti. “I loved his work and his gimmick. I chose to use the Moondog name out of my respect and love for him, as he was very nice to me before, and after I broke in. I was careful not to copy his look or gear, as along with my respect for him comes the knowledge that there is only one Moondog Lonnie Mayne. Working under the name Moondog is my way of keeping him alive to all that knew him, just as he is in my mind and heart.”
A veteran of over two decades, who has been a key player across the west coast, Central States and in several foreign countries, Moretti has definitely made him mark on the business he loves. All Pro Wrestling promoter Roland Alexander, who’s friendship goes back with Moretti more than three decades, said, “Ed is a winner and has earned the respect of many, many legends -- this is ironic because when Ed was a student of the game, the legends had earned his respect. I guess that is how the business should be.”
And in 2004 he’s being honored by the same people he has always admired for his contributions to the industry. “Receiving an award from the Cauliflower Alley Club is without a doubt the most humbling and awesome event that I have experienced since my interest in wrestling began at age three. Just knowing I have been accepted into this profession and brotherhood, means that everything I have ever strived for in this business is coming to pass. I got to live my dream and become one of the boys.”
