Al DeRusha, AWA Behind-the-Scenes Power Player, Died
Al DeRusha, who was both an on-screen authority figure and a behind-the-scenes player in the AWA for years, has died. He was 88.
Story by Greg Oliver
Photo of Mad Dog Vachon, Al DeRusha and Wally Karbo in 1990.
The news was broken by a carnival and fairs website, which was but one of the many facets of DeRusha’s fascinating life.
“It is with great sadness to report the passing of Al DeRusha. Al most recently served as the Jamboree Coordinator for the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) and is also the past OABA Vice President. In 2017, Al was inducted into the OABA Hall of Fame,” wrote Matt Cook at carnivalwarehouse.com.
To say that DeRusha wore many hats – in wrestling alone – would be an understatement.
In the AWA promotion’s heyday, he was the head of production for the syndicated TV show, All Star Wrestling, and was often charged with setting up spot shows around Minnesota. Then there were the times in the ring as a referee or ring announcer, and at ringside or on camera playing a role as a part of the rules committee. At times, he served as a play-by-play announcer as well.
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