New Ciclon Negro Tribute at SLAM! Wrestling

For those interested in the pre-WCCW history of Texas wrestling, we'd like to call your attention to Greg Oliver's newly-posted remembrance of legendary Venezuelan grappler Ciclon Negro (Black Cyclone; real name Ramon Eduardo Rodriguez).

Ciclon, who passed away on February 20th of this year (while WCM was offline), began wrestling professionally in 1956 and made his Sportatorium debut on September 20, 1960, defeating Tony Borne. His final appearances in the Dallas-Fort Worth area took place in 1974. He was equally adept at wrestling and brawling, but preferred playing the heel role.

After retiring from wrestling in the early '80s, Ciclon disappeared from the public eye, determined to live a normal life along with his wife Cheryl (the primary interviewee for the article).  Wrestling historians found it impossible to track Ciclon down for interviews during his lifetime, but Oliver was finally able to establish contact this year with Cheryl Rodriguez, with help from members of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's family.

Greg Oliver is one of the sport's greatest chroniclers, and this well-written tribute to Ciclon Negro is highly recommended.