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PWInsider.com is saddened to report the passing of Al DeRusha, who worked on screen as a referee for Verne Gagne's American Wrestling Association and behind the scenes as a promoter for a number of markets in the Mid-West. His passing was announced earlier this evening by CarnivalWarehouse.com. DeRusha was 88 years old.
DeRusha's entry into professional wrestling came through the television world, where he worked initially in the mailroom for channel WMIN-TV back in 1953. The story was that DeRusha at the time had only seen television through a store window but when he learned of the position at the station he applied, getting it because he had a driver's license while the previous applicant before him did not. When the station merged with WTCN-TV channel 11 several years later, DeRusha was promoted to floor director for broadcasts and later ascended into directing and producing everything from The Minnesota Twins broadcasts to local children's television.
In 1961, DeRusha began directing episodes of the AWA's All Star Wrestling series weekly, airing Saturdays from 6 -7:30 PM.. He ended up leaving TV in the early 1970s to work for Verne Gage directly. On camera, he would ring announce and referee. Behind the scenes, he was in charge of directing interview shoots and promoting live events for the promotion's secondary markets, including Brainerd, Willmar and Austin, Minnesota.
In 1985, when Vince McMahon began raiding talent from across the United States, he snagged DeRusha to leave Gagne and work for the WWF behind the scenes, lasting a few years in the role of Executive Television Producer but was said to not enjoy the travel involved, so he eventually exited.
DeRusha returned to the AWA in 1987 and remained with the promotion until 1990, just a short time before the company finally officially shut down.
After his time in the AWA, DeRusha joined the Outdoor Amusement Business Association, a collection of carnival owners. In that role, DeRusha oversaw charitable events and trade shows for the organization. He was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2014.
DeRusha was inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2015.
PWInsider.com sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Al Derusha.
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