Wrestling Legend Ed Wiskoski, Known as Colonel DeBeers, Dies at 80
Ed Wiskoski, the professional wrestler best known as “Colonel DeBeers” and “The Polish Prince,” passed away on January 22, 2025, at the age of 80 following a brief illness.
Born on January 10, 1945, in St. Joseph, Missouri, Wiskoski was a talented athlete who became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his degree at Northwest Missouri State University.
After training under Harley Race and Lord Littlebrook, Wiskoski debuted in 1972 and quickly gained prominence in the Pacific Northwest. Teaming with “Playboy” Buddy Rose, he became a dominant force in tag team wrestling, winning multiple NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championships and the NWA World Tag Team Titles (San Francisco version).
Wiskoski’s most infamous persona, Colonel DeBeers, emerged in 1985 during his time in the American Wrestling Association (AWA). Portraying a pro-apartheid South African military officer, the character generated intense reactions due to its controversial nature.
As DeBeers, Wiskoski feuded with top stars like Jimmy Snuka and Scott Hall, often pushing boundaries with his refusal to wrestle certain opponents based on race.
Wiskoski’s career was marked by numerous accomplishments, including:
- NWA United States Heavyweight Champion
- NWA Central States Heavyweight Champion
- NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Champion (2 times)
- NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Champion (5 times)
In 1978, he was named Tag Team of the Year with Buddy Rose and Wrestler of the Year by Ring Around the Northwest Newsletter. In 2004, he received the prestigious Men’s Wrestling Award at the Cauliflower Alley Club reunion.
After retiring, Wiskoski partnered with Buddy Rose to operate a wrestling school in Portland, Oregon, from 2001 to 2006. His final match took place at WrestleReunion in 2005, where he teamed with Rose and Bob Orton Jr. against Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka, and Jimmy Valiant.
Wiskoski spent his later years in Arizona.
