While attending the Univ of Hawaii in
1963 and involved with amateur wrestling,
Beauregarde got his start in Pro wrestling
somewhat by chance.

Beau would train at Dean Higuchi's gym,
which was frequented by most of Hawaii's
pro wrestling stars working the islands.

At the gym, Hawaiian promoter and
wrestler Neff Maiava was looking to put
together a group to tour the Philippines
and start a new wrestling league promotion
with star wrestlers Nick Bockwinkel,
himself and Mr. Fuji.

 

Beauregarde's first pro match with Nick Bockwinkle
in the Philippines 1963

 

Promoter Neff Maiava was looking to
break in a few new wrestlers to go with this
new tour group, and asked Beau if he
would be interested to train with Fuji and
work pro.

 

Mr. Fuji and Beauregarde were tag team partners
in the Philippines 1963
(see more on Beauregarde's DVD)

 

Beauregarde spent a year learning his trade
in the Philippines under the name
"Eric the Golden Boy".

 

Pre Beauregarde as "Eric the Golden Boy"


In 1964 after a year of wrestling in the
Philippines he returned to work in Hawaii.

In 1965 promoter Ed Francis hooked him
up with Killer Kowalski and Red Bastine
and sent them off to tour Australia for a
year.

In 1966, back in Honolulu he hooked up
with Ripper Collins and Johnnie Marand
who were then the NWA tag team
champions.

 

Handsome Johnnie Marand - Beauregarde - Ripper Collins


It was Ripper Collins who helped
transform "Eric the Golden Boy" into
the bad ass "Beauregarde".

Collins and Marand were fierce heels and
needed their new partner to be anything but
Golden.

Ripper Collins said you need a name that
sounds snotty and no one could forget.

Ripper said, call yourself "Beauregarde"
It sounds conceited, arrogant and snotty.
The name stuck, and a heel was born.

 

Beauregarde found that playing the heel was far more
creative and a lot more fun than being
"Eric the Golden Boy"


During 1966 Beau realized his character
had more latitude to grow playing a heel
than playing nice guy
"Eric the Golden Boy".

Being the "Golden Boy" would bring
cheers from adoring fans, but leave no
opportunity to experiment with new ideas.

 

Beauregarde sanitizes the ring before a match


The idea of being just another "pretty boy"
having to kiss ass for the fans appreciation
felt dull, boring and creatively restraining.

Being an outlaw in the ring was still open
territory with plenty of room to explore.

Beauregarde would soon take the character
of the heel to a whole new level.

 

Beauregarde raises the victorious hand of Ripper Collins
Hawaii 1964

 

Beauregarde does a victory dance

 

George The Animal Steel
portrayed a Neanderthal in the ring.
Beauregarde wrestled with George Steel in Hawaii.
George Steel was actually a very intelligent and down to earth
person who inspired Beau to explore new horizons.
(see more on Beauregarde's DVD)

 

 

The Magnificent Muraco
always reminded me of Beauregarde.
Beauregarde and Don Muraco were long time friends
in Hawaii ever since Don was in high school.
Beau's influence on Muraco would show up years latter on the WWF.
(see more on Beauregarde's DVD)