It was quite the special weekend for AWA fans as CrusherFest commenced from Milwaukee, WI in which a statue of Da Crusher, an AWA legend was revealed to the public. Da Crusher, the late Reggie Lisowski, was a huge fan favorite in the AWA territory and was known for his relatable blue collar attitude and his affinity to fight and listen to polka. In attendance were Lisowski’s children as well as fellow AWA stalwart and wrestling icon, Baron Von Raschke as well as Jay Bradley and Beer City Bruiser. Jerry Lawler was also scheduled to be in attendance, but he reportedly ran into flight issues and could not make it.
A buddy of Da Crusher came by to pay respect . . . pic.twitter.com/BcDbWqsq90
— Gary Michael Cappetta (@GaryCappetta) June 9, 2019
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, tees and collector’s cup sold out within the first few hours of the two-day event taking place. FOX 6 of Milwaukee was on-hand and had a write-up as well as a video report on the events of CrusherFest
SOUTH MILWAUKEE — It was an exciting Saturday afternoon in South Milwaukee — where a bronze statue of the late Reggie Lisowski, better known as Da Crusher, was revealed to the public.
The statue, located near 11th and Milwaukee Avenue, was nearly two years in the making.
Reginald Lisowski, born and raised in South Milwaukee, was a professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, The Crusher (sometimes Crusher Lisowski to distinguish him from other Crushers.) In his obituary, he was described as “a professional wrestler whose blue-collar bona fides made him beloved among working class fans for 40 years.”
FOX6’s own Gino Salomone hosted the unveiling ceremony honoring South Milwaukee’s most famous son – a beloved professional wrestler.
The statue was unveiled during CrusherFest, a two-day event featuring wrestling, polka, food and drinks.
The statue became reality after a Crusher fan launched a crowdfunding campaign to honor the wrestler’s legacy and quickly found there were still a lot of fans out there.
Lisowski’s children said it was better than they could have imagined.
“We had to have the scars on his head, the barrel on his shoulder, cauliflower ears. We had to make sure that every single detail was perfect — down to his boots,” said Dawn Lisowski, daughter.
“He would have loved it. He’s up there smiling,” said Larry Lisowski, son.
https://twitter.com/JayBradleyPW/status/1137721802493444096
Thank you #Crusherfest!! Thank you South Milwaukee!! I hope I can be to @ringofhonor what Crusher was to the AWA!! Humbled!!! pic.twitter.com/Gnr7QttY9r
— Beer City Bruiser (@bcbwinchester) June 9, 2019
Da Crusher’s family unveiled his statue today and I got a backstage view of it all. My inner child (and the giant crowd) was more than thrilled. #crusherfest pic.twitter.com/jP628pSMbi
— Chris Larson (@ChrisJLarson) June 9, 2019
Yesterday was magic. So many great people, amazing fans and a Legend came out to show love to Milwaukee's Iconic favorite son. Thank you to everyone that made #CrusherFest the Event in Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/1Tr2XgNBk0
— David Herro (@DavidHerro) June 9, 2019
