Episode 4: Dizzy Hogan, Gino Hernandez, and Buzz Sawyer
Before they made headlines across the wrestling world, three future stars passed through the Portland Sports Arena—each leaving behind a short but fascinating chapter.
In this episode, host Frank Culbertson takes a closer look at three wrestlers who went on to better things:
💈 Dizzy Hogan — Long before he was Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Ed Leslie was billed as Hulk Hogan’s brother in Portland. Early wins hinted at potential, but a ceiling on the card and a run-in with booker Buddy Rose sent him packing by 1982.
⭐ Gino Hernandez — Charismatic, confident, and already a champion elsewhere, Gino arrived in 1977 ready to rise. Instead, Portland kept him mid-carded while stars like Buddy Rose, Dutch Savage, and Snuka dominated the top. His story, full of what-ifs, ended tragically at just 29.
🐺 Buzz Sawyer — He came in as a babyface in 1980, scored big wins, teamed with Matt Borne, and held the tag belts with his brother Brett Sawyer. His fiery reputation followed him through the territories—and his Portland run connected him to a young Terry Allen, later known as Magnum T.A.
Three careers, three paths, all shaped in the Northwest before they moved on to bigger stages.
📚 Based on The Encyclopedia of Portland Wrestlers by historian Mike Rodgers, available now on Amazon.
🎧 Follow On to Better Things: The Portland Chapters on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
📅 New episodes every Friday.
