Ric Drasin

Infobox Wrestler
name=Ric Drasin
names="see below"


img_capt=Ric Drasin on his 63rd birthday in 2007
height=convert|6|ft|0|in|m
weight=convert|222|lb|kg|0
real_height=convert|6|ft|0|in|m
real_weight=convert|220|lb|kg|0–convert|235|lb|kg|0
birth_date=Birth date and age|1944|7|12
birth_place=Bakersfield, California
death_date=
death_place=
resides=Van Nuys, California
billed=Bakersfield, California
Santa Monica, California
trainer=Mae Young
debut=1965
retired=2002
website= [http://www.ricdrasin.com/ RicDrasin.com]

Ric Drasin (born July 12, 1944) is an American artist, actor, stuntman, writer, personal trainer, former bodybuilder, and retired professional wrestler. [ [http://www.insidestunts.com/pdfs/IS_Spring_2006.pdf] Inside Stunts Website. Sherwood, Bill. (2006, Spring). Ric Drasin: Perseverance, Creativity, and Diversity. "Inside Stunts, 2"(4), pp. 26-27. (Retrieved on February 21, 2007.)] Drasin designed both the original Gold's Gym logo —a cartoon sketch of a bald weightlifter—and the World Gym gorilla logo. [http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0KFY/is_10_23/ai_n15894870] Find Articles Website. Perine, Shawn. (2005, December). Gold's goes bald. "Flex". (Retrieved on February 17, 2007.)] [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/page2.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Ric and Joe Gold. (Retrieved on February 19, 2007.)]
Arnold Schwarzenegger was Drasin's weight training partner for four years at the original Gold's Gym in Venice, California. [ [http://www.thearnoldfans.com/news/archives/2003/october/617.htm] The Arnold Fans Website. Jennings, Randy. (2003, October 21). Ric Drasin: Arnold's lifting partner! (Retrieved on February 19, 2007).] [Williams, John. (1978, May/June). Arnold: A unique, honest insight into Arnold Schwarzenegger: His thoughts, goals, and desires for the future. "Muscle Digest, 2"(2), pp. 16, 25-26.] Drasin wrestled professionally for 38 years while also winning titles in amateur bodybuilding contests during his younger years. Drasin retired from professional wrestling at age 57, but remains active as a wrestling trainer for both men and women. He is a Specialist Reserve Officer with the Los Angeles Police Department, a spokesperson for Gold's Gym International and continues his work as an artist, actor, and writer.

Early life

Richard Alan Drasin was born and raised in Bakersfield, California, a city of agriculture and oil production. [ [http://www.bakersfieldchamber.org/section.asp/csasp/DepartmentID.537/cs/SectionID.1172/csasp.html] Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Website. Agriculture. (Retrieved on December 13, 2007.)] [ [http://www.bakersfieldchamber.org/section.asp/csasp/DepartmentID.537/cs/SectionID.1171/csasp.html] Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Website. Oil & Energy Industries. (Retrieved on December 13, 2007.)] His father and mother, Oscar (1911-1963) and Claire (born 1914), owned and operated Drasin's Little Folks Shop, a children's furniture and clothing store. [ [http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998075b.htm] DDT Digest Website. Mid-Week Report by Bill. Includes the following newspaper article: Martinez, Leonel. (1998, January 20). Intimidating actor proves heavy on charm. "The Bakersfield Californian". (Retrieved on January 22, 2007.)] Drasin has one sibling, an older sister, Stephanie (born 1936), nicknamed Stef. The family attended religious services at Temple Beth El.

Drasin's formal education began at Franklin Elementary School. While at Emerson Junior High School, as a joke he and two friends tried out for the cheerleading squad. They were selected. [ [http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998075b.htm] DDT Digest Website. "Mid-Week Report by Bill." Includes newspaper article: Martinez, Leonel. (1998, January 20). Intimidating actor proves heavy on charm. "The Bakersfield Californian". (Retrieved on February 12, 2008.)] He graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1962 at age 18, then attended Bakersfield College for two years (1963-64), focusing on art.

Drasin's early enthusiasm for professional wrestling had been sparked by the televised matches that he and his family enjoyed watching together. While watching a show when he was 10 years old, he once grabbed his mother and applied a hammerlock. Not realizing he was applying so much pressure, he dislocated her shoulder, putting her in the hospital. [ [http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:juqci5yGDWUJ:www.jewishjournal.com/home/searchview.php%3Fid%3D11264+%22Wrestling+with+Family%22+%22Ric+Drasin%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us] Jewish Journal Website. Drasin, Ric. (2003, October 24). Wrestling with family. (Retrieved on February 12, 2008.)]

When Drasin was 17, he was picked up for a curfew violation at Shakey's Pizza Parlor and taken to the Kern County Sheriff's Station. His classroom habit of doodling and sketching carried over to the Sheriff's Station, where it caught the eye of the Sheriff Howard Wines. Two days later, Sheriff Wines hired young Drasin to be the cartoonist, “Jungle Rick,” on the sheriff's TV show for kids, “Deputy Howie.” Drasin held that position for about a year, earning ten dollars a week. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/Films.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. Breaking into films. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)]

Drasin's interests in bodybuilding, powerlifting, weightlifting, and guitar playing began in junior high school. When Drasin was in high school, he formed a band known as The Epics. Drasin's band became so popular that they were featured at YMCA Day at the Hollywood Bowl in 1960. [ [http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998075b.htm] DDT Digest Website. Mid-Week Report by Bill. Includes the following newspaper article: Martinez, Leonel. (1998, January 20). Intimidating actor proves heavy on charm. "The Bakersfield Californian". (Retrieved January 22, 2007.)]

About three months later, The Epics competed in a Battle of the Bands contest at the Hollywood Palladium, placing second out of about 200 bands. One of the prizes was a one-year recording contract with Capitol Records. Capitol Records changed the name of The Epics to The Hollywood Vines.

The Hollywood Vines recorded two cruising songs, "Cruisin’" and "When Johnny Comes Slidin’ Home." The 45 rpm record (Capitol Records reference number 4511) was released in 1961. [ [http://members.aol.com/circlerec/45thr.htm] . Circle Records Online Website. 45's H-K. (Retrieved on February 12, 2008.)] Although the record was a success, the band drifted apart as the members grew into adulthood. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/myband.html] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. My band. (Retrieved March 4, 2007.)] Nevertheless, “Cruisin’” has been heard as recently as August 13, 2006, on Ungawa radio in Antwerpen, Belgium. . [ [http://www.ungawa.be/show200608.htm] Ungawa Website. For people with good taste! 106.7 FM in Antwerpen, Belgium. 2006 August shows. (Retrieved on February 12, 2008.)] It was also part of the October 21, 2000, playlist on WFMU, an independent freeform radio station in the New York City area. [ [http://www.wfmu.org/Playlists/FPWR/fp.0010.html] WFMU 91.1 FM Website. October 21, 2000, playlist. (Retrieved on February 12, 2008.)] "Cruisin’" may be heard even now, in mp3 format on disk jockey Jim Marshall's “The Hound” Website. [ [http://www.thehound.net/19900203/] The Hound Website. February 3, 1990, playlist. (Retrieved on February 12, 2008.)] Drasin enlisted in the Army Reserves for eight years and was inducted on his 18th birthday. [ [http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998075b.htm] DDT Digest Website. Mid-Week Report by Bill. Includes the following newspaper article: Martinez, Leonel. (1998, January 20). Intimidating actor proves heavy on charm. "The Bakersfield Californian". (Retrieved on January 22, 2007.)] On active duty for approximately six months after enlistment and for two weeks each year thereafter, Drasin served as a clerk/typist and driver, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He was stationed at Fort Ord, California, and Fort Lewis, Washington.

When Drasin was 18, his father died during surgery for a heart condition. [ [http://www.jewishmag.com/74mag/wrestler/wrestler.htm] Jewish Magazine Website. Drasin, Ric. (2003, November) Life as a Jewish professional wrestler. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)] Drasin and his father had very much enjoyed going to professional wrestling shows together and, unknown to his father, Drasin had decided he would someday become a professional wrestler.

Young adulthood

Drasin's work in the fitness industry began in 1962, when he taught classes in nutrition and exercise at the Bakersfield YMCA. Also in Bakersfield, he was an instructor at Babe's Gym (1963-64), then manager of Joseph's Gym (1965-67). [ [http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998075b.htm] DDT Digest Website. "Mid-Week Report by Bill." Includes newspaper article: Martinez, Leonel. (1998, January 20). Intimidating actor proves heavy on charm. "The Bakersfield Californian". (Retrieved on January 22, 2007.)] [ [http://ironage.us/guest_edit/drasin.html] Iron Age Website. Drasin, Ric. Guest editorial: Bodybuilding: The Early Years. (Retrieved on February 21, 2007.)]

Professional wrestlers who came to Bakersfield for wrestling shows fueled his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. Following their advice, he drove to Los Angeles in 1965 and introduced himself to the management of the Grand Olympic Auditorium, a major site for professional boxing and wrestling. Because of Drasin's excellent physical condition, he was given the opportunity to prove that he could carry through with the rigorous training required by old school wrestling. Old school wrestlers were true wrestlers, who also learned the skills of ring presence, how to work the audience into a frenzy, and how to "work holds" (giving the appearance of inflicting and suffering excruciating pain).

Drasin was assigned to train with Johnnie Mae Young, a National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) United States Women's Champion. Young, at 5’4” and 180 pounds, was known as one of the toughest wrestlers in the business. [ [http://www.gerweck.net/maeyoung.htm] Gerweck Net Website. Wallace, Richo. Biography – Mae Young. (Retrieved on February 21, 2007.)] Drasin, at 6’0”, 215 pounds, and 21 years younger, was the recipient of many bumps, bruises, rope and mat burns during his six-month training period. Each training session lasted two to three hours, and Drasin received thorough training in collegiate, professional, American- and Mexican-style wrestling. While in training, Drasin was a commuter, driving 216 miles round-trip between his home in Bakersfield and the Grand Olympic Auditorium four or five times a week. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/articles1.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. Bodybuilding vs. pro wrestling. (Retrieved on February 21, 2007.)]

Drasin's first professional appearance was as “Dick Alan,” a “baby face” (good guy). The year was 1965, and his opponent was Buddy "Killer" Austin. Austin won the match. [ [http://ironage.us/guest_edit/drasin2.html] Iron Age Website. Drasin, Ric. Guest editorial: Bodybuilding vs. pro wrestling. (Retrieved on March 23, 2007.)]

Drasin moved to Los Angeles County, California, in 1969 and has lived there ever since. He first lived in Torrance, California, for about a year and trained at Bill Pearl's Gym. [ [http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-227678.html] Elite Fitness Website. Drasin, Ric. Training with Arnold. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)] He then moved to Santa Monica, California, where he remained until 1978.

In addition to wrestling, from 1968-1970 Drasin also worked as a salesman, going from store to store, for Kellogg's Cereals. For about 18 months in the early 1970s, he was the vice president and art director for Micro Sign Products, a sign and plastic letter company located in Marina del Rey, California. He left the company when it relocated to Carson, California. [Drasin, Ric. (1978, February/March). Muscles to Music to Wrestling to Movies to a Good Future. "Muscle Digest, 2"(1), p. 59.] [ [http://www.wyomingwoman.net/demihulk.html] Wyoming Woman Website. Hause, Irene L. (1980, October) TV's Demi-Hulk says, “Bodybuilding isn't just for men!” (Retrieved on February 24, 2007.)]

Drasin started a mail order T-shirt business called Expressions in 1975, a venture he operated out of the bedroom of the apartment where he was living in Santa Monica. Expressions specialized in cartoon-like bodybuilding designs. Proficient at airbrush and silk screening, Drasin did all his own artwork. He advertised his products in various bodybuilding publications, and his business flourished. [ [http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-440725.html] Elite Fitness Website. Drasin, Ric. Training with Arnold. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)]

In 1975 Drasin also started a business called West Coast Wrestling Promotions. He faced great opposition from the National Wrestling Alliance, and Drasin ceased operations after a few shows. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/aboutus.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. About us: The American Wrestling Federation was started by Ric “The Equalizer” Drasin. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)]

After moving to Santa Monica, he kept in shape for his professional wrestling matches with weight training at the world famous original Gold's Gym at 1006 Pacific Avenue in Venice, California. [ [http://www.musclememory.com/articles/GoldsGym.html] Muscle Memory Website. Tyler, Dick. (1965, August). Gossip from Muscle Beach. "Mr. America". (Retrieved on February 17, 2007.)] Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had come to the United States in September 1968, [ [http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/weik47.htm] Bodybuilding Website. Weik, Matt. A tribute fit for a king: Arnold Schwarzenegger. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)] also trained at Gold's Gym. He and Drasin were training partners for four years (1970-1974). [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/bigboy1.htm] Ric Drasin Website. Home page. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)] Schwarzenegger's English was so poor at the time that he would sometimes have Drasin accompany him on dates. Drasin has said, "He wanted somebody to go along so he wouldn't feel awkward, so I'd go with him." [ [http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998075b.htm] DDT Digest Website. "Mid-Week Report by Bill." Includes newspaper article: Martinez, Leonel. (1998, January 20). Intimidating actor proves heavy on charm. "The Bakersfield Californian". (Retrieved on February 12, 2008.)] [ [http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-440725.html] Elite Fitness Website. Drasin, Ric. Training with Arnold. (Retrieved on February 12, 2008.)]

In 1971, Schwarzenegger and Drasin had just completed a run on Venice Beach when they were approached by a man and woman from Habush Casting who asked them to audition for a television commercial. Both Schwarzenegger and Drasin were selected for the “Heavy Chevy” commercial, as were six other athletes. Among them were bodybuilders Charles “Chuck” Fautz and Jim Morris and strongman Steve Merjanian. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/Films.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. Breaking into films. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)] The commercial marked the beginning of Drasin's long, ongoing career in commercials, films, television, and print advertisements.

In 1972, he had his first film role, playing "George," a gym manager who is attacked by rats in the movie "Ben". [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/Films.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. Breaking into films. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)]

Drasin has personal favorites from his many appearances in front of the camera. Among them are the “Heavy Chevy” commercial, his 1981 television appearance as “Chuck Wilde/Mr. Galaxy” in the “Mr. Galaxy” episode of "Charlie's Angels", [ [http://angelsforever06.tripod.com/id22.html] Charlie's Angels Forever Website. "Charlie's Angels". Season 5: 1980-1981. "Mr. Galaxy." (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)] and his television role as a vicious criminal named “Pipe” in two episodes of "The Shield": “Pilot” (2002) and “Fire in the Hole” (2004). [ [http://library.digiguide.com/lib/episode/140870] DigiGuide Website. Episode information for "The Shield": "Pilot" – series 1, episode 1. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)] [ [http://library.digiguide.com/lib/episode/140870] DigiGuide Website. Episode information for "The Shield": "Fire in the Hole" – series 3, episode 13. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)]

Ironically, Drasin received no screen credit for one of his most visible roles, known variously as the “Middle Hulk,” “Hulkette, or the “Demi Hulk,” in two episodes of the television series "The Incredible Hulk". Drasin played the half-transformed Hulk in “Prometheus: Part 1” (1980) and “Prometheus: Part 2” (1980). [ [http://www.scifi.com/hulk/season04.html] SciFi.com Website "The Incredible Hulk". Season Four. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)] [ [http://www.incrediblehulktvseries.com/FAQ/HulkFAQ5.htm] The Incredible Hulk Television Series Page Website. Frequently Asked Questions. Who Played the Demi-Hulk? (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)] The fully-transformed Hulk was played by Lou Ferrigno, a 6’5” bodybuilder who weighed 285 pounds. [ [http://www.louferrigno.com/biography.asp] Lou Ferrigno Website. Lou Ferrigno. Biography. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)] [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/bigboy1.htm] Ric Drasin Website. Home page. (Retrieved on February 23, 3007.)]

In 1978, Drasin played an Olympic weightlifter in the film "Sextette," where he traded quips with the legendary Mae West in her final screen performance. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/Films.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. Breaking into films. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)] [Editors, The. (1977, July). Star talk: Gossip on your favorite muscle stars. "Muscle Training Illustrated". Issue 61. Front cover and p. 9.]

Drasin frequently ate lunch with fellow bodybuilders Arnold Schwarzenegger [ [http://www.musclememory.com/show.php?s=Arnold+Schwarzenegger&g=M] Muscle Memory Website. Contest results – Arnold Schwarzenegger. (Retrieved on February 19, 2007.)] and Ken Waller [ [http://www.musclememory.com/show.php?s=Ken+Waller&g=M] Muscle Memory Website. Contest results – Ken Waller. (Retrieved on February 19, 2007.)] at the now closed Zucky's Delicatessen Coffee Shop at 431 Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica, California, an eatery favored by bodybuilders. [ [http://www.preservela.com/archives/000519.html] (2005, July 26.) PreserveLA Website. Zucky's Deli is landmarked. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)] . [ [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0801/is_8_66/ai_n14891965] Find Articles Website. Schwarzenegger, Arnold. (2005, August). Live it love it: don't be a slave to bodybuilding—enjoy it. "Muscle & Fitness". (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)] During lunch one day in 1973, Waller, the manager of the original Gold's Gym, mentioned the idea of creating a logo for Gold's Gym to use on T-shirts. Using a napkin for paper, Drasin drew a bald weightlifter holding a barbell, a design that soon was used on athletic wear that was sold around the world. [ [http://ironage.us/articles/preston-waller.html] Iron Age Website. Preston, Jeff. Waller: Catching up with the “freckled heckler.” (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)] [Gaines, Charles. "Pumping iron: the art and sport of bodybuilding". Photos by George Butler. Designed by Martin Stephen Moskof. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1974, pp. 40, 178-179. ISBN 0-671-21922-7.]

In 1978, World Gym also asked him to design a logo, and he created the World Gym gorilla logo, still in use today. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/page2.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Ric and Joe Gold. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)]

For about a decade, Drasin competed in and either won or placed in several bodybuilding contests. The Mr. Venice Beach contest, which he won in 1972, [ [http://www.musclememory.com/show.php?s=Ric+Drasin&g=M] Muscle Memory Website. Contest results – Ric Drasin. (Retrieved on February 19, 2007.)] was known for the high quality of contestants because of its proximity to Gold's Gym.

However, during that era bodybuilding was an expensive, time-consuming endeavor for most participants, with little hope of financial gain. So Drasin continued to put his muscles to serious work in the professional wrestling ring, while pursing competitive bodybuilding as a sideline. [ [http://www.wyomingwoman.net/demihulk.html] Wyoming Woman Website. Hause, Irene L. (1980, October) TV's Demi-Hulk says, “Bodybuilding isn't just for men!” (Retrieved on February 24, 2007.)] Drasin's career as a wrestler took him all over the United States, including Hawaii, and to Canada. Many of his bouts were televised. [ [http://ironage.us/guest_edit/drasin2.html] Iron Age Website. Drasin, Ric. Bodybuilding vs. pro wrestling. (Retrieved on February 24, 2007).]

During that era, Dianabol and Primobolan Depot were two of the most popular steroids with bodybuilders. Drasin freely admits to taking steroids, as has Arnold Schwarzenegger, both reminding critics that steroids were legal during that era, requiring only a doctor's prescription. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/death.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. Steroids: one man's true story. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)] [ [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/10/01/MN191094.DTL&hw=Schwarzenegger+campaign+against+use+steroids&sn=002&sc=793] SFGate Website. Epstein, Edward. (2003, October 1) Schwarzenegger linked to contests with steroids: Questions raised over his campaign against use. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)] [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/roids.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. Supplements vs. roids. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)]

Middle years

Ric Drasin married Ilene Walit in 1975. Walit was employed as a production secretary at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) motion picture studio when they met at Venice Beach in 1970. In 1978, the Drasins moved to Van Nuys, California, where they had purchased a home. [Drasin, Ric. (1978, February/March). Muscles to Music to Wrestling to Movies to a Good Future. "Muscle Digest, 2"(1), pp. 58-59.] They had two sons, Adam (born 1978) and Shane (born 1981). When the marriage ended in divorce in 1983, the children remained with Drasin. He took his boys with him when he went to the gym, and they were at his side when he printed shirts in the garage for his T-shirt business, Expressions. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/family.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. My family. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)] During this timeframe Drasin also continued to work as an actor, stuntman, professional wrestler, and freelance writer. He chose to close his T-shirt business in 1984 after his name was stolen and used on goods of inferior quality. [ [http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-440725.html] Elite Fitness Website. Drasin, Ric. Training with Arnold. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)]

for the AWF. During 1987 at Gold's Gym in Northridge, California, Drasin met Randi Susan Weber (born 1964). They married in 1989 and had a daughter, Samantha Paige, nicknamed Sami (born 1991). Randi Drasin is a 1987 graduate of California State University, Northridge, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and television production. Additionally, she is a gymnastics coach and in 1990 became a certified fitness trainer. Since 1996 she has owned and operated her own business, Randi's Fitness for Kids, an after-school enrichment program that is currently contracted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. Her business employs 18 instructors that teach a total of 50 classes per week in 14 schools. She herself is currently enrolled in school, taking courses toward degrees that will allow her to start her own private practice for children, teenagers, and young adults with eating disorders, diabetics, and body image issues. [ [http://www.mediaman.com.au/interviews/drasin3.html] Media Man Australia Website. Interview - Randi Drasin. (Retrieved on April 11, 2007.)] [ [http://www.randisfitness.com/home.html] Randi's Fitness for Kids Website. (Retrieved on April 11, 2008.)]

Injuries

thumb|325px|left|Ric Drasin as "The Equalizer".">
Drasin sustained many injuries over the years.As a professional wrestler, Ric Drasin sustained many injuries. However, his three most serious injuries did not occur until 2001 and 2002, and the first and third of these injuries were unrelated to wrestling. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/injury.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. Injuries in bodybuilding & wrestling. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)]

In 2001, Drasin was working with a table saw in his garage and had an accident that amputated his middle, ring, and little fingers from his right hand. Drasin's son Shane obtained medical attention for him, and doctors were able to reattach his middle and ring fingers, but the tip and middle section of his little finger could not be saved. Drasin returned to the gym the next day, using the heel of his hand for some exercises and straps around his wrists for others. He has stated that he never took pain medication for this injury. Using a glove to protect his hand, Drasin soon returned to professional wrestling.

In 2002, Drasin sustained two other serious injuries, both to his legs. The first happened while wrestling in an AWF match against “Cincinnati Red” (Scott Daves) in Huntington Beach, California. Drasin did not realize he had been seriously injured and continued wrestling for seven more minutes, until the bout ended with Drasin the victor. Daves had fallen on Drasin's leg, bending Drasin's foot to his hip, which ruptured the quadricep tendons in Drasin's right thigh.

Initially, the injury was misdiagnosed by a chiropractor, who thought the injury was less serious than it actually was. Four days later, Drasin fell at home, and his left leg sustained an identical injury. An orthopedic surgeon diagnosed his condition as ruptured quadriceps and informed Drasin that he needed immediate surgery on both legs or he would never walk again. Surgery left him in leg braces and a wheelchair for six weeks. Only one week into recovery, Drasin convinced his wife and daughter to drive him to his regular gym, Gold's Gym in North Hollywood. He trained his upper body from his wheelchair and then from a walker until the leg braces were removed.

After the leg braces were removed, he began training his legs again, but within 24 hours a staph infection blew out his right knee. Drasin got through the life-threatening ordeal with antibiotics and a drain that remained in place for eight weeks. Even this didn't keep him out of the gym, and he credits his workouts with speeding up the healing process. He was soon on a cane and only a year later was doing full leg workouts.

Current life

Drasin wrote a book and a script for a horror film while recovering from his injuries. His book, "So, You Want to Be a Wrestling Promoter", written with Bruce Dwight Collins, was published in March 2004 by BookSurge, LLC. [ [http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781591099499&itm=1#pDetails] Barnes & Noble Website. Product Details – So, You Want To Be A Wrestling Promoter? ISBN 1591099498 (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.).] His horror movie script features a standoff between wrestlers and vampires. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/rp.htm] Ringpost Productions Website. Projects in development for 2004. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)]

He maintains his post-surgery weight at 220 pounds, still adhering to a modified high protein, low carbohydrate diet that has guided his food choices nearly all of his adult life. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/Diet.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Drasin, Ric. Ric's diet & training program. (Retrieved on February 22, 2007.)] He does not drink or smoke and still works out six days a week.

Drasin's interest in art now takes the form of Website and logo designs, animation, and tattoo artistry. Additionally, in 2002, Drasin invented the Security Kat, a handheld personal security device. [ [http://www.mediaman.com.au/interviews/drasin.html] Media Man Australia Website. (2003, June 18) Interview – Ric Drasin. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)]

In 2005, Gold's Gym International re-introduced Drasin's original logo as part of their retro line, [ [http://www.goldsgear.com/cgi-bin/frontrunner.cgi?ri=202&fnm=RetroJoeShirt&rc=GGYM&ro=T&rs=T&bu=0&ki=&ctc=31&os=] Gold's Gear Website. Gold's Gym history - the retro Joe shirt is back! (Retrieved on February 19, 2007.)] and Drasin is currently designing new T-shirts for them. Drasin is now a spokesperson for Gold's Gym, speaking at conventions and appearing at special events at various Gold's Gyms. He is also a spokesperson for HeadBlade Razors. [ [http://www.headblade.com/headbladers.html?blader=23] HeadBlade Website. HeadBladers – Ric Drasin. (Retrieved on February 21, 2007.)]

Through frequent participation in Internet radio broadcasts, forums, and message boards, Drasin shares the knowledge he has gained through his experience as a weight trainer and wrestler. [ [http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/story4.htm] Cauliflower Alley Club. Kenyon, J. Michael. (2002, November 3) Sunday punches. (Retrieved on February 19, 2007).] He has so often been asked for personal advice that in 2004 he launched his own advice column, "Tough and Tender: Feminine Eye from a Straight Guy." [ [http://www.toughandtender.biz] Ric Drasin's Tough and Tender: Feminine Eye from a Straight Guy Website. (Retrieved on February 13, 2007.)]

Guitar playing is again in the foreground, now a hobby used for creativity and relaxation. The loss of his right little finger has not affected his ability to play notes and chords. He purchased a Gretsch guitar in 2006 and plans to add a pedal steel guitar to his collection. Drasin taught both of his sons how to play the guitar, and both Adam and Shane play in bands. [ [http://www.garageband.com/artist/thesparktones] GarageBand Website. The Sparktones. (Retrieved on February 24, 2007.)] [ [http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=63464097] MySpace Website. MySpace Music – Adam Drasin. (Retrieved on February 21, 2007.)] [ [http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=4421252] MySpace Website. MySpace Music – Relax to Paris. (Retrieved on May 7, 2008.)] Drasin's teenage daughter Sami aspires to become a professional photographer and has already taken photographs for the Sherman Oaks, California, Chamber of Commerce. [ [http://www.shermanoakschamber.org/chambernews/article.cfm?id=9] Sherman Oaks, California, Chamber of Commerce Website. Drasin, Sami. A face painter at the fair (photo). In Ehrlich, Alan. (2006, October 23). Sherman Oaks street fair draws 100,000+. (Retrieved on February 18, 2007.)]

In 2006 Drasin was approached by Richard Wenk, who had written the screenplay for the Bruce Willis film "16 Blocks". Wenk expressed an interest in taping a pilot for a reality television show based on Drasin's experience as a wrestling instructor. Drasin's successful work with wrestling students ranging from 20 to 59 years of age, some with health issues and learning disabilities, had caught Wenk's attention. The pilot, titled "Tuff and Tender", was completed in March 2007. Much of it was videotaped in Drasin's back yard, where he has his own 16 foot by 16 foot wrestling ring. [ [http://www.caulifloweralleyclub.org/memory_lane/where_are_they_now.htm] Cauliflower Alley Club Website. Where are they now?: CAC member Ric “The Equalizer” Drasin has done it all. (Retrieved on September 5, 2007.)]

An episode of "The Kids are in Charge: Family Vacation" was produced in his back yard in 2006. It features a family of five from Denver, Colorado, who participate in Drasin's wrestling classes. The segment was first shown on the Travel Channel on June 21, 2007. [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/bigboy1.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. The Travel Channel comes to Ric for a new show. (Retrieved on February 23, 2007.)]

On August 14, 2007, Drasin was filmed by Nine Network Australia for their prime time travel series, "Getaway". One of Drasin's wrestling classes was featured, and he served as the show's guide for a tour of California's fabled Venice Beach. The episode aired in October 2007. [ [http://getaway.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=302344] Getaway Website. Getaway Fact Sheets. AWF Wrestling: Thursday, October 4, 2007. (Retrieved on November 25, 2007.)]

In August 2008, Drasin received his badge from the Los Angeles Police Department identifying him as a Specialist Reserve Officer, a civilian volunteer who possesses special skills that benefit the police department. [ [http://www.lacp.org/2004-Articles-Main/ReserveOfficer-Initiative051404.html] Los Angeles Community Policing Website. Murray, Bill. (2004, May 14). The LAPD Reserve Officer Program: Community policing at its finest. (Retrieved on August 21, 2008).] As a Specialist Reserve Officer, Drasin goes to schools as a morale booster and to work with students on a variety of subjects, such as driving and traffic safety, nutrition, and wrestling.

In wrestling

*Finishing and signature moves
**Sunset flip
**Spike piledriver
**Headlock

*Ring names and nicknames
**As a face [ [http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1998075b.htm] DDT Digest Website. "Mid-Week Report by Bill." Includes newspaper article: Martinez, Leonel. (1998, January 20). Intimidating actor proves heavy on charm. "The Bakersfield Californian". (Retrieved on February 13, 2008.)] [ [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com/vintagewrestling.htm] American Wrestling Federation Website. Vintage wrestling shots (of Ric Drasin). (Retrieved on February 13, 2008.)]
***All American Boy
***Dick Alan
***Dick Allen
***The Equalizer
***Headlock Drasin
***Mr. California
***Mr. Everything
***Ric Drasin
***Rick Drasin
***Rick "The Hulk" Drasin
***Ricky Graham
**As a heel
***Dr. X (wearing mask)
***The Equalizer (wearing mask)
***The Mad Bomber (wearing mask)
***The Stomper (wearing mask)

Championships and accomplishments

*AWF
**AWF Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
*CCW
**CCW Championship (1 time)
*GCW
**GCW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)
*National Wrestling Alliance
**Rookie of the Year (1965)

References

Further reading

*Drasin, Ric with Bruce Dwight Collins. "So You Want to Be a Wrestling Promoter?" Charleston, SC: BookSurge LLC, 2003. ISBN 1-59109-949-8
*Hyson, Sean and Brandon Guarneri. (2007, May). Muscle Paradise!: MF looks back at Muscle Beach and the golden age of bodybuilding in Venice, Calif. "Men’s Fitness". "23"(4), pp. 139-142, 144-145. ("Ric Drasin is quoted extensively in this article.")

External links

* [http://www.americanwrestlingfederation.com American Wrestling Federation]
* [http://www.ricdrasin.com Ric Drasin]
* [http://www.ringpostproductions.com Ringpost Productions]
* [http://www.toughandtender.biz Tough and Tender: Feminine Eye from a Straight Guy]
* [http://www.thearnoldfans.com/news/archives/2004/august/757.htm Arnold Fans Website. (August 24, 2004). Joe Gold Memorial Exclusive! Arnold, Drasin and buddies attend!]
* [http://www.classicbodybuilders.com/classicbodybuilders1.html Classic Bodybuilders of the Golden Era Website]
* [http://www.davedraper.com/chuck-pendleton-gordon-mitchell.html Dave Draper Website. Photos from Tribute to Chuck Pendleton (aka Gordon Mitchell) on October 19, 2003.]
* [http://www.mediaman.com.au Media Man Australia Website]
* [http://www.musclememory.com/ Muscle Memory Website]