Episode 144 – Ring is Safer

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In this episode, I discuss a part-time wrestler, full-time city constable Paul Kisselbach killed in the line of duty during September 1949. I also review the wrestling card from the Omni in Atlanta on April 22, 1984.

News and Update

It is a slow time in pro wrestling as a number of people are engaging in verbal, and threatened physical, punch ups on social media.

Ad Santel project is coming along well. It will probably be ready in October 2026.

Main Content

How I discovered the story of Paul J. Kisselbach.

Paul J. Kisselbach was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, on August 17, 1912. Kisselbach played high school football for East St. Louis High School. In August 1936, 24-year-old Kisselbach married Julie Ramsey. Kisselbach also started wrestling professionally around Southern Illinois and St. Louis.

Kisselbach’s real passion was to become a Centreville Township constable. Since it was an elected position, Kisselbach had to run for the office. Prior to becoming a  Centreville Township Constable, Kisselbach worked as a St. Clair County Deputy Sheriff.

On Thursday, October 2, 1947, Kisselbach, who was a deputy sheriff, engaged in a gunfight with a wanted man in North Dupo, Illinois. Assisting Kisselbach was the Centerville Constable William G. Mason, who would be shot with Kisselbach in 1949, and another deputy sheriff.

On Saturday, September 10, 1949, the owner of Nick’s Country Club, a tavern in Centreville Township, called the police department about a patron, Andrew Betts, had a .38 revolver and threatened, “To shoot up the world.” His bouncer convinced Betts to put the pistol away, but the owner said he feared Betts would start up again.

Constables Paul Kisselbach, W. G. Mason, and “Red” Bauer responded to the tavern around 3:10 a.m. but Betts had left. A witness said Betts went into a nearby building, so the constables and witness went out to the police car to look for Betts.

As they drove down Trendley Avenue, the witness said, “There he is.” Kisselbach exited the police car first and yelled, “Police!” Betts spun around with the revolver in his hand and shot Kisselbach behind the left ear. Kisselbach died immediately.

Mason and Bauer also were exiting the police car, when Betts shot at both constables. One bullet hit Mason in the stomach. Mason initially survived but died from the gunshot within a week. The other bullet hit Bauer between the chest and right shoulder. Bauer transfered his gun to his left hand and emptied the revolver at Betts, who was not hit and fled the scene.

Four police officers arrested Betts in an outdoor privy eleven hours later. An Illinois court sentenced Betts to life in prison. The judge wanted to sentence Betts to death but enough confusion existed over whether the officers identified themselves that he sentenced Betts to life without the possibility of parole.

Reviews and Recommendations

History of Texas Wrestling on Storytime with Brisco and Bradshaw – Up to 3 episodes with more episodes promised

Wrestling from the Omni on April 22, 1984 – both WWE Vault and WCW

Tommy Rogers defeated Bob Roop – Tommy Rogers of Fantastics tag team fame. Good back and forth match to warm up the crowd.

Tim Horner and Sweet Brown Sugar defeated Les Thornton and Rocky Jones. A filler match. Nothing wrong with it. Horner rolled up Jones for the win.

Jake Roberts (with Paul Ellering) defeated Brad Armstrong – Maybe the best match on the card but the fans sat on their hands during the match. It is not always the best match that gets over. Fans have to care about the wrestlers. Roberts wins with DDT.

Ron Garvin vs. The Spoiler (with Paul Ellering) – The match I was looking forward to. Garvin is the National TV Champion. Longest match on the card by far. I don’t see the kind of fan reaction for this match that I expected. After throwing Garvin into the referee, Spoiler goes for his claw hold. Garvin gets out but Ellering bashes Garvin in the back with a chair. Fans thought it would be the finish and finally reacted a little. Garvin catches Spoiler coming off the top rope with the Hands of Stone. Fans do cheer the outcome.

King Kong Bundy and Masked Superstar defeated the Road Warriors – The match that drew the crowd. If Bundy and Superstar won, Bundy got five minutes with Paul Ellering. Bundy pinned Animal with the elbow drop.

Bundy killed Ellering and pinned him for a five count. The fans cheered wildly for Ellering taking a beating.

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