Randy Adrian Colley, born on May 2, 1950, and passing away on December 14, 2019, was a notable figure in American professional wrestling. He gained prominence under the ring name Moondog Rex and was best known for his time in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) as part of The Moondogs.
Colley's career spanned various wrestling promotions, showcasing his adaptability and enduring passion for the sport. Let's delve into the captivating journey of this wrestling persona.
Early Career and WWF Debut
Colley joined the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in 1980, debuting under the name "Ripper Hawkins". Shortly after, he was repackaged as "Moondog Hawkins", and later "Moondog Rex" as promoter Vince McMahon Sr.
The Rise of The Moondogs
He next appeared in Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW) with Spot. The Moondogs made their debut on October 25, 1982, in a match at the Omni against Brad Armstrong and Tito Santana.
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The Moondogs returned to the World Wrestling Federation in 1984, during the midst of its national expansion. In June, Colley faced Hulk Hogan twice for the WWF World Championship, but failed to win the title.
For the next few months, they were programmed into a house show series against the newly-arrived Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts) and later the Brisco Brothers (Jerry and Jack).
The Moondogs entered 1985 on the lower end of the tag team ranks, and were split apart as singles wrestlers to help flesh out house show cards.
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From Moondog Rex to Smash and Beyond
On January 4, 1987, Colley was repackaged as "Smash" in the new tag team of Demolition, facing and defeating the Islanders. The following day, he made his televised debut at a WWF Superstars taping. Despite having his hair trimmed, his beard shaved off, and wearing face paint, fans almost immediately recognized him and began chanting "Moondog" when he entered the ring.
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After a stint with Stampede Wrestling under his real name, Colley worked for Continental Championship Wrestling (CCW) alongside Eddie Gilbert as "Detroit Demolition". Managed by Downtown Bruno, he teamed with Lord Humungous until Humungous turned face and allied with (kayfabe) childhood friend Shane Douglas against Bruno and his men.
WCW and The Desperados
In the summer of 1990, Colley began working for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) as Moondog Rex in singles competition. Colley's highest profile match was a loss to Junkyard Dog on October 27 at Halloween Havoc. He continued to appear on televised programs and house shows into the spring of 1991.
In May, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) created a stable known as "the Desperados", consisting of Dutch Mantell, Black Bart and Colley, who played "Deadeye Dick". The Desperados were portrayed as three bumbling cowboys hoping for Stan Hansen to join WCW and team with them, being promoted through a series of vignettes in which they were beaten up in saloons, searched ghost towns, were jailed and rode horses.
USWA and Final Years
After leaving WCW, Colley would take a hiatus form wrestling for a couple of years. The Moondogs joined the USWA full time in March 1994 and began a feud with Jerry Lawler and Brian Christopher, quickly winning the USWA World Tag Team Championship from Billy Joe Travis and The Spellbinder. They would lose the titles later that year, but regained them on October 24 against The Phantoms.
The Moondogs entered 1995 having lost the USWA titles once more and entered a tournament to crown new champions; they wrestled The Rock 'n' Roll Express to a no-contest in the finals at the Mid South Coliseum on January 9, 1995. That spring they would feud with Crusher Bones, Jack Hammer, and Big Daddy Cyrus. In 1996 the duo returned once more, defeating Jimmy Harris and Ron Harris at the Mid South Coliseum on January 2.
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On April 22, 1996, the Moondogs defeated Men on a Mission via pinfall at the Mid South Coliseum. In June the Moondogs were booked into a tournament to crown the USWA's Southern Tag Team Champions, but were defeated by Brickhouse Brown and Reggie B. Fine in the first round. In the summer, the Moondogs regained the USWA Tag Team Championship for a final time.
Championships and Accomplishments
- NWA Southeastern Continental Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with D.I.
- USWA World Tag Team Championship
Wrestling Title Achievements
The following table summarizes the championships and accomplishments of Randy Colley throughout his wrestling career:
| Championship | Times Won | Partner (if applicable) | Promotion |
|---|---|---|---|
| NWA Southeastern Continental Tag Team Championship | 1 | D.I. | NWA Southeastern |
| USWA World Tag Team Championship | Multiple | Spot | USWA |