Da Crusher Statue Almost A Reality
A GoFundMe to honor the Milwaukee icon has raised almost $40,000.
It’s about time that “The Man That Made Milwaukee Famous” was thanked by his city.
Longtime wrestling fan and Milwaukee native Chris Smith has launched a GoFundMe titled “Da Crusher Statue Memorial Fund” to honor one of the biggest names in wrestling history, Reggie “The Crusher” Lisowski.
If you’ve never heard of Da Crusher, it’s not your fault. The WWE Network has footage of “Crusher” Jerry Blackwell and Crusher Yurkov (Bam Bam Bigelow during his World Class days), but zero clips or mentions of the three-time AWA World Heavyweight Champion. When Smith subscribed to the Network, he was looking forward to Crusher matches and promos because WWE had acquired the AWA’s library.
However, four years after launching, the Network only has AWA footage from the early 1980s, when Crusher was in the twilight of his career.
“It’s almost like with the Network now, WWE is controlling history because that’s the place everything seems to be,” Smith said. “Once this older generation of people who were huge fans dies, how are people going to remember who he was?”
Smith has taken matters into his own hands, fundraising for a life-size, bronze statue of Crusher – who passed away in 2005 at 79 years old – in his hometown of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The precedent was set a decade ago when a life-size, bronze statue of Fonzie from Happy Days was erected along the Milwaukee Riverwalk. Despite some opposition over honoring a fictional character, the statue has become a beloved landmark in the city.
“As a destination, it’s so popular,” Smith said. “That is making this easier because people can now see that having a very cool statue of a historic figure in this area can be a very cool thing, especially because it’s not like a monument up on a block that’s 10-feet-tall. It’s something you can come and take a picture with.”
Since the GoFundMe was created in December, the campaign has raised over $34,000, almost reaching the $40,000 goal. Local news stations, radio programs and newspapers have all reported on the campaign, with even South Milwaukee Mayor Erik Brooks pledging support. “I’m excited to see this effort gain momentum, but it’s early,” Brooks told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “We’ll work on details with the organizers later, maybe over a beer.”
Smith has been mind-blown by the overwhelming enthusiasm and generosity, especially the shout out from Conrad Thompson and Bruce Prichard of Something To Wrestle With. “The reason is because everyone around here absolutely loved the Crusher and they still do,” Smith said. “There’s nothing more Milwaukee than the Crusher, especially Milwaukee’s past. You know, the blue collar, the beer drinking, Polka, Polish. He just embodied the whole thing.”
Crusher’s family has been in touch with Smith regarding the campaign, and while they’re appreciative of the universal love for their dad, they’re not surprised. They’ve experienced this affection their whole lives. “Everybody knew where he lived, everyone knows where The Crusher’s house was,” Smith said. “They’ll tell stories of people knocking on their door all the time looking for autographs, and he never turned anyone away.”
Local businesses have joined the fundraising efforts, holding Crusher-themed events to spread awareness and raise money. Kochanski’s Concertina Beer Hall held a fundraiser on Feb. 8 and The Vanguard held one on Feb. 22. The Tap Room will be holding a similar event on Mar. 15, coinciding with the start of the NCAA March Madness tournament.
The main event takes place April 6, as a panel of former AWA stars such as Baron Von Raschke, Ken Patera and Jim Brunzell will share stories, answer questions, watch old matches, sign autographs and take photographs with fans at the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.
“He was by far the most popular person to come out of South Milwaukee,” Smith said. “He was also a very good and kind human being by all accounts. Everyone in this city either knew him or was related to him or knew somebody who knew him, and no one ever had a bad word to say. My vision is that someday there is a grandfather walking with a grandson and the boy asks who is that? That’s how his legacy will be remembered.”
To donate to Da Crusher Statue Memorial Fund, click here.
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