TWA Remembers Adrian Adonis: The Life and Times

Born Keith Franke, he was trained by Fed Atkins and debuted in 1974 under his birth name. By the end of the decade, though, Franke became known as Adrian Adonis. Clad like a biker, the American Wrestling Association welcomed him not long after the name change. In 1979, he joined Jesse Ventura to form the East-West Connection. Adonis was a native while, on the other hand, Ventura was billed from California. On July 20, 1980, Verne Gagne and Mad Dog Vachon were forced to forfeit their AWA World Tag Team Titles after not defending them and the Connection were awarded the belts. After gaining the straps, the High Flyers, Jim Brunzell and Greg Gagne, became their most fierce challengers. The High Flyers ultimately were able to capture the titles for Adonis and Ventura on June 14, 1981. The team then jumped to the World Wrestling Federation and became singles wrestlers in addition to tag teaming. Adrian became a fortunates singles wrestler by challenging Bob Backlund for the World Championship and Pedro Morales for the Intercontinental Championship. After Jesse Ventura ventured elsewhere and retired due to medical issues, Dick Murdoch emerged as Adrian's partner to form the North-South Connection. After debuting only months earlier, WWF Tag Champs Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas fell victim to the new Connection, and Murdoch and Adonis were already champions. After holding the belts for nearly a year, the US Express (Mike Rotundo and Barry Windham) took their gold in January of 1985. After touring the Orient, the team split. Adonis then began a complete career metamorphosis. First, he dropped the previously acquired manager Bobby Heenan and replaced him with Jimmy Hart. After moderate success with Hart, Adrian appeared on Piper's Pit soon after and gave the host Roddy Piper his signature leather jacket. Thus, "Adorable" Adrian Adonis, a flamboyant and effeminate character, was born. To become more authentic, he bleached his dark black hair blond, began sporting pink dresses and attire, and wearing make-up. After putting on several pounds, Adonis embarked on feuds with George Steele, Junkyard Dog, and on numerous occasions, challenged Hulk Hogan for the coveted WWF Championship. The Flower Shop was created in May of 1986 as Adonis' answer to the absent Piper's Pit. Also in riding Piper's coattails, Adonis hired "Ace" Bob Orton Jr., Roddy's former protection, as his bodyguard. The feud accumulated between Piper and Adonis when Adrian, accompanied by Orton and Don Muraco, attacked Piper and his set. Also, the group adorned Piper's mouth with bright red lipstick. One week following, Piper stormed onto the Flower Shop set and dismantled with a Louisville Slugger. The date was set for the showdown as Wrestlemania 3 in a hair vs. hair match. Adonis lost the match to Piper and in the process lost his golden mane. After the bout, he challenged Brutus Beefacke, who played a part in the loss of his hair, to a series of matches. This feud marked his departure from the WWF. Adrian then wound up back in the AWA. After feuds with Tommy Rich and Greg Gagne, Adonis aspired to make a tour with New Japan Pro Wrestling. However, Adonis was unable to do so after suffering from an ankle injury. In addition to not being able to compete in NJPW, the AWA ceased his pay, leaving Adonis face-to-face with severe financial woes. sadly, on July 4, 1988, Adrian Adonis was tragically killed along with Pat Kelly and Dave McKigney in a road accident in Newfoundland. Adonis left behind one of the most underrated and overlooked careers in the history of pro wrestling. In 1988, he deservedly and posthumously received Pro Wrestling Illustrated's Editor's Award. Adrian Adonis, you are remembered.