Bruno Lauer, Memphis Hall of Famer, discusses WWE, The Rock, and serving as a Mississippi alderman
Bruno Lauer, a well-known figure in the wrestling world, has made a name for himself both in the ring and in his community as an alderman in Walls, Mississippi. Often recognized by his ring names Harvey Wippleman and Downtown Bruno, Lauer has been a formidable wrestling heel—a character that draws the audience’s ire—for years. While his on-screen persona may have cast him as a villain, the respect he garnered from fans and colleagues speaks volumes about his impact on the industry.
Living in Walls, a small town in DeSoto County with a modest population, Lauer has found a balance between his wrestling career and public service. Drawing upon his experiences as a wrestling manager who riled up crowds in Memphis and the WWE, Lauer’s ability to evoke strong emotions from audiences was a testament to his skill and dedication to his craft. In fact, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, a wrestling icon in his own right, praised Lauer as the greatest of all time in the industry, crediting him for his support during Johnson’s early days in the business.
Reflecting on his dual roles as a wrestler and an alderman, Lauer emphasizes the importance of giving his all to the things he is passionate about. He believes in putting in maximum effort and dedication, whether it’s in the wrestling ring or carrying out his responsibilities as an elected official. Wrestling has been a significant part of his life, but his commitment to serving the people of Walls with care and respect is equally paramount to him.
Lauer’s journey into the world of wrestling began unexpectedly in 1979 when he stumbled upon a wrestling event at a fair in Pennsylvania. Strapped for cash, he struck a deal with the event organizer to help dismantle the ring in exchange for a chance to stay and watch the show. This encounter marked the beginning of Lauer’s immersion into the wrestling scene, as he traveled with the fair across various states, starting from Pennsylvania to South Dakota. His dedication to the job, fueled by his belief in the value of honesty and hard work, earned him not only a paycheck but also a sense of fulfillment and purpose in the wrestling world.
Reminiscing about his early days on the road, Lauer recalls the excitement of earning $15 as a 14-year-old in 1979, a sum that seemed like a fortune to him at the time. His journey into the wrestling business, shaped by his willingness to seize opportunities and make the most of them, paved the way for a successful career that would eventually lead him to become a respected figure in the wrestling community.
Today, Bruno Lauer continues to make an impact both inside and outside the wrestling ring, exemplifying the values of hard work, dedication, and passion in all his endeavors. As he navigates the worlds of professional wrestling and public service, Lauer’s story serves as a testament to the power of following one’s dreams and giving one’s best effort in pursuit of success.