Moondog Rex

Lore & Background

Colley began his career in the 1970s as Jack Dalton in a tag team with Jim Dalton, collectively known as the Dalton Brothers. He joined the World Wrestling Federation in 1980, debuting as Ripper Hawkins, then Moondog Hawkins, and later Moondog Rex after promoter Vince McMahon Sr. noted his resemblance to Moondog Mayne. He won the WWF Tag Team Championship with Moondog King in March 1981, holding it for four months. He later wrestled in Georgia Championship Wrestling, Continental Wrestling Association, Mid South Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, Smoky Mountain Wrestling, and the United States Wrestling Association. He was repackaged as Smash in Demolition in January 1987 but was replaced by Barry Darsow after fans recognized him. He retired in 1997 and became an ordained minister.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights dimmed as the halftime show approached. A roar erupted from the crowd when Moondog Rex burst through the tunnel, his orange jersey bright against the dark hardwood. He danced with the cheerleaders, high-fiving kids in the front row who reached out with eager hands. For a moment, the game paused, and the mascot became the star, reminding everyone why they loved this team.

Reader's Guide

Moondog Rex is not a mascot. He was a professional wrestler who competed in multiple promotions from the 1970s through the 1990s. His notable achievements include winning the WWF Tag Team Championship, the Mid-South North American Championship, the Mid-South Tag Team Championship, the Southern Tag Team Championship (CWA), and multiple USWA World Tag Team Championships.

Did You Know?

• Colley was one of the original members of the tag team Demolition, but was replaced by Barry Darsow after fans recognized him and chanted 'Moondog'.
• He was called as a prosecution witness at the Vince McMahon steroid distribution trial in 1994.
• After retiring from wrestling, he operated a bail-bond company with fellow wrestler David Schultz and later became an ordained minister.