Edward Marlin (August 13, 1930 – August 15, 2019) was an American promoter and professional wrestler. He was the father-in-law of promoter and professional wrestler Jerry Jarrett and the grandfather of professional wrestler and promoter Jeff Jarrett.[1]
Marlin was the on-screen General Manager of Continental Wrestling Association throughout the 1980s. He was "hired" by CWA promoter Jerry Jarrett to run the company. He worked primarily as a good guy, often sticking up for the faces. He often butted heads with the "Head Booker" of CWA, Tom Renesto, who tended to favor the heels.
In early 1988, Marlin was involved in a feud with former tag team partner Tommy Gilbert that resulted in the former friends wrestling in a Cowboy Boot Match. It began when Gilbert's son, Doug, interrupted Marlin who was being interviewed by Lance Russell, and accused Marlin of showing favoritism towards Jerry Lawler. As Marlin argued against Doug Gilbert, Tommy Gilbert attacked him from behind. Then, the Gilberts proceeded to drag Marlin to the ring, where Tommy Gilbert busted Marlin open with a cowboy boot. In the following weeks, Marlin challenged his former partner to a Cowboy Boot Match, where the winner would be the first one to remove the opponent's cowboy boots. Eddie Marlin would go on to win that match, and defeat his former friend.
In 1989, Marlin portrayed "Frankenstein" in the CWA.
Marlin worked a few more years as General Manager after CWA was combined with WCCW to become USWA. He also continued to wrestle a few times in Dallas at the famous Sportatorium. His last match was held on January 4, 1993, teaming with Miss Texas in a loss to Bert Prentice & Leslie Belanger.
On August 14, 2019 it was announced by his son-in-law Jerry Jarrett on Twitter that he would be moved to hospice care with multiple organ failure. Marlin died the next morning, just two days after turning 89 years old.
^Duncan, Royal; Will, Gary (2006) [2000.]. "(Memphis, Nashville) Tennessee: Southern Tag Team Title [Roy Welsch & Nick Gulas, Jerry Jarrett from 1977]". Wrestling title histories: professional wrestling champions around the world from the 19th century to the present. Waterloo, Ontario: Archeus Communications. pp. 185–189. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.