Gene Meyer & Pepper Gomez

Pepper & Bill

Bill Brinkley (top photo, left) and Pepper Gomez get physical on the sand with that often used Bruce of LA mat. 

Mr. Gomez had a busy bodybuilding career in the late 1940s and early 1950s.  He earned the title Mr. Muscle Beach in 1950 and placed 2nd or 3rd in the Mr. Los Angeles contests in 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951 and 1952.  Like I said, he stayed busy.  

In the mid 1950s, Pepper entered the pro wrestling circuit and quickly became a fan favorite.  He stayed busy in the ring and finally won the WWA World Heavyweight Championship in 1975.  He was 48 years old. 

Gomez retired in 1982 and took a maitre d' job at a restaurant I'm at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, not far from his home.  For years he enjoyed his "celebrity" status at the restaurant where his warm and friendly personality brought many fans to meet him for years. 

Early AMG

Gene Meyer (left) and Pepper Gomez at AMG.