Doug Somers

Early life and background

Somers was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and began training and competing in the territorial era of professional wrestling, when the sport was organized around regional promotions. Like many wrestlers of his generation, he developed his craft in a variety of local shows before moving into higher-profile bookings.

Career and ring persona

Somers adopted the "Pretty Boy" persona — an arrogant, showy heel character — that played well to television and live crowds. His most notable run came in the AWA as the partner of "Playboy" Buddy Rose; the duo was managed by Sherri Martel, a leading on-screen manager of the period. Their pairing emphasized heat and character work, and they were a regular presence in the AWA's tag team division during the promotion's national exposure era.

Style and contributions

Somers was known for a traditional, workmanlike style typical of territorial wrestlers: clear character psychology, ring fundamentals, and the ability to help elevate opponents. His heel persona and team work made him a reliable foil for babyface teams and helped provide structure to the AWA's tag-team cards. Sherri Martel's management added a notable theatrical element to their presentations and raised their profile with television audiences.

Later years and legacy

After his most visible years in the mid-1980s, Somers continued to appear on independent circuits and made occasional returns to regional promotions. He remained a remembered figure among fans of the AWA era for his steady in-ring work and memorable teaming with Buddy Rose. Somers died on May 16, 2017 at age 65.

Quick facts

• Full name: Douglas Duane Somerson
• Ring name: "Pretty Boy" Doug Somers
• Birth: September 22, 1951 — Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Best known for: AWA tag team with "Playboy" Buddy Rose, managed by Sherri Martel
• Death: May 16, 2017

For more on the AWA and the wrestling landscape of Somers's era, see contemporary records and retrospectives that document regional promotions, television cards, and the role of managers in 1980s professional wrestling.