Posted on by Editor
Brian Damage
He was often seen in some capacity on several segments of WCW programming. In this latest ‘Whatever Happened to‘ piece we search and find out about the former WCW Head of Security Doug Dellinger.
A few years ago, we took a look at the career of the former WWF head of security, the late Jim Dotson. Today, we look at the former WCW head of security Doug Dellinger. He was born Howard Douglas Dellinger on May 12th, 1946. Many fans mistake his last name as Dillinger, but in fact it is Dellinger.
Doug Dellinger joined the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department in North Carolina in the early 1970’s. While as police officer, Dellinger would begin moonlighting for Jim Crockett Promotions as a member of their security team starting around 1984. Dellinger not only worked security for wrestling events in the Mid Atlantic area….he also at times worked as a cameraman for their studio shows. He also worked security at sporting events such as the Charlotte O’s minor league baseball team. (Owned by the Crockett family).
In 1988, Crockett sold his promotion to Ted Turner and Dellinger was one of his loyal employees that were retained after the sale. Eventually, Doug moved up the ranks and was named World Championship Wrestling’s Security Director. He could often be seen on various WCW programs in the background. When WCW started Monday Nitro, Dellinger would appear on television more often. Doug was often seen as the one knocking on Bill Godberg’s door and escorting him through the hallways before he made his big entrance for matches.
He was also not afraid to be used in several wrestling segments selling for various wrestlers. While another personality in front of the cameras, Dellinger still had a job to do behind the scenes. He often had to do Eric Bischoff’s dirty work like kicking family members and wrestlers girlfriends out from backstage. Because of that, Doug was often vilified by many wrestlers. Bret Hart accused Dellinger of sleeping on the job and therefore, some of his gear was stolen from the locker room.
Bobby Heenan referred to him as “Donuts Dellinger” and claimed all he did as a cop was direct traffic during funerals. Former WCW announcer Tony Schiavone recalled the time that the rock band KISS was on Nitro. Before they appeared on television, Dellinger spotted Ace Frehley (guitarist for KISS) backstage and did not recognize who he was. He tried to kick Frehley out of the building and was only stopped by Schiavone, who had to tell Dellinger who Frehley was.
So, whatever happened to Doug Dellinger? After WCW was sold to Vince McMahon and WWE, Dellinger retired. He also retired from the police department after over 30 years of service. Doug and his lovely wife Sarah have been married for over 50 years and now live a quiet life in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.