So, the Carolina Wrestling Classic has come and gone…
It was a very enjoyable day for myself, ER and my cousin Adam. We got to the L.P. Frans (Crawdad) Stadium at noon. Met Bob Desantis and his wife, who I call “Gatekeeper”.
We had stopped at Checkers in Morganton before getting onto I40 and I blew my shorts out – on the side. How does that happen? In the crotch is the usual spot for fabric blow outs, but this was on my right side along the big pocket. So if you saw me Saturday before I changed, you saw a giant white towel that I used to sort of cover myself up. Gatekeeper loaned me a stapler so I could do a quick patch job.
I was asked to do the 8×10’s with the wrestlers during the autograph signings. I wasn’t called to do that many, so I got plenty of time to talk with the wrestlers and fans. Quite a collection of fans they were too. Fan Keith, who I first met at George South’s Boogie Woogie Front Yard bash, a guy who had a boot that was signed by guys like Ole, Baron von Raschke, Sir Oliver Humperdink etc (I placed the photo on my site).
The most interesting fan (and dedicated) was a gentleman who had autographs all over his arms. At first I thought maybe he just hadn’t washed his arms off, but as I approached I realized they were tattooed on. I checked them out, and he said he gets the autographs and then goes straight to the tattoo parlor and gets it permanently set on his skin. I saw Madusa and Richard Petty. Magnum T.A. obliged him by signing across his wrist.
The Mid-Atlantic Mafia was there, very good to see them. I don’t get to see that much of Dick, Mike, Peggy and Clay but I always have fun with them when I do.
ER did a spectacular job (as always) and really impressed some of the guys there. The legendary Bob Caudle even complimented him. Kudos also to ER for wearing a suit the entire day!
My cousin Adam came along and got enlisted as the “young boy” for ER and myself. He was on cloud 9 as he got to meet Jake Roberts and Bill Eadie for the first time. His enthusiam was contagious and really made the trip even more fun. As I told ER, it’s easy at times to look at these shows as just another road trip, just another show, being hot, being tired, getting cranky. When I am with someone or see someone who has that sheer look of joy though, it changes it all. It reminds me of how I felt in the Asheville Civic Center years ago watching these guys on the other side of the barrier.
This was the first stadium show I have ever done. I didn’t really have to worry about blocking anyone’s view.
Got to shoot some stuff in the locker room for Dick Bourne. Exclusive photos for the Mid Atlantic Gateway and their Heritage title.
Great moment: Bobby Eaton running the bases from Robert Gibson – and getting knocked down by Ricky Morton at 3rd. The crowd went crazy for this.
Talked with Jaime Tucker again. TNA or WWE needs to sign this man!
Hooters catered the event. Yeah. They brought chicken wingys, hot dogs(not the kind you can get in their restaurants, but fund raiser franks), and their sauce. No plates or drinks though.
Good to see Carolina Independent Wrestling.com at the show.
The show ended at 10pm. We were on the road about 40 minutes past that. We decided to eat at Ruby Tuesday’s. The second part of our night started here. I had a creme soda that tasted exactly like a Dollar General brand vanilla candle. She comped me for it so no big deal. The “part owner” Michael came over and talked with us. Eventually we joined Michael and his boyfriend, Boo-Boo at the bar for about an hour. We liked it so much, they got to be in a picture.
We even got back at a reasonable hour too. Thanks to Bob Desantis and Greg Price for the opportunity!
ER and I both got our invitations to work the NWA Legends FanFest in August in Charlotte yesterday. Very excited about it.
Everyone is leaving for Philadelphia (UWF) this Friday I believe. Even if I was off work, I would not be able to go as it is once again time for the Blue Ridge BBQ Festival in Tryon! Here’s hoping that ER gets to do some commentary at the show (the old ECW Arena) and also congrats to Kirby and TJ for getting on the show. I know they are pumped about working in front of their home crowd.
