I know all of you have been anxiously awaiting my take on the three day weekend.
First I want to thank Greg Price for allowing me to be apart of this spectacular event. I know there has been a lot of negative “press” about the event but I saw for myself, Greg work as hard as possible to ensure an enjoyable weekend for all who attended.
Thanks to my long-suffering show partner, Eddie Rich for putting up with all my funk and occasional fits. Thanks to Tim & Chuck from www.carolinaindependentwrestling.com for lunch. Jimbo! Thanks for the drink! A thank you to what’s her name for the Midori Sour.
Ran into a lot of familiar faces: Dick Bourne, Peggy Lathan, Clay Sweet, Carroll & Steve Hall, Graham Cawthon, Highspots, Count Grog, Major DeBeers, Glute!, Jimbo Fox, Sharon Streicher, Jaime Tucker, Jason Willis. Got to meet “The Ace of Belts” Dave Millican, Scooter Lesley (trained by the great Gordon Solie and he also contributed to Gordon’s book).
I don’t even know where to begin. We got to work by 9am every morning. I was stationed in the ballroom most of the time. Saturday was the busiest day for me. I shot photo ops starting at 9am and went to about 1pm. Had a quick lunch, then went back at it. The TNA trio of Christian, Samoa Joe, and AJ Styles were to start their photo ops at 6pm. They were a little behind, but once they arrived, I shot around 300 photos in a little over a half hour. I went back to my room at a little past 7pm, got a quick shower and was back on the floor before 8pm to shoot the matches. The wrestling was over about 11pm – I was completely exhausted, tired beyond belief.
It was such a great privilege to spend so much time with the talent. Ole Anderson – held court in the lobby daily. His candor and wit are a great experience. Penny Banner – great lady, recovering from a hernia operation a few weeks ago but was all smiles for the fans.
Rip Hawk – if you don’t know him, look him up. Wanted some “chew” when he arrived – gave me “The Profile” in all of the photo ops – it’s instinct for him.
Had a great conversation with Bob & Jackie Caudle and George Scott. I told Mrs Caudle that it still amazes me that I’m sitting near these guys.
Jim Cornette, Bobby Eaton (who claims to have teamed with ER back in the 60’s) and Dennis Condrey were having a great time in their photo op. They would do a photo with a fan and then go back to a huddle telling stories to each other.
I got to spend two hours in a private room for photo ops with Arn Anderson, his hand didn’t stop signing for that entire time.
Tommy Young was asked to raise fans hands in a few shots.
ER and I got to talk with “Dr Death” Steve Williams for a long time. Super nice guy with interesting stories of Japan.
Rick Steiner ate star brite mints like they were going out of style. JJ Dillon and I discussed his blue lenses, JJ also lost his mother three weeks ago. Tully and I talked about being neighbors at one time before he left NC. It’s true!
Met John Hitchcock, writer of “Front Row, Section D.” At 10pm on Friday night I was sitting at one of the Hilton ballroom tables, enthralled with just listening to Ole Anderson and Ted Dibiase. At one point i found myself just sitting there mouth agape – but when/where else could I do this?
The banquet Friday night was something truly special to be a part of. ER and I got to sit at the table with David Crockett, and his wife and son. It was hosted by Jim Cornette. Guest speeches, lots of laughs and even a few tears shed.
The wrestling shows were also something special to be a part of. Saturday night Dr. Death faced Butch Reed. The match did have its flaws, but the crowd didn’t care. They gave it a standing ovation. It was trully a wave of positive energy that went straight to the center of the ring where Doc stood. I’m glad to have been caught in that.
The Midnights finally beat the Rock n’ Rolls! Next year the 25th anniversary of the Midnight Express will be celebrated.
The NWA took over the shows on Sunday night with title defenses and a semi-final match in the “Reclaiming the Glory” title tournament. The NWA brass was on the scene.
I want to say that I hope they got a good look and listen to ER. He blew the crowd away at these shows. The tux helped too. Somebody needs to hire him.
Got to shoot Mike Quackenbush, Bryan Danielson, Brent Albright, Claudio Castagnoli, and Sean Denny for the first time.
I was woke up Sunday morning with an elbow to head about 3am (It’s ok Jimbo, I know ER did it!). I rolled over and put a pillow over my head, leaving just enough room to breath. I opened my eyes after a few minutes and looked directly at the giant head of Dick Foley!
It was great to see old acquaintances and make some new friends, I’m looking forward to next year’s Fanfest. I can’t say thank you enough to Greg Price.
Pictures from the matches will be up soon. Tonight I will be at CWA in York,SC. The weekend of the 24th – 26th I think I’m going to take off.
I know that there are parts of the trip that I have forgotten, so I may do another update in the next few days.
