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]]>To the fans, wrestlers, promoters, friends of RSPDN and others,
Of course you’ve all noticed that I have been on an extended break. The last show I shot was NWA Anarchy on 19 September 2009. Since that time I have been doing a lot of thinking and I have reached a decision. It has taken me over four months to reach this decision because pro-wrestling has been a very important and large part of my life since 2004. March 2010 would be my sixth anniversary of taking wrestling photos.
I have decided though, it’s time for me to hang up the camera. I’m not going to say retirement, because you retire from a career, and I think the word “quitting” sounds so negative, so… I’m stopping. I’m not saying that you will never see me at ringside again but for now I am done.
First, thanks to you all that helped make all this possible. You’ve helped make a childhood dream become reality. There are too many to list, but I’ve thanked them before and I do so again.
In the past years I have given up a lot to be a part of wrestling, those of you involved understand. At the time you focus on getting to the next show. I have realized though that during this time I have neglected much in my personal life; friends, family, my career, etc.
I’m not getting any younger – and though I’m only 34 years old (I know, most of you thought at least 40!) I wish I had gotten involved in my early 20s, not 30s.
In my short time I have seen a lot of great talent – men and women who eat/sleep/breathe this sport – who strive with every fiber of their being to “make it.” To them I wish the best of luck! Many of you deserve it. Then I’ll be able to say “I knew _____ back when!”…Then maybe I could make big money on their old photos!
I’ve also seen my share of folks who are just happy to go out and entertain the fans who showed up at the local show, and are good at it. More power to you guys, you make it real for the local fans…What else have I seen? Those poor souls who have no training, no clue, no gimmick, no personality, no chance. In the word of a friend, ‘take two weeks off, come back and retire.” I’m not going to name any names but there are plenty out there.
I never expected to make a living doing this and all told, I’m way in the hole, but that never bothered me – I was having too much fun. I had one goal – to get published in Pro Wrestling Illustrated – and I did! A handful of times, and I’m not ashamed to admit I have at least 3 copies of the magazines my photos appeared in.
Anyway, I’ve gone on long enough. Again thanks to everyone who supported us – financially, or by just saying “that was a great shot.” It was all appreciated. For now, I will be content to buy a ticket and sit on the other side of the barrier; it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to do that.
Blake Arledge
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]]>NWA Pro Wrestling on 23 Januaryat the Metrolina Expo Center, featuring some of our favorite guys to shoot: Phill Shatter, Jimmy Rave, Brody Ray Chase, Jeff Lewis and a couple of our favorite tag teams: New Wave and the Mack Brothers: Kirby & TJ-Team Macktion!
NWA New Beginnings starts its four show run on 14 February at the Hilton University Place. Again, some great talent: Phill Shatter, “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce, Zack Salvation, Jake Manning, Caprice Coleman, Caleb Konley, Josh Magnum and a first for me: NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion Blue Demon Jr!
For the time being I’m planning on doing just one show a month, this is fluid though and could change.
]]>To be honest, I am in a total burnout as far as wrestling is concerned. It’s no one’s fault, and actually I believe it is natural for most folks. I went pretty strong for a couple of years (strong for me anyway!) and I’m now catching up on other stuff in my life.
Someone asked, “so are you done completely with wrestling photos?” The answer is no…not yet. Right now I have one show planned for November, and one in December. Thanks to everybody who has stuck with ringsidephotos.net, and I encourage you to keep checking the site for any updates. I am working on an idea for next year that I think some folks may like.
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…and their convenient cup holder!
Yes, since you are seeing this it means I am working on the pictures from NWA Anarchy on 19 September. Ringsidephots.net has moved into a new office (and new home) over the past couple of weeks, so the site has suffered a bit. I’m going through the pics now and hope to have the site updated by tonight or tomorrow. Thanks to everybody for your patience!
]]>Also, I’m in the middle of a move. After 13 years, I’m moving into a new house, and this takes quite a bit of time.
Keep checking the site!
]]>Afterwards I did a little over 100 photo ops with them and the original NWA World’s Title belt.
After this was the Jim Cornette Q&A at 10pm. There is a great clip on YouTube with just a sample of what we were treated to. Plus, you can see me sitting over to the side.
Friday was Horseman day! I started photo ops with them at noon. It was a great pleasure to be a witness to this reunion. These photos were a little more difficult to get as it was such a large group. Other Friday photo ops: Bugsy McGraw, Angelo Mosca Sr & Jr, Rock Riddle, Harley Race, Tommy Rich, Abdullah, Paul Jones, Sir Oliver Humperdink, Jim Cornette, Jimmy Hart, JJ Dillon. I took about an hour break and was back down for the Hall of Heroes banquet. Some emotional moments and great stories. It wrapped up about 11pm or so and I crashed.
Saturday started at 9am. Photo ops: Mark Lewin, Kevin Sullivan, Humperdink, Bugsy, Moscas, Chris Cruise, Rich Landrum, Abdullah, Dave Brown, Lance Russell, Bob Caudle, Jackie & Don Fargo, the Fantastics, Jimmy Hart, Judy Martin, Susan Green, Ole Anderson, Baby Doll, Rock Riddle and Paul Jones.
Closed at 6pm – rested until 7pm. First night matches started at 8pm (well, 8.30 ish). Steve Corino used me as a step to get in the ring during his match with Zac McDaniel (yes, it was actually the son of Wahoo), no worries though-we trust Steve. No sleep this night – my legs and back hurt so bad I could never get comfortable.
Sunday started at 7am – up for Bill Watts’ worship service at 8am. Got a few shots of him. Photo ops started at 9: Magnum TA, Danny Hodge (who looked as though he was having the time of his life), Bill Watts, Susan Green, Judy Martin, Paul Jones, Rock Riddle, Corino and Bill Alfonso. Matches started at 7pm – 5 matches and we were done.
I must be getting older or more out of shape, as this year I felt wiped out every night. Don’t get me wrong though, it was an enjoyable time. I consider myself still lucky that I get to do this. In some cases I got more face time with the guests than the fans did. Talks with Jimmy Hart, Bill Watts, Susan Green, Steve Corino, Baby Doll and others make each of these F.F.s unique times for me.
Great to see familiar faces at the event; Joe, Travis, Indy Ron, the Mid-Atlantic Mafia, Mark, Emily, Patsy, Vickie etc etc – I don’t get a lot of time to talk with everyone but it’s quickly becoming like members of a family. This is our big family reunion every year.
Thanks to Chris & Heather in the photo room – your new system worked quite well I think – Kudos!
A big thank you to Greg Price, for once again letting me be a part of a historic event. To my roommates: Shut up, I’m trying to go to sleep…and Micah, next time no nude sleeping.
Go ahead and mark your calendars now! Fanfest 2010 will be August 5-8, tickets go on sale 1 September at www.NWALegends.com
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http://mid-atlanticgrapplingreats.blogspot.com/2009/08/few-fanfest-fotos-ill-cherish.html
I’m getting settled back in from the 4 day weekend at the FanFest, be back soon with a review…
]]>On Sunday, we’re shooting at a new promotion: Wrestlers Alliance Revolution at McCormick Field in Asheville, NC. Should be fun.
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