WRESTLEFEST 2009 – NEWARK, CA. REPORT
- 05/10/2009 (3:33:46 pm)
- Georgiann Makropoulos
and PHOTOS……
Yesterday we headed to Newark, CA for Wrestlefest 2009. It really was a great event and Kirk White, who put it on did a fantastic job. Especially since he was hit with the cancellations of Rob Van Dam and Marty Janetty at the last minute. Kirk made sure everyone went home happy by moving Val Venis and Jim Neidhart from Vendor guests to Super Ticket Guests to cover the absences.
The staff was friendly and things were run smoothly. I especially loved how this year the Super Tickets were numbered and they'd just let in 25 people at a time by number. It made things easy and you knew when you'd be getting in so there really was no need to wait in line.
The wrestlers were all in fantastic spirits and everyone was super friendly!
Bill Apter - Super nice guy. Had him sign his Legends of Wrestling card from Filsinger Games - www.Filsingergames.com - He's the kind of guy who a minute after you meet him you feel like you're best friends.
Vader - Very nice. Had him sign my San Fancisco Toymakers figure of him.
Val Venis - Hilarious and great with all the fans
Justin Credible - Loved seeing his Legends of Wrestling Card from Filsinger Games for the first time and thought it was totally cool I'd brought it to get singed.
Fonzie - He was great to meet and very nice (and blew his whistle sparingly.
Spike Dudley - Quiet, but very nice.
Pat Patterson - Didn't talk to him much at all but was having a fun time. Had him sign my classic IC belt
Bret Hart - Was great. He loved seeing my MOC LJN figure of him and remarked that even he didn't have one in the package. I joked, "Well you can't have mine." Also had him sign my Classic IC Belt. He seemed to be in even better spirits than he was at last year's event (not that he was in a bad mood last year at all, just seemed happier this year).
Jim Neidhart - Joked with everyone. Great guy.
Kamala - HUGE guy, had no idea he was that big (tall). He did a great bit when Apter introduced him about how he would say hi to the fans if he spoke english, but he doesn't speek english, so he can't. Had him sign my LJN MOC figure of him.
Scotty 2 Hotty - Super nice. Happy to be there.
I also talked to L'Empereur from BTWrestling. This guy has a fantastic gimmick and he (and the rest of the BTWrestling guys) really put on good 'classic' family friendly wrestling events. We talked a bit about 'classic' wrestling and I thanked him for keeping the tradition of the wrestling we grew up on alive. You could also tell he had a great respect for the past and he was thrilled to work with Pat Patterson at the show. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay for the show but I'm sure if it was anything like last year's it was great.
I didn't go for any of the Vendor Guests, but they all seemed to be having a great time as well.
The show was great. I don't think you'd have any complaints from anyone. If I had to give one critique, it'd be that I think that the show may have outgrown the Newark Pavilion! :) It was way more crowded than last year and I wouldn't be surprised if next year's event was in a bigger place. Also there were a couple 'unique' fans at the show who could get on people's nerves a bit, but they were ALL treated the same, with respect, and everyone had a great time! At future shows it's be cool to see a little bit of a mix up of the talent too.
I can't wait for the next WrestleFest as I'll be first in line to get a superticket!
Congrats to Kirk White for aa great show.
Thanks!
Grant Baciocco
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