SIGNAMANIA THOUGHTS & PHOTOS
- 04/27/2009 (8:42:20 pm)
- Georgiann Makropoulos
…….
Signamania Thoughts
This was a really great show. Not sure I have much that's new to add to the reports already posted (especially Woodmo and WeWantFlair's) but I will find a way to make some comments anyway.
The highlight of this show for me, without question, was being able to meet Dusty Rhodes for the first time. There were a few times the past few years I thought I would meet Dusty, however, the appearances fell through. Stories about past meets with the Dream were mixed- some people raved about meeting him, some people didn't have such nice things to say. At Signamania, Dusty was awesome. He was genuinely happy to be there- as you can see from his smile in the photo opp I have with him, his smile is genuine. I was a little worried that I would be rushed with Dusty, since I had literally 10 items for Dusty to sign. However, the Signamania staff did not pressure me at all, and Dusty took his time, signed each one of them as "American Dream, Dusty Rhodes, HOF 08", in big, really nice signatures. He also took some time to examine my items and took great care to ask where I wanted the autograph and in what color. Simply put, one of the most positive experiences I have ever had meeting a legend at a wrestling convention.
The second highlight was Bret Hart. Even having met Bret at least three times, I never seem to run out of items for him to sign. I had 6 items for Bret and just like Dusty, I was not rushed, Bret signed beautifully as "Bret Hitman Hart". Another great experience.
All of the other superticket guests were in great spirits, seemed happy to be there and most were interested in what they were signing, reading their WWE Encyclopedia entries. The highlights of the remaining lineup for me were the Dudleys (first time meets and Bubba Ray was perfectly friendly to me, plus what a cool touch to have photo opps with the tag team belts), New Age Outlaws (seemed to be really enjoying themselves, as were Norton and Bagwell) and Matt Borne. Trevor, Colin, Holly, Spike and the Express were all polite and friendly.
As per vendors, it was great to meet Bill Watts. He was friendly and happy to stand for photo opps. LOTR did a great job with Bart and Lacey, as did K&S, bringing in Cornette, Rock n Roll, Parsons and Brown. Iceman has been a big want of mine for a while now, I have always wondered why no one has brought him to Charlotte. Rock n Roll signed a poster project of mine, and Cornette signed his book, which I bought at the show. It looks awesome.
Other vendors included Franklin Square, through who I met Victoria (she was awesome), Demott (really nice guy, who also has a 6 month old son, so we compared our boys' progresses), and Simmons, for who I needed a few autographs. IVP Video's guys were in gimmick for photo opps, and that really added something to the photos- All of the guys were great, Lanny also suggested to me that perhaps I did not want to wear the graduation cap, considering all the other people who had worn it that day already; great advice, which I took. Snitsky was another great vendor guest (he is huge), as was Thorn (also in gimmick). I also enjoyed meeting the Gangstas for the first time, as well as obtaining a few needed Sunny autographs at a very good price. Props to Terence and James, Ken & Steve, Franklin Square, IVP, RF, Paley and Simms for their professionalism, cordiality and good choice of guests at the show.
But of course the biggest props of the day go to George and Marc- they continue to run amazing shows. Both are really good guys, they are completely accessible throughout the day- any issues arise, you can easily find either of them for assistance. The staff was generally very helpful and did not rush us along. And they seemed to run everything on time, like clockwork. At 9:30, the first batch of 1-60 were lined up for autographs, once you finished going through the line, it felt like they were already lining you up for photo opps. All of the scheduled guests appeared (which is rare); and they had a nice array of 8x10s that you could buy for all appearing superticket guests.
I can't really throw out any complaints- simply a stellar performance by George, Marc and their crew. Looking forward to seeing what they come up with for the next show.
NYC Mike
oldschoolwwwf
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