I’ll never forget the first time I walked into Bud Carson’s Pro-Wrestling World in Allentown, PA.  I was instantly hooked.  This was at some point in the Spring/Summer of 2002 and the reason I was there was because Brian Christopher was making an appearance.  While Brian wasn’t the first wrestler I had ever met, it was the first time meeting a wrestler in a formal setting.  I had no idea that this event would yield one of my greatest friendships, and open the door for many others.

For anyone who has never set foot inside PWW, there is no logical way to describe it.  If you are a wrestling fan, it’s Heaven.  If you’re not a fan, you most likely will be before you leave.  PWW is unique, to say the least.  It is a simple storefront on west Linden Street in Allentown.  As a matter of fact, it’s pretty much the only notable business in the immediate area.  It is, quite simply, a specialty store which caters to a precise demographic-die hard wrestling fans.

Bud’s store has left an indelible mark on the lives of many wrestling fans.  For very few, it is a “usual” place of business.  For most, however, it is a place of worship.  The religion known as professional wrestling does have its true believers.  As with most hobbies, perhaps it’s more reminiscent of a cult.  Bud’s store was a sanctuary for many of us.  A place where we could gather (usually once a month) and share the memories that are the stitches which bind us together.

Bud would normally host at least one autograph signing per month-sometimes more.  In a world where greed is the norm, and price-gauging is standard business practice, Bud refused to conform.  He offered his loyal customers an affordable, family-friendly event, complete with good times and refreshments.  For no more than you would spend at your local casual dining restaurant, you were treated to an autograph, a picture with, and an opportunity to share a special moment with one of your childhood heroes-or villains for that matter.

In almost seven years, I have been honored to meet Ox Baker, King Kong Bundy, Brian Christopher, Demolition, Bobby Eaton, Billy Graham, Billy Gunn, Honky Tonk Man, The Iron Sheik, Cowboy Bob Orton, Ivan Putski, Harley Race, David Sammartino, Samoa Joe, Samu, Tito Santana, George Steele, Chief Jay Strongbow, Kevin Sullivan, Tammy “Sunny” Sytch, Greg Valentine, and KoKo B. Ware.

Bud was also gracious enough to allow such promoters as Legends of the Ring, K&S WrestleFest, Afa “The Wild Samoan,” Wrestling Reunion, and most recently, WrestlingMarx Promotions to bring in guests.  With Bud’s willingness to host these events, fans were afforded the opportunity to meet the likes of Skandar Akbar, Paul Bearer, Batista, Gary Hart, Bill Irwin, Kamala, Paul Orndorff, Melina, and Luke Williams.

There was also one event when myself, Terence (LOTR), Ray D., and Bud teamed together to bring The One Man Gang to Allentown.  This is a memory that I will cherish forever!  What a weekend that was.

I will greatly miss walking into Bud’s HOURS before the scheduled appearances, only to sit down and kick up my feet with Ray and Taylor D., Terence, Ed, Jeff, Dale, Chad, Bud, and many others I’m regrettably forgetting.

It is because of Bud that I met Terence, the promoter of Legends of the Ring.  Without Bud, I don’t know that I would have the great group of brothers I have now.  Because of Bud, I am truly blessed.

What many people may not know is that Bud is a wonderful, honest, good-hearted Christian gentleman.  Can you believe-an HONEST businessman?  Add to that, the fact that he’s in the WRESTLING business and you have a truly rare treasure.  Bud, in his ever-so-humble way, will tell you that his crowning achievement is any time he was able to provide a fan the opportunity to meet one of their heroes.  If that’s the case, Bud’s crown must be chocked full of jewels!

Bud has been, and always will be a dear friend-one of my best.  While I became his friend because of his store, I will remain his friend because of Bud.  This weekend marks the final chapter in the Pro-Wrestling World novel.  I want to invite you to Carson’s Pro-Wrestling World one last time.  Shake hands with the man that started it all.  I’m sure there may be tears, but above all else, we’re going to send Bud off in style-the same way he entered.  It will also be an honor to have “The Franchise” Shane Douglas give the final curtain call and be the last celebrity to grace PWW.

Long after the last autograph has been signed, the final picture snapped, and the last piece of memorabilia purchased, Carson’s Pro-Wrestling World’s doors will still be open in the hearts and souls of the PWW family.  TRUE legends NEVER die.  On behalf of every fan who ever darkened the doorstep of PWW, we say thank you and God bless you, Thomas “Bud” Carson.  You may now take your bow!

Dan Michaels

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I met Bud many years ago, we really hit it off.  He is a very kind man, who really cared about wrestling and the wrestlers.  But with the decline in the wrestling business, Bud has been forced to close his wrestling store, which is very sad.

Bud also wanted to preserve the history of wrestling, by finding and selling items of the past, much to the happiness of his customers.

Bud Carson and his store will be missed.  The fans loved his monthly autograph signings, with the friendly atmosphere.

Bud, I also want to say "thank you" for your friendship and your support of my Wrestling Chatterbox snail mail Newsletter.

The best to you in the future.  Your store will be missed.

Georgiann Makropoulos

GMakpoulos@aol.com