ANOTHER HULK HOGAN SHOW IN MEMPHIS REPORT
- 04/29/2007 (2:00:08 am)
- Georgiann Makropoulos
……
Georgie,
You were asking for feedback and a report from the Memphis show last night. I made the long 13-1/2 hour trip from Northern Virginia to Memphis and it was well worth it. We were told 2 hours in advance which doors would be opening for the meet and greet and I was about 15th in line. I had almost every Jakks Pacific Hulk Hogan figure released in stores with me. However, we were informed while my buddy stood in line for me that Hogan would not be taking pictures with anyone and you could only get one item signed from Hogan and all other guests. When 6:00 came around, instead of letting us in the one door they told us we would be going in, they split up the line. So, instead of me getting 15th in line, I ended up about 30th or so. We were not allowed on the floor until about 6:20 and when we got to the floor, they again split the line. This time I was in the right line to meet the guests, but Hulk was not out there yet. Lance Russell was the first guest and him and I reminisced about the Mid-South Colliseum. He would like to get back into the Mid-South to do a project for his website (www.lancerussell.com), but isn't quite sure they will allow him to enter the building. Ricky Morton was next. I've filmed him wrestling on shows before, so I didn't have much to say to him. "Superstar" Bill Dundee was very freindly and seemed to be happy to be there. I commented to him on how I liked the "Sir William" days and he laughed at that comment. "Dirty" Dutch Mantell cut his hair and his beard in order to "Pay his bills" and join the real world, so I almost missed him if it wasn't for another person in line. Jazz was great as usual. Reverend Slick wouldn't greet you unless he knew you, so he asked my name and then shook my hand. Always a pleasure to meet class acts like that. Barbarian was next, but I met him at the Magnum TA tribute show and other various shows, so I really didn't need to talk to him. Finally, Hogan came out to meet the fans. Contrary to the original idea, Hogan was signing one item, but was taking pictures with the fans. In fact, if you had more than one item, you probably could have gotten it signed. I had Hulk sign my Wrestlemania Ticket promotion figure and he said he had never seen it before. A security guy next to Hogan asked him what he thought of the figure and Hogan commented on how many figures "Vince" has out there of him and that "Vince" is making all the money off of them, not him (Hogan). Once through the line, we were asked to go to our seats, but then other guests were showing up like Brutus, Buff Bagwell, Greg Valentine, and Brian Christopher. All of whom signed what you wanted. Brutus signed my Classic Superstars single figure and my "Complete Book of Wrestling" Bible Book page. Great meet and greet, but I think it could have went better. If they had not split the lines, then I think it would have went smoother. However, Hogan did reach everyone in line, so it worked out well. Definitely worth the price of the ticket. The show rocked and definitely brought back memories of the 1980's and 1990's!
During the show, I noticed the screen saying August 27th, 2007, Clash of the Legends at the FedEx Forum. I am wondering if this was a typo or if another Clash of the Legends is scheduled with Hulk Hogan for that week? I don't think it would take place mid-week.
Thanks!
Paul McClemens
p.s. I will send pictures as soon as I get them processed onto CD tomorrow.
I was told that there will be another show in the fall. No date was told to me.
I was also told that one fan actually came to the show from Ireland, just to meet Hulk Hogan.
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