“I DIED AND WENT TO WRESTLING HEAVEN” YESTERDAY
- 05/07/2007 (12:03:14 pm)
- Vince Gagliardi
…..
If I was to write a title to my experience on Sunday, it would be "I died and went to wrestling heaven". To see Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior (and others) all under the same roof in one day is almost unthinkable.
Let me first start with the Hulkster. I was one who decided to spend $250 on just a posed photo op and not to do the lean-in on the autograph line. It was $250 well spent. Unfortunately the Hulkster showed up almost two hours late, which made me nervous about getting my photo-op with the Warrior (more on him later). I was number 6 on line for Hulk and while we were waiting, "Th eLiving Legend" Bruno Sammartino appeared from behind the curtains. Although I have met him on numerous occassions, it always great to see him and of course, he was great with teh crowd, waving, etc. When the time came for Hulk, and they called my number to go behind the curatin, it was almost a surreal experience. I have met so many wrestlers and this was the tops. The moment we went in, there was picture bulbs flashing left and right and I was surprised to see Jimmy Hart right by the entrance. Was I dreaming? Was that the Iron Sheik behind the camera yelling to us that our pose looked good? It was. My friend had on a "NWO" shirt and the first thing the Hulkster said was, "Yes! NWO in the house!" I was so awestruck I kept saying, "You're great..this is great!". Hulkster showed US how to pose for the picture and before we knew it, it was over. When I got the photo printed it was worth every penny! I was glad I didnt get the autograph or the lean in. Many of my friends had their autographs mistakenly smudged by the Hulkster for he was really movin for time constraints.
Next we bolt over to the Warrior (I never saw any altercation between the Sheik, etc.). They were finishing up the photo-ops so we got right in. I agree with EVERYONE! The Warrior was SOOOO friendly. He asked us our names, thanked us for coming, let us hold the belt. If I wasn't so flabbergasted, I had 1,000 questions for him!!
Intresting to note, I collected a couple of other WrestleMania autographs from some lesser players. No one yet has mentioned that William "The Frdge" Perry was there and I had him sign some Wrestlemania 2 stuff! Also, Vinny Pazienza was there. This 5x Boxing Champ was the ref. for the infamous Butterbean/Bart Gunn fight at WM 15. When I brought it up and had him sign some Wrestlemania stuff, he couldnt stop talking about that day's event! According to Paz, he warned Butterbean that Bart Gunn looked in pretty good shape and might be tough . Butterbean assured him he would be ok. Paz said as soon a sthe fight started, he knew Gunn was in deep trouble. He also felt bad he let the fight continue after the first knockdown. Good stuff!
This was an amazing day! I hope to email you some pics soon!
Vince Gagliardi
Garwood, NJ
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