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- 09/17/2007 (5:41:17 pm)
- Georgiann Makropoulos
Page 7 has been added..
Hello Gerogie! I hope all is well. I really am enjoying reading other wrestling fans experiences with meeting wrestlers. I was hoping to share some of my own.
The first wrestler I ever met was the Disco Inferno at a water park for an autograph signing in 1996. He was as cool as a cucumber, and enjoyed everyone coming by.
Big Bossman - God Bless Him. He is very missed. I met him when he was still in WCW. He was doing a signing at the MCI Center's open house day, where people can come by and check out the place when it first opened back in 1997. He was great. He signed autograph took pictures, gave you a handshake and a smile, and made everyone feel good. He even gave an autograph to my mom! Wildcat Willy was there too, and got a picture, which is cool too.
Big Show and Hardcore Holly - I met these two at an autograph session, and looking back I'm sure they were having a bad day, because they didn't shake anyone's hand, weren't interested and just looked like they didn't want to be there.
Shawn Michaels - Shawn and Roddy Piper are my favorite wrestlers of all time. I've met Shawn twice, and both times he was a blast to meet.I met him in Baltimore in 2003, and he had a smile on his face and open to anything! I brought with me the old biker hat WWE(F) sold at events and had him sign it. When it came for a picture I asked if he could wear it. He jokingly said "Just because you bring, doesn't mean I'll wear it!" as he laughed and put it on! I was so happy, and he really made it great and special. The second time was just as special, as he signed for everyone, and there was still time for more, so I hopped back in line for a few more! Call me selfish, but it was worth it!
Victoria - A true sweetheart. No one can say a bad thing about her, unless it's her character she potrays on tv. And even then, it's hard to after meeting her. I met her at the Washington Auto Show in 2004. There was a block of 4 Divas that day and she was on last for autographs, so my friend and I stayed the entire day. Victoria was the one I wanted the most. I'm a huuuuuge fan of hers, and when the opportunity arose to meet her I took it. She came out with that beautiful smile waving to everyone saying thanks for coming and immidatley signed everything for everyone. She let everyone get a picture with her as opposed standing across the table from her. I finally got to her, and I was nervous. I told her I was her biggest fan, and she smiled and said thank you. I had her sign a promo that I ordered for me, and she gave me one of her own. She even made it out "To Chad my number 1 fan!". I asked I get a photo with her, and she happily obliged. I asked very politley for another one and she agreed. She told my friend Andrew who had the camera to "wait a minute" and grabbed my arm and put it around her head as in a headlock. After that she gave a me a huge hug and said thank you very much. I stepped off the podium and everyone said they could hear my heart beating from a mile away.
Rowdy Roddy Piper - As I said previously, My favorite wrestler along with Shawn. My gosh, for someone who portrays such a villian, he is a true gentleman. He loves his fans, and goes to extreme lengths to make them feel welcome. My friend Ryan and I met him at Chillere Theatre 2004, and when we met him he gave us a big old "How ya doin?". I had sign a few things and got a few pictures with him. Beware-Once he starts talking, he won't stop! He was a true gentleman, and it was great to meet him. I hope to meet him again someday!
Chris Jericho - Hilarious and great to talk to. I told him I loved it whenever he would do his arragont "Come On Baby" pose, and he laughed. We talked about WCW for a bit, and took a photo. And we both did the "Come On Baby" pose. It was great.
Mick Foley - I don't give him enough credit. I met him at Chiller 2005, and it was torwards the end of the day and he was still signing. Earlier in the day I was smoking cigarette and he walked by and I screamed "Mick you rock!" And he turned and said "No You Do!" and gave me a thumbs up. Later during the day (this was when Chiller Theatre had those tents outside), I finally caught to get his autograph, and he did look tired. He wasn't very talkative, but he did get a picture with me.
Ron Simmons - Goodness, what a guy! I attended Monday Night Raw in March at the Verizon Center. I went to go get a hot dog and a beer, and who was walking around signing autographs and taking pictures in the hallway? RON SIMMONS!!! I mean, my gosh, I have never seen this happen before, and me being a mark, I jumped at the opportunity to get a picture and autograph. But, first he signed for some kids, which is way more important than signing for me I must say. I was standing next to him, and before he signed he looked at me and said "Hold my beer, son". I jokingly said, "can I drink some" and he gave me a big old "Hell No! with a smile on his face. He got a picture with me and I told him it was an honor to meet him, and it was! He seemed like he really wanted to just walk and talk to fans! He was great! If you can, meet him!!!
I certainly enjoy meeting wrestlers. I have many more stories, but I don't take up much more of anyone's time. I'm going to be going to the UWF Show on the 22nd to enjoy some wrestling, a good beer, and meet some more wrestlers! I hope to see you all there! Thank you for your time!
God Bless, Chad http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i63/Chad_E/HBK.jpg
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Hi Georgie,
Last August I had the privilege of meeting my life long hero.I was at a Hollywood Collectors Show in Orlando Florida and was able to spend 45 minutes with Bruno Sammartino.This has been one of my life long ambitions and finally I get to meet the greatest wrestler of all time.
As much as he was a gentleman in the ring,he is also one in real life.We spoke about past matches and memories from my childhood. I thanked him for standing up to Vince McMahon and the steroid issue way before all the bad publicity has hit the mainstream media. He also showed me a birthday invitation he received from Killer Kowalski. By far this was the greatest moment I have ever had regarding pro wrestling. Thank you Bruno for being who you are and standing up for your principals. Maybe my good friend Nancy Benoit would still be alive if McMahon would have listened to you.
Last August I had the privilege of meeting my life long hero.I was at a Hollywood Collectors Show in Orlando Florida and was able to spend 45 minutes with Bruno Sammartino.This has been one of my life long ambitions and finally I get to meet the greatest wrestler of all time.
As much as he was a gentleman in the ring,he is also one in real life.We spoke about past matches and memories from my childhood. I thanked him for standing up to Vince McMahon and the steroid issue way before all the bad publicity has hit the mainstream media. He also showed me a birthday invitation he received from Killer Kowalski. By far this was the greatest moment I have ever had regarding pro wrestling. Thank you Bruno for being who you are and standing up for your principals. Maybe my good friend Nancy Benoit would still be alive if McMahon would have listened to you.
From: Mark Meister of Debary,FL.
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Georgie,
I've been obtaining autographs from WWE performers
for over twenty years, and have had great experiences
from most. Here's my list....
The Good:
RIC FLAIR is awesome. Always very cordial, polite and talkative. In 2002, signed my NWA Title belt, taking a long time to look at it. "This is really cool, I've never signed one of these before."
In 2005, met him again in Omaha, Nebraska after RAW at the hotel.
I had brought along a photo of myself with him. He sat at the hotel bar watching baseball, I approached him, stopping to order a beer.
I looked over at him, extended my hand, and said "Mr. Flair, thanks for all the years of class and hard work. A lot of people appreciate you." He looked up, smiled and thanked me. "Thanks for the respect, Man!" We chatted for about 10 minutes about baseball and the old days. He signed my pic, AND bought my beer!
CLASS PERSONIFIED.
Hulk Hogan. Have met him several times. Always very polite and good to fans.
Nick Bockwinkle. Always very nice signing everything and chatting with fans.
Terry Funk. Great signer, great story teller never met a stranger.
Harley Race. Classy, nice and approachable.
Dusty Rhodes. Great talker! He and I got into a ten minute conversation at Wrestlereunion 2 --- Great guy!
Jimmy Hart always goes out of his way to be cool with the folks.
Jim Cornette. Approachable, nice and can tell road stories like none other!
Bruno Sammartino. A TRUE PROFESSIONAL, and great man.
Signed everything, and answered questions with a smile!
Randy Savage --- Cool Guy!
Greg Valentine --- signing machine, not much of a talker though!
Tito Santana --- good signer, very nice person.
Ivan Koloff, Nikita Koloff both great guys who just have a blast meeting fans.
Bret Hart --- never had a bad experience with him.
was always respectful. If his kids were around, he'd decline
autographs --- with an apology.
Owen Hart -- always signed with a smile.
Steve Austin -- signed a pic doing the stunner on Santa Clause!
"I remember that fat, piece of crap!" and laughed. He was always cool about signing.
Chris Masters --- drunk but signed! (Hotel Bar)
Carlito Colon --- uninterested but still smiled and signed (Hotel)
Booker T --- cool guy.
Bautista --- nothing bad to say.
Mr. Kennedy.... Couldn't be nicer. Signed my Wrestlemania Coffee Table book, looking at the other 140+ autographs on it.
When he got to the page signed by The Iron Sheik, he laughed
and READ it in an Iranian Accent!
John Cena --- very nice guy.
DDP --- The Best!
Not so good....
Randy Orton --- signed in 2002, since then smirks and ignores.
HHH --- never gotten more than a terse no.
JBL -- ignores.
Shawn Michaels --- Moody, complains but still signs a few.
X-Pac --- don't bother.
Kevin Nash -- Moody, catch him in the right mood.
Dean Malenko --- ignores, if he does sign he acts very put out.
Arn Anderson -- don't bother. Acts like the VIP he thinks he was.
Sabu --- Jerk-off.
From: sbuchanan44
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Hey Georgie,
I have yet to meet any wrestlers but I just want to throw my two cents into
it. I can understand being upset if they are rude to you at an autograph
signing because that's what they are there to do. In my opinion, there is no
reason to bug them if they are in a hotel or a store. I saw Scott Steiner in
The Ale House in Orlando after a TNA Taping & he walked right by me. I
could've easily jumped up & went & got a picture with him. But, I didn't
why? Because, he was in a restaurant getting food after a show & I know all
he had on his mind is probably getting back to the hotel to get some rest.
I'm not saying them being rude to people is okay but please just be
respectful. I don't know why you need to bother them in a store? I know you
want to meet them & that is fine but wait untill they have an autograph
signing near you. If they look your way give them a grin & wave & move on.
They are people to you know. You have those days where you get done at work
& you just want everyone to leave you the hell alone. Also, people need to
realize some superstars still be live in kayfabe & if they are a heel they
won't sign anything & won't take a picture. I think people need to stop
getting their panties in a wad over it.
I have yet to meet any wrestlers but I just want to throw my two cents into
it. I can understand being upset if they are rude to you at an autograph
signing because that's what they are there to do. In my opinion, there is no
reason to bug them if they are in a hotel or a store. I saw Scott Steiner in
The Ale House in Orlando after a TNA Taping & he walked right by me. I
could've easily jumped up & went & got a picture with him. But, I didn't
why? Because, he was in a restaurant getting food after a show & I know all
he had on his mind is probably getting back to the hotel to get some rest.
I'm not saying them being rude to people is okay but please just be
respectful. I don't know why you need to bother them in a store? I know you
want to meet them & that is fine but wait untill they have an autograph
signing near you. If they look your way give them a grin & wave & move on.
They are people to you know. You have those days where you get done at work
& you just want everyone to leave you the hell alone. Also, people need to
realize some superstars still be live in kayfabe & if they are a heel they
won't sign anything & won't take a picture. I think people need to stop
getting their panties in a wad over it.
From: tnafannation
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I just read your notes on MSG and driving.. did much the same here in Boston back in the 80's 90's...can't even hardly stand to watch what it has become these last 10 years or so...on a side note..what ever happened to John Arrezi..
From: Barry
Barry, John Arezzi has moved to Memphis, TN where he is doing radio.
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I have been going to hotels and appearances for 10 years and I want to put my point across
HULK HOGAN- Absolutely brilliant signs autos and poses for many pictures and always willing to say thank you..
ULTIMATE WARRIOR- Takes time to thank you for appearing at his signing doesn't just rush you past
RIC FLAIR- What can I say great guy always seems to be moody but its not true always takes photos with me in the UK even if he is with Tiffany
JOHN CENA- The best guy ever will talk to you sign anything take photos make jokes but wont eat any sweets you offer him (lol)
BRET HART- Truly a great guy, and I've noticed people are saying bad things if any wrestler is with there family, you should respect that say hi and just wander off.
THE ROCK- Great guy always stops even if he is busy he will try to make a effort..
HHH. Has always stopped for me in the UK I have like 100 pictures with the guy always busy tho but makes effort...
From: JOSIPHEDES
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Hey, I read those stories people wrote regarding meeting wrestlers, for autograph signings and stuff, so I decided to share my story with meeting Mick Foley
Years ago, family friends of ours had a sports collectable store and they had Mick Foley there. It was the December of 98 about a week before the Rock Bottom PPV. They knew I was a BIG BIG Foley fan so they invited me to be there all day. I got there at around 930 and hung out and talked about wrestling before Mick came and when one of the guys said "Hey guys, Mick is here!" I lit up like Christmas was here, now I expected him to pull up in a big long limo but Mick comes in a little yellow pos lol. Honest to god nicest person I ever met with my life he so courteous, talked to the fans signed anything they had talked wrestling with them. Now, what separates this story from all the others was I need up having dinner with Mick that night, we all talked about life, the business, and other subjects I got up the nerve to ask him about the first wrestling question I had on my mind and it just happen to be if the Undertaker and Kane were brothers. I know now that was the dumbest question I could think of but he answered by saying "No they are half brothers."
So that's the story of how I met one of my Wrestling heroes and I guess i can call this story "My Breakfast with Blassie."
From: X BRoc3000X
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Hello Georgie,
I been reading and reading and think this is wonderful. I too have my fare share of stories. The first wrestler I ever meet was Bobby Fulton and Tony Falk way back in the late 70's or early 80's I can't recall well. Both were real nice, I met them in the football stadium in my hometown of Hidalgo Texas way before "The Fantastics" days. I still have the paper they autographed. Maybe 10 years ago I met Hacksaw Jim Duggen, he was phenomenal, he took pics and was just a great guy. He is my favorite of all the wrestlers I met. Actually I met him twice, and the 2nd time he was also a charm. I met Chris Kanyon, a great guy. I met him at the first Raw house show ever in my home town. To make a long story short, here is my take on wrestlers signing autographs.
Hacksaw Jim Duggen...The best of all,
Tito Santana.....also very great, he let me take a picture with his title belt and signed my action figure.
Chris Kanyon.....very, very cool...
Howard Finkle...an absolute gentleman.
Mick Foley....Very cool, he joked around with everybody.
Disco Inferno...took pictures. Nice guy.
Raven.... took pictures. Nice guy.
Honky Tonk Man....he charges...but at least he takes pictures.
China (Joannie Lawler)...She was great..she signed my belt, actually she worte a story.L.O.L. Very classy.
I spoke with her for about fifteen minutes.
Rey Mysterio....Fantastic guy...took time with the fans...maybe and hour signing.
Chavo Guererro Jr....also took time (1 hour or so.)
Eddie Guerrero......Heaven loves angels, he was just that.
Chavo Guererro Sr....talked to him and took pictures, a childhood dream come true. He signed my custom made "hardcore" belt a true Gentleman...(todo un señor).
The Sandman....Actually took more that an hour to sign for everyone..took pictures and joked around.
Ashley......met her at the same event...took time with fans..beutiful.
Paul London ...met him at the same event....he along with Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Ashley, and Brain Kendrick took over an hour signing for fans....
Tommy Dreamer...what can I say..
Brian Kendrick....again...what can I say.
Blue Demon...classy guy.
I hope I didn't miss anyone...these wrestlers were great...and now the black list.
Blue Panter...a bit rude.
Lex Luger...a total @ss^ole. very rude..very dumb and very wasted.
Mil Mascaras...He along with Chavo Classic were my childhood heroes...He did give me a peace sign from the ring..
but he does not take pictures..maybe he was tired..I hope to meet him again.
HHH,Cris Benoit, Bob Holly, RVD...I can name a lot...these guys ignore the fans.
The wrestler I would love to meet is Bret Hart....I am his greatest fan...ever....
Thank you, Fred "The Hitman" Almanzar of Hidalgo, TX
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Hi, I live in Louisville, Ky. I have a few encounters with a few wrestlers I want to share. I had the pleasure of meeting and driving Sherri Martel to her matches that night. It was in 1997, and my mom worked at the holiday inn lounge at the time. Sherri Martel walked in and kept to herself. I approached her and she couldn't have been nicer. She needed a ride to the matches that night and my mom told her I would take her. I not only took her that night, but had a drink in the bar after the show. she was one of the nicest people I have ever met. debbie combs was there also. she was nice, too. i also drove the pit bulls to the show several times. Anthony and gary were great. they told me about the ecw locker room. after the show, I went to a strip club with them. they were both awesome guys! they even bought me a lap dance. Too bad sherri and anthony are gone. R.I.P. i also met jazz while waiting to use the restroom at an OVW show back in 2002. She told me to go ahead of her. she was very nice also. my most recent was Elijah Burke in toys'r us. he was by himself and i didn't know if i should bother him or not. he was leaving the same time i was and i told him good luck in ecw. he shook my hand and said thanks, man. he was quiet, but very humble. sorry i don't have a lot of experiences, but i am glad to have met all these great performers.
later, Cory.
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I would like to add something about Sabu. Sabu was brought up old school by his Uncle (The Original Sheik) He always believed in kayfabe, and tried to keep his character in the public. As most of you know, he would hardly ever speak, only looking to the Gods, never did interviews, always had a mouth piece speak for him, like Fonzie, etc. He has a heart of gold, but many found him rude because he is basically shy and playing his character in and out of the ring.
Some wrestlers can have a bad day, but they shouldn't take it out on their fans...
Georgie [email protected]
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