SIGNAMANIA/TURNBUCKLE REPORT WITH PHOTOS
- 09/28/2008 (1:16:18 pm)
- Georgiann Makropoulos
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The streak of awesome northeast conventions continues:I attended both Signamania and Jason Blaustein's Turnbuckle show yesterday. Since my wife is due to give birth within the next week or so, I wasn't sure I would be attending either show. However, the baby generously held off for a little longer and I was able to make it, tremendously enjoying both shows. Below is my review:
This was my second Signamania show and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the last one. I liked the location a lot, and the main room had the air conditioning working very nicely, which made the day so comfortable. There is nothing worse than attending a show where it is hot, crowded, etc.- it makes such a difference when the room has good, cool air circulating. I believe all the talent appeared, which was awesome considering the really bad weather. The guests were really friendly and truly looked happy to be there. In particular, Sgt. Slaughter is always awesome and I got a great cobra clutch picture with him. Larry Zybszko was very talkative about his book and feud with Bruno, and I got a great photo opp of him and Bruno. And Roddy Piper was awesome- when I got to him, a staff member put some items in front of him to sign and Piper said "I sign for all the fans first, then the staff". Its just nice to see wrestlers who really care about the fans and that is their first priority. It was also great to see Harley as I had a lot of items to be signed by him (and Roddy).
I did not personally meet Flair at this show, since I met him at Greg Price's show in August and will also be meeting him at Legends of the Ring next month. But it seemed to go very smoothly for those that met him. Another awesome guest for the show.
I am someone who loved the late 70's/early 80s of wrestling: to me, the best days of wrestling. Any show that brings in Bruno, Harley, Hansen, Piper, Zybszko, Sarge, the Samoans, (and Flair)- that's an awesome show to me.
George and Marc run a great show, very organized and things generally flow nicely. They had some issues to deal with, which I did not witness personally, but they seemed to rise to the occasions and set everything straight immediately. Chavo apparently had to leave early and they were very quick to set up a separate area for him, to ensure that fans got everything taken care of. They also had an extensive selection of 8x10s to get signed. I had a low number VIP, which always makes the day move smoother. Plus George and Marc are completely accessible if any issues arise. One such issue did arise for me, and Marc immediately took care of it for me. I have no complaints about this show- I got everything I needed signed, and got some really great photo opps.
The vendors were also great at this show. I had concerns about there being too many vendors and wondering if any of them would do well enough that they would return with different talent for future shows. They seemed to do well, especially 3B/ Dan the Mark. It was also great to see Iron Shiek again, and the Godwins with Ken from K&S (although no show is the same without Steve). It was nice meeting for the first time Stevie Richards, Jerry Lynn, Molly Holly, Rob Conway and the Bashams.
Awesome job by George and Mark- I have only positive things to say about Signamania shows- great guests, great day. Anyone who gets the chance to try one of these shows should definitely check it out.
On to the Turnbuckle Show and I have to give major props to Jason. I arrived at the show around 4:00ish and they were just about ready to start the show. There were probably about 50-60 people lined up at the start (and they were all non-Signamania guests, since I was one of the first people to arrive from Signamania). Later, there would be many more people arriving from Signamania (which ran a little longer than expected).
Since I was not sure I would be able to make it, I did not buy a VIP ticket. I instead took advantage of some of the very generous pre-order deals that Jason ran in the weeks leading up to the show. The room was set up like a U, with separate tables for talent. Each table had a Turnbuckle employee manning the table. I had no problems with any of the employees- you just showed your Paypal receipt for what you had pre-ordered and you were good. If you wanted to purchase an 8x10 (at the table), you did so. If you wanted to purchase an autograph or photo opp at the table, you simply did so. It was not complicated in the slightest- I bought many 8x10s at the tables, as well as a photo opp/autograph with some of the talent.
It was great the way the tables were scattered and you just went up to whatever table you wanted to meet the talent. This resulted in you rarely having to wait too long on any one line (like you would have if everyone was set up at one long table). Of course Goldberg, Lashley and Storm were exceptions to short lines but what would you expect with guests of that caliber? Jason had a 100% talent attendance rate, a remarkable accomplishment considering the weather and delayed flights.
All conventions have their small issues with organization. I didn't really have any problems with how Turnbuckle ran this show. And the main point is this: He brought in Goldberg, Storm and Lashley- three major guests that have not done northeast shows. Goldberg is a Hogan or Austin quality guest, and the prices charged for him were very very reasonable. Also appearing were Rocky Johnson (great to get the CS figure signed), Miss Kitty (has not done local shows), Jeff Jarrett, Midajah (another rare name), Heindereich, Orlando Jordan, Leticia Cline, Kristal, Tommy Rich (who I met at Jason's Mega Fest show, but still a tough name to get). Jimmy Snuka and the Steiners also appeared, some of the above were vendors, some were VIP guests. There were a few other Divas appearing as well.
Turnbuckle has done right by me in every show they have had. But I also think that for those that have had issues with them, they came a very far way in redeeming their name with this show. I give big time props for a job well done. No one should hesitate to try a Turnbuckle show, no matter what you have heard.
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From: NYC Mike
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