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On March 19, 2005 Legends of The Ring II was held at the Ramada Inn Hotel and Conference Center in East Brunswick, NJ.
The event started at 9am with the first autograph session
(for "superticket holders" scheduled to begin at 10am.
Supertickets were available through the events website. If purchased prior
to March 1, they cost $99. The "superticket" entitled the holder
to a Polaroid and autograph from Sabu, The Missing Link, Marty Jannetty,
Jim Neidhart, Kamala, Koko B Ware, Gail Kim, One Man Gang (an 8 x 10 of
Akeem AND One Man Gang) and a "mystery guest" (as it was announced
on the website a month before the show that Barry Darsow would be unable
to make it. Hopefully, they will be able to book him for a future event.).
In addition, "superticket" holders would be able to attend a
Q & A session. At the door, "supertickets" cost $125. Either
way, a great deal for the amount of things you received in return.
Upon arrival, those who pre purchased a "superticket" were given a $15 voucher to get any autograph or polaroid of their choice due to Gail Kim having "travel problems" and not being able to make it to the show. Credit where it's due, that was a great move by the promoter as it IMMEDIATELY relieved any tension that her non appearance may have brought to anyone.
Shortly after 10 am the "Superticket" holders were allowed to enter the autograph room. "Supertickets" were numbered which made the line move smoothly and made it much easier for the "superticket" holders as they didn't have to wait on line all day. Instead, as soon as a session was about to start you could just find your spot on line and make your way through. I wish all promoters who use the "superticket" idea would consider using this number system as it allows the ticket holder so much more time to browse the dealer rooms, etc. Without the number system, many would have to immediately return to the line to prepare for the next autograph session (which would tak away from their opportunity to frequent vendors and spend money that, in turn, would encourage the vendors to return to future shows).
The first block of signing included One Man Gang, Koko B. Ware, Jim Neidhart, and Tito Santana (who was the surprise guest). In addition to these guests were Chris Candio and Tammy Sytch as well as King Kong Bundy (all of whom were available for autographs and pictures for an additional fee.)
The signing room had tables set up in a U shape. Fans would walk behind the table, sit next to (or squat down near) the wrestler to get their photo taken and then get their items or 8 x 10's signed. At first I thought this was very odd to have the fans walking around the back of everyone BUT after watching it in action it was an excellent set up as it eliminated the added time it would take for the fan to get their items signed then run behind the table for a picture then run back to the front to continue on. My only complaint with the set up was the positioning of some of the Polaroid cameras. Some of them were a little too far away from the actual wresters so the pictures came out making everyone look very small. (Also, one Polaroid camera for each wrestler may have kept the lines moving a little faster instead of having some wrestlers share a camera). Either way, we were through the entire line by 10:35.
All
of the wrestlers seemed very happy to be there. One Man Gang seemed a
little shell shocked as this was his first convention appearance (at least
that I know of). I think he was surprised that anyone even wanted to meet
him. Koko was a pleasure to meet. Jim Neidhart is still the same character
he has always been and Tito Santana is still the consumate professional.
We now had plenty of time to browse the vendors room (which
had vendors from Evan Ginsberg and Wrestling Then and Now, to Soul Asylum
Wrestling to George Mayfield). Also in the vendors room was Balls Mahoney
and Road Warrior Animal. Just to re-emphasize, if we had NOT had numbered
tickets, we would have had to get back on line and get ready for the Q
and A OR for the second autograph block OR we would have been stuck at
the end of those lines. Instead, we had the ability to browse and shop
around as well as relax with no added stress or pressure worrying about
our next step.
At 12:15 the Q and A was held. This event was for "Superticket"
holders only and featured One Man Gang, Tito Santana, Jake the Snake Roberts,
Koko B Ware, Dewey Robertson, Marty Jannetty, and Kamala. The wrestlers
shared many great stories and anecdotes. The Q and A was off to a good
start but was disrupted by someone who will remain nameless when he escorted
in some of the wrestlers late and felt that he was part of the show, totally
ignoring the fact that people like OMG or Dewey Robertson was speaking.
It was cool to see Dewey do the Q and A out of gimmick since, in the world
of wrestling, the Missing Link never spoke. Kamala sang a song off his
new album for us. Jake, Koko, and Marty shared some great road stories
(as well as snake stories). Jim Neidhart arrived late but did stick around
after the Q and A to field some questions from the fans, including the
question on everyone's mind regarding "Who".
The second autograph block started a little after 2pm. Terrence, the promoter, made sure that all the "Superticket" holders got their rightful spot in line, according to number. This session included Jake the Snake Roberts, The Missing Link (in complete gimmick from head to toe, with steel chair, and not speaking a word!), Kamala (in face paint but forgetting that he didn't speak LOL), Sabu, and Marty Janetty. Link was awesome as he NEVER broke character NO MATTER WHAT. Kamala is a very nice guy. Sabu informed me that he would be at the Philadelphia Extreme Reunion Show. Marty Jannetty stated that he would hopefully be back in the WWE on a more regular basis.
Before heading out, I took a few minutes to talk to Bobby
Reidel and Johnny Ova who have been very good to me and this site over
the past few years. I also had a chance to catch up with and talk to Chris
and Tammy who I have known for years, and if you think about it were the
reason I got into all this website stuff in the first place. (Tammy and
I figured it out and it was 1993 that we first met. God are we old! Well,
at least I am). 
Overall, a very enjoyable day giving me the opportunity to meet some of
the characters I enjoyed most from the 80's and 90's. The convention was
very well organized with vendors in one room, that autograph sessions
in a separate room, and the Q and A in a third room. The numbering of
"supertickets" was a great idea as was the $15 credit for the
Gail Kim travel problems. Tito was a great added mystery guest as well.
A few suggestions on a couple of things the crew and I noticed. The main
table at the entrance was blocked for a good portion of the day by the
autograph line. This allowed a lot of people to come in go as they pleased,
even without purchasing a ticket to the event. Also, the exit door from
the autograph room was easily accessible by anyone. Anyone who wanted
to could wander in without a glimpse. Maybe having someone stand at the
door, only allowing people to exit it (or Superticket holders to come
in it) would prevent some confusion. Lastly, move the Polaroids a little
closer to the actual fans and wrestlers and get one per wrestler instead
of sharing. It would speed up the line a little bit. (not that the lines
didn't move smoothly as it was).
Overall, a great day. I heard no complaints by anyone. Even the wrestlers in attendance seemed to have a great time. I look forward to Legends of the Ring III. (and if you need some ideas for guests to bring in, just let me know as I have a list of guys I'm dying to see!! LOL) Kudos to Terrence (and whomever helped him) in putting on a well organized and enjoyable show for all!
