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WRESTLING REUNION
Where The Real Legends Come Out
By Brett Schwan
On Saturday, June 5, 2004 The "Wrestling Reunion" was held at the Holiday Inn in Carteret, NJ
Doors were scheduled to open at 9 am, and opened a little late, at 9:15.
The original "Clothesline Crew" made a rare appearance and reunion at the show as not only were Sidekick Ron and myself there (along with Frank) but Double K, who rarely leaves the house for anything more than work or beer, made his return! In addition, the other Kevin made an appearance. The only one missing was Brams who was helpinc celebrate his son Danny's Birthday!! Happy Birthday, Danny!
The layout for the convention was a little cramped as all the vendors and the autograph area were in the same room. This caused for a few minor problems with some vendors (like JAP) who had their tables pretty much blocked by the line for autographs all day. (JAP still drew quite a good number of fans for Mike Awesome's and Vader's autographs.)
Wrestling fans had the opportunity to purchase individual autograph or Polaroid tickets (which ranged in price from $10 - $15) or a "Golden Ticket" which gave them admission to the convention, a convention poster, admission to the wrestler Q and A, admission to Johnny Valiant's comedy show, AND a Polaroid and autographed photo of Ivan Putski, "The Killer Bees" Jumpin’ Jim Brunzell & B. Brian Blair, "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff, "The Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff, "The Olympic Strongman" Ken Patera, Stan "The Lariat" Hansen, and Ref Dick Woehrle.
The line for the autographs started forming immediately and, when all
the wrestlers arrived (at about 10:15) the line started moving... SLOWLY.
Unfortunately, the combination of the room layout, the number of fans,
and the wrestlers wanting to give each fan the opportunity to talk to
them for a little while, the line was very slow at first. After about
45 minutes it did seem to pick up speed. 
The first session included Ivan Putski (who is in as good of shape as
ever), Ken Patera (who looked like the offspring of Oliver Humperdink
and Gary Royal), and Ivan and Nikita Koloff. I had met the Ivan's before
but it was great seeing them both again. I had never met Ken Patera and
he was a gentleman and it was a pleasure. Nikita was one of the two main
reasons I came to this convention and he was awesome as he choked me out
for my Polaroid (taken with the Barbie Polaroid Camera). All four men
seemed happy to be there.
After getting the first round of photos and autographs, we made a lap
of the room and saw some of the great vendors like George Mayfield (who
held an amazing raffle for some awesome prizes.. none of which were won
by me), Big Andy, and even a table for "SSCW Carmine Sabia"
which made nearly everyone who walked by laugh as we all knew he wouldn't
be there.
The line for the second session began forming at about 11:30 (since it
was slated to start at 12 noon. It started a bit later mainly because
it seemed that once the wrestlers arrived, every dealer (mostly Eric Simms)
made their way to the tables and started getting their own stuff signed.
Note to the promoters: Let the dealers get their gimmicks signed AFTER
the paying fans get theirs. It's only fair as we all know what will become
of the items the dealers got signed.
Once
the dealers were out of the way, the line began moving. Destiny was know
taking tickets and punching Golden Tickets. This time it seemed to move
a bit faster. Dick Woehrle was up first and raised each fans hand for
their Polaroid with him. The Killer Bees have not changed one bit. B Brian
Blair was selling his book for $7.50 or 2 for $10. How can you beat that?
Stan Hansen looked great, complete with cowboy hat. Stan was selling
some rare Japanese figures as well as a bullwhip and cowboy hats. He didn't
seem to thrilled to be there at first but he later warmed up. I honestly
think he was in shock over the turnout of fans who, for the most part,
were there to see him.
Rick "The Model" Martel was next, signing and posing for pictures.
Lastly Lanny Poffo was on hand selling his book of poetry (which I actually
bought when it first came out over 10 years ago).
In addition to the above mentioned guests, Bobby Eaton was in attendance
(after a LONG car ride).
Once finished with the autographs, we made our way to some chairs in the
hallway where we seemed to suddenly have an impromptu "shoot"
and bullshit session which included myself, Frank, Sidekick Ron, Double
K, Kevin, Eric Shafer, Dani Dadamo and her friend (who is going to be
kind enough to drive to NC in November... hopefully), Ricky O, Shawn Sheridan,
Kathy Fitzpatrick, and a few more who's names I don't recall of hand or
whom I just completely forgot were even there (and that's simply because
I am old and senile).
The line started being allowed in for the Q and A session, so we made our way in. Johnny Valiant hosted the event and was pure genius on the mic. His timing was impeccable, for the most part. On occasion, after a fan would ask a question to one of the wrestlers, Johnny would go on a tirade and the wrestler would never get to answer, but otherwise it was great to see all the wrestlers seemingly having a good time. Stan Hansen informed us what he is doing today ("Signing Autographs") as well as what the deal was with him losing the AWA Title ("I never lost it, did I?"), Rick Martel is now in real estate, B Brian Blair is running for office in FL, Ivan Putski is into tropical plants, and Ken Patera is a salesman. They all spoke and thanked the fans for making them who they are today and they all received a great round of applause.
After the Q and A, many of the wrestlers chatted with the fans, signed autographs, and posed for pictures.
The
afternoon ended with Johnny Valiant doing some of his comedy routine,
which unfortunately was missed by many, as the show was running late.
Overall, with the exception of a little unorganization at the star, the show was a success. Keep in mind that this was their first show AND I have been to hundreds of shows like this that were MUCH worse. There was a great turnout of fans and a great lineup of wrestlers. I HOPE that in the future, if possible, the autograph area is put in a separate room from the dealers only to make it easier for everyone involved (dealers won't have tables blocked, fans won't have other fans constantly trying to cut in front of them, etc.) Also, by having it in a separate room, those in charge could allow 20 or so fans in at a time, allow them to get their autographs and photos, then when they are all done, allow the next 20 in. It would make it easier on the fans, the wrestlers, the Polaroid girls (NICE TOUCH!! Kudos to Mambo on that one!), and Mambo as he wouldn't have to worry about running up and down the line trying to keep it moving.
Thanks to all the Clothesline reader's who told us how much they enjoy the site and how much they are looking forward to our Independent Hall of Fame. I appreciate all of your support and kind words.
The next "mini" con will be held in the same location on July 10th and will feature an appearance by Don "The Rock" Muraco.
For further info, stay tuned to WrestlingClothesline.com or e-mail Thomas at wrestlereunion@aol.com or visit www.wrestlingreunion.com.
