In
a way it's not surprising that they are gone so early but in another
way it is. And it's heartbreaking. Many are gone in their 30's and
40's. Some even younger.
I
started viewing Mid South and Mid Atlantic Wrestling with my
Granddaddy Semones at age 5 when the territories were strong and
exciting. I always liked the story lines more than the actual
matches. The interviews and altercations were what made my eyes open
wide and pay close attention. I'll never forget the antics of
Managers like "Classy" Freddie Blassie, Bobby "the
Brain" Heenan, Paul Heyman, Captain Lou Albano, Joel Gertner and
Jim Cornette! Announcers like Jim Ross, Jerry "The King"
Lawler, Lance Russel Joey Styles and the one and only Gordon Solie!
And of course, the ring technicians and entertainers who made me jump
up and down on my sofa every Saturday. Roddy Piper, The Freebirds,
Buzz "Mad Dog" Sawyer, Terry Funk, Sting, Mick Foley (in
any persona) Rob Van Dam, Shane Douglas, The Road Warriors, Nikita
Koloff, Ricky Steamboat, Bret "The Hitman" Hart, Andre the
Giant, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, (okay... Hulk Hogan) "The
American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, Arn Anderson, the Four Horsemen
and their leader and greatest champion of all time... "The
Nature Boy" Ric Flair! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Plus many many more that
I haven't mentioned here.
I
don't watch wrestling anymore. The love faded away after WCW folded
and my friend Vance passed on. Vance was in his 30's too. But I still
have a deep respect for the men and women who perform in this
business. And every time I hear that one of them has passed, I think
back to the wonderful people I met and the great memories I have
because of them. - Michael
