Charlotte, NC

Okay … if you get stuck uptown today, don’t say I didn’t warn you!  Y’see, a load of fans are expected uptown at The Square (Trade and Tryon Streets, for you newbies) for a pep rally.  It’ll be from 11 AM to 6:30 PM, but the roads are gonna be closed from 7 AM to 10 PM!

Now, what it’s all about is the big football game comin’ up between our Tarheels and WVU.  It starts at 1 P.M on Saturday at the Bank of America Stadium (I know people from both sides of the tracks, so don’t go askin’ questions … well, at least not until UNC-CH tromps ‘em good!). Oh … and it’s called the Meineke Car Care Bowl.

(awww, okay … I’ll answer one: I was up in the area a coupla weeks back for a wrestling show, and heard ‘em talkin’ about this game.  They said they were gonna beat our (heh-heh!) ‘redneck butts’!  Man, talk about the pot callin’ the kettle black!)
There are a lot of alternate routes to take on Friday, but remember:  They’re gonna be flockin’ in from every part of the Queen City, so get an early start on your drivin’ to avoid the heavier traffic!

By now you oughtta know that, when that pic goes up, I’ve gone to do some more in-ring jawjackin’ for the OCW in Kentucky.
And, all told, it was a great night — excitement, punches, grunts and groans (and that was just when my car cut off on me as I was comin’ off 77 to I-64!). The show, though, was fantastic (I worked as the Relic this time … and as a heel [bad guy] announcer!).

But, after the show ended — back in the dressing room with the wrestlers (and, listen — we’ve got a great crop of ‘em comin’ into the mainstream now! Family-oriented, tired of the crap fed to fans by the WWE, they’re in it for the same reasons as the George Beckers and Johnny Weavers, Great Bolos and Haystacks Calhouns of the past), a couple of ‘em took me aside and started askin’ about our wrestling — the great Mid-Atlantic era, when Jim Crockett, Sr. was at the helm and Big Bill Ward was behind the mic!

Talk about memories floodin’ back: The Kentuckians (Tiny Anderson & Big Boy Brown) with Tiny blowin’ his antler-horn to boost his partner; the “saves” by the Scott Brothers (George and Sany); Blackjack Mulligan breakin’ Tim Woods’ (Mr. Wrestling’s) hand during a ringside interview; Boris Malenko havin’ his false teeth knocked out by a Wahoo McDaniel chop — after which an angry Chief stomped on ‘em!

As we talked, I felt a sense of pride that, in wrestling as in business, our city has made an impact! Some of these guys were from New York, others from LA, Canada — even from a foreign land! But they all seemed to get off on hearing about our great wrestling org … as Bob Caudle used to call it, “the major league of professional wrestling” … and the grandaddy of ‘em all … MID-ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING!

Man, I said I wasn’t gonna do it again, but …

Yep … headin’ back to hill country to do some damage … er, work … with Ohio Championship Wrestling.
But, this time, it’s gonna be just a leeeeeetle different.
I’m goin’ into the event in-character. Right: The Rock Relic is gonna be workin’ the crowd this time.

Y’know, I’ve heard a lotta readers who (when I wrote earlier posts about my travels to Kentucky) really read me the riot act about the “silliness” of this so-called “sport”.
But, to those and any other nay-sayer of the shows, let me point out a coupla-three things, okay?

• First, professional wrestling is a physical contest; it’s just wrapped in an “entertainment” format. Whether the matches are “scripted” or not is actually a moot point; the fact is that they do work, sweat and strain to make it all look as real — and give the fans their money’s worth. It’s very physical.



• And there’s not much difference between a good “family-friendly” wrestling card (where there’s no obscene or offensive junk) and the rock concerts of the Sixties! If you want proof of that, just visit The Rock Relic’s post on rock and wrestling.
• But you’ve also gotta look at the fact that, honestly, pro wrestling mirrors reality! Uh-huh … because, y’see, we’re all wantin’ to put on the best show possible to please our particular “crowd” (remember “gets along well with others” on yer report card??). For some, it means taking on a different (though staged) personality (wait. You mean you’ve been watchin’ the political race and haven’t caught on to that??? lol).
  The only difference is that, in reality, life is the ring, and our opponents are whatever we’re up against on a daily basis. The hard part is that we don’t have the option of going to a room and working out who’s gonna win or lose! And our “matches” are genuine!

Still, it’s gonna be a fun gig. I know many of the wrestlers on the card (including a fantastic young superstar [and former high school English teacher!], Mason Raige [see pic at top]) … and a few of the fans.
Besides, I need a break …

It was enough to make a grown man cry, I tell ya …
Earlier today, the legendary “Nature Boy” himself, Ric Flair, received the “key to the city” of Columbia, S. C. by its mayor, Bob Coble. Flair — whose real name is Richard Flehr — is best known as the flamboyant wrestler who, bedecked in his sequined royal-blue robe, comes out to the wrestling arenas to the theme of Also Spracht Zarathustra (the 2001: A Space Odyssey theme) and his trademark “WHOOOO!”.
But, this time, he was crying.
He’s due to go up against Shawn Michaels in a match during this Sunday’s Wrestlemania, the annual pay-per-view by World Wrestling Entertainment — and, according to the “stipulation” attached, Flair will retire from the sport permanently, should he lose.

I initially met Ric back during the Mid-Atlantic days, when he burst onto the scene after a stint in the old American Wrestling Association. While cocky and arrogant in the ring, he was like a sponge whenever the cameras weren’t on him, watching greats like Johnny Weaver, legends like Rip Hawk and Swede Hanson and others, studying the cameras, listening intently to advice from the back offices (Crocketts, Scotts and others), and more.
While he seemed to be a playboyish “jet-setter” on-screen, he was always anxious to help out with the March of Dimes Telethons, talk with his fans and enjoy simple pleasures.
Today, while still involved with the Stamford, Connecticut-based WWE, he also has a thriving mortgage loan business here in the Queen City. As astute a businessman as he is a wrestler, Flair deserves the accolades from every wrestling fan and city in America and across the globe.

And we’re proud to call him “one of our own” …

BUYING “DIRECT”

The dream of so many shoppers is to be able to buy the things they need without having to pay the harsh, retail prices that stores charge these days. And that’s even more important to shoppers who want to revitalize their homes (and what better time to start than Spring, right?).
Well, the good news is that I’ve found one that’ll do just that, and you can learn more about them (including some great articles with tips on remodeling bathrooms, kitchens, etc.) by clicking the link I’m about to give ya.
How does it work? Simple: all you have to do is pay reasonably-priced membership dues to join; those dues allow the members to buy their needed goods at manufacturer’s prices instead of the retail mark-ups you find at other stores; you end up with quality goods at amazing savings!
Now … to find out more, just click on the link that’ll take you to the best directbuy for your home needs!

After a few days of bein’ swamped with work (seems the backlog is directly in proportion to the amount of time my PC crashes!), I’ve gotta head back up north for an afternoon of meetings about the March 8 wrestling card (I’ll be doing some TV commentary on this one, so it means vidwork as well as wrestler line-ups and seconds).
Incidentally, in case you’re wondering, the photo is of the Paramount Theatre in Ashland — one of the few still operating since the Depression. Nice place (but doesn’t beat our venues, natch!).

A lot of our crew have worked around Charlotte at one time or another. You’ve seen Damien Adams, “Sexy” Sean Casey and Mason Raige on WWE, and former WCW great (now OCW commissioner) Bobby Blaze has not only played The Queen City many times, but even his international stats say he’s from Charlotte! To a man, they’re all excited about working here; Crown Town was the mecca of pro wrestling (btw, Bob Caudle coined that phrase!) prior to the Ted Turner Takeover.

At almost every card, I’m stopped by fans who ask where I’m from … and just the mere name of our city brings “OH! Wahoo McDANIEL! Ric FLAIR! Paul JONES! Did you know the Crocketts?” It brings a lot of pride, quite honestly. Yes, I did work with them at one time — but, better yet, being able to be part of this mix of small-town friendliness and big-city industry is even a greater “highspot” for me. It’s an honor to be in a city that has so much influence … even in pro wrestling!

HAVE BAGS, WILL TRAVEL

Of course, when you travel — especially by plane (which I’m prone to do when the gig calls for it!) — you’ve gotta have the right supplies. Now, with airport security being (understandably) tight these days, it’s important to have your gear not only safe but easy for inspection by the checkpoint staff.
If you’re like me, you know this can be a headache if you’re not ready for it. That’s where the folks at Tamperseal can be a big help in making it easier! Not only do they have the best and most secure locks and luggage seals for your baggage’s security, but they also have these locks airport-security compliant. If you have the TSA SearchAlert™,inspectors can easily inspect them by using the TSA secured access device. It means no more cut padlocks, no more hassle … and no more embarrassment!
And, if your luggage seal’s broken or your TSA lock’s opened, ya won’t have to rummage through your bags to figure out what’s missing; you’ll be alerted to inventory contents so you can file claims immediately!
But Tamperseal offers more than just security items. From luggage tags to packing aids, toiletries, pillows and more, they offer you the best in travel supplies,
To find out more, just click on the link I just gave you and visit Tamperseal – before you take your next trip! And enjoy a worry-free journey!

In what’s being considered the first landslide of the Democratic primaries, nominee hopeful Barack Obama solidly trounced Hillary Clinton tonight in South Carolina.
In his best showing-to-date in the primary sweeps (with the big one yet to come, on “Super Tuesday”), the Senator from Illinois thanked his wife, daughters and, of course, supporters in a stirring “victory” speech with a verve that was reminiscent of the late Robert F. Kennedy. He reminded listeners that this isn’t a campaign of race, gender or party, but one that needs to spell the end of the current fiasco that is the Bush Administration.
Now, how does this concern the Queen City and Metrolina? Simple: We’re the fastest-growing retail and commercial hub in the nation. People — disgusted with the loss of jobs, housing and opportunity in other cities — are coming here in droves. And Obama is speaking directly to those people, empathizing with their situation and advocating an end to the prejudice (whether racial, employment, gender or economic position) and governmental “red tape” that’s taken its toll on them. He also took on the powerful lobbyists with the desire to dismantle their efforts to influence Congressional leaders and committees.

This is something that can only boost the economy of Charlotte, as more people can “breathe easy” as they work; better income with higher minimum-wage base, more jobs based here than being “outsourced” to places like India (an example: Got DSL?? Got Windstream? Call for help after-hours — then ask the CSR where he or she’s located!), etc.

It doesn’t matter if Charlotte has a high contingent of African-Americans, Latin-Americans or Martian-Americans; the point is that we’ve all gotta shelve this “color, race or creed” thing and get on with the one thing that pulled us through WTC (9/11/01; may we never forget …), Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (as it did Hugo, years before, for us), and so many other situation: being Americans! It’s a noble cause … and, as we head toward February 5’s giant primary run, we’ll see the conviction of this Chicago native become stronger and more to-the-point. His S. C. win is gonna make the remainder of this race very interesting … so stay tuned …

As confusing as that title is, it’s true:

During the Ohio Championship Wrestling show last night (and it was family-friendly great! If ya haven’t caught one, do it when you’re in the area!), I was announced as “from Charlotte, North Carolina” (bless ‘em!). While feelin’ a lotta pride from that, I was stopped at intermission by no less than four fans: One wanted me to “look up his nephew when I got back” (okay, Michael Sertzman … if you’re out there, make some noise!) and, from another: “Is them crackers really from down there?” (awwww, she was talkin’ about Lance … not anything racial …)

Got to talk with legendary announcer, Charlie Dunlap, about Stan and Sis Kaplan as well as Jay Thomas, Don Russell and others (he threw Thomas and Russell in there just to rankle me a bit. We’ve been friends for awhile now …). Annnnd (get this!) I ran into my third cousin at the match! It was grandpaw Virge’s brother’s son’s son (didja follow me on that one?).

I noticed that even one of our crew, close friend and former WCW great Bobby Blaze (now OCW Commissioner) had, in his pro stats, that he was from “Ashland, Ky./Charlotte, N.C.”. In talking with legend Ivan Koloff a few years ago, he said they’ll do that sometimes to give the wrestler more of a “recognizable hometown.” Of course, Bobby’d played Charlotte quite a few times while with WCW, and appreciates each and every fan here.

But the point I’m making is that, while Charlotte has beauty, business, industry, etc., it also has something very important, and it’s what proves we’re growing: IT HAS IMPACT! Not only in a National Guard Armory in a town about 300 miles away, but, you can bet, all over the nation!

And that’s something we all can be proud of! Let’s just keep “doin’ what we’re doin’ right”, and we’ll really reap the benefits of it!
Oh, yeah … if you wanna read more about the OCW event itself, just tune in to this page, okay?? Thanks.

Okay … I gotta ‘fess up: I’ve had a relapse of the flu/vapors/whatever, and that’s on top of tryin’ to catch up on everything I was behind on thanx to the last batch of it!
Anyway, let’s rev ‘er up, take the foot off the brake, and see what happens, okay (don’t worry … I’m a safe driver. I don’t use cell phones)?

Speaking of revving, I (welll, sometimes I do; but only at stop lights) read recently where NASCAR is fixed (??? didn’t know it was broken!) and an instrument of the Devil (so when did my ex learn to play music?). I’m sure the guys and gals at Lowe’s Motor Speedway would love to hear that one! (ahem! … ‘course, if they … ummm, if they read this, they already have!)

Look … racing makes a living for hundreds of drivers, whether they be stock-car, funny-car, Grand Prix or anything else. Sure, it’s dangerous … but, when ya look at the ratio of shows vs. accidents, you’ll see it’s safer than you’d think! Now, how anybody would think that racing is fixed is beyond me; these guys are so busy keepin’ their rigs on the road that they don’t have time to “go by a script” or whatever. It’s definitely “may the best man (or woman. Ain’ fergittin’ ye, Danica!) win”.
As far as being a tool of Satan … HOW?? Some preachers and holy-rollers say it’s ’cause of the type of people that like it.
Hey … if that’s the way you feel, turn in your Bibles, gang! ‘Cause it’s (1) prejudicial … (2) insulting (like it comes from “Sister Bertha Better-Than-You”) and (3) narrowminded. Don’tcha see it’s up to the person as to how he or she acts? Man, where’s your mind??
Besides, Lowe’s Motor Speedway, NASCAR, and its affiliates have brought in tons of cash to help this area! They’re visible … out there, helping others when needed.
So, jump off the bandwagon, use some sense, or …
better yet ….
go to the next race yourself … with an open mind! You’ll have fun … and learn a little something to boot!

Sadly, it’s official: Mike Minter, the Carolina Panthers’ legend who led a career high in tackles and games started, announced his retirement Tuesday.

At a news conference at the team’s training camp site, he wiped away tears (that’s most likely why he was wearing sunglasses) and said his knees were giving him so much pain that he had to quit a year earlier than originally planned.

“I want to say this is probably the second hardest thing that I’ve ever had to do,” Minter said. “The first thing was losing my mom, and the second thing is losing football. This is a game I love, a game I have been playing for a long time and it was a hard decision to come to.”

“When we think about having the privilege to have a person who starts and ends his career the way Mike has, it’s extraordinary,” said Panthers’ owner Jerry Richardson said while fighting back his own tears (as many at the news conference were already doing).

Minter was the Panthers’ second-round pick in 1997, and became a fan favorite due to his trademark toughness, hard hits, time spent on-field as a Panther and his work for and in the community.

He has 467 more tackles than any other player in Panther history, and has compiled a number of records during his time as Carolina’s best: 141 starts, 94 consecutive starts, 9 fumble recoveries and 4 interception returns for touchdowns.

Although Minter is just 5′ 10″ and weighs in at 195 pounds, he’s overcome three knee surgeries and a staph infection to become Carolina’s key player. He hadn’t missed a game since early 2001, despite several injuries that would at least temporarily sideline a normal player. He played with a torn biceps muscle and even on a broken foot during Carolina’s loss to New England in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2003 season.

Panthers coach John Fox remembered when a speaker asked the players about their contribution to the team.

“He asked us, ‘Is it better now than before you came?”‘ Fox said. “I can say right now, Mike, this football team is a better team.”

For some time now, Minter’s knee problems have worsened. He took a pay cut in March and said that 2007 would be his final season. Still, he was willing to come in to start at free safety. But he’s been unable to practice normally at training camp and told reporters last week he was thinking about moving up his retirement; he just wasn’t sure if his body would hold up over the full, 16-game season. He informed the rest of the team about his decision Sunday night during a team meeting.

“Coming into the offseason, you figure you will get healthy, get your knees back and try to get some more magic out of them legs,” he said. “At the end of the day, there wasn’t anything left.

Over the past five seasons, Minter was the Panthers’ defensive captain and certainly well respected in the locker room as well as in the community, where he was involved in several business and charitable concerns. His fans were always important to him, and he would gladly take the time to sign autographs mix and mingle with them.

“That’s the one point that needs to be made: this was a man off the football field,” said veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme. “I’m not talking in a masculine type of way. I’m talking in a fatherly type of way and the civic person he was. This a true man and a true pro when he came to play.”

Though the Panthers have lost a valued player, Charlotte is fortunate to have had a warm, considerate and compassionate friend. We all wish Mike, his wife and kids, the happiest of lives

… and a quick healing of those knees!

Remember back-in-the-day, when ya wanted to take a specific subject in high school, but the registration was closed because its quota was met? Or, if you were sick or injured and couldn’t get to school, how ya worried about having all the creds needed for graduation?

Well, here in the 21st Century, kids all over the state have the opportunity to get the classes they want, and keep their school/homework current so they can get the credentials needed to earn their sheepskin!

It’s through a program called North Carolina Virtual School, and all ya gotta do to check it out is click the link above! Now, enrollment is already closed for the upcoming semester (this according to my sources at Sabre City [ie, South Meck High ... where else?]), but if ya call 1-919-513-8550, they can give ya more info on the next program.

Y’know, with everyone knockin’ pro wrestling over the past weeks (due to the Chris Benoit story), it appears that sports-entertainment is being forced to return to the days when it was family-oriented and drug-free.
That being said, we need to remember that Charlotte’s own, original Mid-Atlantic Wrestling advocated just that: clean, family-oriented sports-entertainment without steroids and illegal drugs. Jim Crockett, Sr. (and, later on, sons Jim, David and Jackie) was determined to keep the shows decent and his wrestling stable healthy — and that was the rule until Ted Turner bought it out and made it part of his big WCW franchise.

Today, only a handful of “indie” or non-WWE-related wrestling orgs actually provide the same clean, family code that the original did. But it’s good to know the Crockett family — and the wrestling roster they put together –showed the world that you don’t have to be flashy or trashy to make you a superstar. Just make it good, make it comfortable for every age group to watch, and it’ll grow …

And to think it started in Charlotte, in a small building on Briabend Drive!

It’s official! The Wachovia Championship teed off this morning at 7:10AM. The Quail Hollow Club is now bustling with some of the best Professional golfers in the world, including the top 29 of 30 players on the PGA tour, including the number one golfer in the world… Tiger Woods!

This is very exciting for Charlotte! Since the inception of this tournament, it has gained in popularity with everyone noticing not only how beautiful Charlotte is as a city, but how wonderful the golf courses are. Tickets are already sold out, but there is always hope for next year. What is great about this tournament, is that proceeds go to charity, unlike so many other tournaments. In fact, since it started in 2003, they have raised over $5.6 million!

Michael Jordan went back to his college hometown when he joined Tiger Woods on the golf course yesterday for some fun times and competitive golf. Together they made quite a stir among the crowd that came to see them.

Wachovia Championship, Charlotte NC, golf, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan