Another March, another Big Event in the books. This was a fairly breezy show with a couple of minor hiccups along the way. Let’s get to it!

As usual, my girlfriend and I stayed overnight at the Hampton Inn. Jenna slept in a bit while I went across the street to see if they were handing out tickets and, to my mild surprise, they didn’t have their will call table set up (this was around 8:30ish). I went outside and only two other people were waiting to be admitted – one of them arriving at 5:30 AM (!).

The line grew a bit as I chatted with some familiar faces. It seems like a lot of people do not plan on going to WrestleCon on Friday but will be out in full force on Saturday! Cool moment: Vito arrived to the hotel and greeted the entire line of people with handshakes! Classy guy.

Fast-forward to 9:15ish and a security guard informed us that the convention would open up at 9:30 AM. Some people grew upset with security because they were allowing people to cut the line (one guy apparently freaked out on them). 9:30 comes and they allow 10 VIPs in followed by 10 GAs and so on. I thought it was odd that they were doing it that way but it seemed like that decision was being made by one of the hotel security guards, not by Big Event.

I picked up my ticket and immediately cashed in on a pre-order: Mercedes Martinez signed my Shimmer 2005-2007 Alumni program. She seemed really happy to see it and laughed when I told her that I bought it off of Daffney’s Etsy page. I didn’t get a photo op as I already have one from another Big Event.

Jenna then met me in the lobby and we made our way into the main vendor room to knock out the pre-orders. Up first was Vito. I pre-ordered the VIP and had him sign my Encyclopedia, WCW Ultimate Guide, and a WCW “Annual” that was released during WCW’s Australia tour in 2000. Vito was blown away by this book and told me he had never seen it before. Great guy!

Next was Billy Jack Haynes and you know what? He was perfectly nice! He signed my Encyclopedia and asked me how tall I was. He then told me, “You should be sitting behind here signing autographs!”

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I made my way to the back wall where I spotted Kayla Braxton and Dasha Funetes. I pre-ordered a combo from both and had them signed my WrestleMania 34 program. Both were very sweet!

I then rant into fellow Marked Out board member Anthony18 as we said our hellos and caught up a bit. Always good seeing him!

I saw a decent line forming for Brooke Hogan and decided to get her out of the way next. Brooke was very, very nice and greeted me with a “It’s nice to finally meet a fellow tall person!” She signed a 2013 TNA Program and remarked that she loved ODB.

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I next decided to cash in on my VIP pre-order for Jimmy Wang Yang. Funny story: I was standing on a line that ended up being for Jannettty, so one of the K&S guys told me to come right up to Yang. I approach him, we exchange pleasantries, and I go to hand Jenna my phone…except she’s not standing behind me. My girlfriend had zoned out and was still waiting on Jannetty’s line until she finally realized that I was calling to her. Wang had a pretty good chuckle over that. He signed my Encyclopedia (both entries) and my WrestleMania XX program. Awesome story: he looked at my program and told me that Rey Mysterio had just posted a picture from that match on his Instagram and he took the time to show me on his phone! Cool guy.

Next was Steve Blackman who was VERY nice and asked us where we were coming from. I heard some whispers that this could be his last convention but we all know the deal with that. I got him in my Encyclopedia.

Next was Taya Valkyrie from Impact Wrestling. She was very nice and brought her belt with her, which is always cool. She signed my Bound for Glory 2017 program.

Up next were the Glamour Girls and they were in the spot from Hell (right by the door). Someone was chatting Kai’s ear off and had her laughing big while Judy signed my Encyclopedia. I had to wait for Kai to finish and she was really, really distracted with her convo. No biggie and I really appreciated that they made the effort for me to come around the table for the photo.

I then cashed in on my Al Snow autograph ticket. Snow was nice as always!

I was finished with pre-orders but I decided to get a few people.

First was a photo op with The Masked Superstar. He told me, “You could’ve been my tag partner!” and I said, “We could’ve done a lot of damage together” and he laughed. Always good to meet Bill Eadie.

Next was 2 Cold Scorpio. I was going to just get a ‘graph but worked out a small deal w/Simms to get the combo. I had him sign a Dragon Gate USA poster that he really, really dug. He was super nice to meet!

Rob Terry was up next and he was quiet but polite. I got him in my TNA Program as The Freak.

I then got a ‘graph from Marty Jannetty (combo was $40!) and he was very pleasant.

I then got a ‘graph from Chavo Guerrro Jr. on my WrestleMania XX Program.

I spotted Mideon before I left and got him in my Encyclopedia for $20. He was REALLY nice and I told him that he scared me as a kid, which he got a big kick out of and said, “Then I did my job!”

And that was that. The crowd was light but I actually thought the room was a little hectic at times as shown in this photo:

Note: I was informed that Layla no showed, not cancelled, and they Big Event was very upset about it. I don’t understand how people can do that, man (barring emergency of course).

I also bumped into my good friend Scott and his girlfriend Amy. It’s always great to see them!

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Autographs: