Hey now.

Another signing at the Wrestling Universe, this time a duel signing with two former competitors of Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling – Gunner & Samuel Shaw. I was actually offered a ride to the signing, which was much appreciated. A car ride > a bus ride + subway ride + LIRR Ride.

Anyways, the signing began at 1:00 PM and I arrived closer to 2:00 PM. There was only one other person ahead of me when I arrived at the store and, before I knew it, it was my turn. Gunner and Shaw greeted me with friendly hellos and handshakes; both were REALLY nice guys. Here’s pictures of them signing their respective entries in the TNA Program Vol. 7 (2014).

Funny story: as Shaw was signing his entry, Gunner looked over and said “Man, can you believe Sanada is a big deal over in Japan? He’s like the number one guy there!” and Shaw laughed and said, “Really?!?” I don’t know if Gunner’s claim is actually true but they both seemed genuinely surprised at his success.

Here’s what their signatures. I would’ve preferred if Gunner hadn’t personalized it but it’s no biggie. Also, it looks like Shaw’s sharpie was running low as the signature came out a little dull.

Overall, very successful day!

Hey now.

Big news from the Legends of the Ring camp:

A sellout was to be expected considering it’s stacked lineup, which includes:

1. Taz
2. Vickie Guerrero
3. Sgt. Slaughter
4. Gerald Brisco
5. Don Muraco
6. Dan Spivey
7. Barry Windham
8. Mike Rotundo
9. Carlito
10. George “The Animal” Steele
11. Lacey Von Erich
12. Maven

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Also, it looks like they are near a sellout for General Admission. They sold out in advance for their last show and they made it VERY clear no tickets would be sold the day of the event. Now is the time to make the decision, folks: are you going or not

They also have limited “talent tickets” available. Those tickets are extra autographs or photo ops for Superticket holders or tickets to meet individual Superticket talent for G.A. ticket holders. I’m not exactly sure how they’re close to selling out of those – I had no clue there was even a limit – but start ordering! Better to be late than never.

Hey now.

The first autograph signing of a crazy week kicked off last night with a Shelton Benjamin autograph signing at the terrific Wrestling Universe from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM. A very small window to make it to the signing from New Jersey but I was confident I could do it. I pre-ordered a more than reasonable $25.00 combo and made my way to Queens, NY.

Upon my arrival at approximately 7:45 PM, I was very surprised to see a decent line had formed outside of The Universe. Most signings at The Universe are ultra quick – your in and out – but tonight was an obvious exception with that strict 1-hour window.

I was about 15th in line but it moved very quickly and at around 8:00 PM I was brought to their back room where Benjamin was stationed. I’ve always heard great things about Benjamin so I was eager to meet him. Unfortunately, I found Benjamin to be very quiet. He greeted me with a polite smile and handshake before signing his three entries in the Encyclopedia – he signed it as “Shelton  B” – before we took our pic and I left.

Polite enough but I didn’t get that ultra outgoing, personable Benjamin that others have gotten in the past. Oh well, no biggie. Three signatures in the book and a pic for $25.00 is a win in my book. Pictures below:

Hey now.

This is going to be one wild ride. Next Saturday, Ring of Honor will be hosting Field of Honor ’15 from MCU Park in Brooklyn, NY while NXT hosts a Takeover event at the sold out Barclays Center for the very first time. Oh, Summerslam will be held inside that very arena the very next night. And Monday Night RAW the night after that.

It’s a good time to be a wrestling fan, especially if you’re lucky enough to live close to all the action. And, luckily, I am.

While I’m very excited to attend Field of Honor ’15, I can’t help but think about an amazing opportunity coming my way. A plethora of autograph signings – most of them to kick off Summerslam weekend – are happening and it starts tonight at The Wrestling Universe. The schedule is insane and I won’t be getting much sleep but I think it’ll be very worth it in the end. Here’s what it looks like:

August 14th – Shelton Benjamin @ The Wrestling Universe ($25.00 combo)

August 16th – Gunner ($25.00 combo) & Samuel Shaw ($20.00 combo) @ The Wrestling Universe

August 19th – Charlotte, Ryback, Fandango, and Eva Marie ($10.00 total; no posed pics) @ MCU Park

August 20th – Seth Rollins & Paige ($30.00 total) @ Toys R Us Times Square; Kevin Owens ($26.00 total) @ Hot Topic in Garden State Plaza

August 22nd: King Kong Bundy ($25.00 combo) @ The Collector’s Realm in Dutchess Marketplace; Kimber Lee & JT Dunn ($20.00 combo) @ The Wrestling Universe; Field of Honor Autograph Signing (Names to be announced)

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So yes…this is absolute insanity. But come on! Look at those prices! Couple of thoughts:

• I’m eager to meet Shelton Benjamin. I’ve heard many great things about him and I look forward to adding his signatures to three entries in the Encyclopedia (Shelton Benjamin, Momma Benjamin, & World’s Greatest Tag Team). The Universe considers the Encyclopedia to be 1 item, so they don’t charge for talent to sign extra entries. That’s why they’re the best.
• I look forward to meeting Gunner and Samuel Shaw, both of whom will sign their entries in the TNA Program, Vol. 7
• $10.00 to meet an insanely over Women’s Wrestler, the Intercontinental Champion, and two other WWE “Superstars?” Yeah, that’s a no brainer even if they won’t allow posed pictures.
• $30.00 to meet an insanely over Women’s Wrestling and the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion?!? Steal of the century?!?
• After the Rollins/Paige signing, I’ll be headed to the Garden State Plaza for an unbelievably cheap Kevin Owens signing. They haven’t said anything about posed photos but I’m hoping for the best. I’m also concerned because I have nothing for him to sign as “Kevin Owens” other than his three t-shirts. I do, however, have stuff for him to sign as “Kevin Steen” and I hope that’ll be allowed.
• Can’t wait to meet King Kong Bundy. FIVE!
• I’m not sure if I’ll make the Kimber Lee & JT Dunn signing but I’ll try.
• Also, the Universe is having the APA in that day from 5:30 until line completion! EXCELLENT chance to clean up on Encyclopedia signatures. I’ll be at Coney Island and, thus, missing this signing 😦
• PLEASEEEEEEE have the NJPW talent sign before the show, ROH! I need to meet Shinsuke Nakamura!!!

Hey now.

Chiller is announcing guests for their October 23-25 weekend convention and their first wrestling guest has been announced:

Chyna continues her “Please forgive me” tour. She’ll be at Legends of the Ring, Big Event, and mostly any other convention you can think of.

Hey now.

Spotted this and I don’t think it’s been announced yet:

$30.00 combo for Robbie E? That’s probably $10 more than he should be, in my opinion.

Hey now. 

Looks like Big Event is keeping with the Playboy cover girl theme: 

Hey now. 

Good news for any Tough Enough fans attending Legends of the Ring XXI: 

Hey now. 

Important news from the folks at Legends of the Ring: 

Hey now. 

I’ll just leave this right here: