Hey guys,
Quick note: the blog will be back in full swing tomorrow. I’ll have up a personal story of meeting Bobby ‘the Brain’ Heenan, a report on a recent Wrestling Universe signing, and maybe some older reports on meeting Jinder Mahal and Chris Jericho during SummerSlam week. Also, some thoughts on the Legends of the Ring and Big Event lineups.
Let’s get right to this. First, Big Event guest announcements:
As for LOTR…
The Brooklyn Cyclones have announced that Charolette Flair will no longer be appearing at tonight’s autograph signing at MCU Park and has been replaced with Nia Jax:
Charlotte’s father, the iconic Ric Flair, is hospitalized with a serious illness.
I just picked up my wristband from the Stubhub store to meet the WWE Champion himself…Jinder Mahal. I still cannot believe he’s Champ but, hey, that’s the wrasslin’ business for you. Jinder seems like a really nice guy and I’m super happy for him. Anyways, here are the details for tonight’s signing:
See you guys tonight!
This was a “game time decision.” I start work at 10:00 AM, which is the time Barnes and Noble on Warren St. opened and the time they would start distributing wristbands with the purchase of this new WWE Graphic novel. I decided to pack my WM 32 Program and see if I could pick up a wristband during lunch and, much to my delight, I was able to score a wristband!
The signing started at 6, which is when I get off work, so I was going to be about 15 minutes late. A friend of mine made it before I did and told me there was hardly any line, which was sort of surprising. He was actually inside the store before 5:30! Becky got there early to do some promotional stuff for WWE, which had a camera crew with them.
I got to the store around 6:15, went inside, and was directed to the back corner of the store which was kinda hidden from the rest of the store. Security checked my wristband and directed me to the line, which was MUCH shorter than I expected. I’d say there was about 150ish people in front of me?
Anyway, the line went fairly slow because Becky was taking time with everyone. By the time I got to her, it was just after 8:10. She couldn’t have been any nicer! She truly was one of my favorite meets. She signed the comic and my WM 32 Program, took a pic (she leaned over for everyone), and I was out the store by 8:14.
Stress free signings are the best and this was a no-brainer signing. I HIGHLY doubt they even managed to draw the 300 people, which is kinda surprising.
Up next: Jinder!
Autographs:
I just stopped off at the Barnes and Noble on 97 Warren Street in Manhattan, NY, and picked up a copy of BOOM’s WWE Volume 1 Graphic Novel. You get a wristband to meet Becky Lynch with the purchase of this book. Included was a flyer with all of the info you’ll need IF you are participating with this event:
Guidelines:
- We are only able to distribute one writstband per customer. You cannot purchase books or pick up extra wristbands for your friends unless they are present with you. If you are a parent/guardian: you may purchase the number of books equal to the number of minors you are attending the event with, and will receive wristbands for them as well as yourself
- Once you get your wristband feel free to explore the city! We will start bringing fans inside the store to line up at 4 PM. If you would like to line up beforehand, please do so on Warren Street. We cannot accommodate everyone inside the store before 4 PM.
- Talent will sign one additional item. This can be either another copy of the book, or a piece of memorabilia. Please chose one or the other.
- There will be a bookseller or member of the publishing team helping to take lean-over the table shots of fans with Becky. Due to the number of fans expected, we cannot stop for posed photos. Please have your camera or cellphone out and ready to pass off to a team member. We have been asked that no video be recorded.
SummerSlam week is a big, big deal…for free autographs! What? You thought I was talking about the four straight WWE shows? Psst.
There are a TON of free and ticked signings starting on Wednesday night. I’ve complied a list of the scheduled events. If I missed any, please let me know and I will add them to the list. *Note: I have excluded the scheduled appearances of Ric Flair, who is reportedly hospitalized and needs our prayers and well wishes.
Legends of the Ring has announced two additional (and ultra-rare) names to their Superticket lineup:
Taylor’s a rare name who currently works as an agent for NXT. Speaking of rare names…
Dory Funk Jr. is a VERY rare name and this will very likely be his final appearance in the North East (never say never). Get your Funk Brothers merchandise ready!
Captain’s Corner has announced that “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert has cancelled his appearance at the upcoming Legends of the Ring XXV convention.
Tony Anthony, f.k.a. The Dirty White Boy and T.L. Hopper, has been announced as his replacement. You can pre-order tickets to meet Hopper, the Young Stallions, and Dr. Tom Prichard by clicking here.
Legends of the Ring promised to announce a couple of Superticket guests on August 1st and, sure enough, they were true to their word. From their Facebook Page:
Solid additions!
Squared Circle Conventions 