From the Big Event Facebook page:

VERY RARE GUEST BEING BOOKED. WILL ANNOUNCE BY WEDNESDAY.

Any guesses?

RDP Promotions has begun its Big Event XII pre-order sales for “Mean” Gene Okerlund. You can purchase tickets here.

Also, I have launched the Big Event XII Pre-Order Page. Make sure you bookmark it! It’s going to keep track of all vendor pre-order sales.

Today marks the beginning of the end for WrestleCade – a super weekend wrestling extravaganza held in Salem, North Carolina. Apparently this is their final one and I, sadly, will not be attending. For shame. Still, that doesn’t stop me from examining this FanFest lineup. Let’s start with what to expect later tonight:

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The weekend kicks off with the 2nd Annual Showcase of Champions. WrestleCade describes this as “bringing together Champions from some of the top independent wrestling promotions in the country to compete at Showcase Of Champions!”

Cody Rhodes is advertised for the show and will take part in a pre-show meet and greet. If you’re attending this event, I highly recommend going out of your way to meet Cody. He’s extremely nice and engaging. You won’t regret it. The WrestleCade FAQ Page notes that this is the only night Rhodes and Lucha Underground’s Pentagon Dark (F.K.A. Pentagon Jr.) are scheduled to appear. So, again, go out of your way to meet both.

They are offering a Cody Rhodes Experience VIP Meet & Greet for $43.19 (after tax). This VIP ticket allows you to meet Rhodes before the show, 1 in-ring Photo Op (with your camera), 1 commemorative mini-poster, and 1 autograph on the mini-poster. No word on if you can get additional stuff autographed but here’s hoping you could. It would be silly not to, no? They note that this is limited to only 100 people and the price will increase to $50 the day of the event. You can purchase the ticket here. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page.

By the way: it seems like tickets to this show are soldout. Welp. But, hey, if you have a ticket then make sure to grab that VIP Meet & Greet. An in-ring photo op w/Cody sounds awesome.

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Saturday will be the Fanfest day. This is your chance to meet a slew of wrestlers scheduled to appear. I’m going to check out the lineup and note if I would personally meet them. This is just for fun. Feel free to comment on who you plan to meet/would meet if you could attend.

• Aerial Monroe – An independent wrestler that I’m not personally familiar with so…Pass

• Allie Parker – See Above…Pass

• Amber Gallows – “The Bullet Babe” is someone I’vet yet to meet despite making the convention rounds. So…Meet. 

• Angelina Love – It’s going to be interesting to see if she no-shows. I would like to meet her…Meet

• Baby Doll – A legendary valet that should make some appearances in the North East…Meet

• Big Sean Studd – An independent worker I’ve heard of yet haven’t seen wrestle…Pass.

• Blue Meanie – He’s a regular at North-East wrestling conventions…Pass

• Bob Caudle – He’s a legendary announcer that I’d love to…Meet

• Bobby Eaton – I’ve met him before and I don’t think I need him to sign anything else…Pass

• Booker T – I’ve met him but could use his autograph on a few different pieces…Meet

• Sharmell – I’ve yet to meet her and would very much like to change that…Meet

• Buff Bagwell – I just met him and he was awesome. I could use his autograph in my WCW Ultimate Guide…Maybe

• Bugsy McGraw – I missed him at a LOTR so…Meet

• Caprice Coleman – I’m a fan of his…Meet

• Carlito – I’ve met him already and I don’t believe I need his autograph on another piece…Pass

• Chase Owens – Bullet Club member that I’ve yet to…Meet

• Chris Masters – I’ve yet to meet him and that would change here…Meet

• Cowboy Bob Orton – I’ve met him before but need his autograph in one more Encyclopedia entry…Maybe

• Crimson – Sure, I need him in a TNA Program or two…Meet

• C.W. Anderson – An ECW name that hasn’t made many appearances in the North-East…Meet

• Dave Penzer – I’d absolutely meet him…Meet

• Deonna Purrazo – A name that always seems to allude me…Meet

• Drew Galloway – Someone I’ve met before…Pass (he’s really nice though)

• ECIII – See Galloway…Pass

• Eric Bischoff – See Above…Pass

• Faye Jackson – She’s definitely a…Maybe

• Gangrel – I’ve met him once but do need him on the Brood entry in the Encyclopedia; however, he’ll be at the next Big Event so…Pass

• Geordie Bulldogs – I can’t say I’m familiar w/them…Pass

• George South – Sure, why not?…Meet

• Greek God Papadon – I’ve actually met him once before…Pass (Nice guy)

• Hacksaw Jim Duggan – I do need him on a few different pieces but he’s always around…Maybe

• Heidi Lovelace – I’d love to meet her…Meet

• Terri Runnels – I’ve met her three times and have nothing else for her to sign…Pass (She’s REALLY nice though)

• Ivan Koloff – I met him and don’t believe I have anything left for him to sign…Pass

• Jade – I previously met her and have nothing else for her to sign..Pass

• James Ellsworth – I’d meet him though I wonder if WWE would pull him from this event…Meet

• James Storm – I met him once but need him on a few TNA Programs…Meet

• Jason Kincaid – Sure, why not?…Meet

• Jeff Jarrett – I met him once and need him on a bunch of TNA programs, so…Maybe

• Jimmy Valiant – Absolutely would…Meet

• Assassin #1 (Jody Hamilton) – Sure, he’d be a cool person to…Meet

• Juventud Guerrera – Absolutely…Meet

• Karen Jarrett – I need a photo op but have nothing for her to autograph…Maybe

• Kelly Kelin – Sure…Meet

• Kennadi Brink – I am not familiar with her…Pass

• Don Kernodle – Absolutely…Meet

• Rocky Kernodle – Eh…Maybe

• Kevin Nash – See Hacksaw…Maybe

• Kevin Sullivan – He’s a great guy but I just don’t have anything else for him to sign…Pass

• King Shane – I am not familiar with him…Pass

• Queen Taylor – See above…Pass

• Koko B. Ware – I need him in one or two more Encyclopedia entries…Maybe

• La Resistance – I’ve met all three members (this duo is Conway/Dupree) so…Pass

• Lanny Pofo – I have yet to meet him…Meet

• Lei D. Tapa – I have yet to meet her…Meet

• Leva Bates – Blue Pants! I would absolutely…Meet

• Lisa Marie Von – I love Victoria, she was great to meet, and I need her on a few other pieces…Maybe

• Luke Hawk – I am not familiar with him…Pass

• Mandy Leon – She’s always around…Pass

• Masked Superstar – Bill Eadie, also known as Ax from Demolition, who I’ve met three times…Pass

• Matt Hardy – Absolutely…Meet

• Melissa Santos – My Lucha Underground piece was messed up so I’d probably meet her again…Meet

• Neveah – I am not familiar with her…Pass

• Nick Patrick – Absolutely…Meet

• Nicole Savy – I am not familiar with her…Pass

• ODB – I didn’t get a chance to meet her at this past Big Event so…Meet

• One Man Gang – I have yet to meet him…Meet

• The Patriot – I just met him at this past Big Event so…Pass

• Paul Orndorff – I’ve met him but I need him in a few HOF programs so…Meet

• PJ Black – I have yet to meet him…Meet

• Rachel Ellering – Sure, why not?…Meet

• Ric Flair – I’ve met him twice and still need him on pieces but he’s expensive…Maybe

• Ricardo Rodriguez – Absolutely…Meet

• Ricky Steamboat – I like him very much but have nothing else for him to sign…Pass

• Rikishi – See Steamboat…Pass

• Rock ‘n’ Roll Express – I’ve met them already though need autographs…Maybe

• Rockstar Spud – I’ve met him already. Nice guy but…Pass

• Ron Simmons – I need him on a few things. Damn!…Meet

• Roni Nicole – I am not familiar with her…Pass

• Ryback – I have nothing for him to sign…Pass

• Sandman – I have nothing for him to sign either…Pass

• Savannah Evans – I am not familiar with her…Pass

• Scott Hall – See Hacksaw…Pass

• Shane Strickland – Sure, why not?….Meet

• Sid – I’ll probably get him again at the upcoming Big Event…Pass

• Solo Darling – I am not familiar with her…Pass

• Sonjay Dutt – I have nothing else for him to sign…Pass

• Sonny Ono – I would absolutely meet him…Meet

• Steve Corino – Absolutely would…Meet

• Steve Lombardi – I need him in multiple Encyclopedia entries…Maybe

• Su Young – I am not familiar with her…Pass

• Taler Hendrix – See Mandy Leon…Pass

• Tessa Blanchard – I would…Meet

• The Mulkey Brothers – Eh…Maybe

• The Stro – I am not familiar with him…Pass

• The Tommy Thomas – I am not familiar with him…Pass

• The Wolves – I do need Davey on some stuff…Meet

• Thunderkitty – I am not familiar with her…Pass

• Tito Santana – If  had time…Maybe

• Tracy Smothers – Absolutely…Meet

• Vince Russo -I met him already…Pass

• Zeb Colter – See Russo…Pass

They are also offering a dual photo op with Ric Flair and Sting, which I would totally do.

So, in total, I’d meet well over 50 and that’s just not happening. I’d have to cut down the list considerably. No biggie.

This looks like a strong convention and a fun “Fanfest” overall. I’d go if I could. If you’re going, have fun!

 

 

First off: Happy Thanksgiving! I hope your day is surrounded by loved ones, filled with thankfulness, and plenty of turkey with all the trimmings.

Turkey Day did not preclude the Big Event from announcing yet another vendor guest for its 12th show: Brooke Adams, F.K.A. Miss Tessmacher, courtesy of Lucky 13 Promotions.

Brooke has become a regular in wrestling conventions; however, she took a bit of a break following the birth of her baby boy. It’s going to be great seeing Brooke once again!

We have four new vendor guests announced for Big Event 12:

• RDP Promotions will have “Mean” Gene Okerlund. They brought him for the last Legends of the Ring. He’s a terrific guy and I highly recommend meeting him if you’re on the fence.

• All three members of The Decay – Crazy Steve, Abyss, and Rosemary – are being brought in courtesy of Damage 365 Radio. They sell pre-sales will start in January.

Speaking of Pre-Sales, the Big Event Pre-Order Page will continue.

 

Three more guest announcements for Big Event XII:

• The Boogeyman will be apart K&S Wrestlefest’s growing lineup, joining Sid, Gangrel, & the Headbangers.

• The Captain’s Corner announced that Marty Jannetty and Al Perez will be apart of their lineup. They are also running a 48 hour Thanksgiving special. Click Here for more information.

 

We already know that Mike Tyson is the headliner for Big Event XII. Now, thanks to K&S Wrestlefest, we have our first announced vendor guests: Sid, the Headbangers, and Gangrel.

We’re obviously ways away from the 12th Big Event – it’s taking place on March 4th – but it’s always exciting to see the first guests announced. While I’ve met them before, they’re all relatively nice – especially Gangrel – and they haven’t done Big Event in quite sometime.

Sid appeared at Big Event X (last March) while the Headbangers last appeared at Legends of the Ring XI (October). I’m not sure when the last time Gangrel appeared at either convention.

 

Big Event XI was an absolute breeze – especially compared to my scarring experience at their last show. I definitely made it easier on myself by getting *half* the amount of guests and avoided vendor guests that I knew would have long lines like Ryback, Rob Van Dam, and the Outsiders.

Jenna and I stayed overnight at the nearby Hampton Inn so we didn’t have to hunt for a parking spot. Seriously, that’s one of the worst parts about this venue: lack of parking. Jenna got a parking ticket last year and barely got a spot in the garage at the last show. Staying over (for relatively cheap) was so worth it and it’s something we’ll likely do again.

I got to the lobby just before 9:00 AM and picked up my tickets. I saw people – including Ira and Jen – waiting on a line outside but we were told we could pick up our tickets early since we were guests of one of the hotels. Cool! The ticket situation at the last show caused me a great deal of stress. The line was massive and people who were buying day-of were admitted before some w/pre-orders. This time was definitely easier.

We immediately made our way to the auditorium to line up for Bruno. They were allowing VIP ticket holders in first (something they really didn’t stick to at the last show) and we were able to snag a GREAT spot on line – just up front, about 5th or 6th in line or so. We waited for about 30 minutes before Bruno came out to a standing ovation and chants of, “Bruno! Bruno! Bruno!” He was in great spirits and thanked everyone for the applause.

The line moved a little slowly but that was expected. It was now my turn to meet Bruno Sammartino and he could not have been nicer. He asked me where I’d like to sign for all of my items and commented on all the books I had him sign. They had a chair set-up next to him for the photo ops and I love how it came out. Just before the photo he saw me raise my fist and said, “Hes gonna punch me!” He was so great and he’s easily the most iconic wrestler I’ve ever met. I got him in my Encyclopedias (Vol. II & III), WWE Ultimate Superstar Guide, WM 32/HOF Program, and a print I bought at the show.

After a quick trip to the car, I spotted Ken Shamrock on my way back in. I was owed a refund by MZ Promotions after Earl and Dave Hebner cancelled for Legends, so they were nice enough to offer me a Shamrock combo to make up for it. There was only two people in line before it was my turn. Shamrock was really nice. His table was in front of one of those windows that didn’t have any shade and the photo op came out horrendously, so he offered to re-take it away from the window. Great guy. I got him in my Encyclopedia.

Up next was David Schultz, a rare name that actually had a decent line by the time I got to him. Funny story: so it’s my turn, I place the Encyclopedia on the table, and he signs it. While he’s signing, I make my way around the table for the photo op. I guess he didn’t see me, so after he finished signing I *gently* tapped him on the back and he practically jumped out of his seat. He gets up, glares at me, and says “don’t sneak up on me.” He then told the vendor that he hates when people sneak up behind him. Geez. Then we went to pose for the photo and he said, “Don’t hug me” with this dead serious glare. Like…I wasn’t going to hug you? Whatever, Schultz seems like a straight-laced dude and judging by his past…not surprising.

Madusa was up next and she was an absolute sweetheart. She introduced herself to Jenna (as “Madusa!”) and was just really frigging pleasant. I had her sign the Encyclopedia.

Next was Jonathan Coachman and he was a really cool and gracious dude. I had him sign my Encyclopedia.

I cashed in on my $5 Bushwhacker Luke autograph ticket that was included w/admission. I met him once before so I didn’t need to purchase a photo op. Luke was very nice and seemed to be in great spirits. I really wish Butch was well enough to appear as well. I got Luke in my WM 32/HOF Program.

The F.B.I. duo of Tony Mamaluke and Little Guido were next. I had met Guido at a House of Hardcore show back in April, so I didn’t need an autograph from him; instead, I had Mamaluke sign the F.B.I. entry and his individual entry in my Encyclopedia. I loved the photo despite the lighting being poor. I’m sure I’ll edit it to make it better. Great guys, really fun and polite.

Up next was the Ink Inc. duo of Jesse Neal and Shannon Moore. I had Neal sign the 2010 TNA program while Moore signed his entry in the Encyclopedia before we posed for a duo photo op.

The third tag team meet in a row was The Orient Express. Both guys were very nice and humble. I had them sign the Orient Express entry in the Encyclopedia.

Next was Spike Dudley who was very nice and wore his Dudley Boy glasses for the photo op, which I really loved. I had him sign his entry in the Encyclopedia.

Trinity was up next and she was an absolute sweetheart! She signed her entry in the Encyclopedia.

Next was The Patriot, who made sure to keep kayfabe alive by wearing his mask. He was very nice and polite. I had him sign the Encyclopedia.

Next was Larry Zbyszko, who I’ve met twice before. I pre-ordered an autograph ticket to meet him because I planned on getting a Bruno/Zbyszko piece signed by the both of them but, amazingly enough, I couldn’t find any! No worries: I got him in my WM 32/HOF Program.

Next was Rick Steiner, who I really wanted to meet because I love the Steiner Brothers. He was really nice although a bit pricey ($30 combo) but he was really nice and that always eases the blow.

I heard from OvertheTop and a number of other people that Mark Henry had been pulled and would return at 11:30 AM. I was worried he wouldn’t come back at all but, surprisingly, he did and it was earlier than 11:30. I purchased the VIP ticket and I was able to cut the long line. I had him sign the Encyclopedia (his and the NOD entry), WWE Ultimate Superstar Guide, and the WM 32/HOF Program. He was a nice enough guy.

I looked at my clock and couldn’t believe it: 11:00 AM. I was done by 11:00 AM!!!! Holy. Moly. This was something that truly shocked me. Jenna and I decided to have a little snack break before going back to the vendor room to pick up two more names.

Buff Bagwell is someone I really wanted to meet and I’m glad I did. I got him in my Encyclopedia, Vol. III, and I LOVE our photo op. I asked him if I could hold his hat for the photo and he insisted that I wear it instead! Awesome guy and I love his ‘graph.

Finally, I got Ashley Massaro in my Encyclopedia. I thought she’d be a $25ish combo but she was sticking to $20 per item, so I passed on a photo op. I’ll get one at the next con.

Jenna and I said our goodbyes to the friends we’ve made through this hobby and left before noon. Remarkable.

I just wanted to say hi to those who came up to me and told me they were fans of my reports that I post either on here or my block. Kevin, it was particularly nice speaking to you! Hope you enjoy this one. Someone who was with K&S was also nice enough to say hello and said he recongized me from this board. I didn’t catch his name but that’s always awesome to hear. It was good seeing Ira, Greg, OvertheTop, and finally meeting adelta13! Great guys.

Some other thoughts/observations:
I overheard Mike Johnson telling someone that people were really pissed that WWE pulled James Ellsworth.

I could not believe the line for the Outsiders. I know it’s Hall and Nash but…man. Those guys are around, ya know? I’m surprised at how many people still need them.

Autographs:

Mike Johnson of PWInsider is reporting that James Ellsworth has been pulled from tomorrow’s Big Event XI convention:

James Ellsworth was spotted in Pittsburgh a few days ago, likely to do WWE medical testing to finalize his WWE deal.  He’s been pulled from the Big Event convention in NYC tomorrow.

Ellsworth joins a lengthy list of cancellations, including:  Harley Race, Lita, Santino, Perry Saturn, Sunny, Afa, Demolition, Paul Ellering, Vader, Gorgeous George, and Jamie Noble.

Still, the guest list is still impressive with Bruno Sammartino, Mark Henry, and UFC star (and Long Island local) Chris Weidman headlining the show.