November 2005

November 2005 Shows:

1st - WWC, Easley, SC     4th - All Star Wrestling Alliance Opening, Lavonia GA

5th - APW, Spartanburg     8th - WWC, Easley     12th - APW, Spartanburg

15th - WWC, Easley     17th - Carolina Wrestling Assocation, Stateville NC

18th - ASWA, Lavonia GA     19th - Starrcade Tribute, Spartanburg SC

22nd - WWC, Easley     24th - APW, Spartanburg     

25th - High Velocity Wrestling, Hendersonville NC     26th - APW, Spartanburg

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My favorite time of year is here - shorter days, cooler temperatures. It not only elevates my mood, but also increases my productivity. So here is the latest from the RSPDN vault.

Back in the late 1990s; myself, Adam Jaxon and Ken Magnum attended the Tuesday night matches at SCW (Southern Carolina Wrestling) in Greer, SC. The promotion was run by Jim Lewis and it featured: The Destroyer (Buck Forrester), The Scorpion (Bill White), Steve Stampede, "Playboy" Buddy Rose, Jr, etc. We also got to meet referee Jamie Tucker before he made it on Nitro. One of our favorite tag-teams was The Boogaloo Crew - Scottie Wrenn and J.C. Dazz. I was happy to run into Scottie (later known as Jason Justice) when I started shooting more in Easley, SC at Brodie Ray Chase's WWC promotion - here is Scottie pressing Jeremy Vain on Nov. 1st (21 years ago as I type this):

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Back in March, I was surprised and saddened to hear about the passing of Shea Shea McGrady, it hit hard locally as it was only the month previous that we lost Brett Wolverton. I only shot a handful of shows with Shea but when I saw these, I wanted to post them here. This is at APW in Spartanburg on Nov. 12. Shea vs. Nick Fury. It was also in March, that Nick suffered a severe neck/spinal injury and is still recovering from that. It's too bad we couldn't get more matches with these two.

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Nov. 17th was a road trip for myself and Eddie Rich. Carolina Wrestling Association in Statesville, NC. The show was held at the Grace Park Rec Center (510 W Bell St, Statesville, NC) - I just discovered that the building was demolished in 2009 - I shot several CWA shows there. 

The show was called "The King Returns" and featured guests "Handsome" Harley Race and Tracey Smothers. 

I didn't get photos with many big names over the years, but I didn't want to miss this opportunity to get Race to sign my copy of his book and get a photo: 

Eddie and I hung out with two senior members of the "Mid Atlantic Mafia" - " Don" Dick Bourne and Mike "Capo" Cline. The action even spilled out right at their feet:

You can click here to see the main event, CWA IC Champion "Mr Elite" Jake Manning w/ Ty Dillenger v. "Slick Diddy" Ric Converse w/ Harley Race.   You'll also see me running around the ring and get to hear our friend Brad Stutts on commentary. 

Ty got too close to Harley...

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The Tribute to Starrcade Fanfest was a big event for Spartanburg - newspaper coverage etc. It's where the famous "It's Still Real To Me, Damnit" moment happened. Lots of big names - it was a packed event.  Click here for a great video of the show. 

So big an event, I've moved my photos to an online album here!

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Next weekend, I'm back with Mitchell's Mess & More at the 4th & Goal Collector's Vault show in Lenoir, NC. If you're in the area, come check us out.  Then on Nov. 20th, we'll all (hopefully...Burke, I'm talking to you) be at the Retro-Toy Con in Greenville, SC.  

Thank you all for reading and remember - Take The Picture! 

October 2005

My schedule was picking up in October, I shot at the following: 

1st- APW, Spartanburg, SC

4th - EWA, Mooresville, NC (?) The War Dance Never Dies/Wahoo McDaniel Tribute Show

8th - APW, Spartanburg, SC     13th & 14th - APW, SC Fair Shows, Spartanburg, SC

15th - APW, Spartanburg, SC     18th - WWC, Easley, SC     21st - AWC, Easley, SC

22nd - APW, Spartanburg, SC     25th - WWC, Easley, SC     27th - EWA, Concord, NC (?)

28th - AWC, Easley, SC     29th - APW, Spartanburg, SC

As you can see I started attending/shooting at Brodie Ray Chase's promotion in Easley, SC more often along with Eddie Rich. I think both of us were itching to stretch our wings a bit. 

I also started spending more time around the group I referred to as the "Mid-Atlantic Mafia:" Dick Bourne,  Mike Cline, Peggy Lathan, Clay Sweet, etc (more on them in later posts).  Below are pics from one of the shows that the Mafia attended: the tribute to Wahoo McDaniel show entitled "The War Dance Never Dies" - the show was put together by George South - even Jimmy Valiant and the Masked Superstar came out!

Yes...someone who had an actual ring used headdress of Wahoo McDaniel's let Eddie put it on!

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I shot my second set of APW shows at the Piedmont Interstate Fair during the nights of Oct. 13th and 14th - every night the seats were packed with fans (recognize anybody?): 

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Some random photos I like from October: 

Mickey Richards never failed to crack me up - whether it was a sound he made, a phrase he used, something he yelled or a face he made like this one from Oct 1st at APW: 

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Here's a couple of our friend Nick Fury, sending best wishes for his continued recovery: 

Oct. 1, vs. Zack Salvation:

Oct. 8, vs. Rowdy James: 

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In Mitchell's Mess & More news: 

Sept. 26 - 4th & Goal's Collector's Vault - Shelby, NC 

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Thanks for reading everyone and remember: Take the Picture!

At Noon (ish)...we RIDE! ...to Gastonia...

 Tomorrow we head to Gastonia to meet up with Mitchell's Mess & More for 4th & Goal Promotions' Collector's Vault show - 10am - 4pm at the Gastonian Halls, 181 W Main Avenue!  Very ready to get back at the tables and we always have a good time at the Collector's Vaults. Great group of folks. 

Depending on how things go Saturday night, we may try to get over the Lincolnton National Guard Armory for Wresting Evolution's Bound By Honor!  Even if we don't make it, you should still go!

August 21-23 - it's time again for Mad Monster Expo in Concord. No tables to work, but as I've said before, Mad Monster is the "reunion" show for this little gang I run with - once again looking forward to Saturday night and the SCARES THAT CARE charity auction. If you are not familiar with this group - please check them out and consider supporting them - I love the work they do. 

Thank you all for reading this short little post - more old rassling photos coming soon. And remember: Take the Picture!

The Gathering VII - 2026

Another spectacular Gathering in Charlotte this past week. I have more fun every year. I'm not going to go into the family reunion discussion, I've done that in the past. Just know, if you're not coming to this show and you are even remotely interested in professional wrestling...you are missing out. 

We checked in on Wednesday afternoon and got loaded in. This year Mitchell's Mess & More had the most tables they've ever had here - 6! We were along the wall as soon as you entered the vendor's room.

Up every night past midnight...on my feet all day (well, a lot of the day) - but I would've stayed if the show had went on. 

In our little circle of the vendor's room we were joined by friends: Brad Stutts, Court Montgomery, and Graham Cawthon - Vinay Mehta of Vinitude Art - the legendary "Mr. #1" George South and our new friends at Lucha Libre Superstore , where I picked up some cool mini Luchador figure packs!

Of course, I acknowledge my con family: Tre & Mitchell, Adam, and Burke. I love you guys - while we weren't able to be all together this weekend - we were all in each other's minds. 

Shout-out to Marty Damato, the organizer and promoter of this event. Marty and his family put so much work into making a great convention. Thank you all.

Great to see and talk with old friends and new: Clay, Franklin, Kylan, Kyle, Thomas, Danny from Kayfabe Cardboard, Bob Keller, Trey C., Karen, Keisha, J&J Figures.  I know I'm forgetting people and I apologize - my brain is still a little scattered. 

Finally took some signed photos to JSA to get certified. All passed...except for my "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert, sadly...it was "inconclusive"...I was told it may have been signed by Missy Hyatt. 😀  So, if you're interested in buying a great photo of Eddie Gilbert that may have been signed by Missy - let me know. 

Sunday morning it began to set in...last day. A little sad as we broke everything down and loaded out. But...already announced: 

And we'll be there!

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I'm back with MMM in a couple of weeks for Fourth & Goal's Collector's Jam, August 15th at the Gastonian Hall in Gastonia. 

Before that though, if you happen to be in Myrtle Beach, stop in and see Mitchell & Tre at the Sports Wax Collector's Expo on August 7 & 8. 

Thanks for reading and remember: Take the Picture!

September 2005...and it ended in an auction...and Gathering Time!

Well, it's finally here. Gathering week!  Looking forward to getting out to Charlotte and seeing everybody.  If you get a chance, absolutely come and check out the show - I'll be working the Mitchell's Mess & More tables, so come and buy something!

Today, we jump back to 2005!

September 3 - APW, Spartanburg.  This was the day I first met Thomas Simpson and the Mack Bros (TJ & Kirby).  They came into my life at the right time. I was starting to get a little burned out at APW.  I was still having a lot of fun, but I was wanting to see what else I could shoot out there. I know a lot of people have strong feelings about Thomas and the Macks. I will say that I still speak to all of them to this day. They are among the major figures in my wrestling time and I still count them among my friends. 

The original Dexter Poindexter!

Just threw this in here, because I think it's funny that "Honest" Doug Hawkins beaned Eddie with the bell...as Danny Parris looked on. 

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Thomas invited Eddie Rich and I to attend Brodie Ray Chase's shows in Greenville. So, on Tuesday, Sept. 6, ER and I drove down to Easley and watched our first Extreme Wrestling Council (EWC) show. Within days we were back for more as Brodie ran shows on Friday, Saturday, as well as Tuesdays.

Behold the wild-eyed Shadow Jackson (one of the first wrestlers we saw there):

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Speaking of Honest Doug, here's a couple of shots - both from this month - of Doug telling me I'm number one: 

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In August, Hurricane Katrina ripped her way through the Southeast, killing over 1300 people. This prompted "Hot Shot" Shane Austin to organize a benefit show that included multiple promotions in the area. Running under the banner of United Wrestling Federation on Sept. 25, it had representatives from: American Pro Wrestling, High Velocity Wrestling, Southern Wrestling Association (Forest City), NWA Anarchy, SWA Extreme, IWA Flash Fire, Mid Atlantic Xtreme Wrestling, Universal Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Council (Greenville SC).  Shannon Moore also appeared to help raise money. 

Click here for some photos from the event!

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September also saw the first break up of The UnderGround - Adam Jaxon & Ken Magnum: 

And we went to "Hawg Heaven"to watch New Blood Championship Wrestling at the Mooresboro Fair: 

I believe that is Derrick Driver on the left vs. Kid Chaos.

I know it's a short post this time - summer is just a busy time for everybody. I appreciate everyone reading and giving me feedback. Future posts are most likely going to be larger as in 2005 we starting hitting the road.  

Thanks to you all and remember: Take the Picture!

August 2005...I snuck into that show...

Hello again, - I quickly want to say a thank you to all who have reached out about the site, it warms my little black heart that so many are enjoying it. 

Last weekend I joined Mitchell's Mess & More at the Sports Wax Promotions - Collector's Jam at the Concord, NC Arena & Event Center:

 

This weekend, I'll be joining the table at the 4th & Goal Collector's Vault show in Shelby, NC at the LeGrande Center.  

I've posted a few photos from August 2005 here. Other than the routine HVW and APW shows this month, I did venture out to Asheville, NC with Nick Fury to attend the Universal Championship Wrestling show at the Civic Center. Very cool for me as the Civic Center is where I used to watch the NWA whenever they came through town. I wasn't booked to shoot this show, but I was at the right place at the right time and got to go to ringside.  Even though the attendance was very low, it still had a big show feel to me, plus I got to shoot the Steiner Bros. for the first time. 

That's it, thanks for reading and don't forget: Take the Picture.