Queen City...here I come...

Tomorrow we head to Charlotte, NC for The Gathering VI.  Last year at this time was rough for me personally, a beloved co-worker had unexpectedly passed away as well as a member of close family friends.  I was exhausted and out of sorts. So as soon as I had a free day, I headed to a convention to see the con family. I thank them again for last year - working the Mitchell's Mess & More table with friends was what I needed to get my head on right. Like I said last year..I get it now...because of my experience in 2024, the Gathering will always hold a special place in my heart. 

Since then, I've eagerly been looking forward to this year's event (and the Boardwalk Billy's chilled peel & eat shrimp). We'll have figures, trading cards, 8x10s, etc. Check out the MMM event page here. 

It's about Hogan, brother...

This is definitely not a post I was expecting to write this early. Of course, you've heard the news by now about the passing of Hulk Hogan. Hogan looms large over Mitchell's Mess & More and those of us who are associated with them. I think something about Hogan has come up in conversation every single time we have gotten together, regardless if it's the full crew or just a couple of us. Hogan was large in life - he has to be the most recognizable face associated with professional wrestling over the last few decades. Love him or hate him, that cannot be denied. 

I was a Hulkamaniac back in the 1980s - I sat in the living room floor and watched his feuds with Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, Zeus, King Kong Bundy, etc etc. I even had the Hulk Hogan cardboard stand up: 

As time went on, my allegiance moved on to other wrestlers, but Hogan was never completely forgotten. I was happy to get to work Reid Flair's debut match in Charlotte on December 6, 2008. Reid teamed with his brother David (with Dad in their corner) vs. The Nasty Boys w/ Jimmy Hart. Hogan was the special guest referee. This was a huge match. There were four photographers at ringside, two guys running video cameras-ringside space was at a premium. There are plenty of videos of this event online, here's one - and that's my hand grabbing Hart's megaphone at 1:12.  

I've been working on a post with photos from 2004. Today's event though had me fast forward. So click here and take a look at Hulk Hogan in Charlotte, NC in 2008. 

Highway Run: Mooresville & Denver!

Hitting the road this weekend and will be with the bosses, Mitchell's Mess & More working the Sports Wax Promotions Card Show in Mooresville, NC this weekend, July 19 & 20 at the Charles Mack Citizen Center.  Saturday the 19th, after the card show, we're heading to Denver, NC to attend Wrestling Evolution's Cruel Summer! I've been attending the last few shows and really enjoying them. 

I am working on a post about 2004 that will have some selected photos from that year. Will have it up soon - thanks for the patience!

On the Road - July

July is a busy month, regardless of what you do and it's picking up for all of us at Mitchell's Mess & More. Looking forward to getting together with the gang for a big month! Come out, look at us, talk to us, buy stuff. Wilmington, Mooresville, Denver, Charlotte!