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!