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PREVIEWING NEXT MONTH'S NWA LEGENDS FANFEST IN CHARLOTTE, NC

Charlotte, North Carolina is known for its rich wrestling history. Of course, it is known worldwide as the home of Ric Flair, Arn Anderson and Ricky Steamboat, among others. It was a major wrestling city for decades during the time of Mid-Atlantic Wrestling, and until the very end of time, may be forever known as a city that loved for their NWA wrestling, as promoted by the Crockett family.  

While time saw the Crocketts give way for WCW, which later imploded, those fans who lived through the highs and lows of the Carolina wrestling scene will always have their memories of an era they hold near and dear to their heart.  Those memories will rejuvenate back to forefront with next month's NWA Legends Fanfest promoted by Greg Price, which will return to the Queen City after a one year absence (Price promoted an excellent weekend event in Washington, DC last August).  

While many baseball and entertainment conventions charge $10-$100 a signature based upon the level of celebrity, the NWA Legends Fanest provides you with a weekend of hobnobbing with your old favorites with a VIP price of $149, which includes two guaranteed autographs of all of the convention's featured guests, a live wrestling event, a program, a t-shirt, Q&A Sessions with Ted DiBiase and the Four Horsemen members in attendance and more.  Autographed photos with the stars are also available at an additional price.  

While there are "day" passes for the event, the VIPs are the best bargain for the dollar, specifically when faced with what is traditionally a heavily populated event and long lines.  Besides, who wants to stand around a room when you can have numbered, organized access to meet the childhood stars of your choice?

The usage of the word "stars" is not in any way shape or form simply hype. There is no hype needed when the likes of Tully Blanchard, Magnum TA, Ole Anderson, JJ Dillon, Ted DiBiase, Tommy Rich, The Midnight Express, Jim Cornette, Bob Caudle and Ronnie Garvin, among over 20 other stars of the 1970s and 1980s are assembled in one place, with free autographs for everyone who pays for admission.  For a complete lineup of those appearing, including a ton of names being brought in by vendors (for additional fees...even Black Bart is popping up!), visit www.NWALegends.com.

A new wrinkle for the event (for an additional price) will be the first-ever "Hall of Heroes" induction banquet dinner featuring Jim Cornette and Baby Doll, among others honoring legends from the territory.  Former AWA Women's champion Penny Banner has been announced as the first inductee.

The live event, included in VIP admission (although tickets will be on sale at the door) features what is billed as likely Tully Blanchard's final in-ring bout as the former U.S. champion, accompanied by JJ Dillon and Baby Doll, will wrestle Dustin Rhodes.  TNA stars AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and Christian Cage will meet in a Three-Way.  With the Rock N' Roll Express and the Midnight Express all under the same roof, one would hope for yet another chapter in their never-ending feud to be written.  A nostalgic wrestling feud is in many ways like a great song. You may know the words, but you still want to follow it along, beat for beat.

Closing out the convention will be a second live event, featuring stars from the National Wrestling Alliance of 2007, including Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brent Albright in a NWA title tournament Semi-Final, Bryan Danielson in action, Mike Quackenbush, and uh, Buff Bagwell.

There are, without a doubt, a number of jaded, grizzled fans who wish for their era of pro wrestling to return.  I can count myself among that number more than I care to admit.  The truth is, that time is never coming back.  Every now and then, however, you do get a chance to turn the clock back for a little bit, reflect, and enjoy a taste of what first made you become enamored with this unique business, rejuvenating your love in the process. Next month's NWA Legends convention is probably the best shining example of that chance.

For more on the NWA Legends Fanfest in Charlotte, NC, visit www.NWALegends.com.

Mike Johnson can be reached at Mike@PWInsider.com.

 

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