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AFTERNOON THOUGHTS: NOTES AND THOUGHTS ON FANSLAM

The Tommy Fierro 15th Anniversary Fanslam event at the Holiday Inn in Totowa, NJ drew a modest crowd in the area of 150-175 fans.

All of the announced and advertised talent appeared as scheduled and anyone who wanted to have personal time and conversation with the wrestlers as they received their photos and autographs absolutely had more than enough face time with the stars.

Among those brought in by Fierro were Tomko (who appeared to have the longest line), Scotty Too Hotty, Samu, Axl Rotten, JJ Dillon, Daivari, Al Snow, Bill DeMott, former WWF announcer Kevin Kelly, Nick "Eugene" Dinsmore (who stayed mostly in character and was running around in his Eugene tights), and even John Cena Sr.

Beyond the signing were a slew of special events, including Kevin Kelly hosting a round of Wrestling Jeopardy.  One of the contestants called him "Hermie" which was a funny moment but Kelly seemed to be having fun zinging all three.  One of Fierro's big ideas was to have a "Tricky Tray" of signed merchandise that was given away - everything ranging from a pair of Hulk Hogan tights to a ladder used in a WWE TLC match. 

Tomko did a "live" shoot interview talking about wrestling in Japan and his time in WWE and TNA.  I only caught some of a "John Cena Sr. Show" featuring several guests including Scotty 2 Hotty and Dinsmore, but it was good goofy fun.  A "developmental debate" featuring Al Snow and Bill DeMott closed the convention.

I don't think anyone was happier to be at the event than the jovial Balls Mahoney, who looked more excited to be meeting fans than the line waiting to meet him.  Mahoney was happily showing off photos of his baby to everyone who asked.

Thomas Rivera's Wrestling Reunion brought in WWE's most tenured employee, Howard Finkel, who not only signed for an extended period, but seemed to have as much fun talking wrestling as anyone in attendance.

Others who were roaming the halls of the convention were Danny Inferno, NWA TV champion Judas Young, the ECW Zombie (in full gimmick), Awesome Kong, Angelina Love, Buddy Roberts, Rhino, Crowbar (who donated his autograph fees to the Autism Speaks charity), Missy Hyatt and probably a few names that are slipping my mind.

While there was no way the event drew what Fierro had hoped for, the positives were that everyone advertised appeared and the event was well organized.  Going into the show, Fierro had played with the idea of doing something in the Fall, but we'll see what his plan of attack is going forward.  There was a belief among some that the event was missing that "one" big-name to center it while some also felt the economy hurt the attendance.

Still, I doubt there was a single person in attendance who left the event unhappy.  For the price of admission, there were several original events that were exclusive to the event, more than enough time for fans to have some personal moments with the talent in attendance and from the perspective of the wrestlers, it was not only a chance to catch up with old running mates, but a chance to simply enjoy being around the wrestling business in a grass roots way that they used to love while breaking in.

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