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In December 2019, a special tribute event titled "DON'T TELL BOBBY" was held in Knoxville, TN, honoring Bobby Eaton. Eaton, unaware of the theme of the show, arrived believing he was just taking an independent booking, then arrived to find out the show was being held in honor of him.
For those interested, you can read my complete coverage of the show by clicking here, but below is my recap of the in-ring tribute by so many talents for one of the greatest wrestlers who ever lived:
Gary Michael Cappetta introduced Jim Cornette. They are going to do a tribute segment for Bobby Eaton.
Cornette said this is very unique for pro wrestling. Usually, the fans are here to buy a ticket and be entertained. The wrestlers and everyone else in the back are professionals who are here to entertain and get paid. Tonight, however, everyone is here for the same reason. They are here to pay tribute to one of the best people to ever walk the face of the Earth, Bobby Eaton. Everyone here is donating their time to pay tribute to Bobby Eaton. They raised money tonight for Bobby and the American Cancer Society and everyone is having a great time. It shows you the respect Bobby has in professional wrestling.
Cornette asked everyone to show their respect and appreciation for Bobby Eaton. Eaton came to the ring to a big standing ovation. He came to the ring. Cornette gave him a chair and invited him to sit, joking that for once Eaton doesn't have to do all the work. Bobby's son Dustin who was with him.
Cornette said they have a video presentation from those who couldn't make it to Knoxville tonight. It was messages from Road Warrior Animal, Teddy Long, Bushwhacker Luke Williams, Rick and Scott Steiner, Nikita Koloff, Raven, Enzo Amore, The Rock N' Roll Express, The Revival and finally, Steve Austin. Austin said he was the biggest Eaton fan and that when he won the WCW World TV title, he couldn't lace Bobby's boots and he knew that. Bobby was a pro and taught him so much about the business. He said that Bobby is the best and that's the bottom line because he says so.
Cornette said Eaton made his job the easiest in the world because as he had to say the Midnight Express was the best tag team in pro wrestling. There must have been a loss of a feed during the live broadcast as it jumps to a group of people in the ring, including William Regal, Bill Dundee, Les Thatcher, Dave Taylor, Bobby Fulton, Tom Prichard, George South and others in the ring. Dundee was telling the story of how he told his daughter not to date wrestlers and Bobby ended up his son-in-law.
Bobby Fulton said that he would have to lay in the ring knowing Bobby's coming off the top with his big rear end, that takes faith.
Les Thatcher, who Cornette said everyone saw in black and white when he debuted, said tonight is about Bobby. He said Eaton makes him proud to be a wrestler. He's done it right. He said the late Ken Lucas would be so happy and proud of him and thanked Eaton for everything he's done for the business.
Tom Prichard said that he wanted to say for the record, The Midnight Express vs. The Rock N' Roll Express was the greatest rivalry ever. He said when the Midnights left WCW and Bobby stayed, it gave Tom Prichard an opportunity he could never ever hope to have. He said the Midnights were the best combination ever. He thanked Bobby.
Dustin Eaton said that his dad is his ace and his father is awesome. He loves his father so much and said this is awesome.
William Regal thanked everyone for having him. He was lucky enough to come to the United States in 1993. In 1994, he was put in a tag team and he knew his partner was leaving. He said he'd love to be put with Bobby Eaton. He was asked why. He said that he knew it would be brilliant and he could learn from Eaton. He said there isn't enough words for Bobby. He said he's here today because Bobby gave him a chance to be noticed. Then, Dave Taylor and he teamed. He said that they have been all over the world, so they can say this, Bobby is one of the best wrestlers in the world.
Cornette said Eaton is the most humble person in the world and he was flabbergasted when he walked in. He thought it was a booking for an autograph signing and when he arrived, everyone applauded. Everyone putting this together had a special championship belt made for Eaton in honor of him. It says "Beautiful Bobby Eaton - Lifetime Legend - Midnight Express." Cornette presented the belt to Eaton. He got a big standing ovation.
Cornette asked everyone if they wanted to hear from Bobby. Brad Logan came out and cut a promo, saying he wanted to know where his money was. Eaton drilled him with the legendary right hand and stood on his chest with his son while Cornette made the pinfall.
You really didn't think Bobby was going to speak, did you?
God bless Bobby Eaton.
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