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Post by J12 on Feb 22, 2012 18:13:28 GMT -5
I've had this opportunity brewing in the works for a while now, but I didn't want to post about it until it was all but finalized.
Pending final approval (paperwork through the local arena), I'll be working local ring crew for WWE next Sunday when they hit Bangor, Maine.
My college has a working relationship with the Bangor Auditorium and often asks for students to work local crew for events. This WWE show happens to fall during spring break, so help is scarce. My friend and I were able to get on the list with relative ease.
My advisor/station manager has worked ring crew for them the last few times they've hit Bangor, and though he's not a wrestling fan, he said it's a pretty cool experience.
If my experience is anything like his, I'll be working alongside WWE employees setting up the ring, chairs, mats, barricades, lighting rigs, etc.
I'm pretty damn excited to say the least. I know it's not likely I'll be able to meet anyone (it's a paid gig, I don't want to burn any bridges), but the idea that I could even just bump into people backstage and say hello is pretty surreal. Not to mention, stepping into a WWE ring is more or less a once in a life time opportunity.
We set up for four hours in the morning, then go on break. I have tickets to the show, and have essentially been told that as soon as it's over, I can leave my seat and walk through the barricade.
Anyone ever worked local crew before, or have an experiences with those who have?
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King Of Swing
Main Eventer
Joined on: Jan 25, 2012 20:58:40 GMT -5
Posts: 1,360
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Post by King Of Swing on Feb 22, 2012 18:16:34 GMT -5
I haven't, but that sounds awesome man ! So jealous. Let us know how it goes.
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gwtpunk
Main Eventer
Joined on: Oct 20, 2011 12:56:18 GMT -5
Posts: 1,898
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Post by gwtpunk on Feb 22, 2012 18:16:46 GMT -5
Wow. I must say you are very lucky. I have never done this but it seems great. +1 for you cause i really enjoyed this for some reason
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Post by ß®å¢K$ßâ¢k on Feb 22, 2012 18:24:19 GMT -5
That job might suck...I know someone who was doing that and had a WWE employee drop something on his foot and broke it.
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Post by Wato Stan Account on Feb 22, 2012 18:31:42 GMT -5
I'll just say as a working stagehand, don't say hi to anyone ("bump in" includes that). Unless they talk to you don't say a word, it's completely disrespectful and not what you're there to do. I hate to sound like an a**hole and I take it too seriously, but I do. It's work I love doing and I hate seeing people doing jobs for the wrong reason. I've worked tons of shows I loved for bands I love, but it's not your job to mingle. Just listen well and do what they ask, don't act like a fan or the crew will hate you and give you sh*t work.
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hitmaniac
Superstar
"Its just mind over matter: I don't mind, cuz you don't matter"
Joined on: Sept 14, 2011 13:10:47 GMT -5
Posts: 556
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Post by hitmaniac on Feb 22, 2012 18:40:29 GMT -5
FWIW, I only ever worked "local" for bands at the one venue (Liverpool Royal Court) but that was almost always a pretty cool experience; got to work for some of my favourites including Faith No More, and Black Sabbath (with Tony Martin - this was late 1980s/early 1990s)
Almost always I got something signed, photo ops etc.
Never had a truly bad experience - at worst I didn't get near the talent - but the pressure on the job can be high... just stay on your toes, and always be on the lookout for any of the main crew in need of a helping hand.
I made some good money and some great friends. Would love to work a WWE show. If you find yourself with a moment or three to wander, then go for it!
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Post by Barrett on Feb 22, 2012 18:41:23 GMT -5
Dude! That rules! I want a full recap ASAP.
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Post by ~*Young $ Money*~ on Feb 22, 2012 18:44:28 GMT -5
Sounds awesome man, have fun and if u see anyone give the good old head nod and start from there. Says hi to them and aknowledges them without being overly excited
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Kid Lightning
Superstar
Joined on: Dec 21, 2002 17:15:17 GMT -5
Posts: 961
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Post by Kid Lightning on Feb 22, 2012 18:53:09 GMT -5
I will be at that event!
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@3CountRadio
Main Eventer
Joined on: Feb 9, 2011 12:19:14 GMT -5
Posts: 1,252
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Post by @3CountRadio on Feb 22, 2012 18:54:08 GMT -5
That's awesome! Oddly enough, I was on the "crew" for WrestleMania 25. Which consisted of me showing up, getting a crew shirt...and doing nothing else. They employ so many people for Mania, the lesser people (i.e. me) were left to sit in a truck, drink sodas, and just relax. Got to see the show, though. That was awesome.
Because it may be asked, my uncle works at Reliant Stadium, setting special events up. He got me on the crew.
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Post by J12 on Feb 22, 2012 18:55:51 GMT -5
I'll just say as a working stagehand, don't say hi to anyone ("bump in" includes that). Unless they talk to you don't say a word, it's completely disrespectful and not what you're there to do. I hate to sound like an a**hole and I take it too seriously, but I do. It's work I love doing and I hate seeing people doing jobs for the wrong reason. I've worked tons of shows I loved for bands I love, but it's not your job to mingle. Just listen well and do what they ask, don't act like a fan or the crew will hate you and give you sh*t work. I would never consider stopping to talk to the guys, etc. I know it's not my place, and not what I'm there to do. I signed up to do it for the experience. It's likely the only time in my life that I'll have the opportunity to be backstage at a WWE event or in and around a WWE ring, so I'll simply be keeping my head down and taking it all in. |
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Post by muccguy88 on Feb 22, 2012 18:59:06 GMT -5
Pretty cool. This guy I work with used to work live events at the Westchester County Center in the mid 90s. He told me one time he was sitting in the corner of the barricade to keep the crowds at bay, when Yokozuna got whipped into the turnbuckle. He said all he saw was Yoko's butt flying toward him and the whole ring moved on impact.
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Post by juicewinslow on Feb 22, 2012 19:05:35 GMT -5
One of my friends got to do this about a year ago.
Things he told me about:
- Going in and out of Vince's office all day long. He had to get stuff for Vince. I don't remember what Vince requested, but it was something strange (and simple). I want to say it was pencils for some reason. He said Vince was an extremely nice guy.
-He witnessed John Cena get a haircut.
-He said Great Khali was enormous.
(note: He is not really into wrestling so who knows who else he actually met)
He also got me a 'WWE CREW' shirt. So I assume you will also get 1.
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@3CountRadio
Main Eventer
Joined on: Feb 9, 2011 12:19:14 GMT -5
Posts: 1,252
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Post by @3CountRadio on Feb 22, 2012 19:21:23 GMT -5
One of my friends got to do this about a year ago. Things he told me about: - Going in and out of Vince's office all day long. He had to get stuff for Vince. I don't remember what Vince requested, but it was something strange (and simple). I want to say it was pencils for some reason. He said Vince was an extremely nice guy. -He witnessed John Cena get a haircut. -He said Great Khali was enormous. (note: He is not really into wrestling so who knows who else he actually met) He also got me a 'WWE CREW' shirt. So I assume you will also get 1. Yep. Like this.   |
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Post by Scotty on Feb 22, 2012 19:21:25 GMT -5
thats pretty cool
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@Chair.Shot
Main Eventer
WF 10+ Year Member
Joined on: Jan 31, 2012 4:38:24 GMT -5
Posts: 3,878
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Post by @Chair.Shot on Feb 22, 2012 21:50:03 GMT -5
Awesome! I'm jealous and want to know every detail!
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