Post by HHH316 on Jun 25, 2012 23:51:08 GMT -5
I guess I'm going to give a CM Showstopper-type review. I like the build of his stories:
Never before was I so happy to be watching Raw live...
I typically DVR the show, then start it 45 minutes in. This way I can skip through commercials quicker. But last Monday I watched it live, and if I hadn't I would of missed the commercial stating Shawn Michaels would be making an appearance (to promote his hunting show) only an hour away from me at Bass Pro in Gurnee, IL this past weekend. I knew I already had a busy Saturday planned, but this was now becoming priority #1. Sorry to my God daughter, but your birthday can wait.
Meeting Shawn Michaels is the one thing that has slipped through my fingers for decades. He's been my favorite wrestler of all time. I moved to Chicago in 1999 and between then and now, Shawn had only made 1 autograph appearance here, which was in 2006. I remember it as clear as day, he was signing copies of his book the weekend of Wrestlemania 22. It was an 8am signing and I had to work until 1 am that day. Plus it was a 2 hour drive and I still had the HOF that night. It just wasn't meant to be.
Plus, the signing was FREE! I was prepared to drop $100 to meet him at Wrestlemania Axxess this year, but I was already committed to Ring of Honor during that time slot. I knew heading to Miami that this could be one of the last chances I have to meet him, seeing as how he's moved on from wrestling. I RARELY attend signings. I think I've been to roughly 3 in the last 10 years (Hogan in 2002, HHH in 2006, and Punk in 2008). Just another reason as to why I couldn't pass this up.
My sister found out about the signing and wanted to tag along also. She's had a crush on HBK since she was 7, and wanted to meet him face-to-face just one time. She didn't care about the autograph, so she was just going to give it to me. She even insisted on driving there, because she hates how I drive. Double bonus.
It was scheduled to be a noon signing, with the Bass Pro opening at 9am. I figured if I could get there a little before 9, I'd be OK. I had only been to this location once before and it was years ago, so I was going to relay on my GPS to get me there. I was up well before my alarm and even left early, but my GPS got us a little turned around and I didn't get there until 9:15. Stupid technology.
As I'm walking to the doors, there's sea of people lined up outside. Oh no. As I approach the end of the line, it's not as bad as I thought. I had probably 100-150 people ahead of me. I'm thinking I should at least be inside of the cut off. There were multiple people who were upset with this. I guess they called the Bass Pro the day before and were told they wouldn't start forming the line until 9am. So you could show up at 8:55 and still have a chance to be first in line. A worker told me the first person showed up at 4am. Bass pro clearly hadn't planned for this big of a turnout. But to their credit, they adapted to it and things ran smooth. By 9:30 the local police were there to help assist the 4 employees control the giant crowd. There were easily 500 people there. The line was stretching into the street quickly, so the line was re-aligned. We got lucky because we were in the hot 90 degree sun, but were moved into a shaded, screened-in room attached to the store. It made the last couple of hours tolerable. They started telling people half way into the line behind us they might not meet HBK, because there were so many people. At least they gave them the heads up.
What was surprising is that Shawn wasn't even the "main attraction." They were promoting an old Chicago White Sox player I've never heard of as the headliner, but it was clear 99% of the people were there for Shawn. He made a smart move and a few minutes before 12, he started walking up and down the line signing autographs for anyone that wanted them. I think I saw 10 people with Sox merchandise. It would of been sad seeing the guy sit there for hours while everyone is only there to meet HBK.
Right around noon the line started to move, and move fairly quickly. I figured they were just rushing people through at the pace we were moving. My sister and I got to the door at 1:10, and to my surprise Shawn was taking photos with anyone who wanted them. I realized the fans were doing things perfectly. They had their items ready and weren't screwing around. Props to them for not being morons and slowing things down.
FINALLY...It was my turn to step face-to face with my childhood idol...
Now over the last 5+ years, I've met a lot of wrestlers and professional athletes through my photo work. It's always been very easy to put the fan inside of me behind the professional. It's as simple as flipping a switch, and I looked at this as like being in work mode, minus the camera. But for the first time in my life, I was legitimately star struck! My hand was actually shaking, and while I'm trying to keep my composure, my sister is laughing her ass off. I walked up to Shawn and we exchanged greetings and a handshake. I thanked him for coming out, and he said he was happy to. I wanted him to sign my Wrestlemania 28 poster, I took it to Axxess this year and had everyone I met sign it. Since HBK was on the card, I thought it would make a nice addition. At this point, I someone froze. I didn't mark out or pass out, but was just in awe that I was standing in front of HBK. I had a silver sharpie in my hand and he had a gold one. He asked which color I preferred, and I fumbled through my words, but managed to squeeze out that gold was fine. I shook it off and we shook hands again, and I thanked for for the many years of contributing, and he told me he enjoyed doing it. My sister then skips up to him (AJ style) and is striking up a conversation like they are old buddies, just having a great time. No nerves, no problem. Calm, cool, and collected. And I'm standing there thinking, "Why the hell wasn't that me, on today of all days!?" She got my 8x10 signed and headed in my direction.
We stuck around for a few more minutes and watched. It was at this time I realized I didn't get a photo with Shawn. Stupid nerves. My sister told me she gave the camera to the employee and she took one while I was up there. No big deal I guess. It's better than nothing.
Shawn was extremely nice to everyone he met. There were a couple of young girls, probably 6 or 7 years old that asked for a hug. Instead of leaning over the table, he got up and came all the way around the table to do so. He kneeled down with them so their mom could take a photo too. It was clear he was genuinely having a great time there. I tried taking a couple of photos on my phone, but the camera on it is garbage. I can't wait until my shoulder is healed up and I can get back to my beast of a camera.
As I suspected, people were turned away. My sister has a friend that works at a nearby Bass Pro, and said Shawn stayed an extra 40 minutes to sign as many as he could before he had to go.
Meeting Shawn Michaels was at the top of my wrestling bucket list. Even above attending Wrestlemania. It's funny that my list is nearly complete, and I'm only 26. While it might not of been my shining moment, I'll never forget it.
Meeting Shawn:
Full Wrestlemania 28 poster:
Shawn's autograph:
Signed 8x10:
Never before was I so happy to be watching Raw live...
I typically DVR the show, then start it 45 minutes in. This way I can skip through commercials quicker. But last Monday I watched it live, and if I hadn't I would of missed the commercial stating Shawn Michaels would be making an appearance (to promote his hunting show) only an hour away from me at Bass Pro in Gurnee, IL this past weekend. I knew I already had a busy Saturday planned, but this was now becoming priority #1. Sorry to my God daughter, but your birthday can wait.
Meeting Shawn Michaels is the one thing that has slipped through my fingers for decades. He's been my favorite wrestler of all time. I moved to Chicago in 1999 and between then and now, Shawn had only made 1 autograph appearance here, which was in 2006. I remember it as clear as day, he was signing copies of his book the weekend of Wrestlemania 22. It was an 8am signing and I had to work until 1 am that day. Plus it was a 2 hour drive and I still had the HOF that night. It just wasn't meant to be.
Plus, the signing was FREE! I was prepared to drop $100 to meet him at Wrestlemania Axxess this year, but I was already committed to Ring of Honor during that time slot. I knew heading to Miami that this could be one of the last chances I have to meet him, seeing as how he's moved on from wrestling. I RARELY attend signings. I think I've been to roughly 3 in the last 10 years (Hogan in 2002, HHH in 2006, and Punk in 2008). Just another reason as to why I couldn't pass this up.
My sister found out about the signing and wanted to tag along also. She's had a crush on HBK since she was 7, and wanted to meet him face-to-face just one time. She didn't care about the autograph, so she was just going to give it to me. She even insisted on driving there, because she hates how I drive. Double bonus.
It was scheduled to be a noon signing, with the Bass Pro opening at 9am. I figured if I could get there a little before 9, I'd be OK. I had only been to this location once before and it was years ago, so I was going to relay on my GPS to get me there. I was up well before my alarm and even left early, but my GPS got us a little turned around and I didn't get there until 9:15. Stupid technology.
As I'm walking to the doors, there's sea of people lined up outside. Oh no. As I approach the end of the line, it's not as bad as I thought. I had probably 100-150 people ahead of me. I'm thinking I should at least be inside of the cut off. There were multiple people who were upset with this. I guess they called the Bass Pro the day before and were told they wouldn't start forming the line until 9am. So you could show up at 8:55 and still have a chance to be first in line. A worker told me the first person showed up at 4am. Bass pro clearly hadn't planned for this big of a turnout. But to their credit, they adapted to it and things ran smooth. By 9:30 the local police were there to help assist the 4 employees control the giant crowd. There were easily 500 people there. The line was stretching into the street quickly, so the line was re-aligned. We got lucky because we were in the hot 90 degree sun, but were moved into a shaded, screened-in room attached to the store. It made the last couple of hours tolerable. They started telling people half way into the line behind us they might not meet HBK, because there were so many people. At least they gave them the heads up.
What was surprising is that Shawn wasn't even the "main attraction." They were promoting an old Chicago White Sox player I've never heard of as the headliner, but it was clear 99% of the people were there for Shawn. He made a smart move and a few minutes before 12, he started walking up and down the line signing autographs for anyone that wanted them. I think I saw 10 people with Sox merchandise. It would of been sad seeing the guy sit there for hours while everyone is only there to meet HBK.
Right around noon the line started to move, and move fairly quickly. I figured they were just rushing people through at the pace we were moving. My sister and I got to the door at 1:10, and to my surprise Shawn was taking photos with anyone who wanted them. I realized the fans were doing things perfectly. They had their items ready and weren't screwing around. Props to them for not being morons and slowing things down.
FINALLY...It was my turn to step face-to face with my childhood idol...
Now over the last 5+ years, I've met a lot of wrestlers and professional athletes through my photo work. It's always been very easy to put the fan inside of me behind the professional. It's as simple as flipping a switch, and I looked at this as like being in work mode, minus the camera. But for the first time in my life, I was legitimately star struck! My hand was actually shaking, and while I'm trying to keep my composure, my sister is laughing her ass off. I walked up to Shawn and we exchanged greetings and a handshake. I thanked him for coming out, and he said he was happy to. I wanted him to sign my Wrestlemania 28 poster, I took it to Axxess this year and had everyone I met sign it. Since HBK was on the card, I thought it would make a nice addition. At this point, I someone froze. I didn't mark out or pass out, but was just in awe that I was standing in front of HBK. I had a silver sharpie in my hand and he had a gold one. He asked which color I preferred, and I fumbled through my words, but managed to squeeze out that gold was fine. I shook it off and we shook hands again, and I thanked for for the many years of contributing, and he told me he enjoyed doing it. My sister then skips up to him (AJ style) and is striking up a conversation like they are old buddies, just having a great time. No nerves, no problem. Calm, cool, and collected. And I'm standing there thinking, "Why the hell wasn't that me, on today of all days!?" She got my 8x10 signed and headed in my direction.
We stuck around for a few more minutes and watched. It was at this time I realized I didn't get a photo with Shawn. Stupid nerves. My sister told me she gave the camera to the employee and she took one while I was up there. No big deal I guess. It's better than nothing.
Shawn was extremely nice to everyone he met. There were a couple of young girls, probably 6 or 7 years old that asked for a hug. Instead of leaning over the table, he got up and came all the way around the table to do so. He kneeled down with them so their mom could take a photo too. It was clear he was genuinely having a great time there. I tried taking a couple of photos on my phone, but the camera on it is garbage. I can't wait until my shoulder is healed up and I can get back to my beast of a camera.
As I suspected, people were turned away. My sister has a friend that works at a nearby Bass Pro, and said Shawn stayed an extra 40 minutes to sign as many as he could before he had to go.
Meeting Shawn Michaels was at the top of my wrestling bucket list. Even above attending Wrestlemania. It's funny that my list is nearly complete, and I'm only 26. While it might not of been my shining moment, I'll never forget it.
Meeting Shawn:
Full Wrestlemania 28 poster:
Shawn's autograph:
Signed 8x10:
