Post by King Bálor (CM)™ on Jul 29, 2012 22:19:00 GMT -5
The Wolfpack was locked and loaded for another wonderful TNA adventure. This one took place the day after DJKnightRida's birthday....his 29th. The aspects of turning 30 are starting to catch up on him. Damn 30!
Washington is about 3.5hours from us and with no meet and greets, we took our leisure on the PA Turnpike, leaving an hour before noon. We made a pit stop at one of my USED TO BE favorite hangouts. For the longest time, I raved about A & W the restaurant. Yes, if you have never seen one or heard of one before....A&W the rootbeer has a fast food joint. We had once stopped at this location when we headed to TNA Lockdown in Cinci, OH. So this was a no brainer. There are 2 things I loved about A&W. One is the root beer straight from the tap. Its foamy and creamy and thick. Wait...wait. The root beer, you sick freaks! Its of a far superiority to fountain or what you might find in the grocery store. Secondly, the cheeseburgers. By far the BEST damn fast food cheeseburger. Thick patties, greasy and high quality beef.....or at least it tasted that way. Once we arrived, I ordered my Double Bacon Cheeseburger cumbo and DJ ordered a chili dog, but unfortunately they had no chili. Not the first time this has happened, so DJ ordered something else. Well, when he went to get his rootbeer....he noticed something was missing. Next, I hear him walk back towards me; "You're not gonna be happy." I thought he was interjecting his opinion in the convo I was having with the woman behind the counter. Sadly, it wasnt. As I turned to get my delicious from the tap root beer.........THE TAP WAS GONE! Where did the tap go? I asked the lady behind the counter and she said that a month ago, they came in and tore it out. You got to be kidding me!!!! I told them I travelled 2.5 hours for the delicious from the tap root beer. Unfortunately, they could not magically produce a new one. So I sat down and awaited my food. It arrives and I look down to see this teeny tiny cheeseburger. In fact, it strongly resembles the soy, horse compound McDonald's puts together. Where the hell is the normal A&W burgers. I once again returned to the counter and asked them about the burgers. Evidently a few months ago, A&W corporate decided to change the beef, size of the patties and eliminate the grease. I felt like Belle Vernon, PA now was communist China. Throw the baby out with the bath water. Since my meal was small and I noticed this delicious cookie dough bite ice cream, I aimed to grab one out the door. I'm not much for deserts or sweets, but figured I would give it a try. I went back to the counter only to find out they were all out of cookie dough. Out the door we went. A&W has now been scratched off the list. A long fall from grace ala Joe Paterno.....minus the whole child molestation thing.
We got back into the car and made our way West to Washington. We made decent time, continually keeping our eyes on the weather. 40% chance of showers were being called for this outdoor event. Once we arrived, we found the Consol Energy Park was less than a mile from the highway exit. Nice ball park. Sort of small, but still very nice. We were a few hours early and watched as the weather would change....thunderstorms, slight drizzle, sunshine, etc. It couldnt seem to make up its mind. The entire was sold out well in advance. But the bleacher seating was readily available. For the first time ever, the comp list was available an hour before doors opened. WOW!! So we had our tickets and we were 5 rows up behind home plate. While we waited to get inside, Jimmy Jay put out a trivia tweet to win a free backstage pass. I answered. I won.
Once inside, we discovered Angle/Anderson would be signing for $20 purchase of their 2 pack. Angle was a top want of the weekend, as I had 4 items for him. Anderson was a very minor one, as I just cleaned up on him the previous week. But we bought the 2 packs anyway, the new Jeff Hardy Comic Book shirt and the new Austin Aries tshirt, which hasnt even been put on ShopTNA.com. Since it was my buds bday, it was my treat for the shirt. Matching shirts RULE!!!!
Once I picked up my backstage pass, we also discovered Tessmacher was signing at the table. SWEET!!! The return of the at the table signings. This was not a full fledge Basebrawl, as there was no VIP package. So I am guessing NO VIP Bat package and table signings come back. I had 1 item for her. Her line was ridiculously long. No photos with her unless you paid $10 and got her banner. If you did, posed standing photo op. Not a horrible idea and a GREAT money maker for TNA. No photo needed, as I just needed my program signed. I got to the table and got my program signed. Quite possibly one of the worst autos I have ever seen. This nears the CM Punk debacle from Wizard World. But hey...it was free. It basically looks like an L and a squiggle. A B and then more squiggles. I understand its a long line and they wont be the best autos in the world. But can we please get just a few more letters.
The rain seemed to have stopped and clouds dispersed. The humidity was absurd though. I changed out of my shirt into my new Aries tshirt to freshen up. We went through the Angle/Anderson line, which the signing was done in the visitor's dugout. I was able to get 2 Angles and 1 Anderson. Angle signed my 2012 Program and then my photo of him being smashed in my foot by James Storm from Reading, PA. Kurt seemed out of it. He signed my program no problem. But when he went to sign my photo, he stared at it for a moment, then put it down and VERY SLOWLY wrote his name. When he got to the end of his name......he and the marker kind of fell down. Hard to explain. It left a bit of globbed paint at the end. Not the end of the world....but sad. Anderson was cool and signed a photo I took of him from Orlando. He thanked us for coming out again to support the shows.
When we were done, we wanted to go back to the car to unload some stuff. The ball park was uncooperative, saying we could only leave and return if we were going to smoke a cig. Seriously?!?!?!! They said if went to our car, we would not be allowed back inside. So I am allowed to go out to gain lung cancer, but not to goto my car. Sounds ok to me. Always thinking on my feet, I told the lady I HAD to go back to the car, cuz the security guard inside the park said I had to take my pocket knife out and could not bring it inside the park. And then....we were allowed to go. We made the drop and returned to the park with no issue.
We went and took a different set of a seats, as I hate sitting behind home plate b/c of the netting. We got nice decent view and sat back, watching the show. This tour had a battle royal with everyone minus Aries. The winner would receive a shot later in the night against Aries for the title. In the end, Roode and Hardy tumbled over the top and both were rewarded a title shot. The original announced card from earlier in the week was changed, as AJ Styles left for New Zeland. Sadly they did not announce his replacement until the night before and I did not see it till the day of....The Pope, who is the last name I need to complete a poster that I didnt bring with me. So a new car was put out on Saturday. That card was then changed during the actual show. A triple threat main event for the TNA Title was the end result. The matches were decent. Daniels/Kaz were gold on the mic. in their insults towards Joseph Park, who was brought on tour to be beat up. The tag match had Daniels/Kaz vs. Anderson/RVD. Good comedy, good work....one of the better matches of the night. Devon and DJ had a flex off from the aisle to the stands, which was hilarious. And Madison made ga ga eyes at Earl when she was leaving.
Intermission came and DJ and I were the first 2 through the gate and into the parking area where the wrestlers parked. Scheduled to be backstage were Madison Rayne, Jeff Hardy, Austin Aries, Roode and RVD. Once we got back there....it was just Madison. I got her to sign my program and a picture with her...and then nothing. No one else was out. We were told to spread out and wait for others to come and they would be here soon. A minute or 2 went by, as everyone was crowding around Madison. We saw Joseph Park over by a car. So we headed over. We were told we werent supposed to be here and Atlas chased us away. He did sign my Abyss page.....with something completely unrecognizable. He was then chastised by Atlas. Not sure how security can chastise a performer. Oh well. When we returned, the locker room door opened and Roode came out. DJ got a pic with him, I needed nothing. The door opened again and out came Austin Aries and RVD. I went right for Aries, as I had 3 for him. Sadly, a skunk was spotted and they quickly moved Aries out of there and back towards where Park was. I followed and got my 3 done. Aries was cool. He thanked me for coming out again and buying his shirt. He appreciates the support for both him and the product. He signed all 3 of my photos. The door opened and Kurt Angle came out. WHAT!??!?!?! Angle was part of the backstage now. SWEET!!! Atlas grabbed him and told him to go back inside.
The door opened again and Jeff Hardy came out. Hardy stayed in the skunk area, Atlas didnt seem to care. I let Jeff know about the skunk, he did jump and look around, but didnt stop him from staying and signing. We talked for a brief bit, as people were abandoning all other lines to join his. It was crazy. And as I type this, I am drinking a Pepsi Next Passion Mango....MMMMMM!!!! Anyway, he signed my 3 photos, including the shot I took of him from Aberdeen that he asked me to take when he was headed for the ring. He loved on the photo turned out. I didnt want to hold up the line anymore, as intermission is scheduled for 20 mins., and everyone was late. So I departed, found DJ who had wandered off and we left. We got what we needed, cept DJ. He forgot about his Aries item and the Jeff line swallowed him up....he was pushed aside and didnt think he would make it through by the end. As we were leaving, we saw Pope come out....and immediately jump in a car and leave. As we were leaving, we found the Hebners were signing at the merch. stand, so we passed and headed for our seats.
The first of the last 2 matches featured Angle/Magnus in a BFG series match. Nothing special. Very short match. Angle won and then talked to to the crowd, we are very near Pittsburgh, about his dreams of returning to the Olympics but not being able to due to injury. Then it was main event time. Best match of the night. Cool to see Aries and Jeff go at it for a brief bit. On the outside of the ring, Hardy flung Roode into the rail and rail snapped and Roode went tumbling into the crowd. We saw a spot where Aries was on all 4s, while Roode was in the corner. Hardy used the Poetry in Motion on Roode, off of Aries. Hardy hit the Twist of Fate on Aries and a nearfall, before Roode broke it up. Hardy kickedout of the fisherman by Roode. Aries nailed the brainbuster on Roode for the 3. After the match, Aries exited the ring and raised Hardy's hand and they shook hands, before Hardy left and Aries stayed for in ring photos. Got into line and got a photo with the champ again. Once again, we sported matching shirts. Aries thanked us again for coming out and hopes to see us soon. On the way out, I stopped JB for an auto in the program and that was pretty much it. We made great timing coming home and all in all, a worthwhile trip. TNA.....we will see you in September.
Pictures available at www.cmshowstopper.com
Washington is about 3.5hours from us and with no meet and greets, we took our leisure on the PA Turnpike, leaving an hour before noon. We made a pit stop at one of my USED TO BE favorite hangouts. For the longest time, I raved about A & W the restaurant. Yes, if you have never seen one or heard of one before....A&W the rootbeer has a fast food joint. We had once stopped at this location when we headed to TNA Lockdown in Cinci, OH. So this was a no brainer. There are 2 things I loved about A&W. One is the root beer straight from the tap. Its foamy and creamy and thick. Wait...wait. The root beer, you sick freaks! Its of a far superiority to fountain or what you might find in the grocery store. Secondly, the cheeseburgers. By far the BEST damn fast food cheeseburger. Thick patties, greasy and high quality beef.....or at least it tasted that way. Once we arrived, I ordered my Double Bacon Cheeseburger cumbo and DJ ordered a chili dog, but unfortunately they had no chili. Not the first time this has happened, so DJ ordered something else. Well, when he went to get his rootbeer....he noticed something was missing. Next, I hear him walk back towards me; "You're not gonna be happy." I thought he was interjecting his opinion in the convo I was having with the woman behind the counter. Sadly, it wasnt. As I turned to get my delicious from the tap root beer.........THE TAP WAS GONE! Where did the tap go? I asked the lady behind the counter and she said that a month ago, they came in and tore it out. You got to be kidding me!!!! I told them I travelled 2.5 hours for the delicious from the tap root beer. Unfortunately, they could not magically produce a new one. So I sat down and awaited my food. It arrives and I look down to see this teeny tiny cheeseburger. In fact, it strongly resembles the soy, horse compound McDonald's puts together. Where the hell is the normal A&W burgers. I once again returned to the counter and asked them about the burgers. Evidently a few months ago, A&W corporate decided to change the beef, size of the patties and eliminate the grease. I felt like Belle Vernon, PA now was communist China. Throw the baby out with the bath water. Since my meal was small and I noticed this delicious cookie dough bite ice cream, I aimed to grab one out the door. I'm not much for deserts or sweets, but figured I would give it a try. I went back to the counter only to find out they were all out of cookie dough. Out the door we went. A&W has now been scratched off the list. A long fall from grace ala Joe Paterno.....minus the whole child molestation thing.
We got back into the car and made our way West to Washington. We made decent time, continually keeping our eyes on the weather. 40% chance of showers were being called for this outdoor event. Once we arrived, we found the Consol Energy Park was less than a mile from the highway exit. Nice ball park. Sort of small, but still very nice. We were a few hours early and watched as the weather would change....thunderstorms, slight drizzle, sunshine, etc. It couldnt seem to make up its mind. The entire was sold out well in advance. But the bleacher seating was readily available. For the first time ever, the comp list was available an hour before doors opened. WOW!! So we had our tickets and we were 5 rows up behind home plate. While we waited to get inside, Jimmy Jay put out a trivia tweet to win a free backstage pass. I answered. I won.
Once inside, we discovered Angle/Anderson would be signing for $20 purchase of their 2 pack. Angle was a top want of the weekend, as I had 4 items for him. Anderson was a very minor one, as I just cleaned up on him the previous week. But we bought the 2 packs anyway, the new Jeff Hardy Comic Book shirt and the new Austin Aries tshirt, which hasnt even been put on ShopTNA.com. Since it was my buds bday, it was my treat for the shirt. Matching shirts RULE!!!!
Once I picked up my backstage pass, we also discovered Tessmacher was signing at the table. SWEET!!! The return of the at the table signings. This was not a full fledge Basebrawl, as there was no VIP package. So I am guessing NO VIP Bat package and table signings come back. I had 1 item for her. Her line was ridiculously long. No photos with her unless you paid $10 and got her banner. If you did, posed standing photo op. Not a horrible idea and a GREAT money maker for TNA. No photo needed, as I just needed my program signed. I got to the table and got my program signed. Quite possibly one of the worst autos I have ever seen. This nears the CM Punk debacle from Wizard World. But hey...it was free. It basically looks like an L and a squiggle. A B and then more squiggles. I understand its a long line and they wont be the best autos in the world. But can we please get just a few more letters.
The rain seemed to have stopped and clouds dispersed. The humidity was absurd though. I changed out of my shirt into my new Aries tshirt to freshen up. We went through the Angle/Anderson line, which the signing was done in the visitor's dugout. I was able to get 2 Angles and 1 Anderson. Angle signed my 2012 Program and then my photo of him being smashed in my foot by James Storm from Reading, PA. Kurt seemed out of it. He signed my program no problem. But when he went to sign my photo, he stared at it for a moment, then put it down and VERY SLOWLY wrote his name. When he got to the end of his name......he and the marker kind of fell down. Hard to explain. It left a bit of globbed paint at the end. Not the end of the world....but sad. Anderson was cool and signed a photo I took of him from Orlando. He thanked us for coming out again to support the shows.
When we were done, we wanted to go back to the car to unload some stuff. The ball park was uncooperative, saying we could only leave and return if we were going to smoke a cig. Seriously?!?!?!! They said if went to our car, we would not be allowed back inside. So I am allowed to go out to gain lung cancer, but not to goto my car. Sounds ok to me. Always thinking on my feet, I told the lady I HAD to go back to the car, cuz the security guard inside the park said I had to take my pocket knife out and could not bring it inside the park. And then....we were allowed to go. We made the drop and returned to the park with no issue.
We went and took a different set of a seats, as I hate sitting behind home plate b/c of the netting. We got nice decent view and sat back, watching the show. This tour had a battle royal with everyone minus Aries. The winner would receive a shot later in the night against Aries for the title. In the end, Roode and Hardy tumbled over the top and both were rewarded a title shot. The original announced card from earlier in the week was changed, as AJ Styles left for New Zeland. Sadly they did not announce his replacement until the night before and I did not see it till the day of....The Pope, who is the last name I need to complete a poster that I didnt bring with me. So a new car was put out on Saturday. That card was then changed during the actual show. A triple threat main event for the TNA Title was the end result. The matches were decent. Daniels/Kaz were gold on the mic. in their insults towards Joseph Park, who was brought on tour to be beat up. The tag match had Daniels/Kaz vs. Anderson/RVD. Good comedy, good work....one of the better matches of the night. Devon and DJ had a flex off from the aisle to the stands, which was hilarious. And Madison made ga ga eyes at Earl when she was leaving.
Intermission came and DJ and I were the first 2 through the gate and into the parking area where the wrestlers parked. Scheduled to be backstage were Madison Rayne, Jeff Hardy, Austin Aries, Roode and RVD. Once we got back there....it was just Madison. I got her to sign my program and a picture with her...and then nothing. No one else was out. We were told to spread out and wait for others to come and they would be here soon. A minute or 2 went by, as everyone was crowding around Madison. We saw Joseph Park over by a car. So we headed over. We were told we werent supposed to be here and Atlas chased us away. He did sign my Abyss page.....with something completely unrecognizable. He was then chastised by Atlas. Not sure how security can chastise a performer. Oh well. When we returned, the locker room door opened and Roode came out. DJ got a pic with him, I needed nothing. The door opened again and out came Austin Aries and RVD. I went right for Aries, as I had 3 for him. Sadly, a skunk was spotted and they quickly moved Aries out of there and back towards where Park was. I followed and got my 3 done. Aries was cool. He thanked me for coming out again and buying his shirt. He appreciates the support for both him and the product. He signed all 3 of my photos. The door opened and Kurt Angle came out. WHAT!??!?!?! Angle was part of the backstage now. SWEET!!! Atlas grabbed him and told him to go back inside.
The door opened again and Jeff Hardy came out. Hardy stayed in the skunk area, Atlas didnt seem to care. I let Jeff know about the skunk, he did jump and look around, but didnt stop him from staying and signing. We talked for a brief bit, as people were abandoning all other lines to join his. It was crazy. And as I type this, I am drinking a Pepsi Next Passion Mango....MMMMMM!!!! Anyway, he signed my 3 photos, including the shot I took of him from Aberdeen that he asked me to take when he was headed for the ring. He loved on the photo turned out. I didnt want to hold up the line anymore, as intermission is scheduled for 20 mins., and everyone was late. So I departed, found DJ who had wandered off and we left. We got what we needed, cept DJ. He forgot about his Aries item and the Jeff line swallowed him up....he was pushed aside and didnt think he would make it through by the end. As we were leaving, we saw Pope come out....and immediately jump in a car and leave. As we were leaving, we found the Hebners were signing at the merch. stand, so we passed and headed for our seats.
The first of the last 2 matches featured Angle/Magnus in a BFG series match. Nothing special. Very short match. Angle won and then talked to to the crowd, we are very near Pittsburgh, about his dreams of returning to the Olympics but not being able to due to injury. Then it was main event time. Best match of the night. Cool to see Aries and Jeff go at it for a brief bit. On the outside of the ring, Hardy flung Roode into the rail and rail snapped and Roode went tumbling into the crowd. We saw a spot where Aries was on all 4s, while Roode was in the corner. Hardy used the Poetry in Motion on Roode, off of Aries. Hardy hit the Twist of Fate on Aries and a nearfall, before Roode broke it up. Hardy kickedout of the fisherman by Roode. Aries nailed the brainbuster on Roode for the 3. After the match, Aries exited the ring and raised Hardy's hand and they shook hands, before Hardy left and Aries stayed for in ring photos. Got into line and got a photo with the champ again. Once again, we sported matching shirts. Aries thanked us again for coming out and hopes to see us soon. On the way out, I stopped JB for an auto in the program and that was pretty much it. We made great timing coming home and all in all, a worthwhile trip. TNA.....we will see you in September.
Pictures available at www.cmshowstopper.com
