WrestleCade took place this past weekend for the sixth time in Winston-Salem, North Carolina giving over 150 pro wrestling superstars from the past and present to interact with fans from all over the world who come each year for the weekend's festivities. This year's was the biggest yet with a total of NINE events taking place over the course of the three days. It kicked off on Friday night with the "Showcase of Champions" wrestling show featuring champions from numerous promotions putting their titles on the line in front (in most cases) and completely different set of fans than normal. Afterwards on Friday night, there was a live taping of the Stevie Ray podcast with his special guest Bruce Prichard which you should be able to download very soon.
On Saturday morning the Fanfest opened where fans were able to meet and interact with some of their favorite wrestlers, managers, and announcers from the past and present. Over 150 were on hand eager to meet their fans. There were a few notable absences this year, namely Terry Funk who flew in to Winston-Salem on Friday night only to get the word very early on Saturday morning that his wife was extremely ill causing him to have to fly back out to Amarillo to be by her side which was understandable. Other absences that weren't all addressed by the vendors who advertised them were Butch Reed, Bob Armstrong, Brodus Clay, Jim Neidhart, and Ronnie Garvin. However, there were still plenty of big stars there to be seen such as Christian, Mick Foley, Jerry Lawler, Bobby Lashley, Ken Shamrock, Sgt. Slaughter, and Road Warrior Animal just to name a few. There was five thousand or more people there which made for some aggravation in getting around but all in all Tracy Myers and Brian Hawks have one of the most well organized and fan friendly events out there today. I highly recommend to any wrestling fun young or old there is literally something for everybody.
After the Fanfest wrapped up it was followed by the WrestleCade SuperShow (see other report). However, Saturday's fun didn't end there as there as a special "Inside the Lion's Den" which was an evening with Ken Shamrock discussing his career in both pro wrestling and MMA as well as a special VIP Meet & Greet with Ken afterward.
Sunday started off with a Worship Service led by George South for those interested in attending. Followed by a special 25 Year Anniversary "Fire on the Mountain" Smoky Mountain Reunion Q & A and VIP Meet & Greet with Jim Cornette, Dutch Mantell, Bobby Blaze, Tracy Smothers, and Bobby Fulton. But that was not all this was followed by a "Queens of Combat" all ladies wrestling show and then also a AML show following it.
So to recap, if you buy the VIP tickets for the weekend (which Rosey and I did) for $180, you get into six different shows as well as early access to each. WrestleCade is by far the most affordable event of it's type out there, just check the prices for WrestleCon other similar events and there's no comparison. I highly recommend you check out www.wrestlecade.com in January and start making your plans to attend next year on Thanksgiving Weekend. The Jacksons will see you there. Now check out some random photos from the weekend!
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