Regardless how great or how poor a tour is, at the end of a long stretch (like five weeks in my case), few things are as reassuring as seeing the lights of your home town. I am already eagerly anticipating sleeping in my own bed tomorrow night when this trip comes to a close.
I'm conflicted about how to accurately recount the events of the past few weeks. On one hand, I had some of my favorite matches in recent memory, on the other - it was one of the most professionally frustrating tours that I think I have ever been on.
I can say with absolute certainty that if not for some of the great people that I had the chance to travel with as well as new friends I made along the way, the trip would have been unbearable. Sometimes it's hard to focus on the positive when the road starts to grind away at you, but I would like to tip my hat to a few folks that really stood out:
THE MAULER - From taking charge of travel schedules to always having a story that would keep us in stitches, I was glad to spend most of the journey riding shotgun with the Mauler. This guy, who is one of the most quiet and humble folks you'll meet away from the ring, was a real take charge guy and did a lot to bring order to the day to day chaos. I doubt he was ever fully thanked for the work that he did above and beyond his wrestling engagements.
ADAM PELLEY - Now retired from the ring after a back injury, Adam is a former tag team partner of mine and is one of only three wrestlers to hold both the MainStream Wrestling heavyweight title (east coast) and the Maniac Wrestling Alliance title (west coast). On this tour, he served as the master of ceremonies. His heartfelt sincerity and commitment to his role on the show was truly inspiring. Even when subject to ribs from guys who were two green to be entitled to such liberties, he maintained a positive attitude and always had a warm smile for everyone.
SHORT SLEEVE SAMPSON - In the short time that I have had the pleasure to work and travel with this guy, I have become a huge fan. This guy consistently worked hard from the moment he arrived in the arena until the trucks were loaded every night. Beyond his own matches, he demonstrated tremendous leadership and communicated an interest in the development of the up and comers on the tour.
GURV SIHRA - I have been fortunate to work with Gurv since the start of his career and it has been rewarding to watch his development. Among my favorite matches on this tour were across the ring from Gurv - a guy who inspires me to give 100% every night in every town. Thank you.
KYLE SEBASTIAN - Anyone that doesn't see the natural talent that this kid has, obviously doesn't understand our business. Not only does this guy deliver inside the ring, he also carries himself with the poise of a wrestler with decades of experience. His passion for this business is infectious and his humility inspiring.
SCOTT SAVAGE - It was great to see this old friend on the road again. Though his career path is steering him away from the wrestling business, his graciousness and genuine interest in the well-being of his peers was in direct contrast to one of his fellow Nova Scotians on the tour. Thanks also for the early morning lift to the airport.
GUY, DONNA, JAIMEE & EVAN - It's not common that folks would take in a trio of wrestling refugees and make them feel like part of the family. Your kindness and hospitality will not be forgotten.
RICHARD & SARAH - After enduring more than a week of limited menu options in small town Newfoundland, it was fantastic to sit down to a home cooked meal. It was also awesome to re-connect with the "real world" after being so fully immersed in wrestling culture for weeks on end.
EAST COAST WRESTLING FANS - Hands down, the Maritime provinces is home to some of the most vocal and devoted wrestling fans anywhere in the world. It was great to be introduced to some of you and a true pleasure to step in the ring again for those that have seen me before. I was both amused and flattered that some Dartmouth fans remembered my appearances here in 2002 in vivid detail.
All in all, it was a memorable trip which (based on this one), may well have been my last campaign on the east coast. Thank you for some great and lasting memories - some of which may be commited to print at some point down the road.
Vance Nevada