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The Way I See It: Tag Team To Save A Life

Posted: Mar 18th 2011 By: CMBurnham

Professional Wrestling has been referred to as a sport, sports entertainment, a cult, and a brotherhood among other things. For over 40 years it has been my career and life. I have embraced wrestling with all of the good and bad times that have come along the way. You will never hear me knock this great sport and I have said many times that I have no regrets and would never for one minute have wished that I did anything else.

Wrestling has taught me respect, loyalty and love. I have been to the top and the bottom and the top again and again. Met so many great people and shared in the lives and careers of many of my family members who have chosen to follow in my brother Sika's and my line of work.

Along with the fame and glory there have been many times that I've been blessed to have been able to lend a hand to a friend in need. Speaking of friends, wrestling had allowed me to travel the world and meet many good people.

One in particular is my good friend and brother Big Bad Eddie V. Eddie was introduced to me by my manager the late great Captain Lou Albano. Eddie and I bonded and became the best of friends. For over 20 years we have shared holidays, parties, wrestling events and our share of wild times.

He is one of the great people who I miss spending time with since he is up north and I moved to Florida. We talk through this great technology of email and text and stay as close as possible.

I'm sure by now you are wondering why I am talking so much about my friend. It's because I wanted to share with you--my friends and fans--a story about a career that offers the rewards of friendship and in this case a wrestling manager who is a true fighter.

My friend and brother - Big Bad Eddie "V" Vetrano made a name for himself in WXW Wrestling as a manager who protected his wrestler. He didn't think of his own personal safety when his wrestler needed a helping hand. Eddie "V" always had your back. He brought down the house many times when he managed my son, then-WXW heavyweight champion Afa Jr. People are still talking about the time that Eddie rode into the WXW arena on his huge customized Harley with a Samoan / Italian flag.

Eddie's friendship means the world to me. When I was down, he brought me up and I hope he can say the same of me. Eddie is a loyal friend and a caring person and everyone who is blessed to know him can tell you what a great friend he is. His lovely wife Patti and children are his heart and soul.

Over the past 20 years, Eddie and I have been active in raising funds for many charity groups and organizations. Along with Chuck Wepner and my manager the late Captain Lou Albano, Eddie helped raise thousands of dollars for those in need.

As I said, Eddie is a fighter and he was facing his toughest opponent in Kidney failure. Sadly my friend/ brother and I couldn't run in and save him but we can have his back by spreading the word and awareness about organ donation.

Eddie was one of the lucky ones blessed with the gift of life! On December 9, 2010 the gift of life was given to Big Bad Eddie "V"by his angel, his daughter Trish!

3 ? years ago, Ed was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease. He thought his life was over, being hooked up to a machine 3 ? hours a day 3 days a week was not living for Ed. On the list for 3 years and possibly waiting 6 years more for a potential donor. His son Eddie Jr., 23 yrs old in July, told him he had no choice he was going to be tested, to no avail. Eddie Jr. was not a match. Then Trish, 26 yrs old, stepped up and offered her Kidney. It couldn't have been a more perfect match. She was just as thick headed as her father and wasn't taking no for an answer. What a Christmas gift . God is so good.

JUST THINK- Somebody out there is getting ready for work today, not knowing that by the end of the day they are going to be a donor, and save another life. Somebody else gets to live.

TAKE 5 MINUETS AND SAVE A LIFE- Save Lives Register On Line. www.donatelife-pa.org

SIGN UP TODAY
DON'T TAKE YOUR ORGANS TO HEAVEN. HEAVEN KNOWS WE NEED THEM ON EARTH

The greatest gift that anyone can give is to become an organ donor.

There are over 107,800 people of all ages on a waiting list hoping and praying that they will receive the gift of life.

Please consider becoming an organ donor. Anyone can sign up at your local driver's license center.

Afa: "I personally made the choice to become an organ donor and knowing that in my passing I can help give back and save a life is a miracle and blessing. Your generous decision can give a family back their loved one."

To learn more about organ donation, please visit any of the online resources or talk to your doctor.

Please come out and support the benefit car show, bike show, and hot dog eating contest hosted by Big Bad Eddie "V":
Sunday August 21, 2010. 1 PM to 5PM
Big Dog Daddy Fest
BIG DOG DADDYS @ HAMLIN CARR WASH
1126 HAMLIN HWY.
LAKE ARIEL,PA 18436

There will be a special appearance by Chuck Wepner and me, Afa The Wild Samoan. I would love to meet my fans who live in the area.

All proceeds will benefit the Kidney Foundation.

In wrestling news, my WXW wrestlers are working hard to please our fans and gain experience. The next WXW event is Saturday, April 30th at the Minneola City Hall Recreation Center - Minneola, Florida. Featuring the 2nd annual X-Treme War. Information is available on the web site: www.wxwwrestling.com

In closing, take care of those who are important in your life! and always keep God first in your life until next time God Bless.

Psalm 31:1-2

31:1 In you, O Lord, do I take refuge,let me never be put to shame in your righteousness deliver me! to Incline your ear to rescue me speedily! Be a rock of refuge for me,a strong fortress to save me!

Afa "The Wild Samoan"