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Fans Crowd Wrestling Convention

Posted: Sep 29th 2008 By: CMBurnham

At least 1,000 people thronged the halls of Bucks County Technical High School Saturday to catch a glimpse of more than 40 popular professional wrestlers at the Wrestling Autograph Convention.

Recently retired world champion Ric Flair attracted a steady line of hundreds waiting to meet him and get his autograph, which cost $50. A photograph with this World Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame personality, also known as"Nature Boy," cost another $50.

To Lansdale's Derek Calhoun, it was well worth it. He grew up watching Ric Flair and has been a fan for 20 years of Flair's 35-year career.

"I love his charisma, his enthusiasm. He's an entertainer, a showman. He's so good at what he does, and he's known for all these great catch-phrases," said Calhoun. He rattled off several in a gravelly voice without missing a beat, including "I kissed all the girls and made "em cry!"

His girlfriend, Gina DiDomizio tagged along with her digital camera.

"I want the moment to be captured perfectly," said Calhoun, who left work for a few hours to meet his favorite wrestler.

Flair was busy signing autographs, dressed in black trousers and a black T-shirt. He had a firm handshake and wore his trademark shock of white-blond hair.

Since his retirement, he's been in negotiations to get involved in movies, television, video games and corporate sponsorship.

Elsewhere at the convention, a variety of wrestlers, among them Sgt. Slaughter, Gorgeous George, Tatanka and Roddy Piper, drew their own lines of fans. Depending on the wrestler, autographs ranged in price from $10 to $50.

Markus Balas from Connecticut has been a wrestling fan since the early 1980s. He and his wife, Terri Balas, came to the convention because it was exciting to see so many wrestlers in one place, they said.

The couple tries to share each other's interests, said Terri.

"I like the athletic ability, the characters, and it's entertaining. These signings are great," said Markus, who had gotten 20 autographs from his favorite wrestlers.

Manager and wrestler Missy Hyatt was schmoozing with the crowd. She used to do commentary and interviews on TBS for World Championship Wrestling.

Over the past 23 years, Hyatt has managed wrestlers such as The Sandman, The Nasty Boys, Sting and The Barbarian.

"When I first saw it on TV, I thought it was such a hoot. I thought, that's what I want to do," Hyatt said. "Now I get paid to do something I'd probably do for free."

The event was organized by George Nahm, who also invites wrestlers to his Bristol Township store, George's Cards and Collectibles, for autograph signings.

"The wrestlers are great with fans and appreciate the support they get. It's a good time for everyone, and they enjoy a good time with fans," Nahm said.