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Farewell To A Legend! Tom Jones Leaves OKC

Posted: Feb 11th 2013 By: CMBurnham

He wasn't booked on the card, but Tom Jones was still the main draw last Sunday in Midwest City.

A much-larger-than-average crowd turned out to see the MSWA Show and not to discount the in-ring action, but most of them were there to pay farewell to Tom Jones, who was leaving to go live with his son, IZW Tag Team and BYEW Entertainment Champion Cody Jones.

It was an amazing reunion both in-ring and behind the scenes as a multitude of people whom Tom had trained reunited to share one last moment with the man. They sat and watched the action with the fans. And then, when intermission came, the locker room and the returning veterans surrounded the ring and were invited in one-by-one by MSWA owner Bad Boy to have their moment with Tom. Starting with Wild Maverick, a face who hadn't been seen in an OKC ring for almost 12 years, a litany of veterans made their way up. The Brotherhood of Pain stood reunited as Slash and Outlaw each had their time. Federation differences were put aside as SWCW owner Rick Garrett and top star Rick Russo came to speak, with Russo mentioning how he got Jones' autograph at the age of 15. Brad Michaels, Roc-N-Roll Cowboy, Luscious Larry & Halo all shared stories of Tom's influence on them. Rick Valentine talked of Jones as if he were family. Tommy D shared stories from Tom's time backstage at a WWE event where he was greeted by both Vince McMahon and Ric Flair. And Rob Justice was his regular amusing self.

Of course, no MSWA would be complete without someone from Impact, Inc. trying to spoil the moment. This time it was Mark Wilson, who took offence to Crazy Charlie being given an opportunity to speak about his memories of being around Tom. The situation would be resolved later in a match between Wilson and Scott Sanders, but in truth, nothing could actually ruin the moment for Tom Jones and the adoration that the Oklahoma City crowd had for him.

For now, fans will have to rely on their memories and stories of the great African-American competitor. But his legacy will continue in the people he trained, the career of his son and the videos that can be found of Tom at the top of his career.

Few people have deserved their final farewell more than this man.