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Posted

Gene Okerlund was on hand at Radford University (Radford, VA) earlier today to celebrate the re-opening of one of the dining halls (which includes a Mean Gene's Burgers). Being that in all my years of being a wrestling fan I've yet to meet anyone from the industry, I felt obligated to at least show up and see what was going on.

 

I was surprised at the effort put into his being there. There were tons of balloons all throughout the inside and outside of the dining hall, a giant Mean Gene balloon on the roof (similar to the Austin and Undertaker ones of old), and one of the local rock stations had people in attendance as well. Mean Gene T-shirts, bumper stickers, and dolls (although I never saw the later) were available for purchase.

 

The turnout was much higher than I expected, however, as soon as Gene took the mic and the topic turned to wrestling I could see that most of the females in attendance quickly made their exit. To get the crowd started, he asked people to name various wrestlers and he would in turn give the "inside scoop" on their careers. And here I thought my university was void of wrestling fans? Names like Brian Pillman, the Brooklyn Brawler, and Jimmy Snuka immediately were given and Okerlund gave a quick synopsis of their past.

 

Following that, I quickly got in line for autographs and, since I came prepared, had my WWE article from the previous week's school paper ready for him to sign (I posted a link several days ago - it was from the Angle / Brock 45-minute match in Roanoke).

 

When it was my turn, I shook his hand and asked if he was doing requests (since all he had signed at that point were 8x10s). He took immediate and sincere interest in the article - asked what paper it was, where the card was held, and the arena. And then, to my surprise, he asked if he could keep it. After I proverbially crapped my pants, I told him by all means and that since my e-mail was listed in the article I would love to hear his feedback. He went on to say that he would be in his office tomorrow and would pass this along to some of the higher ups (Vince and Angle were mentioned).

 

Now I clearly understand that last comment may or may not occur and I'm aware of his credibility when it comes to doing various radio interviews, but the simple fact he showed interest in my article was enough for that to be the highlight of my week. All he had to do was sign it and hand it back, yet he asked for a copy for himself.

 

Writing for the WWE would be a dream come true and, whether anything comes of this or not, I definately got a lot more out of that experience than simply an autographed 8x10.

 

A burger eating contest also took place but I left prior to then.

Guest Dave O'Neill, Journalist
Posted

Kewl Beans, Gene's always been one of my favourites in the biz

 

Best WCW Bit - when he started trying to scam money out of Raven, we we found Raven was loaded

 

Best WWE Bit - The look of smugness on his face telling the Bisch that if he wasnt an idiot, they could be having a Nitro Party (it was the Raw X Show)

Guest Maccam16
Posted
Did you greet yourself by shouting, "NOW LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING MEAN GENE..."?

 

At least, that's how I think all the Hogan promos began.

 

I bet theres at least one asshole that does that to him each day of his life. If I were him, I'd glock the next bastard who tried that on me.

Guest Maccam16
Posted
LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING MACCAM16.

I'd retaliate if that picture of Danzig wasn't so scary... :(

Guest Super Leather
Posted
LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING MACCAM16.

I'd retaliate if that picture of Danzig wasn't so scary... :(

That's not Danzig...that's a photo of the atrocity that his old band has become.

Posted

Holy shit, Cawthon, congrats, man! Did you get a picture with such a great man also?

 

*wishes Mene Gene would interview again

Guest Maccam16
Posted

I never liked the Misfits anyway, I guess that explains my inability to point out the lead singer. Their ideal of "shocking lyrics over good music" never really appealed to me.

Guest Maccam16
Posted

Yeah, you'd be surprised at how many diehard Misfits fans there are... :rolleyes:

Posted
Did you greet yourself by shouting, "NOW LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING MEAN GENE..."?

 

At least, that's how I think all the Hogan promos began.

What? No "Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeean--WHOOOOOO!--BY GOD.....GENE!"?

 

Whose the jailbait chick in your banner, Maccam16?

Posted
Holy shit, Cawthon, congrats, man! Did you get a picture with such a great man also?

 

*wishes Mene Gene would interview again

Well I considered bringing a camera but I didn't want to be the only person that thought to bring one (wasn't sure of the turnout). As it turns out, I was one of the few that didn't have one. Some people even brought camcorders.

 

I did get a signed 8x10 of him shilling his burgers though lol

Guest Maccam16
Posted
QUOTE (Maccam16 @ Oct 8 2003, 01:12 AM)

Yeah, you'd be surprised at how many diehard Misfits fans there are... 

 

Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee............

Well then, I guess you truly are 138. ;)

Guest ravman77
Posted

Mate, how could you not resist calling him "Scheme Gene"?....

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