Guest Report post Posted April 16, 2002 Every year since Brian Pillman's death, superstars from around the globe came together for one night and paid tribute to one of the most influential wrestlers of our time. Les Thatcher's Heartland Wrestling Association, which has promoted the event since 1998 to benefit Pillman's widow, Melanie Pillman and their children; was reported not to have the staff to dedicate to the show, since the HWA has become a WWF developmental promotion. The Pillman shows have been unique events in which performers from the WWF, WCW and ECW, would all participate in the show, and for once put aside the usual inter-promotional politics for the evening. Pillman 2000 featured the critically acclaimed WRESTLING match between Chris Benoit and Steven Regal (available from the HWA on tape via their website); which made way for Regal's return to the WWF after overcoming substance abuse problems. Last year's show, Pillman 2001 featured one of Dean Malenko's last matches, as well as showcases for some of the best talent from the WWF, WCW and independent wrestling. Pillman 2000 and 2001 featured the Mark Curtis Fantasy Camps, which allowed participants to train with wrestlers from the "Big Three" and HWA. Pillman 2002 was tentatively scheduled for August with a three way match planned, featuring the "New Japan Three" Dean Malenko, Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero in the Main Event. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted April 16, 2002 Although I loved going to Pillman Shows, it's time to move on. Melanie and the kids have grown and most likely want to move past Brian's death. Although, the show was based in the Memory of Brian Pillman, the last couple of years it was more of a Independent Show made for Smarks. It's been 5 years since Brian Died in 1997 and it's time to retire this event. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest buffybeast Report post Posted April 16, 2002 I thought the purpose of the BP Memorial was to raise money for his survivors and family. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Human Fly Report post Posted April 16, 2002 This is bad news to me. If it really is gone I'll miss it. Brian Pillman was my favorite of all time, it was cool to see wrestlers from every federation come together in memory of him. The wrestling was fantastic and it was a great chance to get to meet some of your favorite wrestlers. Les Thatcher did a great job in putting these events on. This really bums me out I was already looking forward to this years event. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Austin3164life Report post Posted April 16, 2002 Brian Pillman was a good wrestler who will be missed. Many funny moments were provided by him. I was just wondering, was Austin a good friend of his since they used to be a tag team? I always heard about it but never knew if it were true..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Human Fly Report post Posted April 17, 2002 Supposedly they were really good friends. At the first Pillman Austin was going on about how he and Pillman were tight. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest dreamer420 Report post Posted April 18, 2002 I don't think the show should have been stopped either. If they are not into collecting money for his family they should still do some kind of Brian Pillman tribute show where money can be donated to whatever cause is deemed fit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Slingshot Suplex Report post Posted April 19, 2002 We road tripped to Cincinnati last year from Flint,Michigan for the show and the plan was to do it again this year.Kinda disappointing news but if they don't have the manpower and resources to put the show together and still run the HWA,then that's the way it is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Risk Report post Posted April 19, 2002 Anyone else think Pillman would have made a great promoter or booker? I think so. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
