They're going
to laugh at this introduction ... |
It had been an
extraordinary three-day event. Four hundred
professional wrestlers, including dozens of living
legends, had gathered for the Forty-Second Annual CAC
Wrestlers’ Reunion and Awards Banquet in Las Vegas,
Nevada. We had been joined by dozens of devoted
wrestling fans, paparazzi, reporters, videographers and
a contingent of national and international press
people. The first two-and-a-half days of the event
built toward the “main event” – the actual awards
banquet. This was the highly anticipated event that
professional wrestlers and fans alike had looked forward
to for the past year.
Several professional wrestling legends were to be
honored that evening. The honorees included the late
and great Owen Hart (his brother Bret “The Hitman” Hart
accepted on Owen’s behalf), Don Leo Jonathan, Bob Geigel,
Danny Hodge, Tito Carreon, J.J. Dillon, my old friend
Cowboy Bob Kelly, and the late Yukon Eric. Oh yes … and
me, Rock Riddle. My long-time friend and wrestling
legend, Pat Patterson, presented my award, the “Reel
Honoree” award. “He’s a kid who always loved the
business,” Pat began. “He respected the old-timers. He
really enjoyed his trade … I give you Rock Riddle!” I
walked up the stairs to the stage and approached the
podium. As I was about to take the microphone, Pat
said, “Hold on, Rock. They don’t know the whole
story.” At that point, Pat proceeded to set me and the
audience up for a two-minute joke (which I shared with
you in last week’s column.) I responded to Pat’s joke
with laughter.
I took the microphone and surveyed the famous faces that
filled the sold-out event. I began my improvised
twelve-minute acceptance speech in a serious manner. I
talked briefly about my introduction to the sport as a
fourteen-year-old fan and my determined journey that led
me into the ring as a professional wrestler six years
later. I talked about the wonderful feeling of family
that we all shared in the business. I talked about
pride. I let the audience know how proud I was to
receive this honor and how proud I was that the CAC
board of directors were unanimous in their voting. I
was honored to be receiving an award that encompassed
both the world of professional wrestling and that of the
Hollywood film and television industry. I talked about
the award briefly and mentioned a few of the past
recipients – David Carradine, Kirk Douglas, Jimmy
Cagney, Sylvester Stallone, and Mickey Rooney. I
mentioned my “Hollywood Marketing Machine” for
professional actors, APS Entertainment and
HollywoodSuccess.com. “We have helped hundreds of
actors to achieve their dreams, including several who
are starring in feature films and on TV series.” I
spoke for a few more minutes before I directed my
attention once again to Pat Patterson. The expression
on his face told me that he thought I was about to do a
joke at his expense. I think he was pleasantly
surprised.
“I am honored,” I said, “to be here with you. I am
honored that so many people thought enough of me to
present me with this award today for the work I’ve done
in those two industries. [Film/TV and Wrestling] What
makes it even more special is the person who presented
my award to me. And, that is a living legend in a room
full of living legends and someone I have admired for so
long.” I held out my arm as though I were pointing him
out to the entire audience. “He is the former United
States Heavyweight Wrestling Champion,” I continued,
“and a man with whom I had such beautiful matches. And,
I must share this fast story with you: It was at least
five years ago at a CAC convention just like this one …”
I stopped in mid-sentence, once again looking intently
at my audience. “Do you realize how lucky we all are to
have this, to be a part of this?” I asked.
“Five years or so ago,” I continued, “I was here. Pat
Patterson and I were talking. I had not seen him for
years. There were A LOT of people around us. After
all, Pat’s a major living legend and a top superstar in
the wrestling business, so lots of people wanted to talk
to him. I had been talking to him for about twenty
minutes, and I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh. Maybe I’m
monopolizing his time. Maybe I should back off a little
and let these other people have a chance. Who am I to
think that I should monopolize his time?’ And, when
I began to back away, Pat looked at me and said, ‘No,
no, no, Rock. Stay here. I want to introduce you to
some people.’ And, he said, ‘Rock, this is …’ and he
introduced me to several people whom I had not met who
had no idea, as far as I know, who I was. Then he
looked at them and he said, ‘Guys, I want to introduce
you to Rock Riddle. This is Rock Riddle. This is the
original Mr. Wonderful. I had some of the best matches
of my career with this man.’” I took a moment to relive
the moment and share it with the audience. “I’m
standing there,” I continued quite seriously, “waiting
for the punch line.” My eyes widened as I looked at Pat
and then back at the audience. “Only there was no punch
line,” I said with a vulnerable look of amazement
showing on my face. “So I’m looking for something to
hold onto, and I’m wondering if a tear is actually going
to show itself rolling down my face.” I directed my
attention towards the side of the stage as I continued.
“I just want to say publicly: Pat Patterson, that is
the most amazing, wonderful compliment I think I have
gotten in my entire life – coming from a brilliant
person like you, a master in this industry, one of the
most knowledgeable people there is in this business.
You made my day. You may not even remember it, but you
made my day. You made my week. You made my year. You
made an impact, at that moment, on the rest of my life.
And, you continued to introduce me to people in that
manner. I am so honored that you did that.” I directed
my attention back to the audience and continued. “I am
so honored to be here with all of you.”
A thought came to me as I was about to conclude my
speech. “I want you to also know,” I continued, “that I
write a weekly newspaper column, mostly about late
1970s, early 1980s professional wrestling. You can read
them all on my website,
www.HollywoodSuccess.com.
You’ll see stories about Pat Patterson.” I looked
around the room, my eyes locking onto one of the
best-known former World Heavyweight Heavyweight
Champions. I extended my left arm pointing him out as I
said, “You’ll see stories mentioning the amazing legend,
Harley Race. And, you’ll read stories on so many of the
other legends in this room. Because, you have been and
you are so important in my life.”
I knew it was time to conclude my speech and allow the
next presentation to begin. I concluded with these
words: “I am honored and I thank you.” It dawned on me
that my entire speech had been serious, heart-felt, and
sincere, which was quite a departure from my public
wrestling “bad guy” persona. I smiled slightly. “You
haven’t seen me humbled before, have you? Tonight you
see me humbled, because I am standing here with
giants.” I gestured once again with my outstretched arm
including the hundreds of wrestlers in the audience. A
respectful partial bow accompanied my closing words,
“Thank you very much.” I had just begun my journey from
the stage to the press area when an approaching
enthusiastic “Wonderful!” was clearly heard above the
applause of the room. The voice was that of the
approaching Pat Patterson. As we met, we respectfully
hugged each other and Pat kissed my cheek. “That was
amazing, Rock,” he said. “I didn’t know you could do
that!” Pat had heard me do many wrestling interviews,
but this was the first time he had ever heard me speak
on stage, seriously and respectfully, as “myself.” Pat
and many others in the audience were impressed. It was
obvious that Pat was also flattered and appreciated
hearing my public acknowledgment of him and his
extraordinary accomplishments in the wonderful world of
professional wrestling. As Pat and I stood posing for
the dozens of photographers and press people, I could
not help but smile. I knew that I had achieved another
milestone in my life and that I would remember the
experience forever.
Photos:
WRealLano@aol.com |
