Leturgey Musings and Goings On

These are some of my writings...from events going on in the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance and elsewhere, to observations from the rest of my decidely unformulaic life.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

KSWA And The Krazies: Who's Fulfilling Whose Dream?


When we got the email, we were all just a little surprised. One of our regulars, a 14 year-old girl I've mentioned before named Nicole, was having her Make-A-Wish Foundation dream fulfilled: her family was going to Disneyland. In her bio it mentioned that Nicole likes to watching “wrestling every month in the Lawrenceville Moose.”

Sometimes it shocks even us, how much our devotion to an industry, a sport, means to some of the “Krazies.”

Around that same time we got word that another Make-A-Wish recipient, Christopher, was having his dream met by meeting John Cena, undeniably the biggest “good guy” on the grandest stage. Cena was in town this past Monday, part of the TV show he is on weekly. Christopher met the gentleman, had some gear signed, and presumably had some pictures taken. It had to be a highlight of his young life. Heck, it would probably make me giddy!

We soon got word that Christopher would be coming to the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance as part of his extended “dream.” Arriving a short time before event time, he had the opportunity to meet the entire KSWA locker room, even guys who usually don't “have time for kids.” Sometimes even the meanest of bad guys have a soft spot for kids.

He received a brand new black folding chair, decorated with gray signatures from the KSWA Megastars. And me. Laugh out loud.

Christopher met everyone, first with a slight look of disappointment. Remember, he had just met Cena, a 240 mound of muscle who looks like a Humvee compared to most of his colleagues. But once he got to wear “Ice Man” Tony Johnson's Jr. Heavyweight Championship belt, Christopher brightened up. Christopher brought his pal Tyler to the event and they took pics with all the wrestlers. Christopher smiled in most pictures. In some, Tyler looked like he was being held hostage. Christopher received a bunch of wrestling toys and tee shirts from Alex Arcadian and KSWA Hall of Famer Frank Durso.

Soon, Christopher was asked to be the guest time keeper for a semi-final match in the penultimate Joe Abby Memorial Tournament. Nearly 300 people in attendance cheered for him.

The youngster bad mouthed “The Enforcer” Shawn Blanchard and the five-time former KSWA Champion trash-talked back. Then something amazing happened. Christopher tossed his Frank Durso tee shirt onto the floor and he started to grind his foot into the black cotton. Those who saw the display, including me, laughed. Here a young man, facing physical and medical problems, smiling, happy and displaying pep. It was a moment I'll soon not forget.

When the match was over, Christopher was for thanked for being a special time keeper and he raced back to his family, slapping hands just as he did when he was asked to join my table. His Dad beamed from ear to ear.

Throughout the night, Christopher could be seen hooting and hollering, having a grand time. At the end of the evening, autographs everywhere, Christopher came over and excitedly exclaimed, “I'll be back.”

Those three little words, “I'll be back,” sometimes shake us to the core a little more than those other, more infamous “three little words.” There are times when loved ones, our closest friends, look down on what we do as “professional wrestlers.” Then there are wheelchair-bound, teenage girls who roar in approval when they see us. Then there are young boys who cheer for the winner of our Joe Abby Tournament and proudly carry an autographed chair out of the KSWA Arena at the Lawrenceville Moose.

“I'll be back.” I'll take that any day.

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