So it is no secret that the wife and I are fans of wrestling (and no you wouldn’t know it by looking at either of us). WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley has parlayed his second act into being an exceptional writer with multiple best sellers and now doing stand up acts all over the world. Several months ago I looked on his website to see if he was coming to the area but nothing. I do follow Mick on twitter (and you all know how lazy I am about checking twitter anymore) but I happened to see a message from him on Wednesday night talking about being in Cincinnati the next night. WHAT??
So of course we were in and I had to whip up a special caricature for Mick. Made one for him and one for me hoping he would sign it. Well….
The show was great (ok except for that one guy). His featured act before him was hilarious with several topical references and then Mick got on stage. For about an hour he told stories of his career and some of the funnier events of such. It was less a stand-up act and more a hilarious one man autobiographical show. At one point he even took some questions from the audience. In wrestling, Mick is known as the “Hardcore Legend” and thus explained that he is proud that when you google the phrase, he comes up in the search results and not a porn site.
If you are a wrestling fan, the insights into some of your favorite wrestlers of today and yesterday and what goes on behind the scenes will be all you need. But he also recognizes that not everyone that comes to the show knows who he is and makes sure to explain just enough that everyone stays entertained.
The only gripe I have is that he probably isn’t making as much money as he could with the way they have his merchandise table set up. Included in your ticket was 90 minutes before the show of meet and greet where Mick was sitting at a table signing autographs, taking pictures and selling merchandise. While he had someone helping sell the merchandise, people are there to see him first and merch second. I would suggest moving the merchandise table earlier in the line (in our case outside the venue) so people can peruse and buy it without feeling rushed and then go in with their swag for Mick to sign. Check out his site for showtimes in your area.
BONUS
I got home this weekend to find a package from one Jande Rowe, cartoonist extraordinaire at Aedre’s Firefly. She promised a “Bearman” picture and certainly delivered. I love the colors, the detail and time spent on this. Add one to my cherished toons list. Thanks Jande!
