War Of The Wire: September 29, 2003

 I didn't know much about Ring Of Honor when I got tickets to a show in Framingham, but an AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe main event was just too amazing to miss. Okay, truth time. I don't remember much about the matches themselves, but I'll never forget what happened at intermission and after everyone had left. At the start of intermission, my brother-in-law told me that AJ Styles was standing behind me talking to some people. I didn't believe him, but saw it was true when I turned around to take a look. I absolutely couldn't believe that my hero was standing that close. After some insistence, I made my way up to say hello. I remember that Paul had to introduce me, because I couldn't speak and was staring at AJ like a fool. I eventually managed to put a couple of coherent sentences together, he thanked me for my support and admiration, told me (in a sweet way) that I was silly for crying, and took the time to take a picture with me.

If that had been where the night ended, it still would have been amazing beyond words. Fortunately, there were more surprises in store for unsuspecting me. While the next part is a bit fuzzy, I think I remember having a brief conversation with the ring announcer earlier in the evening.. As Paul and I were making our way out with the rest of the crowd when everything ended, he stopped us and told us to come with him. I was completely dumbfounded and speechless when I realized he was leading us backstage. Couldn't believe I was getting to associate with people that are my equivalent of superheroes. I was fortunate enough to meet, and have small conversations with The SATs, Alexis Laree, (before she became Mickie James in WWE), April Hunter, and CM Punk. Oh, yeah, I said hello to Christopher Daniels in passing and was greeted with a "fuck you." Just incredible!

On the way out the door after all the excitement, I heard a booming voice from behind me.

"You're going to leave without taking a picture with the champ?"

I turned around to see Samoa Joe approaching me. Again, I was stunned beyond words that the champion would take time to acknowledge me. I can't even tell you what my response was because the shock I was in was making it extremely difficult to think clearly. I eventually composed myself and we took a picture.

An amazing, incredible, awe-inspiring night I will never forget!