Sorry for the sporadic posting and the lack of contact the past month. I certainly appreciate the prayers and well wishes I've received from everyone. On top of my Dad's health issues, my Mom fell and broke her wrist the Saturday of fanfest. So between surgery for that, all kinds of doctor visits for both and just everyday care for the two of them, it's left little time for anything else.
 
I've hesitated, too, knowing this wouldn't be an easy post to make. It's hard to give up on something you've worked so hard at for so many years, but it's time to address this.  
 
Since 2004, our fanfest weekends have grown bigger than I could've ever imagined. And it's because of you folks that bought tickets, bought merchandise, and supported our weekends steadfastly that have allowed us to make it this far. Next year's fanfest weekend in Charlotte will be our 11th incredible reunion (and you have my word that it will be the biggest and best yet!) but without corporate sponsorship or investors, there won't be another beyond that. It certainly looks like we're approaching the end of the road.
 
It's hard to be sad when you think and look back on all we've been able to experience the past eight years. For me personally, I've had the chance to meet a lot of my childhood heroes and made a lot of great new friends that share the same passion as me for the stuff we grew up with.
 
I've hesitated posting many times in the past month, but I need to get this out there. Seems like everytime I'd get ready to spill the beans, I'd get another email similar to the one below. I'll cut and paste it in it's entirety here:
 
Greg,
 
 Thanks so much for the Piper's Pit photos. I really do appreciate it very much. I have one more photo op request to make (I promise this will be the last favor I ask of you) and that would be the digital pic of my photo op with the Masked Men - Assassin, Superstar & Wrestling 2 from Sunday August 7th. It will likely be alot easier to locate than the previous one, as I was wearing a black and yellow two-tone Assassin-type mask in the photo with them (actually a Pierroth mask). I was also wearing a white dress shirt and pointed directly at the camera in the shot. What a great pic!!! If you could send that one too, at your convenience, (when you have time) I would be eternally grateful. You sir, are a deity among mere mortals!  
 
Also, thank you for taking the time to explain what was going on with Nick at the convention. With that deeper understanding of his condition, I no longer feel resentment toward him for his actions. Before this, I just thought he didn't wanna be there. I thought the thing with Ray Stevens daughter at the banquet was odd, but didn't fully realize why it occurred. Of course I forgive Nick, given the circumstances. I wish him well.  
 
Lastly, I will definitely be purchasing VIP tickets and Hall of Heroes banquet tickets for myself and Amy for the 2012 Fanfest (I'll buy them in November). I must say that this year's Fanfest was my first, but I had been to a couple of other pro wrestling conventions before this one, and they absolutely paled in comparison to yours! They were extremely disorganized and very poorly run. Your Fanfest was by far the classiest, the most well-organized and the most memorable convention I have attended. Absolutely the highlight of my year thus far. It meant so much to me to be able to be a part of it!  I will definitely see you next August. As long as you keep having them, I will keep attending!! Much respect and admiration to you for putting the whole thing together each year. I know the burden of organizing it all must be tremendous. You are a class act all the way around, and I will continue to support the events that you promote in any way I can. All the best to you!!
 
Hugh Bobo & Amy Rose
(2011 Fanfest VIPs 281 & 282)
 
P.S. - I saw your tweets about Gunner refusing to job for Scrap Iron. I have had dealings with the Jarretts' promotion too,and they screwed me. I bid a huge sum of money in a silent auction to go to Nashville and do guest commentary and they didn't deliver anything that they promised me. To top it off, the entirety of the proceeds from the auction was to go to two worthy charities, which they defrauded! I contacted the Faison School of Autism and Breast Cancer Awareness Fund personally, and they never received one cent of that money and had no idea about the silent auction. Of my dealings with wrestling promoters, you are the only one with honor and integrity!
 
 
The feedback and encouragement I have received from you guys over the years is what's kept me doing this. But unfortunately, in today's economic times, it's hard to keep going without financial support.
 
And believe me, I'm not singing the blues or looking for sympathy. You guys have been with me from the beginning and I just think you deserve an honest answer. This isn't meant to be a "sad" thing or "bad" thing.
 
So with that said, I hope each of you will be able to be with us in Charlotte next year. I'm sure it will be the last time for me to get to see some of you. Regardless, thanks to every single person that's ever taken part in our weekends. You guys are truly like family and I am forever grateful
 
I'd also like to update a few things in regards to our Atlanta fanfest last month:
 
1) I'm in the process of sending out digital photo op images to those that have requested them. If you haven't received yours yet, please don't worry, I have a ways to go. But I am working on them dilligently in my free time and hope to have them out soon.
 
2) I also hope to have the proofs of the Hall of Heroes table photos available on the website soon.
 
3) As most of you are aware, we've had no one come forward with the winning ticket to claim the 2011 Hall of Heroes raffle belt. I have had two folks email me to let me know they HAD the winning ticket but they no longer have it. I guess I'm looking for some feedback from you guys on how best to handle this situation; something that's fair for everyone. The two folks that emailed me are BOTH folks that I trust, but only one of them could've had the winning ticket. I'm asking for suggestions from you guys on what we should do to be fair to everyone. Help me out ok?
 
Thanks to everyone that made the trek to Atlanta! I enjoyed seeing all of you and meeting a lot of new folks. For me personally, it was the most physically and mentally draining experience I've ever been through. But I've received many emails from folks just like Hugh and Amy above that make me think it was all worthwhile.
 
Sorry if I rambled here. Just finally had a moment to spare and wanted to update everyone. You guys (and girls!) are very special and I will always be thankful for your support and friendship.
 
Greg

I pulled the dumbest move in history and checked out of my room before the Sunday activities began. It was later in line for the final autograph session, when the announcer came in the room and announced the numbers. The sad part is  that the guy in front of me having stuff signed bought his tickets just before I did and his numbers were a little too low. I rushed to the service desk but the room had long since been cleaned and the drawer emptied. Lesson learned. I am fairly certain it was one of my tickets, but can ever prove it. How about throwing all the VIPS in a hat and pick a winner . I know there were others there also, but this was the first idea that came to mind.

Quote from brochester8 on Sep 14^th, 2011, 11:22am:

 
I know there's a lot of cynicism when it comes to anything wrestling-related, and I appreciate you bringing up the question.
 
It should be clear that I'm not giving up on the NWA theme to move onto something else. Frankly, in today's world, I just can't continue to do these things on the hopes of selling enough tickets. I have no doubt that most don't even consider the tremendous expense in making one of these things happen. Sure, I could pare it down to the bare bones and do a one-day deal like so many others do, but I don't want to do what everyone else is doing. I'm sure there will be plenty of $5 wrestling promoters and sick pet salesmen to jump in and try to sell you on their one-day deals in Charlotte.
 
I'd never do an ECW fanfest without Paul Heyman, and I can't see that happening.
 
Short of a miracle like me winning the lottery, next year's Charlotte fanfest will be the last.
 
 
Quote from brochester8 on Sep 14^th, 2011, 11:22am:

 
We're still a few months away from guest confirmations for next year, but I do hope to announce soon one of my personal favorites returning to Charlotte for next year's fanfest.

Yes, Thank you Greg for allowing us a chance to meet our heroes.

Really sad to hear it will be the last one. I hope something can happen to make them continue. I look forward to going every year. Having dinner with Terry Funk and Roddy Piper at the last 2 Hall of Heroes will be something I always remember. Piper was the only wrestler I ever had a poster of on my wall as a kid.  
 
I started going to Fanfest the same year we started In Your Head. It's become the annual tradition for us. Thanks for the great shows, and all of the memories.

Greg:
 
You (and your team who seem to ALL work tiredlessly at FanFest) have provided memories that will last a lifetime...Actually more than a lifetime as my children will remember them fondly as well as great times spent together as a family.
 
If this is the last...it will be sad.  I hope it isn't.  
 
You have set the standard for what the ULTIMATE experience for an old school wrestling fan is ALL about.
 
THANK YOU and we will make Charlotte one for the ages...
 
 
 
As far as the belt is concerned...
 
Quote from British Bulldog on Sep 14^th, 2011, 12:04pm:

 
 
I agree...Put it out there on eBay and let all of us get a crack at owning a piece of history!!!
 
I know I will be ready to bid...
 
Thanks again,
 
Joe

i still have my raffle tickets....i would be glad to be declared the winner of the 2011 Fanfest belt.
anybody else have theirs? maybe you could "draw" some more and the winner will stand up. i do have mine and would be able to claim the prize if i was fortunate enough to be the winner. dang, i'll even come down your way and get it if necessary to save you some postage.
i bought ten of them.

I gotta throw my 2 cents in and thank Greg for all he's done for both the fans and the talent.   Anyone who spent some time having drinks in the lobby with an old school wrestler probably got the feeling that the wrestler was having as good a time as we were.
 
Different promoters run different types of shows, but Greg's 4 day events were the only one of their kind as far as I know.  The long shows allowed for a lot of special things......such as themed Q and A's (Flair/Race 2009 was a great one) and the Hall of Heroes Dinner.   Plus, a 4 day show meant all kinds of spontaneous fun was possible, like running into your favorite wrestler at the ice machine or standing in line with them at Chick Fil A.    That stuff happened all weekend long, and are among my favorite memories.
 
I don't know all the reasons he may be deciding to hang it up, at least for now.   But, here's to hoping he has a "Terry Funk" style retirement, as in.......it never really happens for good.    

I'm definitely no business expert, but it really is a shame that some large companies out there can't/won't offer a sponsorship for the event. You'd think having a captive audience of thousands of people all walking around the same space would be a perfect advertising and marketing opportunity for some companies.

There are companies that would sponsor the event if contacted. Coca Cola and Chik-Fil a seeem to sponsor almost any event around. As often as the event has been at the Marriot why not inquire about them as a sponsor? The event while great does need a lot more advertising though. Ive been a wrestling fan for years and the only time I ever hear about the event is this website or when the local news does a 2 minute spot on it a day or two before it takes place. Maybe cut down on a few talent and shift the money toward commercials or billboards might help.

I'm a fan and have been around wrestling materiel on the net but never heard anything about the show xcept like i said a small news story a day or two before. I'm sure sponsors can be found. I hope the fanfest is able to continue cause fans and wrestlers believe it is the best convention of its kind. I think too draw fans though it has to be marketed more or bring in more names the current generations know like this year with RVD, Pipper, and Lawler. Nothing against older fans but there's some people brought in to these things and the average person that you hope is buying tickets has no knowledge of the person therefore no desire to come see the individual. Ive had a blast the past two years and do look foward to the next one in August. Maybe some attempt can be made to look at certain people like Hogan, Jesse Ventura, or Shane Mcmahon one of those 3 would be huge for a headliner and area ll sorta free to do the event even if not entirely NWA Legends.