I did begin meeting some of the boys when we decided to partake in happy hour at the hotel bar. While going down the elevator we ran into none other than Scott Hall. I asked him if he was attending the Sheik Roast, and he was unsure, as he had never actually met the Sheik. The conversation ended with me pointing him in the wrong way to the hotel gym. Whoops!
Happy hour was upon us. There were several wrestlers in the bar. At one table we saw (among others) Jake Roberts, Raven, and Jimmy Powers. Sitting at another table was legendary manager Mr. Fuji. I’m forgetting numerous people there; I do recall Jimmy James buying Kevin Sullivan two glasses of wine for him.
J.J. wanted to go outside to get some air and it was a good idea because we got to meet The Rocker Marty Jannetty! I got to tell him I was a big fan of his, and big surprise, he said he was a big fan of me brother! Marty then gave us the treat of helping him coax a lady friend to the event by way of his cell phone. Jimmy did an accent and told her he was from Australia; this was about 30 seconds before he told Marty we came up from Boston. Marty believed J.J. nevertheless. It was then my turn on the phone and I wanted to get this young lady there for Marty’s sake.
JJ: I was going to take a piss and on my way I saw Jakes Roberts heading to the elevator and he was wheezing and coughing. I asked him if was ok and he kinda half shook my hand and said yeah. It was weird.
I mean what would you do? The guy just finished giving you a big hug and tells you he is a big fan of me. What, am I going to let this man down? No no no. I turned the tide on, let’s call her Barbara. I throw her the old, “So Barbara you aren’t coming?” which sent Marty into a panic. He didn’t realize the reverse psychology game of cat and mouse I was playing (it was either that or I had no idea what I was doing, but really, don’t question me!). I told him, “Hey Marty, just kiddin, trying to get her to come, ya’ know?” He’s gets excited now that we are on the same page. He pat me on the back and said, “Keep it up brother, keep it up!” I never got confirmation but I hope Babs showed up.
From there, we were the first ones who got seating for the event. We said it was time to let people in and they checked their watches and let us in. Simple as that. Upon entering, we received some appetizers and struck up casual conversation with a waiter (who had a voice higher than Dave Hess). He said some yada yada about being from the same area as Hulk Hogan in Florida or something and I told him he had no idea what he was in for at this Roast. There was some awkward line that followed such as, “Oh if these walls could talk…” Yeah. He wasn’t ready. The same waiter came up to me later in the evening and told me I was right as he had never been part of such a crazy evening. More on that to follow.
End of part 2
