Reading through the latest issue, I saw where Frank quoted as saying how he approached Giant Haystacks with some trepidation due to his in-ring character and was happy to find that he was quite a nice man!
I remember many years ago at a time when I was more involved as a wrestling writer (who wore a rather embarrassing mask) rather than as now and just as an old (very old!!) fan.
It was (I think) the first visit to London by WCW and they were afraid that because the then-WWF had become so well known through TV and tours, that no one would know their stars - two of whom were Ric Flair and Sting! They were known to every wrestling fan but not to those that only watched the WWF on TV!
I think it was being held at London's Olympia and I was there on the morning of the event talking to some of the backroom staff when I saw Haystacks listening to a conversation between Rick Rude and Sting. So with my heart in my mouth, I went up to the trio and it turned out that the American pair didn't really know of Haystacks, so I introduced myself and "bigged" up Haystacks, who was obviously just a guest and not fighting. I asked if they would pose in the ring for me with Haystacks apparently standing between the two WCW men and keeping them apart. I had to agree not to publish the photo in any magazines, but all three were so nice and were happy to wait until I had the photo I wanted. Not only that, but Sting took me outside and posed for me with his make up on. They were just so nice and knew there would be no personal benefit in posing. And with few exceptions, that's how I've found most wrestlers to be...
Mal Kirk. Through the ropes, the best of the bad guys, outside a lovely, lovely feller always time for a word..
I have to say that while working at St James' Hall, Newcastle most wrestlers I encountered were very pleasant. By far the most friendly in my experience was John Cox who always had time for a word or two; Chic Purvey got on well with my co-worker Alan Patchett as they both had an interest in racing pigeons. Norman/Sid Cooper was quite the reverse of his ring personality as I always found him most approachable.
They were all friendly, never met one who wasnt. Tony St Clair was a proper gent as was Steve Viedor, Mr Haystacks, Mark Rocco, and even Mike Marino after this clumsy 12 year old armed with an autograph book stood on his foot!
My favourite would be Grant Foderingham. Whenever, or whoever met up with him you were always greeted with a handshake, so much so that his nickname was Mr. Handshake.
Cheers
Shirley Crabtree was nice both times i met him. Drew MacDonald would talk in the bar and Scrubber Daley is friendley on facebook. I have found others not so friendly, but that was when they thought the toughness of wrestling was being questioned.
In the friendliness stakes for me three stood out - Johnny Saint, Jim Breaks, Count Bartelli.
Ct Bartelli was ultra-friendly. I think many of them were. Unfortunately I was usually too starstruck and didn’t go beyond the simple autograph request To find out If I’d known then what I know now ....
Why is there a chocolate advert in the middle of this topic ??????
Mike Bennett was always prepared to chat
gladys the impaler could be very friendly after a bout, used to like physical contact and a finger of kit-kat
Exactly what i was thinking Sax.
Great story and great photo's.
I guess this one really puts the nail in the coffin of Haystacks being 6ft 11.........