2010 CAC Reunion

Those of you who have followed me since my days of running JCPW and MarkingOut.com know that I’ve always been a huge fan of the Cauliflower Alley Club, and the things they have done for the business. For some reason though, it took me over a decade to get up the nerve (And time) to actually join the CAC, and go to an event.

After my 2nd, I now wonder WHY I was such a jabroni.

After joining the CAC, I immediately felt at home during my first Reunion. It didn’t matter that I was from the Indies – we’re all one big, extended family. Just like all families, there are those you get close to, and those you barely know – but deep down, push comes to shove – they are there if needed. That sums the CAC up in one sentence.

The thing is, no matter who you are in the business – from major Superstar all the way to some guy who puts up the ring, each and every one of us is vitally important. We are the legacy of this business, and in a lot of cases, it’s future. The advice being given this year by talent from practically every generation of the business – absolutely free and without ulterior motives – is beyond value. The road stories teach a lesson, the jokes teach a lesson – even just listening while old friends reconnect is a lesson of sorts.

I was honored and humbled at my 2nd Reunion to be allowed to sit in on one of the Seminars given each year. When I offered my services to Dave (Dr David Reiss of DMRDynamics), I was fully expecting – and willing – to do nothing more than lug around his equipment. This comes from years of lugging a ring around and setting it up – you come to understand. NO job is too small to be of use, and it shows the proper respect to those who came before you – they did it, so should each and every person wanting to be in the business. Too many people going through training at any number schools around the world seem to fully believe that once they are done, they can ‘be a star’ and be above all that. They then wonder WHY they aren’t getting the bookings they want – read above folks, that’s why.

My first year at CAC, whenever one of the guys needed a seat and I had one – I offered mine. This simple act showed them that *I* had the respect for them that engendered & encouraged them to open up – I knew my “place” in the pecking order, so I was worth passing on what they knew. I soaked it up like a sponge, filing away things I didn’t know, and feeling proud at the stuff I did. This just illustrates what the ‘Ring of Friendship’ can do for you, something so small as a chair can lead to the key that smartens you up to the next level.

Forgive my going off track there, but it’s important!

Also sitting in on the Seminar I was involved with was Matt Riviera. Many people may recognize him from the VH1 show “Megan Wants a Millionaire”, but others will certainly know him from his CAC attendance and his work in the Indies. He’s (at his age) another of those with lessons to teach – with the possible exception of “How not to live to excess”  or “How to be humble.” In my (not so) humble opinion, he’s deserving of the CAC “Future Legend” award. Heck, I may nominate him myself.

Speaking of value for workers – titles of Seminars this year included “Drawing Heat”  and was headed by Ted DiBiase & Harley Race & “What it takes to make it” given by Amazing Kong, Cheerleader Melissa (with an assist from Ross Hart). Seminars like this when presented anywhere else are going to cost you anywhere from $50 to $500 – EACH. In 2 days, you get an education, from masters of what they do, for the price of a year’s membership in the CAC ($25) and tickets to the Dinners ($100). If for no other reason than that – CAC membership is valuable. but there’s so much more.

Now don’t get me wrong. The CAC Reunions are open to all members, including Fans. After all, without Fans, all we do would seem silly – men & women rolling around in underwear. OK, maybe the women doing that would be OK without Fans – but I’m 100% certain it would have them regardless. Simply put, unlike a Wrestlefest or the like, while you CAN grab a quick photo with one of your favorite workers, or pick up some one of a kind merchandise in the gimmick room, the main focus here is on reminiscing about times both good & bad, feast & famine alike. Kayfabe still exists to some extent here – as was illustrated (Quite succinctly) by Executive VP Karl Lauer at the Banquet when he announced “This isn’t a fan fest, we’re all workers here.” Yes, Fans can be among those lucky enough to be in that room – but it’s not a time to mark out, or pester someone like Jim Ross for an autograph. They will (and DO) pose for you any time else – the banquet is special, and like above, needs to be handled with Respect and tact.

The Awards went to the like of Ted DiBiase, Dan Severn – and Good ol’ JR, Jim Ross. It would take far too long to tell you about their speeches, or their natures – suffice to say that they all are true gentlemen & legends, and deserve all they have achieved and received. We all promised not to give the “Internet Journalists” (AKA Assclowns) fodder, so I can’t tell you WHY an entire room of 442 people were laughing so hard they couldn’t breathe – but I now have memories I will treasure, and will look on at least one of them with new eyes. Too funny.

Quick aside – many of the folks at CAC asked me about my Promotion. The one I associate with the most (and am proudest of) is Just Cause Pro Wrestling, now in hiatus. It had been created to offer a humanitarian service – a way for us to give back to the communities that support what we do. All proceeds after expenses (And yes, that DOES include paying the boys) were donated to whatever local Charity we were working for. I’m proud to say we have given thousands of dollars to entities like “Relay for Life” and Boy’s Club – and I look forward to the day when I can dust off the Logo and help others once again. On that note – any organizations wishing to use the JCPW name and Logo to run a charity show, please contact me at greg.ragland@shootfinish.com – with a few guidelines to follow I insist upon, I’d love for this effort to go nation- even World – wide.

I’d like to say a huge Thank You to Sunny (Tammy Sytch) for attending this year (And I hope for years to come). Via my relationship with Bambi (Look on the Staff page for info), I’ve been “working” for her for over a decade, and never had the chance to meet face to face until now. Seeing the way Fans (and professionals) alike were happy to see her, it makes it all worth it. Also, a huge shoutout to Wrestler’s Rescue & Dawn Marie – you are doing some much needed work, and your presence gets that across to everyone. I can’t forget Raven, attending his very first CAC event. His comments during the Baloney Blowout echo mine exactly – Younger workers wanting to get really into the business need to be CAC members – and his presence assists the CAC in bridging the generations of talent represented.

To all the CAC Board of Directors, and the others who work tirelessly to put this event on each year, I send you my sincere & heartfelt thanks. I truly wish to offer my services in any capacity you see fit to use me in. I’ll be a Lifetime member soon, allowed to wear that pretty Ribbon on my badge – something I look at as the sincerest form of honor to the organization. God willing, I’ll be helping to make your lives easier from this day on – even if only once a year.

Morgan – she’s immune to your charms, brother. Just saying.

With respect to everyone else though, my everlasting love & devotion are going out to Jason Sanderson. This fierce looking yet gentle man – who now has an Award named after him – has shown my family the most gracious and caring friendship I have ever known. Knowing me only a short time, he assisted my family in a time of crisis. He has since gone on to help heal my nephew of some of his pain from the loss of a brother AND best friend over the course of 2 years. Meeting Codi for the first time, he took him under his considerable wing, allowing Codi to attend the banquet & meet some of his long time heroes. Because of that Jason – you’re stuck with us. You’re MY hero.