-Pres
Monday, April 20, 2009
Blog: A Venture Worth Fighting For
less than a month to go and it is getting hectic...rooms to rent...air flights to confirm...banquet preparations, bus confirmation...etc...etc...etc...not to mention an occassional bout of ego's here and there...but it is, what it is, in the life of the Pres of the PWHF...I can see why this venture hasn't been done before, I can see how hard it really is to maintain...I have wondered on more than one occassion, why I got involved at all...but, this HOF is something that is needed, and should have been assembled years ago, and now I find that this venture is very much worth fighting for...in a world of smoke and mirrors, to try to keep class and character in regards to the PWHF, is a daily battle, for it is a never ending fued between what is right and what, they who challenge, try to take from the Hall...agreed, there are many more than I ever thought there would be, in support of this Institution, but you run into that one or two that just want to take, take, take. thank God that they are getting to be in the minority as time goes by...I guess I am just blowing off steam, because I am in the middle of one of these such scenerios as i write this column, and it troubles me that with all the hard work that is done to promote this Hall of Fame, that we/I have to be burdened with such nonsense...for those that are close to me, you know of what and whom I am speaking of...for those that are not, you will have to wait until my memoirs when i retire....
Ten years in the making.
ReplyDeleteThe Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame is celebrating it’s tenth year and eight annual induction.
Three buildings later it continues to grow with the support of thousands of fans and wrestlers alike. This would not be possible if it were not for the fans and those in the business who believe in what we do.
For those who do not know, Tony Vellano (PHWF President) and George “The Animal” Steele were the founding Fathers of the PWHF. Great idea guys.. From a thought to brick and mortar with thousands of square feet and thousands of displays and more coming.
Had this been an easy task every city would have a wrestling hall of fame but it has taken a lot of hard work and even harder decisions. Many have offered to volunteered over the years at the hall but quickly learn there is very little glory in helping with most of the work being cleaning, washing windows, vacuuming or setting up displays. The board of directors, volunteers and any one else involved does not get paid for their time spent at the hall. This is done on their own time. Not only the time but we all pay for our own travel, food and lodging for all PWHF events. This is the only way the PWHF has been able to survive over the past ten years. Incoming funds are very limited while expenses continue to grow. We have to be very frugal and accountable for every penny spent. This is another reason for the success the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. Fortunately everyone close to the hall understands this. This is why the organization has also gained the level respect and credibility it currently has.
The wrestling business is a tough one. For those of you coming in for the induction weekend next month talk to the guys and ladies that have been in the business for 30, 40 or 50 years. Not about their matches but what it was like and what it took to be on the road 52 weeks a year. Traveling from town to town and wrestling every night. Doesn’t sound so bad, try doing it when you are injured or when you can barely walk and then you have to climb into the ring. These are the men and women that truly need to be honored and enshrined. That’s what we do, that’s what we are here for. Most humans could not endure or keep the pace these people did night after night.
Unfortunately there are those few that are only in the business for themselves and fail to understand the meaning of “giving back”. Some have tried to use the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame for their own financial gain or otherwise. We can spot these people a mile away. This will not be allowed, never has and never will be. Had this been allowed by Tony, myself or the board of directors the PWHF would not be in existence today.
Our intentions are strictly honorable and to give respect to those who have earned it. All we ask in return is the same consideration.
Michael Capano
PWHF Vice President