Notes about the show:
– People in attendance for this event included Florida Wrestling legend Mike Graham, “Nasty Boy” Brian Knobbs, & Country Music/Southern Rock icon Charlie Daniels (who served as host for the entire weekend of charity events for the Angelus Foundation).
– The show started with a live “Abraham Washington Show” with guests FCW Champ Justin Angel & event organizer Charlie Daniels. As Angel & Washington were discussing the Angelus Foundation with Daniels when “The Dudebusters” (Beretta, Croft, & Hawkins) interrupted by making Santa Claus jokes about Daniels. As they became more aggressive towards Daniels, the Rotundo brothers & Tyler Reks ran to the ring to even the odds, running the Dudebusters out. After the smoke cleared from that situation, Washington then announced that the opening match would be a “Grand Royale”. He explained the match would open with 16 wrestlers surrounding the ring , when the bell rings, the will fight each other to get into the ring. After 60 seconds, those who couldn’t get into the ring are out, and must return to the locker room. For those who made it in, it is now traditional Battle Royal rules. He also stated the winner would get an FCW title shot, but didn’t specify where or when.
– Sweet Papi Sanchez made his return to action after a lengthy time off due to injury.
– Conrad Tanner & Lift Sawyer made their in-ring FCW debut in the “Grand Royale” match.
– Jackson Andrews, who won the Grand Royale, is 7’2”, 380+ pound Steven Slocum who was trained by Booker T and worked as “Cyrus” in Booker T’s PWA in Texas.
– Noticeably absent from the show were Alex Riley, Percy Watson, Mia Mancini, Courtney Taylor, and Jimmy Uso (Jonathan Fatu), who I assume is on bereavement leave after the passing of his Uncle, Eddie “Umaga” Fatu. My condolences to Jonathan and his entire family during this tragic time.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
