I admit it: I screwed up. In the middle of working on the editing of the new WrestleCrap Celebrity Roast DVD (which comes with the 2010 WrestleCrap Archive Discs FREE – preorder it here!), I ignored my email completely for over a week. In doing so, I missed this email from Triple Kelly: “Hey Deal! How is everything? I hope you’re doing well. Anything special you want me to write about this week? -Kelly” So I missed that one. I also missed this one a couple days after that: “Hey Deal! How is everything? I hope you’re doing well. Anything special you want me to write about this week? -Kelly PS – You better not be ignoring your email.” Ok, so I just put that PS in myself. But yeah, I screwed up, and realized at the 11th hour (ok, actually it was about 4pm this afternoon) that I hadn’t heard from Kx3 this week, and therefore, it was up to me to do an induction this week. The question, of course, is what was there that I could write about that didn’t require a ton of research, didn’t span six months, and most importantly, I could slap out in 2-3 hours? Back to the inbox! “RD, Have you ever seen the bit where the Nasty Boys go to the Maryland Science Center? This just begs for an induction. -Paul” Ah, Paul. Sweet, mysterious, always there for me Paul. I had more or less forgotten about this lost gem, and rest assured, it is the very definition of Crap. Crap that doesn’t require a ton of research, span six months, and that I can slap out in 2-3 hours. Let’s visit the Maryland Science Center with the Nasty Boys, shall we?!
And now I too shall contemplate the mysteries of life. Such as why I forgot to check my email, which forced me to watch this again. Got this email from a fellow Crapper regaring this induction, thought it would be interesting to add it here! I’ve been a fan of Wrestlecrap for coming up on six years. Usually your inductions are spot on but I have a slight beef with the Nasty Boys induction. Back in the mid-90s, I was dealing with a chronic illness and spent many weeks in the adolescent ward of a children’s hospital. Most days were dull but now and then visitors came around to brighten things up. It was usually zoo employees with an unusual animal or local hockey or football players. They were okay but quickly became routine. One day, however, a patient care liaison informed me that a couple professional wrestlers would be visiting that afternoon. I was your typical mark of about 19 years old, so I was pretty excited. My mind reeled with the idea of seeing the Undertaker, Lex Luger, Bret Hart or Randy Savage. I was pretty stoked. When the wrestlers finally showed up, I admit I was disappointed to find it was only Marty Saggs and Brian Nobbs. At least they’d come dressed in full Nasty Boys gear so the less informed might have a clue who they were. But my dismay ended within 90 seconds. The Nasty Boys seemed downright thrilled to be there. The smiles on their faces were wider than their skulls, and they hammed it up for all the kids. Pretend chokeholds were given, piggyback rides carried out in races down the corridors. They played foosball and Tetris with as many as they could and did their best to make sure everyone got a chance who wanted one. Even after the cameras were turned off and the local press satisfied, the pair continued to frolic and have the time of their lives, for over two hours past the obligatory photo opportunities. I watched as they asked the nurses which patients weren’t able to leave their beds or rooms, and they made sure those few got to be entertained also. They even donned the proper gowns and masks when necessary; no child was left behind. Autographs were handed out a-plenty, and a couple lucky kids were even given the Boy’s trademark sunglasses, Bret-Hart style. My point is that the Nasty Boys were genuinely glad to be there. They relished in bringing happiness to the kids. They knew they weren’t the biggest stars in the WCW or WWF, but they didn’t care. I’ve since had the opportunity to meet other WWE stars at charity events, as a spokesman for my illness, but have been saddened to find that none have possessed the same joie de vive and generosity that Saggs and Nobbs showed that one winter afternoon. The others stars’ eyes wander, they yawn and they barely seem to care that the children are thrilled to have such a well-known person in the room. The Nasty Boys were anything BUT nasty. So, as I read the induction for the Nasty Boys’ visit to the Maryland Science Center, I was reminded of the day they came to the hospital and gushed enthusiasm. Sure, as a fluff piece on a wrestling show, it’s a little light and does nothing to drive forward plotlines. But I saw the photos and the description and I realized that there were kids presents at the science center, and the Nasty Boys genuinely loved children. It may not be wrestling at its core but I like to think that showing those two, entertaining youngsters and loving it, is nevertheless important for fans to see. The Nasty Boys gave back and it’s comforting to know that not all wrestling superstars are arrogant piles of crap. That was the purpose of that particular piece. To me, it’s not crap. It’s showing the good work that a pair of dedicated wrestlers were happy to do for the community. Having experienced it myself from the same duo, I know their smiles are genuine and I enjoy seeing small pieces illustrating the joy that is given to the youngest fans by the few wrestlers who sincerely care to do so. From the perspective that loves hardcore wrestling, sure, it’s a lighthearted segment and I can see why you’d consider if for induction. I just ask that you not bash such things too heavily in the future, as it puts a sour aftertaste on an otherwise sweet memory. Otherwise, keep up the excellent inductions! Until Mickie James receives her due return, and forever a Crapper, Al G. |