GreasyGuide: Charlotte

The G-Man: Born In NC, Now Reppin In The NYC!

Worldwide Wresting Entertainment (WWE) has been the subject of both media and public scrutiny and discord for many, many years. Attempts by the federal government to prosecute its Chairman, Vince McMahon, for alleged steroid distribution to wrestlers, attacks by various conservative watchdog groups, and the shocking and untimely deaths of legendary grapplers like Owen Hart and Chris Benoit, all placed a dark and eerie cloud over the organization and its enormous roster of talent. In the midst of all the controversy, one thing remained constant: the global fan base of the WWE.

The unyielding fan support probably stems from the fact that the WWE is actively involved with a number of national, charitable organizations, like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and initiatives targeting disadvantaged kids all across the country. Truth be told, the WWE has even helped The G-man on two occasions. The first time was in 1999. I wrote a news story detailing how a 9-year old boy was viciously mauled and nearly killed by a pit bull in Far Rockaway, New York. Amazingly, his courage and desire to be as tough as his favorite wrestler, “Stone Cold Steve Austin”, was what saved his life. After discovering the boy’s deep affection for “The Rattlesnake”, I contacted WWE headquarters and eventually faxed a copy of the story to Ms. Sue Aitchison, Director of Public Relations. It was then presented to Stone Cold, and he immediately sent a get-well package to the little boy’s home. His parents gave him the package at the hospital, and the doctors said it made all the difference in the world, in terms of his remarkable recovery The package included Stone Cold tee shirts, wristbands, videos and an autographed photo that read, “You’re one tough S.O.B.! Hope you feel better real soon. Your pal, Stone Cold Steve Austin.” Sadly, these are the stories about the WWE that never get press coverage.

In 2002, I contacted Aitchison while affiliated with a mentoring program at a New York City high school. The program was created to help young men that were arrested, on the verge of becoming gang members or had a history of being severely abused. Many of the kids, who ranged from 15 to 17-years-old, noted they were loyal fans of the WWE. I contacted them again, but this time I requested that one of their wrestlers make a special guest appearance. Their hectic schedules prevented this from happening, but executives sent a three-foot by five-foot box full of WWE merchandise to the high school. Needless to say, these emotionally and mentally distraught kids were ecstatic. The organization touched the hearts of these kids and lifted their troubled spirits. Again, sadly, these are the stories about the WWE that never get press coverage.

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