I have decided to write about my Top Ten highlights from 2017, the things that really stood out for me on a personal level. From the very tough start that was the early months of the year, I knew that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. With the sale of my house and some financial security it provided me, I decided to take advantage of this opportunity this past summer and did some pretty amazing things.
I called this The Summer of George and from the idea of making the absolute most of my situation, I decided to cut loose and experience some of the best things that life had to offer. For one summer at least. Having been the king of #SixKidChaos for a number of years, the household finances dictated that when I needed new socks, it was a needle and thread to the rescue. More often than not I would get practical gifts at Christmas, birthdays, etc.. So if I was going to do something this summer, I was going to do it right!
#10 ~ Monday Night Raw, Monday August 7th, 2017
I have always been a lifelong wrestling fan, and in the course of my life I have had the absolute pleasure of seeing some incredible things. Any wrestling fan should be so lucky, the highlights for me include: Hogan vs Warrior WM6, Hogan vs Rock WM18, Hogan vs Michaels SS2005, and the Montreal Screw Job in 1997. There have been many more, and its a love and passion that I now share with my son as we wrestle around the house on a daily basis.
The WWF (as I will always refer to it as) was coming to Toronto for one of it’s main TV shows, Monday Night Raw and I knew I wanted to go. Not only go, but sit in the best seats possible, with the thanks to Stub Hub that is exactly what we got!
Part of this summer for me was to also pay it forward to my friends who had always been there for me over the years. I invited my friend Corey and Ryan, both big wrestling fans as we had the time of our lives. Sitting this close to the action, we literally had beads of sweat land on us as the action got the close to where we were sitting. Dean Ambrose was literally dumped into the stands right in front of us, to the point where we could see the brand of underwear that he wears. (True story…)
Watching on TV my whole life, and I guess with all sports in general you have a forced perspective to watch. You can only see what the camera wants you to see, being live and in person your eyesight, your natural curistoy is allowed to take hold and you can watch whatever you want. I know this night I started to watch other people’s reaction to the action and mayhem that was surrounding us.
When we first arrived at the Air Canada Centre, you could feel the energy and excitement in the air, so much that you could cut it with a knife. We entered the building and headed down the 100 level to the floor where our seats were, met by a nice elder gentlemen who looked at our tickets and then lead the way. As we walked closer and closer towards the ring we all started t get giddy like a kid on Christmas morning, we were seated in the 2nd row right beside the time keeper and announcers table.
The card itself (in terms of matches) was rather unforgettable. The main event featured a Last Man Standing match between Roman Reigns and Brawn Strowman, two HUGE men that had no issues throwing each other all around the ringside area.
Being this close to the action you get a great perspective on just how big 6 foot 8 inches and 380 pounds really is. That being Brawn Strowman who during one of the commercial breaks just glared a hole into the crowd, and in particular Ryan whom he made eye contact with.
The night went by far too quickly, as these nights often do. We had such a blast that night and it gave new fresh perspective on an old favorite project of mine. This same group of guys gets together a few times a year to watch the major WWF Pay per Views, the new one being the Royal Rumble in late January.
Up next on my list of highlights (#9) will be the Survivor Series dinner I had in November, as it might have been the best meal I’ve ever made… all laced with love!
#SixKidChaos 