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Ron Simmons, Gypsy Joe Added To Atlanta Fanfest Weekend!
A high school football standout at Warner Robins in 1976, Ron Simmons was named lineman of the year and first-team All-State by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Simmons was a two-time consensus All-American at Florida State University, earning back-to-back Orange Bowl trips in 1979 and 1980 after Simmons's junior and senior seasons. In 1992, he became wrestling's first black World champion, defeating Big Van Vader in Baltimore.
The man. The myth. The hardcore wrestling legend. In 1963 after a brief career in Puerto Rico, Gypsy Joe made his U.S. debut at Sunnyside Garden in Long Island, New York. That started a career that has spanned almost 50 years in which he experienced success in numerous regional territories, made brief stops in others, and became a legendary figure in Japan. In 2007, WWE Magazine named Gypsy Joe the world's oldest wrestler at the age of 73.
Ron Simmons and Gypsy Joe have confirmed their appearances at this summer's Georgia Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend August 4-7. They join previously-announced featured guests Ole Anderson, The Assassin, Mr. Wrestling II, former AWA Rookie of the Year and NWA National champion Steve O, Killer Karl Kox, "Million Dollar Man" Ted Dibiase, "Doctor D" David Schultz, "Mr. USA" Tony Atlas, Killer Tim Brooks, The Masked Superstar, Dory Funk Jr., Terry Funk, "Continental Lover" Eddie Mansfield, "Wildfire" Tommy Rich, Nick Bockwinkel, Harley Race, Joyce Grable, Judy Martin, Leilani Kai and Thunderbolt Patterson signing autographs and taking photos with fans over the course of the three-day, four night event at Atlanta's Airport Marriott hotel.
Each featured guest will be scheduled to take photos with fans at least once (sometimes more,) during the weekend. For a nominal fee, we'll take your photo, process it -- even get it autographed! -- and return to you a beautiful, one-of-a-kind 8" x 10" autographed photo of you and your favorite wrestling heroes! There will be individual photo ops with each of the featured guests, as well as some rare, group photo ops available.
Each featured guest will also be scheduled to sign autographs for fans at least once during the weekend. Those with VIP "All Access" Passes are allowed to get two free autographs from each featured guest at our Autograph Stage.
Please check the schedule in mid-May for exact times.
Over the next few months, we will be announcing more guest confirmations as we receive them.
Tmart Promotions Is Bringing Bobby "The Brain" Heenan!
One of the all-time great managers, Bobby Heenan is returning to Atlanta for this summer's Georgia Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend.
"The Brain" will be a booth guest for Tmart Promotions and sign autographs and take photos with fans on Saturday, August 6.
There will also be a couple unique photo ops available with Heenan and his former proteges, "King" Harley Race and former AWA World champion Nick Bockwinkel.
Many more vendor guests will be announced over the next few months.
» More info on our vendors and their booth guests... «
"The Dean" Gordon Solie Leads Hall of Heroes Class of 2011!
He was the longtime voice of Championship Wrestling from Florida, but it wasn't until Gordon Solie began hosting Georgia Championship Wrestling in 1974 -- and helped it become one of the most watched shows on cable television -- that he became "The Dean" of all wrestling announcers.
Pro wrestling was big in Tampa, but becoming the front man for wrestling on Ted Turner's quickly-expanding WTBS Superstation brought Solie to a new level of national notoriety.
"He was the man -- the absolute best to ever call a match,'' said Dusty Rhodes. "In the '70s, my fondest memory was calling ourselves the Howard Cosell and Muhammad Ali of the wrestling industry. We had a run together that was so unique because he was the best to call a match. Ever."
Solie is one of several wrestling greats to be honored this year at our fifth-annual Hall of Heroes dinner banquet and awards ceremony that takes place Friday night, August 5 as part of the Georgia Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend.
The complete "Class of 2011" honorees will be announced in mid-March.
Former PWI Editor Bill Apter Returning To Atlanta!
Wrestling fans from everywhere remember Bill Apter, Editor of Pro Wrestling Illustrated and it's family of wrestling magazines, including The Wrestler and Inside Wrestling.
Georgia-area fans also remember him for the PWI Scouting Report, a segment he hosted on the Best of World Championship Wrestling, broadcast weekly on Ted Turner's WTBS Superstation.
Apter returns to the Peach State this August as part of the Georgia Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend, hosting "Apter's Antics!" -- a live show each day, featuring offbeat interviews, comedy, karaoke and more!
First-Ever Atlanta Fanfest Weekend Is Coming This August!
Mark your calendars! The dates have been set.
The first-ever Georgia Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend, a huge three-day reunion with dozens of wrestling's legendary heroes and villains, and wrestling fans from all over the world, takes place Thursday through Sunday, August 4-7, 2011 at Atlanta's beautiful Airport Marriott hotel!
Stars from the glory days of Georgia Championship Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance return to the Peach State not only to reunite with old rivals, but to mix and mingle with the throngs of fans that supported them during wrestling's heyday.
In addition, a bevy of today's top superstars and future legends will take part in countless weekend activities that include autograph signings, photo opportunities and much more.
VIP "All Access" Passes are on sale now! These get you early admission each day, first access to the Autograph Stage and photo booths, exclusive admission to revealing Question-and-Answer sessions, and ringside seats to the live wrestling matches on Saturday night! Throw in a free souvenir t-shirt and a laminated "All Access" neck lanyard and you have the VIP hookup!
Your purchase helps support our efforts to celebrate the rich tradition of wrestling in Georgia and to honor the heroes of wrestling's past and present. Thanks for being part of a truly special weekend. Most folks will tell you it's a remarkable reunion.
Should you have any questions or comments to share, please feel free to email us at GeorgiaLegends@aol.com
We look forward to seeing you in Atlanta!
Fanfest Travellers Save Money With Delta Airlines!
Delta Airlines is offering a discount to folks flying to/from Atlanta for this year's Georgia Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend!
It's not a tremendous discount, but every little bit helps, right?
To compare fares and book your flights to Atlanta, please call 1-800-328-1111 and use the Booking Code: NM6KF
The discount is good, as well, on KLM and AirFrance flights booked through Delta.
Any troubles, please email GeorgiaLegends@aol.com
Book Your Hotel Rooms Now At Discounted Group Rate!
The Atlanta Airport Marriott, the host hotel for the 2011 Georgia Wrestling Legends Fanfest Weekend, is offering a discounted group rate for those that book early.
Nestled among 14 acres of picturesque grounds, this luxurious 628-room airport-area hotel represents a tranquil retreat combined with state-of-the-art amenities. Spacious rooms feature Plug In Panel (lets guests check-in then plug-in all of their electronic devices,) a 32-inch flat screen panel LCD TV, deluxe bedding and double pane soundproof windows.
Located inside the hotel, Bentley's Steakhouse features delectable cuisine and tender steaks, or delight in authentic Japanese sushi prepared at The Lobby Bar. Situated near the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the hotel provides complimentary shuttle to the airport and MARTA transportation.
» Click here for more details on our discounted group rate... «
