August 26, 2003


Alright, I'm back. Hold the applause, please, you'll make me blush. Let's get down to business.

Had a great trip to T.O. (Toronto) even with the blackout of 2003. Even that became a great excuse to look at the stars with no city lights muting them. We lit candles and had the Copeland Crew over for a barbeque. The next night, I trounced my buddies John and Johnny (sounds like a bad sitcom), and became the reigning king of ping pong in our little clique. My trip also coincided with a SmackDown! live event in Hamilton at the Copps Coliseum. Of course, being that close, I had to make an appearance.

Way back on May 10, 1996, I had my first WWE match in the hallowed halls of the Copps. My opponent was Bob "Hardcore" Holly, although at that point he was still the Spark Plug, checkered flags and all. I know Bob's glad he ditched that gimmick. I arrived to the building three hours before the show, not realizing that for non-televised live events, the guys show about an hour before. This gave me enough time to get good and nervous. The show started at 7:30. Bob showed at 7 p.m., walked up to me, and asked how long I'd been working. I replied with the truth, three and a half years. I realized that might have been the wrong answer when he rolled his eyes, grunted and walked away. Knowing Bob the way I do now, I'd laugh. Back then I said sh**, but vowed to prove that I belonged in the ring with him.

What was my way of proving that, you ask? Dancing. Extremely bad, and extremely Caucasian. You see, at this point I wrestled on the indies as Sexton Hardcastle. Christian had just finished his training and wrestled as Christian Cage. For some unknown reason, we decided that dancing, very badly, would get a reaction from the crowd. So Christian would hit "the Carlton," and moves very reminiscent of his peeparoonie. In the meantime, I would hit the most horrendous version of the running man you will ever see. With all of that being said, I thought that my WWE debut was the perfect opportunity for my Tide-white-like running man. I walked to the ring with the music I always used, Walk by Pantera. I can hear the RVD fans now, but at that point I had no clue he was using it too. I was clueless to ECW. I climbed in the ring and started dancing like a madman. It looked like I was having a seizure.

Our referee (and now one of my best friends in the business), Timmy White, was dumbstruck. My mom, sitting in the front row, snapped a picture of this spectacle her son was making of himself. She caught Timmy's incredulous look perfectly. I still laugh when I see that picture.

Finally, Bob hit the ring, and it was time for him to stare at me in disbelief, and try not to laugh. Now with Bob Holly, that's tough to do, and I think I won him over. The match went great, the people were into it, even though they had no clue who I was. This was the beginning. Which led me, seven years later, to the Copps for a little promo. Just a little howya' doin'.

Hamilton let me know they have not forgotten the ol' Edgemeister. It may sound stupid, but those thoughts run through your head when you sit at home for six months. I ended up being the judge for the Divas bikini contest. Nidia and Dawn Marie had an evil gleam in their eyes, and I soon found out why. As they came out to strut their stuff, they began to strip me down. Shirt ... gone. Pants ... undone, and on their way off, thanks to Dawn Marie. I almost lost more clothes than they did! I later found out that Version 1.0, everyones favorite cult leader, Matt Hardy, was in on the stripping of your illustrious leader. Even with the edgetease, it was great to get in front of the 'Heads again. The itch to get back in the ring is killing me now. Although sleeping in every day and not rushing for my next flight has been nice.

That night I went for a bite with Rey Rey. It was great to spend time with my good buddy again. Besides the crowd, I think I miss the camaraderie with the rest of the boys the most. When I got home, I watched some of our tag battles, and realized we made one hell of a team. I always get tons of e-mails saying they want Rey and I to team again. That's definitely something I'd like to do again before I call it quits.

Sat down Sunday night and was thoroughly entertained by SummerSlam. SummerSlam never fails to deliver. Every year it comes through. Some very good matches, a great crowd, and the Elimination Chamber. I enjoyed this one better than the first. I think this finally showcased what Goldberg can do. It was one of the first times that he reminded me of the WCW Goldberg, and has me looking forward to Unforgiven. Totally shocked when Brock Lesnar tapped out. I thought he was gonna take the belt, and I would be chasing him for the WORLD TITLE next year.

But to be honest, with Kurt or Brock, you can't go wrong. I can't wait to get back in there with them (I know I'm becoming repetitive).

Well, we're quickly approaching the six-month mark since neck surgery, which is on Sept.10. Which means I'm on my way to San Antonio this week for a checkup. It's my first checkup in five months, so I'm hoping for good news. I definitely don't want this keeping me out for more than a year, and missing another WrestleMania.

I'll give you reports next week.

Until then, you have been Edgeucated ... Sucka!!!!!!!!!!