I dabbled in the wrestling business going as far back as 1997 when I launched the now-defunct wrestling news and information website called JimmyVan.com; through my years working with independent promotions in the U.S. and Canada; and now coming full circle with Fightful. I’ve amassed a bit of a photo collection through the years and decided to start sharing them via a weekly Flashback Friday feature.
This was taken in June of 1999 at an independent show promoted by the AWA Superstars of Wrestling in Fargo, North Dakota. I was a young buck (with inexplicable chin hair) serving essentially as that promotion’s Sean Ross Sapp. I did writing, photography, website maintenance; I was basically a jack of all trades. Joining me in this photo of course is WWE Hall of Famer, Sherri Martel. On television she mostly portrayed a heel but in real life she was the sweetest, kindest person. Don’t get me wrong, she was tough as nails and didn’t take shit from anyone and was quick to respond if someone cracked a joke about her. But she was the one who told me words I’ve never forgotten when I had a “mark moment” while chatting in her hotel room – she told me that we were work colleagues; we worked for the same company and were co-workers. I never forgot that, and I never again got star struck around anyone in any profession. Sherri treated everyone with respect, had no ego, and expected no special treatment. Sadly she passed away in 2007 but I’m glad she got her moment and was inducted into the Hall before she left us.
