[Joshua B]

So obviously there are warring factions here, and many other smaller angles amongst individual Hammer members. When you accidentally cross paths at shows with someone you've been fighting with, how do you respond? How have you responded? Do you try to avoid eye contact and just stay away from them? Do you talk to them normally and pretend nothing's happening? Do you continue your online persona and discuss any issues that might have developed on the Hammer?

What about people you've met that you weren't already familiar with, but later found out they are also Hammer members?

This is open-ended so share anything you want about any situations that apply.

--

Here's what I want to share. Maybe more later, depending on where the discussion goes.

When I first joined the Hammer, I was really enthusiastic about the possibility of interacting with wrestlers, promoters, and wrestling fans. Then I became disillusioned when I realized I'd never be able to keep track of who was really who, due to the amount of people posting (or less people with many accounts) under different, out-there usernames. For example, I'd have to put in a lot of work and dig up lots of old posts to see who a certain wrestler actually was. No one was just going to hand me a list. Then there's a guy like Flair Fanatic who is also known as Kaz and has a whole other real first name. Add the fact that almost no one posts their photo, and you realize for whatever reason, most people here want to stay undercover. I just didn't want to spend the time learning all this and trying to remember it. Especially when you can tell that most would rather have a level of anonymity.

When I first went to pro wrestling shows at the Boston Garden, I was in 8th grade. There was nothing intimate about the Garden or a WWF show, so I never thought of socializing with other fans. Plus, at that time, most everyone else was older than me.

In 1996, when I got into ECW, I noticed I'd see some of the same people at the shows, and I enjoyed that. With ECW, and other feds nowadays, the fans are a big part of the show, so you kind of look around and notice things and people around you. I can't say I was very sociable with any of them, but I'd read posts on the internet about the show I went to and wondered who was who. Sometimes people would identify themselves, like "I was wearing the Ken Hodge Bruins jersey."

Now that I've joined this forum and have been to all the New England ROH shows since Fall 2006 and more than a handful of indie shows, I do notice lots of the same people which I think is awesome. But I had seen cliques of people who knew each other and were sort of the center of attention waiting in lines at shows, if you know what I mean, and I didn't feel I wanted to be a part of that scene.

If I remember correctly, the first time I actually put names to faces was via Gray Ghost who facilitated a round of Hammer member introductions at 2007's Chikara show in Wallingford, CT. Since then, I've met some very nice, very passionate wrestling fans who post here. I can't say any of them have been negative or rude. Most have been inclusive rather than exclusive.

It's fun to be able to go to a show, either with a friend or my girlfriend, and be able to say hi to folks and chit chat at least a little bit with them, especially about wrestling.

Personally, I find it interesting that I don't ever meet any of the Hammer a-holes face to face. Not sure why. Are those people who don't like to reveal their real identity and talk to you at shows? Do they love the Hammer drama but not the in-person interaction? Just things that make you go hmmm.

[Randy Orton]

Does anybody really take any of the feuding serioiusly? Maybe I'll wear a flak jacket to the next show.

[GrayGhost]

Ive met a lot of the hammer members, probably at least 2-3 dozen, at shows, and have to say that tho I like some more than others, its been mainly positive. Ive made some good friends through the board, and in person, and all.

Yes, ShawnO and I basicaly get along pretty well in person, and want to nearly kill each other on here, as you all know. That is a case of someone basically almost having two different personas. Its not some "act" with us, we all behave certain ways. Ive had issues w people, including some bad ones that I get upset over because of how I am, but hey, its what it is.

Overall, I have no problem with anyone coming up to me and talking, if we have a "board issue". This is a good topic, and though Im sure others will have varying answers, I think it will be pretty consistent.

[Joshua B]

If the "feuding" portion of my post is going to be a distraction, then people can feel free to just post about their general interaction with other members or other fans in general. I'd rather not have people hung up on something that I worded incorrectly or was unjustified in mentioning.

[GrayGhost]

Well, my point is, that most of the "feuding" is at least semi fabricated. Yeah, I know people I don't trust that Ive met at shows, but thats not relevant either. I enjoy meeting board members, and Ive had some come to me and introduce themselves over the years, which I enjoy too.

[Adam]

I knew GG and FF from shows before I ever joined the Hammer, so I always talk to them if I see them. For most others, I usually don't have a face to put with the name [or even a real name to put with the name]. So I couldn't even tell you if I've talked with them or not. Most of the time if I see a familiar face I'll at least say 'whats up'.

I can be either quiet or insanely chatty, depending on how good of a mood I am in. If I'm in chatty mode I'll bend anyone's ear who doesn't get away fast enough, be they board member or total stranger.

I definitely don't confuse anything that happens on a message board with real life, so as far as I'm concerned anything posted here is a non-factor if/when I see somebody in the real world. There are 1 or 2 people who have made it way too personal and might be the exception, but unsurprisingly I never encounter the individuals in question outside of the board - or if I have, I didn't know who they were. Honestly if I did knowingly encounter such a person, I'd probably just ignore them, the same way I do my best to ignore any other self-absorbed, annoying asshole (such as the type of person who takes cell phone calls at the movies - which I've witnessed). Trying to reason with such individuals is like trying to teach a pig to sing; it accomplishes nothing and annoys the pig. But really, this situation never comes up, or at least not so far.

[Randy Orton]

Adam wrote:

Trying to reason with such individuals is like trying to teach a pig to sing; it accomplishes nothing and annoys the pig.

Why are you attacking Sarah Palin. Democratic jerk.

[Skip McGee]

obviously hes a sexist

[Rumors Rule]

If I meet Enfocer, I will shake his hand !

[enforcer]

Rumors Rule wrote:

If I meet Enfocer, I will shake his hand !

If almost anyone from this board meets me at a show, I'll still be civil to that person, despite how retarded they are on here. However, they are a few that I never even want to be seen in public with, even at a wrestling show.

[BubbaJ]

I think my signature speaks for itself.

Real life is not a message board.

[DavidDeacon]

The only member here I really risk running into is probably SuperstarML

Well, maybe if MAV ever catches me on his front lawn, THAT could lead to trouble. But more than likely, it will lead to questions as to why I'm dressed like the pope and carrying a fishbowl full of applesauce...

[5th HORSEMAN]

I think most of the people on here leave their keyboard commando mentality at home while attending shows . I would say about 99% of the people I have met from the board have been pleasant and easy to deal with at shows . The only peeve I have is someone introducing themselves by the board name (unless it happens to be their real name) , My parents gave me a name and thats how I introduce myself , board names can be left at home as far as I'm concerned . I think Joshua you will find that each area has probably a hardcore group of 10-12 fans you will find constantly in their given area or state and these fans will be there 95% of the time , so I say introduce yourself , most are pleasant enough . If it turns out that person is a tool , just don't bother with them again .

[DavidDeacon]

5th HORSEMAN wrote:

The only peeve I have is someone introducing themselves by the board name (unless it happens to be their real name)

Hi there, I'm David Deacon.

[FlairFanatic]

Well, i find theres people who post here who see me all the time, yet, would never tell me who they are in person.

Theres people i know who post, that, im just not friends with or buddies with, thats fine.

And some, that i would take to a show or sit with, Joshua B is one of them among a few others. Theres a few I know and id NEVER take to a show or sit with. Others, i can tolerate.

Enforcer is a regular dude who i can have a regular conversation with. I def hang out with him at 2CW shows.

Adam ive know since 01-02 as well as his buddy brian. They are good guys.

Most people ive met at shows, i didnt meet on the hammer first, i just struck up conversation with them one time or saw them enough to introduce myself. Some have become very good friends.

Believe it or not, some people on here who get a bad rap, are decent in real life. Shawn O and I have never had issues in person.

Its hit or miss, but, heck, thats the internet for ya!

[Tauron Nox]

I've met a good number of members of this board, and it has been a fairly positive thing overall.

I met GG & FF during the NEI days, so I've known them the longest. I've hung out with FF in PA a couple of times this year.

JD & RI Dave are people I have seen pretty regularly over the past year and love to hang with at shows.

Rachel I don't get to see often enough. She's like a little sister.

Superstar ML & Dave Padula I met this past year. In those two meetings, I can tell you that it can be difficult to pay attention to the matches because they are both a fucking riot to hang out with.

I'm sure I'm missing people, but it's not intentional. It's hard to remember everybody.

[the lifeguard]

Id known who Barry aka Fat and Stinky 24/7 was for years. id seen him around at acw or other local shows every once in a while. I saw him at the Chikara show as i walk out for intermission and he is just staring at me so i say "what's up?" or something similar and he doesnt acknowledge me.no big deal,as proven on here he is kinda a turd and I wasnt planning or desiring a conversation with him. the thing that awkward was when i was leaving after the show and he wanted to give me a PWG flyer. now im good enough to interact with? go fuck yourself tubby.

[GrayGhost]

Well, I don't know, not everyone is going to be Mr congeniality, of course sometimes even being that way gets you no where too, or a kick in the balls.

For me, Most know who I am, if they wanna say hello, thats cool. If not, cool too. It doesnt matter much to me at this point.

[Rachel5831]

Quote:

Rachel I don't get to see often enough. She's like a little sister.

awwwe.. you and your wife are fun mr. nox!!! i wish i saw you more too!


well, i joined the hammer after i met ghost and kaz. before then, i would go to shows, and i asked friends i was with who they were (and the rest is history... hahah). But once i met them, if i asked, kaz would always tell me who everyone was. i met a lot of people through him, actually.

i've never had any problems with people. the few that i've met and just talked to casually at shows are always nice and down to earth people... and some i've hung out with as good friends or road trip buddies outside of that.

it's nice to see that most people can be mature enough to keep their board stuff, to the board.

[EricYoungFan]

Rachel5831 wrote:

Quote: Rachel I don't get to see often enough. She's like a little sister. awwwe.. you and your wife are fun mr. nox!!! i wish i saw you more too! well, i joined the hammer after i met ghost and kaz. before then, i would go to shows, and i asked friends i was with who they were (and the rest is history... hahah). But once i met them, if i asked, kaz would always tell me who everyone was. i met a lot of people through him, actually. i've never had any problems with people. the few that i've met and just talked to casually at shows are always nice and down to earth people... and some i've hung out with as good friends or road trip buddies outside of that. it's nice to see that most people can be mature enough to keep their board stuff, to the board.

You asked, i told, i'm sorry.

[MAV]

DavidDeacon wrote:

The only member here I really risk running into is probably SuperstarML Well, maybe if MAV ever catches me on his front lawn, THAT could lead to trouble. But more than likely, it will lead to questions as to why I'm dressed like the pope and carrying a fishbowl full of applesauce...

You'd probably run into my wife first, whose reaction would simply be, "Oh. You must be one of Scott's friends". After seeing some of the maniacs I refer to as friends over the years, she's pretty hard to shake.

[superstarml]

MAV wrote:

DavidDeacon wrote: The only member here I really risk running into is probably SuperstarML Well, maybe if MAV ever catches me on his front lawn, THAT could lead to trouble. But more than likely, it will lead to questions as to why I'm dressed like the pope and carrying a fishbowl full of applesauce... You'd probably run into my wife first, whose reaction would simply be, "Oh. You must be one of Scott's friends". After seeing some of the maniacs I refer to as friends over the years, she's pretty hard to shake.

This is funny to me, because my wife would probably react the same way.

[DavidDeacon]

*sigh* I'll have to try harder next time, I guess

[superstarml]

This past july at FRW I met JD, Tauron Nox, Kudo Driver, RI Dave, & Dave Padula.
It was an extremely pleasant experience, not that I've ever had a problem with anyone of them on this board. More often than not Nox and I agree on the various topics discussed here.

Padula is fucking Hilarious!!

Going to indy wrestling in Maine there's a regular group of people I see at all the shows, however I only talk with one of them and that's Phil.
I've seen Phil at shows for that last 12 years, and usually sit next to him at them.
It would be odd to not see Phil at a show, indy or WWE. You can ask any of the guys that usually work Maine who Phil is and they'll know.
He doesn't leave the State for wrestling, but is going to be riding with me to the Kowalski show in Malden next month.

[#1SpiderFan]

I have met a number of board members at shows. They've all been nice. Even Shawn O. All have been civil. Some have even been to our house for parties. In my eyes, if you're a wrestling fan, you're ok in my book. I've said it before, and I mean it. I really enjoy talking to fellow fans at shows. It makes the shows even more fun.