I
wrote this last night while trying not to get too upset in front of
my co-workers:
I
just learned of the passing of Gerald “Tiny” Dockery.
Tiny
and I only run in the same circles once a year, so I was unaware of
his passing away in April until just recently, but I am greatly
saddened by the news. Those closest to Tiny have my deepest condolences.
If
you don’t know, Tiny was one of the men behind the greatest
wrestling shows on the planet – Dragon Con Wrestling.
Every
year Tiny and AJ would sit at the commentary table, calling some of
the craziest, most ridiculous, and entertaining action I’ve ever
seen. DCW is so good that me and a few of my friends started calling
ourselves the “DCW Hooligans” and sitting in the same spot every
year. Booze would flow, matches would get wilder, and we’d get
crazier. And AJ and Tiny would sit at that announce table, shaking
their heads.
Every
year Tiny and AJ seemed to accept us just a bit more, even getting to
the point of acknowledging us and – to a certain extent – egging
us on. They made us feel like a part of the show, and feeling like a
part of DCW is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
Last
year I had the privilege of actually being a part of the show. I was
recruited to sit at the announce table in AJ’s spot and call
matches with none other than Tiny himself. I had called matches
before, but never an entire show. And certainly never one that I held
in the same esteem that I do DCW.
Tiny
was gracious and helpful while I was getting my footing. He helped me
out with timing and with the wrestlers’ names (Tiny didn’t know
them, either, but he had the call sheet and was more than happy to
share!). Workers come from all over to participate in Dragon Con
Wrestling, and I didn’t know everyone there. Once I did get
comfortable, Tiny was delightful to work with. He let me go off on my
tangents and had some sharp responses when appropriate. I think that
by the halfway point we had a pretty good act going on.
Never
mind that nobody could actually hear it…
I
feel blessed and privileged to have been able to work with Gerald
“Tiny” Dockery, even if only for that one night. He treated me
with respect, professionalism, and courtesy, which is something that
you don’t always see in the wrestling business; especially when
you’re the new guy. His kindness was part of the reason I was so
looking forward to announcing again this year.
Well,
that and the fact that Tiny was just a hoot to work with.
I
will always treasure the memory of that night and I’ll always be
thankful to Tiny for taking this green-as-grass loudmouth under his
wing. He did me a kindness that not many others would have.
Godspeed,
brother.
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