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Here's another tale from the King of Kayfabe:
Let me tell you about the time I met Roddy Piper. It was during his run with Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka and the famous coconut incident. For those who don't know, Piper had a talk show named Piper's Pit. In one segment he had Snuka on and started making fun of his culture and ended up smashing his head with a coconut that shattered into pieces. It's a classic moment in WWF days, to this day Roddy still gets autograph requests on coconuts.
Rowdy and Snuka's program came through Utica and I was about to see the Superfly for the first time. By now I was getting good at sneaking backstage and meeting some of the wrestlers, so I was hoping I got to meet him. I wanted to see Jimmy beat the HELL out of Piper, just like every else who came to the show. But I ended up meeting, you guessed it, Roddy Piper. First off, I was still young, about 14-15. Second, I LOVED Jimmy Snuka ad was still a mark. But I remember looking back now that Roddy was nice to us. Took a minute to acknowledge us, give us a thrill. I'll never forget the conversation, because over the years it still rings true about the boys who all get in the ring.
It went like this...
Roddy: Hey boys? Enjoying the show.
(silence)
Roddy: You guys want an autograph?
ME: NO, and I hope Jimmy Snuka's whips your ass.
Roddy: (smiling that Piper grin) Ya know boys, Jimmy's my friend, it's nothing personal. It's just work.
I had no idea what that meant then, but I do today. Roddy broke kayfabe because he could tell I was ready for it. That it was ajob for him and Jimmy to entertain us, get us caught up in the story. He was telling me he had mutual respect with my hero, and whether I loved him or hated him, the match wouldn't and couldn't be, without him. Both guys in the ring deserve the respect for doing what they do. And what they do is risk their bodies and lives for the sake of applause, and maybe some approval. From that day on, I stopped seeing good guys and bad guys. I looked past the story lines, and saw the talent these men possess. Even though Piper won that night, Jimmy won too.
Piper was a character, but he was also a decent guy. He appreciated his fans as they appreciated him. His battles with Flair and Hogan are legendary. No matter how many achievements he has, I'll alway remember him for that day. Sharing a little piece of himself with me, a fan, and saying those words: It's just work.
Until the next time, remember:
Kayfabe Kicks A$$
-KJ
"King of Kayfabe"
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