Our Tribute to Greatness

"Classy" Freddie Blassie & The Grand Wizard

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Each year, Chad and I come up with what we think is a fun costume theme for Wrestlemania.  The very first year, we went as the Spirit Squad (they were around at the time) and people actually thought we were members of the cheerleading team as we walked around the parking lot of the All State Arena and the neighboring Target store.  I'd like to think I was mistaken for Nicky who is now known as Dolph Ziggler.  I kid, I kid.

The originals...
Photo by WWE

Anyway, we've had fun with it each year and always get a lot of compliments (and stares) from fans and even wrestlers.  This year, we decided to pay homage to great wrestling managers.  Chad went for the obscure Grand Wizard.  For those who don't know, the Grand Wizard managed the likes of "Superstar" Billy Graham, Mister Fuji, and Sgt. Slaughter.  He was around in the 1970's, before either of us had even started watching wrestling.  In fact, the Grand Wizard died in 1983, just as I was becoming a fan of the sport.  I went with the more recognizable "Classy" Freddie Blassie.  Of course, he wrestled in the early days of his career, but went on to manage the Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff and George "the Animal" Steele when I really got into wrestling.  It wasn't long after that though that Blassie retired and turned his men over to Slick.

Chad and I both worried that fans would not remember The Grand Wizard, but we were surprised at how any people at Axxess and Wrestlemania got it.  Even before we left the hotel, fans identified both of us.  I'll admit, the white hair spray I used didn't cover my hair like I'd hoped, but I think people still understood who I was trying to be.

Wrestlemania selfy

I need to thank my mom once again for helping create my costume this year.  For the last several Wrestlemanias, I've gone as someone who needs a specific sports coat.  Each year, my search a the thrift stores in town turn up short.  So my mom covers one of my old jackets with the proper material.  This year she did it as she's battling bladder cancer.  That's the kind of woman she is, dedicated to helping her son achieve a high level of dorkiness at Wrestlemania.

Thanks to everyone who "got" us this year and posed for photographs.  We ran into several great costumed fans this year, including the Ultimate Warrior, Doink the Clown, and Paul Bearer.