Tuesday, January 5, 2010

A Little Gratitude for Bill Apter

Bill Apter is probably the best and most well-known journalist of professional wrestling. From the 70's until the mid 90's, Apter was the king of wrestling news. Apter delivered stories without destroying the secrecy of wrestling.
Currently, Apter works for WrestlingFigs.com and is a contributor to several publications. He is also a frequent guest at wrestling-related fan conventions. I have met Apter at two such events.
I first met Apter in St. Petersburg (FL) during the first Wrestlers Reunion. This was the great event where Laurie and I met Roddy Piper, Mick Foley and so many other great wrestlers.
The event was awesome, but there were some difficulties due to it being the first event. Laurie and I mentioned a few problems to Apter at the event. He did his best to eliminate the issues, but it was when he checked back with us the next day that he really won our respect. That was such a nice and genuine gesture on his part.
I met Apter again at the Ultimate Collectibles Show in Oaks (PA). He was not listed as a guest. I think he just attended because a bunch of other wrestlers were there.
When I saw Apter, I took the opportunity to thank him for his effort and his kindness at the Reunion show. Apter seemed touched by the memory and gratitude.
Apter has never stepped into action inside the ring (at least I don't think he has), but has certainly left his mark (no pun intended) on the business.
Bill Apter and me in Oaks, PA-October 2009.

7 comments:

Paul said...

Bill Apter has been and remains a major asset to the wrestling world. He should be inducted into the wrestling Hall of Fame.

Johngy said...

Bill is a class act.

Anonymous said...

It was great meeting him....he listened and he responded...and that makes all the difference.

Johngy said...

Hurricane-
Much like Mick, Dusty and Funk, you made an impact on him, too!

Evil Zebra said...

Bill's OK..... He would be "GREAT" if he ever ran a picture of Team PMA in his mag!!

So anyho.... I read in the article that you first met Bill at the very first Wrestle Reunion down in Florida.... if that's the case, then you must have also seen my Team PMA partner in Crime, Malia Hosaka down there too!!

Take it,
EZ

Johngy said...

EZ,
I was on such overload down there, I could barely stand it. First, I was meeting Piper for the first time after a couple phone interviews. Then, I was going to hang with Lanny Poffo for a bit. Laurie had a blast, too. She has several great memories with Funk, Foley, Hacksaw and Dusty and she wasn't even a wrestling fan.

N Hart said...

Apter is a great guy.