The Franchise Shane Douglas

Shane Douglas has been involved in pro wrestling for almost 30 years.  His career had many memorable moments, including being ECW's first champion!
I previously met Douglas about 10 years ago at one of the Brian Pillman Memorial events, but didn't have much of a chance to talk to him.  Last year at Wizard World, I got an opportunity to chat with Douglas on opening night, although it wasn't an official interview.
Douglas talked about being the first ECW champ and the transition from Eastern Championship Wrestling to Extreme Championship Wrestling.  Douglas had a memorable moment when he tossed away the prestigious NWA championship belt in favor of the ECW belt.  Douglas is proud of what he accomplished and had no real regrets.
Shane gave me one of his belts for the photo.  It's always extra cool to hold a title belt, even if only for the few moments of the photo-taking.

Shane Douglas and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

The Franchise:Shane Douglas

Shane Douglas wrestled for several organizations during his 20+ years in the ring. He won many titles, but was never really a main-eventer in the big companies.
Douglas has stated that Ric Flair is partially responsible for holding him back. The two had feuds on and off-screen. Wrestling, like everything else, can be an ugly business and it is hard to tell what really happened.
I met Douglas at the Brian Pillman Memorial Show in Cincinnati (OH). I was a bit surprised with how fan-friendly Douglas was. Douglas took extra time, beyond his assigned time, to meet as many fans as had lined up for him. Not only that, but he was eager and talkative the whole time. That is really going above the norm.
It makes me wonder even more. He had good wrestling skills, was good on the mic and was a hit with the fans. Who knows why some guys really make it and others don't. Douglas has had a fine career, but I am left curious as to why he did not ascend to greater heights.

Shane Douglas and me in Cincinnati, OH-May 2000.