With the possible exception of used car dealers, college football head coaches producers of internet pornography and the good people who book many of the nation’s pay-to-play rock venues, there is no group of individuals more ethical than promoters of small-time wrestling shows. With that public trust in mind, I am deeply sorry to share the following tale of promoter Dino Puglia, an unsuccessful charity benefit in honor of the late Randy “Macho Man” Savage, a fake heart attack that would’ve shamed Fred Sanford, and worse of all, DEFRIENDING ON FACEBOOK. From the St. Petersberg Times’ David Rice :
“I’ve stopped answering (Puglia’s) calls, and I don’t want to have anything to do with him,” said Savage’s brother “the Genius” Lanny Poffo, who had given his blessing for the event. “I thought it would be a good thing for my brother’s name, but I regret the outcome and would prefer to distance myself from the stench.”
Among the problems:
• It was billed as a fundraiser for All Children’s Hospital and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital — without either hospital’s approval. Puglia now says he didn’t raise enough money to cut a check to either charity.
• Of the eight star names used to promote the event, only half showed up. At least two — Poffo and the Honky Tonk Man, whose real name is Roy Wayne Farris — say they never agreed to attend.
Poffo said he told Puglia up front he would be in Niagara Falls that weekend. “I shouldn’t have been mentioned in any advertising,” Poffo said. “It makes me look bad to not show up.”
Big Vito LoGrasso called the show “a rinky-dink operation.” There was no sound system, no bell to ring. In honor of the Macho Man, Puglia held marginally observed moments of silence, repeating “ding” into the microphone.
LoGrasso helped organize the event until he and Puglia had a falling out. Puglia blamed LoGrasso for many of the event’s problems, including the misleading promotions — which LoGrasso flatly denies. Puglia banned LoGrasso from the event, threatening to have him arrested if he showed up.
“He even deleted me from his friends on Facebook,” LoGrasso said.