Remembering A Personal Memory of Brian Adams: By Taylor Mcknight
I still remember it like yesterday. I was 10 years old, in Hartford Connecticut, at a WWE sponsored pre-show dinner for V.I.Ps.
I honestly forget how I got there, but I do remember rumors that some WWE talent might stop by and say hello to the dinner guests, so other then the unlimited supply of nachos and other assorted food items, in the ripe age of my pre-teen years, even the cold October weather couldn't have shaken the warm fuzzy feeling i was experiencing.
So there, in the bottom halls of the Hartford Civic Center , as I enjoyed my free meal and beverage, I heard a door open, prompting my head to look up, and instantly the food dropped out of my mouth, as Brian Adams, who was wrestling under his most recognizable name,"Crush" came in with all smiles, and told everyone he'd sign autographs and meet with the kids.
He was gentle, a nice man, sincerely warm and seemed genuine in enjoying the effect just a handshake would have on the young fans. I remember extending my hand, and watching it vanish into his palm, and I wondered if i'd ever see it again. He gave me my first autograph, shared a few kind words with a young mark who thought the world of anyone in a pair of wrestling boots, and gave me my first real interaction with the sport of wrestling.
I was saddened today, to hear he was found dead in his home. It wasn't a week ago, I had run down the scenario with a promoter, about how great it'd be to book all 3 original members of Demolition for an autograph session just for my own personal mark out moment, and as unlikely as it'd have been to happen, now it's impossible, and I can't help but feel a sad spot in my heart, knowing that of all the guys I got to meet, work with, and speak to, i never got a chance to bump into him again, and thank Brian Adams for that first great experience.
Nowadays, so many "stars" are plain, average at best, and they lack the ability to just walk into a room and make everyone look their way, but Adams had that, both in the ring, and out. My grandfather always remarked to me, in Hulk Hogans departure, that if he could've booked one main event replacement for the post Hogan era, it'd have been Crush.
I hope fans both young and old will remember him, not only as Crush from Demolition, but for his great babyface run in 1993, where he worked with all the tops names including Scott Hall, Shawn Michaels, and Yokozuna. Also for his top run in 1994-1995, where he once again wrestled the top tier of sports entertainment, with strong showings against Bret Hart, Lex Luger, and Kevin Nash.
Whether it was in the WWE as multiple characters, the bad attitude nWo enforcer, or as one half of the most threatening tag team in the dying days of WCW along with Brian Clark, i hope people will remember Brian Adams for everything he gave, and most importantly, that he gave it, to us.
God Bless Brian, and thank you.
Taylor Mcknight
