Message-ID:  

http://kayfabememories.com/Stories/mickkarch/mk23.htm

About 25 years ago, some friends and I went to a local neighborhood
theater at a Twin Cites suburb to view the premiere of Sylvester
Stallone's movie, "Paradise Alley." With professional wrestling as a
backdrop and with Terry Funk appearing one of the film's main
characters, we were all worked up and primed to enjoy our first
grapplin'-related flick since the 'monumental' premiere of Verne
Gagne's "The Wrestler" about four years earlier.

Standing in the lobby, we noticed a handful of the local AWA wrestlers
who had turned out to watch the movie, among them Bob Remus (Super
Destroyer Mark 2 at the time and eventually to become Sgt. Slaughter),
rookie Evan Johnson (a former University of Minnesota wrestling
standout who was teaming with Steve Olsonoski in the AWA at the time),
and the legendary Pat Patterson.

For those who have seen the movie, you know that it's at least
passable.  Nothing great, not too horrible, Funk is a highlight, and
certainly it's worth seeing if it's about pro wrestling!! For us in
attendance that evening, the most memorable event came at the least
expected time. I haven't seen the movie for many years, but I recall
that whatever scene was taking place, it was a sensitive spot, kind of
the 'tear jerker' variety. The theater was quiet, with eyes welling up
all around us. Suddenly, from about six rows behind where we were
seated, came a soft voice, warbling in kind of a hushed
tone....."Evan.....Evan....Evan Johnson...."

Johnson, seated a few rows in front of us, turned his head slightly
and looked over his shoulder with an embarrassed and somewhat
irritated look on his face. Perhaps even at this early stage of his
career, had one of the fans recognized him? The voice stopped and
Johnson turned to watch the movie. A few seconds later, the voice was
heard again, only this time a little bit louder. "Evan....oh,
Evan....Evan Johnson.....this movie is so sad I just can't take it
anymore." This was followed by some mock crying and sobbing.

As Johnson shook his head and slumped in his seat, we could hear
chuckling coming from the direction of the voice. We turned and looked
to see who could possibly be so annoying, who would have the balls to
make such a fool of themselves in a crowded theater.

It was Pat Patterson.


--- Internet Rex 2.29