Hall of Fame Weekend Controversy Brewing?

Interesting.

Seems as though the Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame is running a show the same Friday as In Your Face Wrestling, in a different location. I (and many others) had assumed that the IYFW event was being run in conjunction with the Hall, although none of IYFW's releases or messages claimed as such. I had even spent some time discussing the show and Induction Weekend on the most recent BLOGCAST, wondering if there might be a higher ticket cost (still unannounced) due to the association with the PWHF.

On their Facebook page, PWHF supporters have taken to slandering the intent of IYF officials and the event in general (sentiments that gained a "like" from the PWHF's official page in a blatant show of classlessness.) Look... If you know me you know I'm an IYFW fan. I'm going to support them when I think they're doing the right thing...

...and I honestly don't think they're doing anything wrong. For one, they announced their show on May 18th at least two weeks before the PWHF announced theirs. Is it really their fault that PWHF's promoter chose the same day? Independent promotions and companies run events in towns that other, sometimes "larger" federations run shows all the night -- some time on the same night. Certainly some wrestling shows going down Wrestlemania Weekend in the Miami area that aren't WWE sponsored. Take it as a compliment. APPRECIATE the added draw, goons! I'm an IYFW fan who had never spent a moment thinking about that Hall of Fame... But, guess what? Their being there makes the weekend INTERESTING to me!

It's smart business and excellent fan service.

The same people whining about it and decrying it are the same people that clearly hate capitalism, freedom, French fries, and apple pie.

The America's Best Inn in Amsterdam, NY (where the IYFW show is taking place, by the way) is completely booked May 18-20 with rabid fans coming from all over the country. Absolutely, a great deal of those fans are sure to go see whatever Allegedly-TNA-associated (is that a GOOD thing to promote?) event that the PWHF sponsors and sells tickets to... But if IYFW is really shrewd (and I am beginning to realize more and more that they are) they will price their tickets smartly. Not lowballed... But make it attractive to the fan who maybe isn't interested in the Dixie Carter scented offering at the High School.

Ick.

If they promote it well on March 17th, you have to hope that the majority of IYFW faithful will make the short drive to Amsterdam (and they've run shows there before) so they HAVE to expect to at least draw their usual and THEN some. I think it's brilliant.

I'm really not trying to add any fuel to any growing fire here with this post... Just sharing my opinion. IYFW has remained professional through this and I'm hoping that the PWHF supporters remain professional as well.

(don't expect the same from me. And, Christ, wait till Will wraps his loud, opinionated brain around this on the BLOGCAST.)

There are still some thoughts I have on this left uncollected... Let me get those together and I have a feeling I'll be back on this soon.