Tag: Andre the Giant

Favors for Friends 🤼

Yes, I know you see yet again the Ultimate Warrior and “Macho Man” Randy Savage in that pic above. It seems like I use them a lot on here but really, it’s not on purpose! That WWE SummerSlam match of ’92 in London fits perfectly for today’s post. For all you fans- no, not just because Mr. Perfect was part of it!!

Do you do favors for friends? Do you expect something in return? Well, we all do things for others and it usually goes a little like this: “Just do this one favor for me and I’ll owe ya!” Or maybe: “This is the last time I’ll ask you for anything, I promise!” We’ve all been there I’m certain. It’s the old you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours story. It’s all good but we just shouldn’t make a habit out of it too often.

Let’s get back to those two limping guys above. For anyone unfamiliar, that match was all about mind games. Neither “trusted” the other and thought there was a pay-off. In the end, both had one another’s back and knew they were being played. Randy and Warrior did a favor for the other without expectations. Seriously, though without any bias- it’s a very dramatic and entertaining match and they played their parts extremely well.

Another fun story with Warrior and Randy was one he related on a video. After a long possible late night match, the adrenaline rush would still be there. Warrior would go work-out to “wind down” and wanted Randy to tag along. Randy just really wanted to go back to the hotel and sleep. Warrior convinced him probably promising lots of coffee to keep Randy awake. ☕️😳Another friend favor with no strings attached as Randy obliged.

When the Ultimate Warrior began his feuds with Andre the Giant, he slammed him in arenas all over the country. Warrior has said how he and Andre were friends and they truly respected each other. There are many stories of course but one I love is told in the book “A Life Lived Forever.” As a thank you to Andre, Warrior would go to the best liquor stores and get his favorite wine. Andre loved his wine and Warrior knew this. 🍷No, he didn’t get the wine first so Andre would “put him over.” It was a gesture from one friend to another as an offer of thanks.

Have you had stories similar? Taken a friend to lunch? Driving someone to an appointment? For me, I would and still donate clothes, toys, shoes, and other extras to centers. Sometimes, I even just gave items away without expecting money. I’ve sold some stuff before but I truly just wanted to help others. O.K., we all want and need to de-clutter but I actually had friends who needed baby gear, books, or my kids outgrown things. They were going to a good home and I’d never ask for money even though I could have. It’s all about your intention but sometimes we forget this. Let’s not let that happen.

Never hold it over someone’s head how you did or gave something and they should repay that act. It is nice to have reciprocation but we shouldn’t just be nice to get nice. Friendship is a two-way street and neither one should be taken for granted.

It is of course very different when dealing with professional work situations versus our everyday home life. Those matches of WWE and all of sports entertainment with wrestling are scripted of course with regards to let’s say- favors for friends and the outcome. Vince McMahon had all those ideas then but now there are teams of writers scripting who are “friends” and who are not. Fake friends can become real friends.

The great thing with Warrior and Randy is that they became real friends despite their storylines. Many favors am sure went back and forth before true respect came but our emotions can slam those professional ideas at times. This can happen to all of us in every situation depending on our friends and their expectations.

You can do those favors for friends but again, always remember your intent and your reasons. It’s like doing activities for free during a time but then wanting to get paid. Maybe once we gain better relationships, our abundance can prosper. The Ultimate Warrior and Macho Man proved their favors be being true friends. I sure hope we can all say the same. Let’s follow the script of our own life without a match being written for us. 👏🏻😉

P.S. Here’s my website where you can find a more spiritual blog, book info, guidance, and more!

www.spiritandbelief.com

~~~ Also, connect with me on Twitter, youtube, and Pinterest (:

***SHARE your favorite wrestling or U.W. matches and any memories., we are the storytellers keeping his legacy alive… 💙

Protect Your Character

***I’m back! Did ya miss me? I missed my writings but after our vacay, it’s time for more stories!

Protecting your character can imply so many meanings. It all depends on your perspective. With this title, Warrior mentioned how important it was for him to do just that~~ protect his Ultimate Warrior character. What I believe it meant in his context was not compromising so much that the character’s integrity gets undervalued. When someone wanted to “take liberties with your character,” you had to remember your own values. It got down to “the business of the business” meaning that each character stays true to his core.

I could relate to this story as well told by Warrior on the Ultimate Collection DVD. When my book Spirit and Belief came out, the approach was somewhat different than it is today. My values are the same but the attitude has shifted just a little. At first I was super protective as those stories in that book belong to us both- me and Warrior. No way was I gonna just let anyone who didn’t truly “get it” involved.

It was after all like a baby I just birthed and not all were allowed to “hold it.” The writing was easy, marketing not so much. I could never form the words right when describing it to anyone foreign to him, wrestling, or spirituality.

I think deep down my Belief was that the book could survive online on its own without me. It can but that’s like sending a baby bird out of the nest before it’s fully ready. Had to use a bird reference if you know some of my writings about them in the past. BTW– we have baby robins growing bigger in a nest this summer!! Now, I am much more comfortable speaking about our stories while still protecting them. No, they aren’t for everybody but nobody will know either unless I help it to fly.

Do you protect your character when needed? I am big on principles just like Warrior ( I still will refer to him in the present) but compromises are needed too. I don’t mean a character like on T.V. but your true self. Do you cave on important issues just to please others? You shouldn’t. Yes, it’s easier but it’ll affect you numerous ways with guilt showing up.

When we take on certain roles in life, protecting that character can be challenging. We sometimes will say : “I didn’t sign up for this!” Maybe even: “It’s not in my contract!” I certainly didn’t compromise when it came to a former boss asking staff to do personal errands. Professional ones, yeah but when we didn’t have enough kids– I’d work in the office. I would never run a personal errand unless I’m the boss’s assistant which none of us teachers were.

From politics to religion, ( which I’ll never discuss) parenting, careers, or all in betweens, protecting your character and values needs to stand for something. There are countless decisions we make but conforming or not needs to be decided only by you. Anything you create is yours so are you protecting it or not? Nobody else will. Take pride in your craft, share how you want, but always protect. Make it work for you as a balance of not too tight but not too loose either.

Pro athletes or really anyone that performs has their own character that might start out a certain way but then evolves into so much more for an audience to see. You’d protect what’s important to you right? They do too even though we might not ever know “behind closed doors.” We all start out with help but it’s on you to make your OWN character thrive.

When the Ultimate Warrior battled Andre the Giant , protecting characters were considered for sure. I mean nobody was bigger than Andre– literally and figuratively. The Warrior character was still a novice at the time but never wavered from his convictions. Andre helped the U.W. character as only a legend could. Integrity and protection remained on both sides. This is how it should be but in reality, it doesn’t always work that way.

The level of how we protect what’s ours may differ but the core shouldn’t break. Bend a little maybe but not break. Keep your character protected and strong however that looks to you. It is after all~~ inside of you to do so.

P.S. I recently wanted some champagne just for fun and found one labeled “Andre.” Had to get it since Warrior would always buy Andre his favorite wine out of respect for protecting the character of Ultimate Warrior. 🍷🤼‍♀️💪🏻🥂

The Ultimate Bad Guy? 😬

I often times wondered how I’d feel if the Ultimate Warrior was a bad guy and if he would’ve influenced me the same way? He always said that his character was good who got away with being bad. You know– the screaming, running, shaking ropes, crazy interviews, snarling, “not following rules,” and everything in between.

But here’s my question again since I never liked the bad guys. Hardly ever anyway. There were those times that bad guy went against bad guy and it was hard to choose. I’d always go for the one who seemed a little better (or nicer!) in my mind but really– it was neither.

I am so grateful that U.W. was never a character that flip-flopped like many did. In his early years, he went from good to bad and then bad to good. We had the Freedom Fighters (tag team with Sting) — good, Blade Runners (also with Sting) –bad, Dingo Warrior (bad then good), and then of course the Ultimate Warrior (good!) I never even cared that much about any of the talent bad guy characters brought since my mind was stuck on BAD and that was it.

I can name so many performers back then during my years watching where it became hard to follow if they were bad or good! Yes- good drama, action filled storylines, and more ratings but for me– too much emotion. As I’ve mentioned before, I don’t do well with shock value although that does matter very much in entertainment. Once a bad guy for me, always a bad guy. It did also change when some formed a tag team like the Ultimate Maniacs. I just had to mention them! Randy Savage was always a bad guy but with U.W., he was good. Am sure fans will remember when Andre the Giant turned good after WrestleMania VI? Of course I’d remember that, guess I’m a little biased! 😉

Who can tell me how many times the Undertaker flip-flopped? Well, for anyone who knows my previous stories– he will always be bad to me! Even if I watched today, his bad status will remain. That old school mentality of mine never really goes away. I know WWE does this today as well and it confuses me!! Once a fan of someone’s you always are so maybe good or bad makes no difference. Does it to some of you?

I can only imagine my feelings had it been that way with the Ultimate Warrior. Deep down, I know I’d feel the same but wouldn’t have liked him bad. Not too sure Warrior’s “beliefs” would’ve resonated the same as a bad guy. O.K.– some of the “gods” up above were bad but his core disciplines, all good. Rick Rude was a good looking guy but I would NEVER admit that. He was bad and off limits to my teenage self!

I always did hear that many of them started bad like Hulk Hogan since being bad gave you a faster push in the business. I wonder why that is? Do most people like bad better? Maybe they get all the “cool” storylines but not always. Good is supposed to triumph over evil, right? I’m a “good” girl so maybe that explains it. I can be “bad” when I want though!

Besides the “Hulkster,” the Ultimate Warrior was the only other top good guy. There were others, I KNOW but popularity matters. The fans back in the day made the Dingo Warrior good because of his resemblance to Kerry Von Erich. Thank you fans for that longevity! So many aspects drew me to the U.W. character and several qualities were better suited to a good guy, not bad. Just my opinion but then again, it becomes a toss-up. Some bad characters could pull off their jargon and catch phrases as good too. Hmmm… 🤔 Such a dilemma. Good or bad– it doesn’t really matter but so interesting to think about. Once someone became that character, it was a big part of them like their twin in a way.

I’m certain that if there happened to be a storyline where U.W. would’ve gone “rogue,” and turned from good to bad, I’d be devastated. Of course that never came to be and honestly, I don’t believe he’d ever go for it at all. Loyalty makes a difference and I know his fans deserved that in return. I realize it’s completely different today but maybe some lose fans if they switch? Women included. Guess you can always gain new ones but I feel it isn’t the same. I’d personally hate being booed but sometimes that’s the way it goes.

I thank Warrior for always being the Ultimate GOOD guy despite critics. Negativity and naysayers sometimes but deep down, his integrity made him good. Whether in or out of the ring, he lived his life dedicated to true beliefs. To me, that’s the ultimate good guy who I will always root for… 💖👏🏻💪🏻

www.spiritandbelief.com

#ultimatewarrior#hulkhogan

#randysavage#wwe#rickrude

#sting#freedomfighters

#bladerunners#andrethegiant

#kerryvonerich#undertaker

“I Can’t Go Anywhere!”

“Congratulations!

Today is Your Day.

You’re off to Great Places!

You’re off and away!”

~~~“Oh, The Places You’ll Go.”

~~~ Dr. Seuss, 1990. (love that year!)

I just had to quote that ever famous children’s book. Having been a teacher of young kids for years, it was perfect for today’s post. I immediately thought of that story while remembering the places I went that brought Warrior to mind after he passed.

If you recall in other posts, I’ve mentioned how I can’t go anywhere so wanted to share some of those “great places” that made me laugh and smile thinking of Warrior. Some vacation places stories are in my book Spirit and Belief.

Let’s rewind several years back yet again…

I Can’t Go Anywhere…

Feeling like I had brain fog was nothing new as the robotic me had to continue doing tasks while still dealing with the shock of his passing. The grocery store gave me that distraction I needed while walking down the frozen food aisle. Music is frequently playing so perhaps you can guess where this is leading… Have any of you seen the animated movie “Sing?” I know, I know… here I go again with a movie reference and another cartoon but they so connect! Anyways, it’s based on the show “American Idol” only with animals.

There’s this Mama Pig Rosita and she easily becomes one of my favorites. She’s shopping one day, hears music in the store, and breaks out some crazy dance moves! The security camera guy is amazed as she is greeted with applause afterwards. She is politely embarrassed but continues shopping. My adventure wasn’t as daring as Rosita’s but I so felt the music and was dancing with my cart just a little.

They usually play country or easy listening but then two songs in a row by Katy Perry. BOTH made me think of Warrior when they were released. “Roar” and “Firework.” How Ultimate! The lyrics also now make me think of me….. I couldn’t help but dance in the store that day as my fog disappeared for the next hour. Two songs by the same artist in a row in a store that doesn’t play music like that. Oh, the Places I Go.

I Can’t Go Anywhere…

The next place was Target but not in the parking lot this time. My son got a gift card for his birthday and wasn’t sure if he still wanted toys or not. He was ten but we looked in that aisle anyway. I had my eyes glued to where he was while knowing the WWE stuff was right across from us. This was early April 2014 so um, not gonna look over there… That wasn’t a problem at all, yay for my heart! We were however in line with electronics and all the giant big screen T.V’s everywhere. Our Ohio baseball team the Cleveland Indians were playing the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto. Darn, thought I was in the clear with toys and then I saw that. It’s now called Rogers Centre and not Skydome but still… WMVI for anyone wondering! Who would’ve thought a few years later I’d get my first blue jay feather in line with Warrior. Oh, the Places I Go.

I Can’t Go Anywhere…

Onto place number three. This would be a great three count but I do have a four! I went to Five Below working on some Christmas ideas for the kids a few years ago. I then spotted some preteen girls near the displayed posters. How cool to look thru those and maybe see if some would work for my kids. They still hang up posters, right? If you’re not familiar, you just look at them displayed and then match the number to the rolled up ones on the shelf.

I did get my son a Super Mario characters one and my daughter a dog one but not before seeing another one. Any guesses? Nope, not an Ultimate Warrior one, too tempting–lol! It was a classic WWE poster of past and more recent Superstars. Warrior was right there next to Randy, Andre, Jake Roberts, Rick Rude, Bret Hart, Ted DiBiase, The Rock, Steve Austin, Undertaker, Ric Flair, (I think?) and some others. One person absent– Hulk Hogan. Interesting but I sent a pic to my brother yet again with the caption of this post. Oh, the Places I Go.

I Can’t Go Anywhere…

Here’s the last one and it was out of my memory until seeing something that brought it all back. A few Christmases ago, we took the kids to see the movie “Daddy’s Home.” Yes, a few inappropriate parts but they were getting older. We loved it and glad there’s a sequel.

Right away I noticed they said the movie takes place in New Orleans. (Warrior’s HOF induction city, WMXXX) The one count… Next, the family sits around and watches one of their favorite movies together– “The Princess Bride.” Andre the Giant was in that. The two count… Dana has mentioned their family loving that movie too! Then, nothing else for a while as I just kept thinking where that three count would be or even if there would be one.

Shaking my head while laughing to myself was quite common then. The three count came at the end and for all of you who know the movie, can you tell? John Cena appears! Love how he’s in the second one too. I actually laughed a little too loud in the theater while saying his name! My husband said:”Is he a wrestler?” Oops, well– he knows now and John has been involved in several movies. I remembered all this while watching U.W. wrestle Andre on the Ultimate Collection DVD one day. Oh, the Places I Go.

Well, there’s my stories for now and am sure there are others but these along with the Dr. Seuss book remained in my head. Like I’ve said before, it’s the little things and expect the unexpected. Do your life and the “signs” will appear. It could be places, people, or things but just become aware. I am grateful for this journey of mine and Warrior’s everyday. Too many things to not connect and dismiss.

Think of everything you are grateful for as this holiday approaches. Really stop and appreciate all the Universe gives us and say “thanks.” That doesn’t seem enough but it means everything.

Thank you warrior fans for all you do to keep his legacy alive while remaining true to yourself too. Roar, be that firework, dance, sing, play ball, shop, take photos, watch movies, and enjoy the little things. Who knows where you’ll go along the way…

www.spiritandbelief.com

#drseuss#sing#katyperry#roar

#firework#toronto#bluejays

#wrestlemaniaVI#fivebelow

#daddyshome#theprincessbride

#thanksgiving

😂🤪💪🏻💖🦃🌽🥔🥖🍗🥧

“Fear is an Aberration!”

“Fear, fear is an aberration.

Fear is the air that cowards breathe.

Fear is the first taste of defeat.

The Warrior only breathes the air of the brave and the Warrior only feasts on the fruit of VICTORY!”

~~~ The Ultimate Warrior

~~~11/25/89 (before his SNME match against Andre the Giant)

Such powerful words as always from the Ultimate Warrior and I have made this part of my meditation everyday. Maybe that sounds crazy to some but us warriors have a little bit of crazy in us for sure! 😜 Are you fearful or fearless? I used to say it depended on the situation but now I choose the latter.

The most important thing to remember with the word FEAR is that it has no power over you. Also, do not compare yourself to others as I always did. I used to think nobody would believe my “fearful” situations but just chalk them up as silly. Everyone else’s were much more important or dramatic than mine.

That was an incredibly tough mindset to get out of. So very tough. Our past really does affect our future whether we believe that or not. Even though some of my life stories weren’t as drama filled as others, I don’t shy away from them now and in fact I defend them. They make us who we are and form us into the people we become. Not everyone is a “risk-taker” or outgoing but that doesn’t mean you are fearful.

Sometimes, we hit our stride later but everything is in perfect timing. I always did stuff that wasn’t with the “norm” (like Warrior in a way) but was it considered fearless? Probably not. That used to bother me SO much but now, not at all. People’s definitions of some words are never the same and they place labels or their own experiences over everything. Comparing can become such a nasty habit and some people never outgrow it. Don’t be one of those people and I hope as warriors, you are not.

Warrior’s passing has brought me into the most fearless I have ever been. My humility makes this so hard to write but it is very true. There are things I never even dreamed or imagined doing and did fear dominate? NO! Well, I must admit in the beginning it did just a little. I’ve evolved so much since then. I look at Dana and just marvel at her accomplishments. To think she describes herself as introverted shocks me. I know she also never imagined this life without Warrior. She is fearless in her own right but he would’ve wanted that for her.

I am also certain people I know could never have guessed how my life would change with his passing. I have a few other opportunities on the horizon and can’t wait to share more details soon! Be your OWN fearless warrior with whatever projects are in the works for you. Keep those dreams active and abolish fear.

What is holding you back? Let me guess… Judgments, resources, time, finances, unworthiness, laziness, losing your “comfort zone,” and am predicting others. I definitely have had some of this on my journey. Listen to that intuition like I have said before but life is always a balancing act. Head versus heart every single day. Who wins? Such a hard one depending on your circumstance. We should follow the “do what feels good or right for you” saying but not at the expense of becoming penniless or a victim. Did Warrior listen to fear or follow his intuition? I think we all know that answer as we must do the same.

Think of all the areas in your life where fear dominates. Possibly try narrowing down that list and conquer a few. I can say to dive right in but realistically some cannot. Literally speaking, I never did learn how to dive! LOL!!

Be able to look back on your life and say how fearless you were or how you evolved. You will never regret kicking fear to the curb or pinning it to the mat. Replace fear with a victorious NEW word of fearlessness. Learn it. Know it. OWN it. Always believe it. You can also make fear an aberration. Warrior did. Dana did. I am and you can too. 💖💪🏻👍

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www.spiritandbelief.com

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