By Chris Walters on March 15, 2004 at 6:31 PM EST
The following is from PercyPringle.com:
Before I climb onto my soapbox, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank my Webmaster/Administrator Mr. Kurt Nielsen, and our message board Moderators Guerin Shea and Steve Pulliam. These gentlemen have busted their butts the last few weeks preparing for the moment that I would walk down the aisle in Madison Square Garden at the side of The Undertaker again. Believe me that wasn't an easy task for them. Their professionalism was certainly evident during the final days leading up to WRESTLEMANIA, when the rumors were bombarding our message forums.
Without a doubt, Kurt's outstanding artistic talents make our website and message board one of the most unique places to visit on the Pro Wrestling Internet. With the exception of several minor changes, we plan to continue just as we have for the past year and a half. We reiterate that the names of all World Wrestling Entertainment televised and live programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans and wrestling moves and all World Wrestling Entertainment logos are trademarks, which are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
This year marks my 30th year in the professional Wrestling industry, a business that on the whole has been very good to me. As I prepare turn 50-years old next month, I would also like to thank the owners and promoters I have worked for through the decades, and all of the fantastic talents that I have had the privilege of accompanying to the ring. I have truly had an amazing opportunity to stand on the shoulders of giants.
It is not a secret now that I signed a new contract with World Wrestling Entertainment on October 3, 2003. For 5-months I prepared myself for the big return that you witnessed at WRESTLEMANIA-XX. I signed my first contract with the company on December 22, 1990, leaving WWE on October 14, 2002 for a 1-year absence. Needless to say, I am truly blessed to get the opportunity to portray the Paul Bearer character again, and stand at the side of one of most outstanding talents in the history of our industry, The Undertaker. I truly look forward to traveling the world once more, entertaining the fans that I appreciate so much.
I have learned many lessons during my one-year absence from the company. Especially from the ventures I have experienced right here on the Internet. These days you always hear talk about how our business has changed. You are damned right it has changed, and it cannot all be blamed on the business itself. Fingers must be pointed at some of the self-proclaimed "journalists" who drag our industry through the dirt each and every day.
I have always said that it is the nature of the beast for fans to want information on what is coming next on programming and live events. Similar to other television programs and movies, fans always like to get that "one-up" on other aficionados and know something that nobody else does. But tell me, why should the production company and talents be blamed for keeping secrets from the fans? In my honest opinion, that has always been the name of the game. It's the suspense that makes it so much more enjoyable. If you refuse to reveal what's coming next, you are called a liar. Well, I guess I am a liar. A damned good one, if I do say so myself.
Coming from one of the last graduating classes of the old-school tradition, I still cling to the final breath left in the art of "Kayfabe." No offense to my friend Vince Fahey, I am proud as hell to have a web site and career ethic "Where Kayfabe is NOT a Memory."
As far as my critics are concerned, Theodore Roosevelt once said:
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of good deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
I will continue to protect the business to which I have dedicated my life. I appreciate all our members and visitors here, and I sincerely hope that you visit us often. I will do my best to update this site as often as my schedule permits. Your questions and suggestions are always welcomed.
Once again I thank you, the wrestling fan. Without you, there wouldn't be a "me." God Bless!
View Photos Of The Undertaker's DEADMAN Look From WrestleMania XX >>