Last night was supposed to be a night of glory. Not only because it was the first night being back in an independent wrestling ring, but also because it was the night I was to meet The Honky Tonk Man. A legend in professional wrestling, The Honky Tonk Man held the WWF Intercontinental Championship for fourteen months before dropping it to the Ultimate Warrior at SummerSlam in 1988. I knew all of this going in and I was expecting the experience of a lifetime. The main reason I was so excited was because if I sold 20-plus tickets to the show, not only would I be a part of the show , but I would referee the main event between "Streetfighter" Tim Flowers and The Honky Tonk Man.

Four o' clock comes around and I arrive at the building and see all the same guys I did two years ago. The next to arrive would be Honky himself. He started closing all the doors because he started complaining that it was too cold up here. Then started calling the East Indian Wrestlers "Pac Men". Finally handshakes all around. When he came to me, I said, "Nice to meet you sir" then stuck out my hand. What I got in return however was silence and him shaking my hand in the most feminine and awkward way I have ever shook hands with anyone in my life.

I got to thinking to myself. Why would anyone on earth shake someone's hand like that" I was under the assumption that an aggressive and tight gripped handshake showed confidence and reliability and above all else, showed that you were a man. To say the least, I was confused. The promoter Tim Flowers showed up at the building soon thereafter. I again, got the pleasantries out of the way and shook his hand too. SAME thing! Limp Wrist Handshake. By this time I was thinking, there has to be a reason that two veterans are doing this.

After about three hours and while driving home, I realized the secret to The Limp Wrist Handshake that the wrestlers pass out like candy. The Handshake is a way of saying "HI!" and "Thank you" after a match. It is also a way to show that they are better then you and to show that they think they are above you. A firm handshake shows respect, dignity and integrity. If that's the case with a firm handshake then a Limp Wrist Wrestling Handshake must mean that the person giving the limp wrist thinks you are beneath him, and doesn't think much of you.

I have been out of the business now for about 3 years and after last night I really don't have any desire to try and get back in. I believe in equality and I believe in treating Men like Men and letting ego's sit at the door. I thought to myself as I laid down to sleep last night: Would these people shake their father in-law's hand like that""" Would these people shake a potential boss' hand like that" Of course not. It is a show of respect. So why would they shake anyone else's hand like that"

I'm going to close with just a simple request to any independent wrestling promoters/workers or legends out there reading this. We respect what you went through to get where you are today. We have heard the tales and can only imagine what you went through to get to the status of respect that you have earned today. We also respect your presence in the ring. To be a professional wrestler in this day in age and continue to entertain crowds with the same gimmick for years is hard to do. The legends that can continue to go out there and perform and have a crowd in the palm of their hands, I say thank you! I also say, Get A Life and start respecting the kids and young adults that are going to be the rising stars of this business. Start realizing that you are on the way down , and they are on the way up and when Respect is earned, it is given. If you try and beat us into respecting you, we won't do anything but resent you and any legacy that you may have paved over 27 years. Finally, realize that holding a title isn't really an accomplishment. The real test of ones self is seeing if you can work through all the corporate bullshit that tells you to treat newcomers into the business like crap. If you can break that rule and give a firm, confident and aggressive handshake to a newcomer that breaks into the business, you're a legend in my books.

by Pete Cruise ..