My Memphis Wrestling experience at Game6 Grizzlies and the RSWF [Real South Wrestling Federation]

<< crossposted on the '30 Home Games' blog

Whenever I travel, I search for my 3 loves of basketball, wrestling and comedy. I've found them with varying success around the world but have had an easier time on my #30HomeGames mission as they typify Americana.

My ongoing collection of Wrestling Grizzlies graphics 

Part of the reason why the Memphis Grizzlies are my favourite team is their reverence of pro-wrestling. America's Mid-South has a great wrestling tradition and the Grizzlies honour that with themed wrestling nights. Their mascot 'Grizz' incorporates wrasslin into his shtick with the use of ladders and championship belts. Local wrestling icon, Jerry "The King" Lawler periodically appears at games to inject excitement into the crowd.

The plot thickens. Buff Bagwell drops @JerryLawler 😤 pic.twitter.com/jgetB9PkxB

— 929ESPN (@929espn) April 28, 2017

During game 6 of the Grizzlies game, former WCW superstar Buff Bagwell was curiously in the front row. Interviewed during a timeout, he revealed that he was in attendance to support the San Antonio Spurs. Perplexed at first, I immediately marked out as it signalled that Jerry Lawler was just around the corner to challenge him. They worked a program over the course of the game. Buff Bagwell with the upper hand at first, parading around the hallways and arena stage over several play stoppages until he got his comeuppance. Lawler setting up Grizz the mascot as he delivered a top-of-the-ladder splash onto Bagwell's surrogate who was splayed on a table. The experience was bittersweet as the Grizzlies couldn't match that script, coming up short against the Spurs. The fact Memphians entertain such absurd theatre makes them my kind of people.

Real South Wrestling Federation: Memphis' only weekly pro-wrestling show!

I was looking forward to experiencing wrestling in one of its traditional home's of Memphis. RSWF (Real South Wrestling Federation) is the biggest of the remaining federations in the "Blues City". They host weekly Saturday night main events which I was excited to catch while I was over there. My last night stateside would be at RSWF. Despite competing with WWE NXT in town for that evening, the performers and loyal crowd put on a spectacular go home show. Had the Grizzlies staved off elimination and forced a Game 7, I would've been torn but there's no way I was going to miss this.

One half of Tag Team 'Full Deck' taunting the RSWF faithful

RSWF founder, Soultaker plucked me from the crowd before the show to introduce himself. He'd been expecting me as I'd expressed that I was coming from Australia to watch Memphis wrestling. He gifted me with a goodie bag that included his patented mask previously cracked by Jerry Lawler himself. It was a humbling display of southern hospitality and grassroots outreach, evident with the sense of community and camaraderie in the arena. When wrestling is at its best.

Stash of wrestling goodies from Memphis:
'Memphis Heat' vinyl from the Flashback store and
a gift bag of memorabilia from Soultaker.

The show was a blast, an excited crowd of adults and children really making their presence felt. From the constant taunting to the raucous lumberjack match where paying attendees were encouraged to "interact" with the combatants as they spilled outside the ring. The audience of lumberjacks each given leather straps so the performers felt the love. The night didn't end there. After the show, Soultaker invited me backstage to meet the wrestlers. Several photos were taken with skinny ol' me posing between the champions and their belts.

A post shared by Loz In Transit (@30homegames) on May 16, 2017 at 12:09am PDT

Of the NBA cities visited, I've found Memphis' public transport the least sufficient which is no mean feat. You're effectively obligated to use Uber to travel affordably. I'd Ubered to the show but didn't have wi-fi at the venue to hail a ride home. I ended up getting a lift with some wrestlers back to my hostel, riding with the tag team of 'Pure Power' who main-evented the evening. I would find out that V-man's kids who shared the backseat with me were students at Treadwell, Penny Hardaway's high school. I'd visited the Memphis Tigers' college campus the day previous and would've explored Treadwell had I discovered the connection earlier.

The Game 6 and RSWF wrestling nights were indicative of the good fortune and welcome I had in Memphis and Atlanta. I would cross paths with WWE star Tye Dillinger on my transit home, a fitting end as my road trip south was a "Perfect 10".

Find RSWF (Real South Wrestling Federation) on Facebook and YouTube here

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Find my other posts on wrestling x travel here:
- 30HG NBA Destinations: WrestleMania 29 and Indy Wrestling
- Coolspotting: Nerding out in England - Comics, CosPlay, Video Games and Wrestling
- Pro Wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts in South America
- Memento Spotlight: UFC and WWE autographs in England
- Memphis Grizzlies meets "Memphis Wrestling"

'30 Home Games' on Instagram: Basketball Souvenirs, Streetball and Hoops around the world

<< crossposted on the '30 Home Games' blog

Jacques Henri Lartigue: Why I'm getting a camera
I was steadfast (stubborn) in not getting a camera as I had enjoyed the manufactured dynamic when I told people I was without one. I was happy with other people's photos, it became an experiment. It allowed me to live in the moment, any photos of me were candids or documented outside myself.

Many of my basketball experiences during my travels haven't been captured in Photos. I only got my first Smartphone 3 months ago (Shoutout to SP*) and only had a camera for a quarter of my time during Europe 2011 and South America 2013.

The '30 Home Games' mission in pictures
Follow @30HomeGames on Instagram

The main goal of this blog is to have lived experiences, writing about it has been a good way to capture the memories and encouraged me to find more. Often times however it's been without Photographs. I don't have any Courtside shots of the games I watched in Caracas (FIBA Americas) or the during the NBA lockout period that made my time in Lithuania (EuroBasket 2011) so star-studded. Whilst they were fun, my interests are more in personal interactions than celebrity-spotting. I value experiences had outside the arena, often through the prism of basketball but ideally as a participant rather than a spectator.

Some moments only gain stature in my mind due to lack of documentation. I befriended an Amsterdam local at a HipHop bar because of his Amar'e Stoudemire 'Stat NY' shirt. With his recommendation, I took a 30min busride to Amsterdam-Noord for some pickup games which immediately got rained out. Play carried on, a mixed full court game in the wet gray. A moment that has stuck with me for its surrealness.

The last few months up I've set up a '30 Home Games' Instagram to house the photos I do have. Below are a few samples of the types of Photos, Graphics and Hashtags to look out for. A few are crossposted on my my other platforms - The 30HG Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

My collection of sneakers and the stories behind them
Explore #30HGkicks

Basketball references are always shoehorned into each Life snapshot
Porto Alegre, Brazil (Oct 2013)

Streetball experiences at home and in my travels
Bogota, Colombia (December 2013)

Collection of Basketball shirts collected in my travels
Explore #30HGtees

Crossposts of the Graphics found on this blog
'Team UNDFTD' emerge victorious

Basketball adventures found in my hometown of Sydney
'One Day Sundays' (Booze, Beats and Ball) at Vic on the Park

Kindly Follow '@30HomeGames on Instagram. Tell your friends :)

World Cup inspired Photo Triggers: Europe 2011 and South America 2013

It's a fortnight into the World Cup and half of the Group stages have already been decided. Admittedly I'm not a big Football fan (the Basketball World Cup will be my International Sporting highlight for 2014) but no other event brings as much International festivity as the FIFA World Cup every 4 years.

During the last World Cup in 2010, Sydney erected a large TV Screen that emerged from the Darling Harbour wharf. After nightshift finished, I'd brave the cold and watch a 5am Football match flanked by International supporters. After my first Live site match I remember thinking "I didn't know we had that many Mexicans and French in Sydney". This wouldn't be the last time I'd be impressed by the foreign representation in Sydney as International students, expats and travelers emerged to support their National Teams. I watched the World Cup Final between Holland and Spain after reuniting with a Dutch friend I made in Adelaide at her hostel. This predated my first international backpacking adventure and the German connections I made that night kicked off the type of networks that would serve me well in my 2011 EuroTrip. Those friendships also made my 2010 memorable as I developed a solid running mates for my 'Yes Man' year in Sydney.

July 12, 2010. World Cup Final at the Darling Harbour Fan Fest
via Dutch running mate MK

Since that last World Cup I traveled Europe for 13 months and South America for 6. During this Month of Football, the sight of flags and languages that remind me of those awesome experiences is heartening. A lot of my favorites for the World Cup are due to the positive associations with certain Countries. Of course I also got some tips during my recent South America trip about the best bets for the Mundial de Futbol.

Below are a selection of Trigger photos of the memorable times and friends made at Countries represented in the 2014 FIFA World Cup:

Portugal (May 2011)
Portugal: eat, pray, LOVE - Portugal sure is warm!

England (August 2011)
Trigger: Egotripping II - England, on the road again

Netherlands (August 2011)
Trigger: Crazy Times in Holland, Day 185 - Day 195

Argentina (August 2013)
Spotted: Photos from Buenos Aries - The first 48

Ecuador (November 2013)
Pro Wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts in South America

Spain (April 2011)
Spotted: Photos from Sevilla and Córdoba - The first 48

Colombia (December 2013)
The streets of Bogotá, Colombia in pictures

Australia (October 2012)
Being a kid again: Cave Clanning in La Perouse, Sydney

Germany (December 2011)
Limerence: Snowboarding, Skating, Surfing, Christmas and Love

Brazil (December 2013)
Hells Angels Motorcycle Club Open House, Porto Alegre

In case you're wondering here are my World Cup Tips:
- I always bet for Team USA and against England. It's worked a treat the last 3 World Cups.
- Chilombuay! I had Uruguay beating Brazil whenever they faced. As it shakes out I feel Chile might have the honors. Colombia has been the most fun whilst Uruguay has been gutsy, Colombia should move on.

- Netherlands and Germany are the obvious European representatives to go deep.
- Colombia, Netherlands at the end on the  wish of a goalfest Final 

The pursuit of happiness: A collection of "Happy triggers" during travel

Happiness is a recurring theme you come across during long term travel. As you enjoy a combination of "living the dream", ample free time and are surrounded by like minds its an irresistible subject.
When the love ends and you come back to earth it can be difficult readjusting to the daily grind, inevitably you end up revisiting and reassessing how you value happiness.

1) Pharrell Williams: Happy - Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan
2) Time Magazine (July 8, 2013): The Pursuit of Happiness
3) Zen Pencils: #128 Bill Watterson - A cartoonist’s advice

You can find happiness projected everywhere when you have good thoughts. Interestingly my mood at the moment isn't great but Happiness is in the Zeitgeist and its hard to avoid these days. In one day a video of Typhoon Haiyan victims dancing to Pharrell's Chart Topper 'Happy' became viral. I also came across a 'Time Magazine' cover on the Pursuit of Happiness in the library, a Bill Waterson quote on defining happiness was referenced on my favorite podcast.

Factor in the pervasive Billion Dollar Self-Help industry and the barrage of motivational quotes on Social media, you'd be forgiven for being cynical to the sugar rush. When you're in a down mood however its a welcome antidote checking in to happier times to uplift yourself

In the spirit of good vibes I've compiled a collection of Happy Triggers in my travels:

Jacques Henri Lartigue: Why I'm getting a camera

I traveled several months without a camera around Europe. Reading a passage about "trapping" happiness" in an exhibition for French Photographer Henri Lartigue is what convinced me to finally get another one. His dynamic photos capturing people in moments of joy are full of whimsy and magic.

Being a kid again: Cave Clanning in La Perouse, Sydney

This happy adventure is notable because it happened in Sydney, confirming my bias that good times are a state of mind. You don't need to be in a far off land or look to another time (past or future) to let the good times roll. Its about tapping into a spirit of wonder and finding the awe we once had as kids.

VIDEO: Road Music: Complete Track listings

I collected songs that reminded me of moments and feelings which I dubbed as "Songs to be happy to". The triggers ranged from sports and language, to artists I met and anthems amongst friends.

Limerence: Snowboarding, Skating, Surfing, Christmas and Love

Its funny how you come across random concepts that inform your experience moving forward. Watching TV in Portugal, I heard David Brooks mention "Limerence" on Charlie Rose. Months later spending time with people lost in their passion for sport and art we bonded over those shared loves.

Let's Get Real - Episode 2 preview: Pursuit of Happiness

The documentary 'Happy' (2011) first appeared on my radar when it was referenced in the second podcast I recorded. It was a topic dear to my guest as he had been exploring its nature after the passing of his beloved mother.

VIDEO: 'Happy' (2011) trailer

The documentary has been referenced several times on the 'You Made it Weird' podcast with Pete Holmes. I will finally make the effort to watch it and plan to host a screening to watch it alongside others. As they say "Happiness is only real when shared".

'Loz in Transit' South America 2013 expanded map

'Loz in Transit' South America 2013 map

180 days in South America: Chile, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia

South America (North)

Venezuela Day 57 - 72 (September):
Stays: Caracas
Ecuador Day 120 - 150 (November):
Stays: Cuenca, Vilcabamba, Guayaquil, Montañita, Baños, Cuyabeno (Amazonas), Quito
Colombia Day 150 -180 (December):
Stays: Popayán, Cali, Salento, Medellín, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tayrona Park, Bogota

South America (South)

Chile Day 1 -29 (July):
Stays: Santiago, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, La Serena, San Pedro de Atacama
Argentina Day 30 - Day 57, 73 - 81 (August):
Stays: Mendoza, Córdoba, Rosario, Buenos Aires
Brazil Day 82 - 119 (October):
Stays: Porto Alegre, Santa Maria, Santa Cruz, Erechim, Florianópolis, São Paulo, Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro

Other 'Loz in Transit' maps:
- 30 Home Games: NBA Destinations
- 'Loz in Transit' Europe 2011 expanded map

A question answered with a quote: Colombia edition

My time in South America is coming to a close, in Colombia now and am glad I chose it as my final stop. My improved Spanish has allowed me to capitalise on the famed openness of the Colombian people. I had considered Ecuador my favourite country and thought it a hard act to follow. Colombia has lived up to its considerable hype.

That said, my blog updates have waned which is troubling. This is the first time I've featured consecutive AQWaQ with no content in between. My motivation to collect quotes from conversation has seemingly evaporated. I've continued finding basketball experiences and found content for my podcast blog so I haven't entirely stopped being creative. I've also been taking plenty of street photos which has been fun.

With that I present to you the Colombia edition of 'A question answered with a quote'

If you're afraid you have to learn to love the fear

When you keep running into the same people but you don't know them. I hate them

The problem is it knocks out happiness. Its a scary thought

Nos entendemos a nosotros mismos
(Espanol: We understand ourselves)

With culture, sometimes the difference is in the limits

You have to go elsewhere to test your market value

I don't know how to describe shit

I have a theory, the Superman theory.
When Superman is in his own planet he's normal. It's only when he's on earth that he's special

You Europeans have watches. We have time.

Mi Todo (My all, My everything)
Mi Amor (My love)
Mi Cielo (My sky, My heaven)
Mi Reina (My Queen)
Mariposa (Butterfly)
Mi Princesa (My Princess)
Mi Sandía (My watermelon)
Mi Agua de Coco (My coconut water)
Mi terroncito de Azucar  (My little bubbles of sugar)
Tetas Dulce (Sugar Tits)

- A question answered with a quote: Chile edition
- A question answered with a quote: Argentina edition
- A question answered with a quote: Caracas (Venezuela) edition
- A question answered with a quote: Brazil edition
- A question answered with a quote: Ecuador edition
- A question answered with a quote: Colombia edition
- Find my original 'A question answered with a quotes' from Europe

A question answered with a quote: Ecuador edition

Have you ever wanted to escape from reality, to retire from the daily grind of life?
Where would you go, what would that place look like?
What languages would they speak, who would be living there?
You'd expect the place to be welcoming, ideally have a low cost of living with high quality of life.
Since you're relocating permanently, you'd want somewhere fertile for harvesting dreams. A farm for pet projects, to be able to build upon your paradise. One would have to consider the sustainability of a place built on unfettered dreams.

If this place existed surely there would be an influx of likeminded people - travellers, other idealists, escapists and refugees. What community would arise from that? Although seemingly intentional the unusual concentration might create an absurd cocktail.

This has been my Ecuador so far. A place recommended to me at the start of my journey but I still severely underestimated. Easily the most striking and livable Country I've ever visited, I've been swept up like countless before me. I'm curious to see what my impression of the place will be after a month spent here.

With that I present to you the Ecuador edition of 'A question answered with a quote'

What's your dream job... just to enjoy life?

"I wonder what it's like to be a dolphin in the middle of the ocean at midnight"

I was spiritually hijacked

I'll survive. I'll be alive next year whether I spend $5 or $50 today

Knowledge is knowing tomato is a fruit, wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad

Well you just sit there and keep thinking like that...

Acting on your thoughts is half the battle

We're all here because we're not all there

Sí convertirse, no divertirse
(Espanol: When you convert [money] you don't have fun)

I'm affiliated to things that get done

"I want to see you but I just watched 'Waking Life'
and I'm having a really hard time with my consciousness right now

I don't want to disturb you and your "you-ness"

- A question answered with a quote: Chile edition
- A question answered with a quote: Argentina edition
- A question answered with a quote: Caracas (Venezuela) edition
- A question answered with a quote: Brazil edition
- A question answered with a quote: Ecuador edition
- A question answered with a quote: Colombia edition
- Find my original 'A question answered with a quotes' from Europe