Chris Candido verstorben

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Chris Candito 1972-2005
May 1, 2005

I am still coming to grips with this myself, so you will have to bear with me as I try to honour the memory of a great partner, opponent, and friend. I was lucky enough to know Chris Candito for 11 years, and some of my fondest memories in this business are of matches and time spent with him. We first met in 1994 in SMW. My wife and I lived in the same apartment complex as Chris and Tammy. We went to movies and the gym together and more importantly had some of the best times in the ring together. We were reunited again in ECW where we got to both team and feud with each other, oddly enough at the same time. We both loved being in the ring together as we both just wanted to have a great match and have fun (something I believe we managed to do each night). It was always about entertaining the crowd and more often than not the boys as well.

Chris loved throwing things in to our matches just to ‘Pop the Boys’. He loved popping the boys so much that I started taking it upon myself to try to pop him and make him lose his composure during matches. I could regularly get him with my Tom Prichard/Jimmy Garvin Hair fussing routine before tying up. I obviously never had the hair for it, which made it look even more ridiculous, and Chris would usually have to rush the tie up to help cover up his laughing. My crowning moment was the night we did a mix tag match at the ECW Arena with Tammy and Dawn. I did the ring announcing for our match and laid into them pretty stiff. I cleared everything with them ahead of time, except one line, which I knew would pop him. I introduced him hailing from ‘His mother-in-law’s house in Spring Lake, NJ’. Chris actually had to turn and bury his face in his arm on the top turnbuckle he was laughing so hard. Chris actually was living at his Mother-in-Law’s house, which sounds worse than it really was. She had this huge home and both Chris and Tammy were always on the road, it made senses but sounded bad, which is why I used it in the introduction. Nothing was off limits with Chris and I. It was always about having fun.

The day we won the ECW Tag Team Titles he started just calling me partner. At first I thought it was because we were a tag team at the time, but the title stuck and I realized it meant more than that. We covered a lot of ground he and I and when it came to this business and being in that ring, we just fit, we were partners. One of my favourite times in this business, and I’d like to think one of his as well, was the time we were ECW Tag Team Champions and feuding with each other. We pulled double duty every night, defending the Tag Titles, and then going straight into a singles match. A lot of people in the business would have looked at that program as a nightmare, but we loved it and saw it as the best of both worlds. We got to tag and wrestle each other, what could be better than that? While we drifted in and out of touch over the years we remained close, we remained partners. I don’t think anyone outside the business can understand this but it’s true. We went likely 5 years without seeing each other before our last meeting her in OVW. When I walked into the Davis Arena and saw him, our faces lit up, we hugged, and he called me partner. We sat around the whole day telling stories and laughing at all the good times we had as if we had seen each other yesturday.

Chris once said to me, “I need to work with you the rest of my life.” I took this as a huge compliment knowing that he meant because it was always, fun, easy, and safe. I’ve never forgot him saying that to me, and it always brought a smile to me face because it reminded me of him and how much fun we had in the ring together. I just never figured ‘the rest of his life’ would be so short. I will remember that line till it’s my turn to join him, but I’m afraid it will never again bring a smile to my face.

I will miss you my friend, and remember you fondly. You loved this business more than anyone I know and it will remember you for your great contributions.

Lance

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Das IWA Mid South Tribue Video (10MB) von Chris Candido kann man sich nun downloaden. Das Video wurde am letzten Wochenende bei der IWA Mid-South Show in Valparaiso gezeigt. Einfach runterscrollen und auf FREE klicken zum downloaden:
http://rapidshare.de/files/1548888/candi...e.wmv.html

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Bei der gestrigen Totenwache fuer Chris Candido in Wall Township, New Jersey waren folgende Wrestler und Freunde von Chris Candido anwessend: Tom Prichard, Balls Mahoney, Mick Foley, Shane Douglas, Jimmy Shoulders, Johnny Ova, George Napolitano, Amy Lee, Ken Sweeney, Johnny Diamond, Donnie Buci, Tommy Cairo, Tommy Dreamer, Al Snow, Simon Diamond, Mike O'Brien, Allison Danger, Devon Storm, Electra und Justin Credible.

Bei der heutigen Beerdigung in der Catherine Church in Spring Lake, New Jersey waren dann folgende bekannte Namen ausdem Wrestling anwessend: Dixie Carter, Jeff Jarrett, Terry Funk, Howard Finkel, Jeremy Borash, Bob Ryder, Scott D'Amore, Shane Douglas, Billy Gunn, Sonny Siaki, C.M. Punk, Rob Feinstein, Steven DeAngelis, Sandman, Sabu, Terry Taylor und die Leute aus der Liste von oben. Tammy Sytch soll bei der Beerdigung sehr stark gewessen sein. Auf dem Sarg von Chris Candido soll zudem einer der NWA World Tag Team Belts gelegen haben, denn TNAW zur verfuegung stellte.

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The outpouring of love for Chris Candido was very evident at the wake yesterday.

Tammy was even heard telling friends, "Chris sold the place out tonight, that would make him very happy."

I couldn't make it to the wake, but have received a bunch of calls.

I know I will be leaving out tons of names of those who attended both the afternoon and evening viewings. But I thought it would be nice showing how many "friends" came to pay their respects.

In the afternoon it was:Tom Prichard, Balls Mahoney, Shane Douglas (TNA), Mick Foley, Jimmy Shoulders, Johnny Ova, Bobby Riedel, Mary Kate & Kathy Grosso, Harry Slash, at least 260 were there to say good-bye, mostly family and friends. Someone mentioned flowers from OVW - Jim Cornette.

Here is only a partial list, hundreds and hundreds were there for Tammy and Chris's family.

Balls Mahoney, Tommy Dreamer, Tommy Cairo, Simon Diamond, Al Snow, Alison Danger, Ace Darling, Donnie B, Gorgeous George, Chris & Deena Ford (Crowbar), Electra, Bobcat, Amy Lee, Kathy Fitzpatrick, Fat Frank (JAPW), Gino Moore, Joe Panzarino, Ken Sweeney, The Bodyguard, Equalizer, Dangerous Johnny Diamond, Biggie Bigs, Justin Credible (PJ), Promoter Mike O'Brien, Brett Schwan, CM Punk, Bill Apter, Lee Platt, Jr., Scott Epstein, Doc Diamond, Frankie G, Photographer George Napolitano, Ringside Charlie, Eric Rosen, Joan Prizzi, Pete Theophall (my artist for the Chatterbox) and many, many others. I'm told there could have been as many as 1,000 paying tribute.

I am told that Terry Funk plans to be at the funeral, Sabu is a pall bearer. Besides Shane Douglas, from TNA will be Jeff Jarrett, Bob & Dixie Carter, Scott D'Amore, Terry Taylor and Sonny Siaki.

TNA sent up an NWA World Tag Team belt to give to Tammy, which I'm sure she will love.

There were rubberbands on the tables, they wanted everyone to wear one on your wrist, like Chris used to.

Electra told me she was crying, and Tammy told her not to cry, Chris wouldn't want her to be sad.

Tammy had a tattoo on her neck initials CC put on Sunday.

I'm sure Chris was pleased with the turnout.
So many wonderful stories were told.

All our LOVE AND THOUGHTS go out to Tammy and the Candito family tomorrow, when they say their last good-byes.
You will be remembered forever Chris, Rest In Peace, my friend.

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Today I, and the entire wrestling world lost a good man and a great friend in Chris Candido. I remember watching Chris growing up and thinking how talented he was. Getting a chance to work with Chris Candido the person while at TNA was a true honor. He was a true leader, in the locker room and in the ring, he always walked around with a smile and always had good things to say. I felt horible for him when he broke his ankle at Lockdown this past weekend and talking to him on Tuesday at our Impact tapings he seemed as always to be in great spirits, now I'm not sure how to feel. Like so many people in our business, Chris had personal problems in his past, but like a true champion he over came them and got his life and his career back on track. You left us way to soon Chris, we'll miss you, I will miss you. God's speed.
Bobby Roode

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An Open Letter from Joe Gunns to Chris's family
Dear Tammy,

I would first like to express my condolences to you and all of Chris's family and tell you that you have all been in my prayers. I was unfortunately not able to attend the wake which is something that is not sitting well in my heart but it could not be helped. Tammy I don't even know that you would remember me by name but I would like to share a quick story with you about my first meeting Chris and how he affected me.

I am not exactly sure but I think it was 1991, I had just moved to New Jersey from Staten Island, I was trained by Johnny Rodz in Brooklyn and then was looking for someplace to continue training. I heard about Iron Mike Sharpes school opening in Brick so I decided to check it out, Mike and Tom Rumsby were having sort of a open house to promote the school . I remember getting there early thinking I was already a worker ( LOL ), I started talking with Tom and Iron Mike and then the place started to fill up. It was a decent size crowd for a store front school and I was getting excited feeling I was already part of the business. Then without warning and taking all the marks including the biggest mark ( me ) by surprise there was Chris in the ring with a mic going back and forth with Jimmy Shoulders. The two traded insults for a while and finally gave the crowd about two minutes of action before Tom Rumsby broke it up. I can vividly remember saying to my self , WOW this guy was incredible, so professional, (this after being sucked in to thinking this was a legit beef between the two,( how embarrassing is that to tell ). I remember the kids in that store being in awe of him as I was. I did get a chance to talk with Chris later that afternoon and not knowing at that time that I was seven years his senior I was saying to myself ( boy I hope I can get that good when I am his age LOL). He carried himself as a seasoned veteran at the age of maybe 16 or 17. The love he had and the respect he had for being in that ring was all over his face.

Through the years after leaving the business I remained a Chris Candido fan. When I returned to the business and became close with some of the boys I learned Chris had his share of problems but I can tell you that anytime I got to speak with him or saw him at a show no matter if was during the good times or the bad that love for the business was there and there was simply nobody you would want to see in the ring more than Chris when the success of a show was on the line, you knew he was going to give you 1000 percent no matter what he was asked to do.
I had the experience of promoting shows for about a year under Prime Time Wrestling and on two occasions I had the honor of having Chris on my shows. I can tell you that I felt privileged to have him there and embarrassed with what I could offer to pay him but he didn't say one word and I believe would have done it for free to make the show better that's how much he loved to work. The biggest thing I can tell you about when he worked those shows was the attitude of the locker room, it was completely different when he was there the new guys were in awe and the guys who knew him were all raised up about 10 levels of enthusiasm when he walked though the door and the locker room was empty during his match as all eyes were on him.
Being a half ass worker and promoter I loved the business but never got to a level to feel really a part of it but I can tell you Chris made me feel legitimate when I would run into him in a locker room and he would always reach out his hand and say hey Jumbo how are you or good to see you, that made me feel part of this business.

I will always remember Chris whenever I am enjoying wrestling as a part of the business or more importantly as a fan and a friend. Chris had many friends, Tammy you must use them as support and cherish the times you had together.
You should know that as well respected as Chris was in the business I don't think I could remember someone mentioning Chris Candido without saying Chris and Tammy, keep him in your heart always.

Sincerely,
Joe Miglionico
Jumbo Joe Guns

http://www.pwbts.com/messages/1747.htm

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Am Sonntag gab es beim Wrestletalk Radio ein Chris Candido Tribute mit Leuten wie Mick Foley, Shane Douglas und Tom Pritchard der mitte der 90er Jahre als Zip der Tag Team Partner von Chris Candido (Skip) ueber ein Jahr war. Das interessante und durchaus geschichtstraechtige Radio Interview mit Mick Foley, Shane Douglas, Tom Pritchard, Lance Hyot, Big Vito und NWA Oklahoma Promoter Chris Fox kann man sich unter folgendem Link anhoeren:
http://www.wrestletalkradio.com/show.php?id=103

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I had the tremendous good fortune to meet Chris and Tamara when I briefly worked with Vince McMahon in what was then the WWF, as a member of the creative team. (Upon learning of Chris' passing, and wanting to just express my admiration for him, I am at a loss to use any other format than the one in which I experienced him -- pro-wrestling -- which is such a 'limited' way to attempt to eulogize his life. But, that is all I have.)

Most of my career was 'old school' in the pro-wrestling world, but the same basics that worked then, were still what I most admired of those newcomers who loved the business and would do anything within their ability to contribute and make it better. I related to those who reflected that attitude -- and thus to Sunny & Skip -- but more, to their hearts as people reflected.

Chris and Tamara, or Sunny and Skip as I knew them with their 'ring character' were truly a chips off that old block -- and so, like a bright ray of sunshine that penetrated the darkness!

Their hearts were always open and upbeat -- and I felt they treated me with such respect -- and that they loved the business -- so that, I looked forward to working with them. Whatever scenario in which they were participating, they would first of all, try to contribute suggestions that would make it better and also, would give it 100% of their efforts selflessly -- making the big picture of what they were projecting more complete and worthwhile. Their hearts were totally dedicated to this endeavor.

If 'attitude is everything' -- and, I believe it is key -- then truly, 'they were everything' that one could desire to have the privilege to work with. I was so privileged for a very short -- way too short -- nanosecond of time. That they so impressed me is testimony to their hearts and character -- their attitudes.

So, in this eulogy, if Chris' heart can be most remembered as it is in my heart, then truly, he has touched someone's life -- as we all can do. For Tamara, going forward, as my good friend Jim "George the Animal" Steele just told her Monday morning as we spoke -- 'going forward she had to live her life for both of them!' That is a statement that could be 'overwhelming' or 'empowering' -- he meant it to be 'empowering.' I am sure Chris would want her to reflect the love they have as a beacon for others.

As my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has accepted me in spite of all the rags of my flesh with His unconditional love, which for years and years I thought I had lost -- and that I was not worthy of His love -- but then, He illuminated for me His merciful grace, which surpasses all understanding, and can overcome any sin or behavior -- and has allowed me to fully accept His free gift of eternal salvation -- His love -- and has empowered me to reflect His love to others -- it was His leading that allowed me to follow-up and write this letter (and to locate Tamara and call her Monday).

May each of you who read this, consider your life, and your eternal position -- and how your life's testimony can affect others, just as Chris' life has -- so that your life also continues to empower others.

Chris will be missed -- -but I will remember him for his smile and his heart -- and for the brief time our lives crossed paths -- until I see him in heaven.

Sincerely,
Cowboy Bill Watts

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2005...23761.html

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Unter folgendem Link kann man sich ein Interview von Maerz mit Chris Candido und Tammy Sytch anschauen:
http://www.wrestlingfigs.com/candido.html

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Die Familie von Chris Candido haelt den Autopsybericht von Chris Candido unter verschluss und wird ihn auch nicht herausgeben. Im US Staat New Jersey ist es erlaubt das man die Autopsy zurueckhaelt, in den meisten anderen US Staaten muessen Autopsyberichte freigegeben werden. Somit wird also auch nicht bekannt werden an was nun Chris Candido verstarb.