Chris Candido verstorben

[Nefercheperur]

Dixie Carter
My heart is so saddened by the untimely loss of Chris Candido. He had only been a part of the TNA family for a short time, but he had made his mark on all of us in a big way. Besides his in ring presence and ability, he was a shining light behind the scenes. His smile will forever be etched in my memory. His enthusiasm for the sport he loved so much set an example among all. Just days before his death he told me how happy he was. Happy in his personal life, happy to be part of a team that was so proud to have him on board. We will miss his presence, his smile, his leadership, but we will always carry Chris in our hearts, and he will always be a part of us.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Tammy, his family and friends. God Bless you Chris!


Jeff Jarrett
His death has been a tragic loss for every one of us here at TNA. I knew Chris for a lot of years, dating back to the early 90s when they first broke in and he and Tammy would come to Memphis to wrestle. Everywhere I went during my career, Chris was always there – and he never lost his love for the business. That’s the one big thing I’ll always remember about him. I got to see his career come full circle and it was an honor to have known such a good person. All of TNA’s thoughts and prayers are with his family.


Scott D`Amore
Like most of you out there I find myself still in a bit of a state of shock. Shane Douglas said it best when he said " I just keep waiting for Chris to show up and it to have all been a bad dream." Unfortunately it is not a dream and it is true. One thing that was a dream was Chris' life. He chased and lived his dreams. He did what most never have the guts to do,. He let it all hang out and became what he wanted to become and did what he always dreamed of doing. His life is an example for all of us to follow. From the early success to the tragic fall right up to the eventual and inevitable triumphant return to grace. Chris life was one packed with success, passion, joy, and love. I first meet Chris in '93 or '94 at a show in Detroit promoted by Sabu. Although we were near the same age Chris was so much more experienced and polished then I was. I gained a great respect for him that night that lasts right up till this day. I was overwhelmed by his talent, his passion, and his personality. He was a class act.Our paths crossed many times over the years in different parts of the wrestling world. I will never forget the first night we wrestled. It was in my hometown in 2000. Chris had agreed to come here before starting with WCW and insisted on still making the shot even though he was now full-time with WCW. He took 3 flight and encountered numerous delays on the way but ever the pro he (and Tammy) made it to the show. Like the old school worker that he was he showed up in full gear as he used the trip from the airport to change and get ready in case he had to walk in the back door of the building and right into the ring. Once at at the show he had almost no time to prepare. We went into the ring and did it the way they did in the old days catch-as-catch-can. That night was one of the proudest of my career as after we got back from the ring Chris hugged me, thanked me, and said he was impressed with my in ring work. Coming from one of the men I tried to pattern myself after it was the highest compliments of all. When Chris joined TNA I will be honest and say I questioned whether the stories I heard of his turning his life around were true. I hoped they were but the years in the wrestling business had left me always questions stories like that. I was and am happy to admit I was wrong. I was one of the first people to get to see Chris on the Universal backlot. I gave him a tour of the studio, locker room, etc and was amazed. It was true. He had done it. I had heard stories of the return of the old Chris returning and honestly I think it was something ever better then that. He wasn't the old Chris, he was the newest and best Chris I had ever seen. He was a little older, more mature, much wiser, and had a passion for the business burning in him brighter then ever. He was excited about the chance to return to the national wrestling spotlight but more then even that he was just happy to have fun and make a living in the business he loved so much. He had an immediate effect on the TNA locker room. He became a locker room leader the first day he arrived. Not because he forced his thoughts and opinions on people like so many others have tried but because he led by example and the roster from top to bottom sought out his advice. When somebody is taken from us so suddenly we often say we wish we could have one more conversation with that person to say the things left unsaid. I can honestly sit here and say that I wouldn't change one word of the last conversation I was blessed enough to have with Chris. After the taping tuesday night we sat and talked. We talked about the great match he was apart of earlier in the night, his effect on the very young locker room we have in TNA, what we loved and hated about the business, and most important to me I got to express how much I respected his work.Chris and I talked about great managers and role models we had had and he commented on how much he loved my facial expressions and my over the top panimine. I told him he should love them, I had stole most of them from him! I even made the joke that I hope we started using him more as a wrestler because as long as he was managing I knew I no matter how hard I worked I would always have to settle for being the second best manager on the roster. As I right this now I have both a tear rolling down my cheek and a smile on my face. A tear for my loss of a friend and the business' lose of a passionate and talented performer as well as a smile as I think about how much life Chris had packed into such a short life. Most people could live to 100 and not even get close to the life experiences and achievements Chris had. Myself, the TNA front office, the TNA locker room, everybody involved in the business on some level, and the fans are all better for have shared in his life.

God bless you Chris, I know you are holding court in a locker room somewhere in heaven and there is a smile on every face in the room because you put it there.

[Nefercheperur]

I'm writing most of this at 6:00 am on Friday morning as I've just read the news.

It's not fair.

Dammit it to hell, it's just not fair.

Chris Candido died yesterday.

Chris was so full of life and so full of love for the wrestling business...that the fact a blood clot resulting from an injury he suffered in the ring is what took his life seems so especially unfair.

I've known Chris back since the early 1990s, when his claim to fame was working for Philadelphia independent promoters Joel Goodhart and Dennis Coraluzzo...with his claim to fame being that he was the grandson of former WWWF preliminary talent Chuck Richards.

As Richards's grandson, he grew up around wrestling; and hung out as a teenager in New Jersey with Balls Mahoney. The two started as backyarders (before the term even existed) until starting with formal training at Larry Sharpe's Monster Factory. Candido then worked for the colorful promoter Dennis Coraluzzo in shows around the state of New Jersey.

I especially remember the shows at a place we nicknamed the "Clementon Coliseum" which was nothing more than a converted K-Mart. We also noticed that hanging around Candido, in the section where the girlfriends, and assorted hangers-on sat...was this cute high school aged girlfriend, named Tammy Sytch. Needless to say, she wound up being a helluva lot more than just another wrestler's girlfriend.

I also remember a Wayne, NJ show with a double main event of Terry Funk-Eddie Gilbert and Sabu-Chris Candido...and realize that it took place 15 years ago. God, does that make me feel old.

Candido then moved on to work ECW during the Eddie Gilbert era, together with Johnny Hotbody as ECW Tag Team Champions in 1993; before going to his first fulltime territory, Smoky Mountain Wrestling in 1994.

Jim Cornette has loved telling the story over the years of the night when Candido pulled out every high spot he knew...to the sound of crickets chirping in the crowd. Cornette sent him back out in another match (this was a TV taping), and told him to come out and sell the first bump he took like crazy. He learned to do this kind of thing quickly, with such spots as his sort of goofy Dick Murdoch/Curley spinaround on your side, and his whiny heel promos that could infuriate in a matter of minutes...like they were supposed to.

Candido and learned quickly what it took to get a reaction in the last great territory...and began to develop his trademark old school "no gimmicks needed" personna. In SMW, Candido was then teamed with Brian Lee, with the pair managed by Sytch, who had moved from New Jersey with Candido; and was turned into an on-air "Northerner feminist" valet/manager.

Candido won the NWA World Heavyweight Title in November 1994 in a tournament, needed after the belt was won, then vacated, in the infamous ECW Arena swerve by Shane Douglas in August 1994.

During 1995 and 1996, Candido worked as part of the Bodydonnas, and girlfriend Tammy Sytch began her climb to become one of the hottest female characters in WWF/E history. I was never fond of the gimmick at all. Mark Madden spoke for a lot of us, when he said "I have an idea...why don't they just put trunks and boots on him and call him Chris Candido?" But even with the lame gimmick, Chris put everything he had into it.

I remember the day in 1996 I was on vacation in San Fransisco, and took in a WWF show at the Cow Palace, not so much to see a WWF house show...but mostly to see the historic wrestling venue which had featured Roy Shire's promotion and names like Pat Patterson, Leo Nomellini, and Ray Stevens.

So I'm standing around the parking lot, waiting for the doors to open with the locals and kids milling around...and a car screeches to a stop, and goes into rapid reverse.

The door opens, and it's Chris and Tammy (who had already broken up in storyline, but even the kids in the parking lot knew better to ask) with a collective "What are YOU doing here!?!?!" We said our hellos and they drove into the building. Until the doors to the Cow Palace opened, I then had to listen to at least a hundred kids screeching at me without end..."You know Sunny?!?!?".

Somehow, I can imagine Chris getting a chuckle out of that bizarre situation.

In October 1996, Chris went to ECW, debuting to a standing ovation as a surprise during an ECW Arena event, defeating Spike Dudley. Candido worked as part of the "Triple Threat" and as Tag Team Champions with Lance Storm.

Candido and Sytch had well-documented problems with painkillers and other drugs beginning from their days in ECW, which eventually caused their release from the company. These problems continued during the subsequent period Candido in which worked various independents; until he got a brief gig with WCW, in which Candido broke his arm, tore the cast off to show Eric Bischoff that he'd work hurt...and was still fired for getting hurt in the first place, in the usual employee-friendly WCW style.

After WCW, Candido seemed to take seriously that he needed to clean up. So did Tammy.

Tammy stayed out of wrestling, but Candido went back to the indies and started over a two year period to begin resembling the guy we all remembered from years past. Most recently, he'd started working in higher profile Northeast independents and in TNA, working the undercard and working with The Naturals tag team.

The last match I saw Chris Candido in was for Jersey All Pro Wrestling as a surprise match against JAPW's E.C. Negro.

Negro (think your basic delusional heel character) had come out, only to be told by announcer Steve DeAngelis that he wasn't on the lineup. Negro went into a promo how he wasn't leaving until he got a match, telling the crowd how tonight the ECW Arena was the "E.C. Negro Arena"....and on and on.

The lights went out..."Back in Black" cranked up...and the loudest pop of the night ensued, as Chris Candido came out to a standing ovation that seemed to truly shock him. Chris was on that night, looking like the Candido of old, with a sick looking table bump after Candido put Negro on a table and went for a legdrop off the turnbuckle. Negro got out of the way, with Candido plowing through the table like a freight train.

What seems so damned unfair with all this, is that Chris had beaten drugs, had gotten his life together, was working independents again... and working well. He was sharing his knowledge with lots of up-and-coming indy talents. He'd gotten his gig in TNA and was the Chris Candido we all remember...the goofy, old school heel who loved the hell out of what he did.

In his last TV appearance, taped less than 48 hours before he died, even after his broken leg and from a wheelchair; he was getting over a young tag team, The Naturals, for the NWA Tag Team Titles.

It may say something about Chris's popularity among workers and fans alike that PWBTS.com had the second largest number of page views in the eight year history of the website's existence this past Friday; topped only by the numbers from the last day of WCW's existence, March 26, 2001.

As Mike Johnson commented on PWinsider.com....if there's any justice (and right now it's difficult to find any at all in his passing), Chris is somewhere right now with promoter Dennis Coraluzzo, sharing the first of a hundred glasses of Dennis's infamous ice teas, listening to one of Dennis's newest schemes... with a big grin on his face. He's hanging out later with Brian Hildebrand and Eddie Gilbert to watch what will no doubt be the first of a thousand wrestling tapes. Somehow I imagine WWE 24/7...or something a lot better is available where they all are right now...

Written May 1

I'm writing this after seeing the tape of last night's IMPACT and the last image that most people will ever have of Chris Candido alive... with Candido's maniacal grin after he'd helped screw the babyface America's Most Wanted out of their NWA World Tag Team titles.

The reaction I've seen over the weekend from fans and wrestlers alike toward the passing of Chris Candido is probably approached only by the passing of Owen Hart. Obviously the circumstances of Hart's death were very, very different and seemingly more tragic...but I haven't seen the kind of reaction that would approach the sheer volume and sorrow at the news of any passing in wrestling since that horrible day in 1999.

I'd like thank all of you who were kind enough to share your thoughts on Chris's passing at PWBTS.com...with e-mails coming from places ranging from WWE and independent performers (many who wanted their names used, and one who did not), to many e-mails from the average everyday fans in the stands who appreciated Candido's work.

Chris Candido's wake will be held on Monday, May 2 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. It will take place at the O'Brien Funeral Home in Wall Township, NJ, located at State Highway 35/New Bedford Road, Wall Township, NJ.

The official church service will be held tomorrow at 9:30 am at St. Catharine's Church in Spring Lake, NJ, located at 215 Essex Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ.

Rest in peace, Chris... and Godspeed.

Until next time....

If you have comments/questions, or if you'd like to add the AS I SEE IT column to your website, I can be reached by e-mail at bobmagee1@hotmail.com.


http://www.pwbts.com/messages/1687.htm

[Sidewalker]

Aber was ich immernoch nicht verstehen kann, ist wieso man an einem Blutgerinsel nach einer Operation des Beines sterben kann...

[Nefercheperur]

Original von Sidewalker
Aber was ich immernoch nicht verstehen kann, ist wieso man an einem Blutgerinsel nach einer Operation des Beines sterben kann...

Bisher ist noch nicht offiziell bekannt geworden, woran Chris Candido nun wirklich verstarb, es gibt nur die Aussagen seines Bruders. Man sollte daher erstmal auf die offiziellen Angaben warten.

Sollte es sich dabei wirklich um ein Blutgerinsel handeln so kommt das nichtmal so sellten vor. Ich bin jedoch kein Arzt und kenne mich nicht mit der Materie aus, zumal ich auch nicht spekulieren will bis etwas offizielles bekannt ist.

Hier findest du eine ausfuehrliche Beschreibung des ehemalifen ECW Doctors dazu, das wird dir weiter helfen denke ich:
http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.asp?id=10009&p=1

[Nefercheperur]

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

[Nefercheperur]

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

[Nefercheperur]

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.

[Nefercheperur]

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.

[Nefercheperur]

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

[Nefercheperur]

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

[Nefercheperur]

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

[Nefercheperur]

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

[Nefercheperur]

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