- Edward Pardue

Old Friends

I have written columns at Kayfabe Memories for close to a year now. This web site is a part of me... my heart, my soul. These words I write twice a month are the only connection I have with a sport I once loved with every fiber of my being. These words are the only connection I would want to have. I can honestly say that I have never dreaded writing a column. Not for Kayfabe Memories or for any other newspaper or magazine... until this one. This one tears at the very heart that pumps blood through my body. I will NEVER be to journalism what Ed " Wahoo " McDaniel was to professional wrestling, but for HIS memory, I will try to do him justice.

Thursday, April 18th, a few friends of mine and I had went to see Jimmy Buffett in concert. Just like old times. If I had to think of a creative way to describe it (and as a writer, that is indeed my job) I would have to say it was as close to going back "home" as one could get... Take THAT Thomas Wolfe!

Friday after the show was a day of errands. I went to lunch with one of my old college chums and did my running around. I walked in the door and mom said there was a message on the machine for me. No mistaking THAT voice...  it was my pal, "Tiny". My house literally shook off the foundation as he boomed into the machine... "Hey, Ed, this is Tiny. Wahoo died this morning..." Just like that, my heart sank. I honestly could not believe it. 

First Nelson Royal, then Swede Hanson and now Wahoo McDaniel. A friend from college had the Sports Illustrated issue with Wahoo and his son in it...  through Tiny and his wife I got it signed for him. I felt ten feet tall as I gave that magazine (complete with autographs from the Chief and his son) back to my friend because I knew someone who knew a legend. The word "legend" is overused in today's world. But, in all honesty, I cant think of a better word to describe Wahoo McDaniel.