Former WWE writer and current Ring of Honor creative team member Dave Lagana has posted a new blog over at IWantWrestling.com. Below is an excerpt:
"Tonight’s moment reminded of my second night in WWE in February of 2002. The return of Hulk Hogan to WWE TV was met with a confrontation with with The Rock setting up their legendary match at Wrestlemania 18. It was my second day in the company; my duties ranged from shadowing Ed Koksey to doing whatever I was told to do. This included letting Rock know how close we were to the segment being on the air as he prepared. He had worked passionately with Brian Gewirtz (who he always collaberated with and most likely did tonight) to create these epic and memorable promos. Brian doesn’t get enough credit for what he’s done over the years. As it’s been said millions of times before, walk a mile in someone’s shoes. That night, it was a home run between Hogan and Rock. We all remember it to this day.
One thing Rock always seemed to have problems remembering was my name. “Hey Steve, good to see you.” When you’re new at WWE, the rule is they don’t really learn your name for the first few months because people didn’t last. There would be long stretches when The Rock wouldn’t be around and my interactions were usually limited to a hello, handshake and pleasantries. When he would come back, he kept calling me Steve. Was he waiting for me to correct him? Was I walking into some horrible rib? Then in Atlanta in 2003, I was assigned to produce a few shots with him during the Goldberg program. Just as we’re about to go live with the shot, we’re standing there talking and he looks over at me. “You know I know your name is David, right? I’ve known the whole time.” He gave me a wink and a smile as the stage manager counted down the shot. That is Rock’s charisma. He’s got you in the palm of his hand; controlling your emotions while charming you at the same time." You can read the entire blog over at IWantWrestling.com.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
