To read more tributes to Bellswinger, from others members of WXW, CLICK HERE |
A Death in the Family by Afa the Wild Samoan |
Most of you know me in the world of professional wrestling as Afa the Wild Samoan, or as the CEO of WXW. Over the years being in the business, I have come across so many young men and women who have had the dream to be in the sport, but never got a chance or break. As I was approaching my retirement from the wrestling ring, I began to focus more on my wrestling school (The Wild Samoan Pro Wrestling Training Center). As the school continued to grow, I wanted to offer a place for my students to gain ring experience and have a chance to feel special and shine in front of our fans. To my surprise, WXW continued to grow and turn into an independent promotion that I am very proud of. I formed the Uso's foundation to help give the underdog a chance to be part of our great business, and to feel like they too belonged. I am so honored to have earned the name "Pops" by the kids that I have touched. Johnny "Bellswinger" Moyer was one of those kids. I first met him over seven years ago when I was active in the WWE. He was helping out at a show close to my home, and came over to me and asked if I needed anything. He had a big smile on his face, and I instantly took a liking to him. Shortly after that, I found out that he lived just a few miles from my home, and he showed up at one of my WXW events. He offered his services in every way possible, from setting up the arena to cleaning up afterwards. If anything needed to be done, he was the first to volunteer, and would never complain about anything. Over time, I knew that this young boy had a love for the business that would never go away, and I knew that he wanted more, so I invited him into my training program and helped make his dream come true by being a referee. A lot of people didn't take Johnny seriously, and he was often the target of a lot of ribs from the boys. But he knew that he was loved, and always took it with a smile and great attitude. Johnny spent many nights at my home, just hanging out, eating chicken and talking about wrestling. He would fall asleep with a smile on his face, and as soon as he would wake in the morning, he would be asking what he could do to help me or my wife, who he lovingly referred to as "Mom", around the house. Johnny would never miss a WXW event, and he would be one of the first ones there and last one to leave. I have many memories of him that will always make me smile. It's hard for me to sit and watch our WXW footage being edited, seeing him on the shows doing what he loved the most (Refereeing), and knowing that he will never come to another WXW event or to my home just to hang out. Johnny was to be the winner of our annual WXW award for referee of the year 2003. Unfortunately, he will not be at the event with us in November in body, but I know his spirit will be there. Johnny's death is very hard for me to accept because I did feel that he was part of my family, and he was always another son to me. I know that he is in a better place with our Lord, refereeing in that big ring in the sky, and that someday we will all be together once again. It just saddens me to know that he was struck down in the prime of his life, at the young age of 25. A young man who had so much energy and life, and to be taken so sudden. I want to thank D.O.I. for allowing us to open our hearts and express our feelings toward Johnny. This is a form of therapy for all of us. I think it is important that everyone knows how precious life really is, and remember, we are here on borrowed time, and that none of us are promised tomorrow, so do your best to live today in good health and happiness, and to care for and cherish the people around you. Thank you for allowing me this time. God bless, Afa the Wild Samoan a.k.a. Pops |
To read more tributes to Bellswinger, from others members of WXW, CLICK HERE |
