I Remember Portland Wrestling: jody

Showing posts with label jody. Show all posts

Jun 5, 2026

Portland Wrestling 6/4/88 - Scott Peterson v Avalanche - It's My Birthday! - Video, Photos, Program, Story

In 1988, my mom wrote a letter to Steve Doll asking him to come to my birthday. Yes, she did that! I don't know what she wrote in the letter, and she doesn't remember, but whatever it was must have touched his heart.

I remember sitting in the house with my friends, wondering why we weren't outside, but my mom insisted that we sit inside and watch a movie. She made sure I was sitting by the front door, and I noticed when a little yellow '77 Mustang pulled up in front of the house. I immediately recognized it as Steve's car. A blonde gal got out and was walking up to the door, and I said, "Someone is here, and she has a car like Steve Doll." My mom said that it was for me, and I should go talk to her. Huh? When I opened the door, she handed me a manila envelope and said, "I'm sorry that Steve couldn't make it. He had a charity event today." My mom came over and told her that I didn't know anything about what was going on. She introduced herself as Steve's wife and said that she had brought some birthday gifts for me from Steve, and that he wished he could be there. 😇 She also said that there would be two front row tickets for me at the ticket window that night at the Sports Arena. (My first time ever sitting ringside!) And, to make sure that I went by the autograph table so that he could tell me "Happy Birthday" in person. My mom thanked her, and she went on her way.

To say that I was in shock was an understatement. I just stood there by the front door staring at the envelope and watching Steve's car drive away! What just happened!!??!! I opened up the envelope to find these three photos and a signed boot bandana.

Steve wasn't just nice. He went out of his way to be kind. Not just to me. I witnessed his kindness on many occasions. It's part of why he'll always have a very special place in my heart.

My front row ticket!

This photo was taken ringside, which wasn't something that happened often at the Sports Arena. There was no time to stop for photos or autographs between matches. When I came across this photo, I was confused. I turned it over, and it was marked 6-4-88. I had completely forgotten that Scott Peterson, among other wrestlers, came over to wish me a happy birthday, and I asked if my friend Michelle, who absolutely loved Scott, could get a picture. He was happy to. I'm so glad I have all of these photos and ephemera, or I would never remember anything!!

Apr 18, 2026

Update on the Portland Wrestling Corner!

I keep slowly adding to the Portland Wrestling corner.

See anything you had back in the day?

The bumper stickers (Sports Arena sign, Big Time Wrestling sign, and Sandy Barr's Flea Market), jacket, Hat, Sandy Barr bag, Koozi, and VHS tape are all from the Classic Portland Wrestling collection of the incredible Kerby Strom. https://classicportlandwrestling.bigcartel.com/

Mar 22, 2026

Steve Doll ~ December 9, 1960 - March 22, 2009

If you've been following this page for any length of time, you are well aware that I will gladly take any opportunity to post about Steve Doll. This isn't one of those days. I wish it were just any other day, but it's not. Today is the 17th anniversary of Steve's death. I can honestly say that in nearly 40 years, I don't think there's been a day that's gone by when I haven't thought about him, or smiled because I remembered some kind thing he said to me or did for me. I don't have the eloquence to accurately describe what he meant to me. I'm so grateful to have so many good memories, photos, clippings, videos, programs, and memorabilia.

YouTube Playlists: (Over 900 videos and I am still finding more!)

Steve Doll In Portland 230 videos

Steve Doll Outside Portland 676 videos

Our first photo together.

December 26, 1987.

Our last photo together.

October 1997.

November 1990

1989

Promo photo from USWA. 1990.

Steve and I at the Tillamook Armory. 1988.

1990

What's so funny? I don't remember.

1991

1989

Wrestle Media Awards 1989

Autographed photo from Steve's first night in Portland.

June 13, 1987.

"You're my favorite wrestler!"

"You haven't even seen me wrestle yet!!" 😂

I actually had seen him wrestle in World Class, and he'd already been my

favorite wrestler for several months.

Steve beat the Mighty Sputnik and won the Battle Royal

on his first night in town.

I lived for those autograph sessions! Before I was allowed to stay in the

arena after closing, it was my best shot at meeting my goal of having some kind of interaction

with Steve every single Saturday night. I didn't want him to forget me. I probably drove him

crazy in the process!

The crowd, and I, cheering at the top of our lungs for Steve.

Always smiling!

"Hi Steve!"

Milwaukie Daze parade 1989.

In a match against Matt Borne.

This is the night Matt got bloody and angered the

Oregon Wrestling Commissioner.

No wrestling for a week after that.

I saw Steve and Brian Adams and their significant others at the mall

petting the bunnies in the pet store.

In a match against Col. DeBeers

Do I really want to go in this cage?

Steve & The Equalizer in Chehalis, WA

Steve always put on an entertaining match.

1992

He clearly loved what he did.

Feb 26, 2026

Running into "Gorgeous" Joey Jackson at the Portland Wrestling Expo!

With THE "Gorgeous" Joey Jackson!!!

and we have matching Portland Wrestling

jackets from @classicportlandwrestling

Feb 25, 2026

Jody & Ricky Santana at the Portland Wrestling Expo 2

So cool to finally get a photo with the legendary @ricky.santana.5205. We never got a photo back in the Sports Arena days. Well, we did once, but it didn't come out. So many fun photos got lost to bad film, or bad developing, or user error, back in the day! I also got to sit with Ricky at the Hall of Fame dinner. He had some really fun stories to tell. Thanks for the great memories Ricky! I could never properly express how much those Saturday nights meant to me.