1/1/06

I first would like to thank two people, Mitch Hartsey for all the fine work he has been doing on the new web-site, and of course Mr. Larry Matysik for all of his knowledge of the great days of Wrestling at the Chase. If it wasn't for Larry I wouldn't have the pleasure of writing this article. Under Larry's friendship I have had the extreme pleasure of being involved in the wrestling world. Through him I have also had the pleasure of meeting some of the greatest wrestlers to enter the ring.

Many years ago I was just like all of us, "A huge wrestling fan". I remember back when wrestling aired on Wednesday night when Johnny Curly was the dean of the ring announcers. I grew up watching all the greats and even had the opportunity to have several of them work for me when I decided to start promoting.

After several years of being involved with Tony Casta from South Broadway club I remember standing in the dressing room at the Bellclair fair grounds in Belleville IL watching as the matches were going on. Standing behind was Larry Matysik. Even though he and I was friends long before, he leaned over my shoulder and said, "what would you think about bringing Brody in here". I turned around and said, "are you kidding". He responded by saying he thought Brody would be happy to come in. I told him if he could pull it off that I would be the one being very happy.

Guess what? The big man came in. After prancing around outside the building thinking he wasen't becoming, I took a sigh of relief when I saw Larry's car coming into the grounds. I knew for sure the man was there when the passenger side door opened and this huge person stepped out. I remember he stuck his hand out and said, "bet you didn't think I was coming". As the sweat ran down my forehead I looked up and said, " No, I wasn't worried". Ha Ha. What a crowd we had. The place was packed and the chants of Brody, Brody, Brody echoed though out the large room. It was the beginning of a long friendship between he and I, thanks to Larry. Over the next several years Larry and I promoted many shows. We always tried to have Brody available for all of them.

I think I will stop on that note. With even having several years of being in the business I just wanted to let you, the readers and the great wrestling fans that you are hear a little of my experience with working with two of the all time greats, "King Kong Brody", and Mr. Larry Matysik. Next time I will tell you of some of the other great times I had.

Herb Simmons