Ambulance Driver Meets Mike Tyson
Last Monday WWE Raw was in town and Ambulance Driver was on hand in case one of the performers actually got hurt. I’ve never worked a wrestling match before but thought it would be an interesting experience.
I wasn’t disappointed.
We arrived two hours ahead of time and met with the troupe’s physician and trainer. Their instructions were simple enough. If a certain signal was given, we were to come out with our stretcher and equipment. It was the same sort of procedure that we use at Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves and Gophers.
We were also asked a question that we were prepared for, “Would you guys like to be part of the show?” We politely declined although both myself and my partner for the night are experienced actors (he said with tongue firmly planted in his cheek) having appeared in the comedy series, Let’s Bowl.
We were then able to watch the rehearsal which basically was to teach the guess star, Mike Tyson, what his role was to be. Shortly, after they were done, Tyson exited the arena and walked right past us. Tyson looked me right in the eye and said, “Sir, how are you doing tonight?”
That’s right, Iron Mike Tyson called me “sir.”
The other thing that struck me is that he is at least 2 inches shorter than me and I stand 5’ 11”. The years haven’t been particularly kind to him either. My partner noted, “He looks like us.” It wasn’t meant to be a compliment.
As the show started, we took our places behind the stage that was set up and put in our ear plugs. There were quite a few pyrotechnics that were periodically shot off within 30 feet of our position. A red light was positioned so all the crew in the vicinity would be warned prior to detonation – and detonation is the correct word. The explosions were loud.
There was a large projection screen where we could watch the action and still keep an eye on the ring-side physician.
We figured there were about 12,000 in attendance. They were loud, enthusiastic and surprisingly (at least to me) sober.
The performers were very athletic. I really am surprised that they rarely get seriously hurt during the show given all the awkward falls they appear to take. Apparently they have this stuff down to a science.
Even though I never watch shows like this, I was vaguely aware that there is a story line that is carried week to week. What I didn’t know is just how invested the crowd was in this soap opera. WWE is certainly giving these people what they want – entertainment. Things like this really are a big production and this outfit has it down pat – they are organized.
After 6 hours, and soon after the show was over, we were released by the staff. It was an interesting experience and one I’d do again.