Folks, let me spin you a yarn about a night that was as touching as finding an old photo album in the attic. We’re talking about the WWE Hall of Fame, where legends get their due and memories shine brighter than my aviators. And this year, we had a moment as wholesome as apple pie at a state fair – the induction of Claude “Thunderbolt” Patterson, a man who threw punches with the heart of a lion and the wisdom of an owl.
Now, Thunderbolt Patterson, he’s a trailblazer, folks. Called “the Jackie Robinson of professional wrestling,” this man broke down barriers like they were made of paper mache. And who better to roll out the red carpet for him than The New Day? Yes, sir, the whole gang, including Big E, back together like a family reunion where everyone actually gets along.
Thunderbolt took the stage, and let me tell you, he had the crowd hanging on every word like a suspenseful novel. He even brought in a quote from Muhammad Ali, saying, “Hating people because of their color is wrong,” and I couldn’t agree more. It’s like he took the words right out of my mouth, only with a bit more punch.
He didn’t just stop at wise words, though. Patterson called out by name the folks who shaped his career, like Gerald Brisco and Brian Blair. And as his story unfolded on the big screen, with tales of his battles and the respect he garnered, you could feel the history in the air – it was as palpable as the humidity on a Delaware summer day.
But what really hit home was the nod to Patterson’s legacy from WWE’s current and former Black talent. It’s like he laid down the tracks for a train that’s still chugging along, bringing hope and opportunity to folks from all walks of life.
So, as we put another Hall of Fame ceremony in the books, let’s remember the words of Thunderbolt Patterson. It’s not about playing cards, whether race or otherwise; it’s about treating folks right, stopping the hate, and maybe, just maybe, making this world a little bit better than we found it. And if we can do that, well, we’ve won a championship no belt can ever match.