‘Wrestlers Will Always Be Cool’
On ‘Back to School Night’ in second grade, we were asked to leave our parents a note. “If you have a special nickname,” Mrs. Onufrak told us, “you can use it.” I did not have a special nickname, but I didn’t know the next time we’d be granted such liberal name-signing power.
At the time, my two biggest influences were Lawrence (”LT”) Taylor and the WWF. Since “JE” wasn’t very special, I opted for an uninspired moniker in the tradition of Gene Okerlund. “Mr. Mean” was born.
The name didn’t stick.
When I asked all-star mental_floss designer Terri Dann to whip up a banner to promote this WWF Action Figure Quiz, she asked what my WWF nickname would be. I told her that story, and now Mr. Mean has a second chance to catch on.
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The quiz received an overwhelming response, which inspired my dad to dig out my old action figure collection. He was hoping I’d come remove them from his basement. Instead, I stopped by with a camera and created a completely unnecessary sequel.
The title of this post refers to a prediction I made around 1988, a quote my Uncle Len won’t ever let me forget.