They say "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas". Well, I guess the same saying can apply to beautiful Pensecola, Florida. So, what happens in the Sunshine State stays in the Sunshine State. This is where it all began and this is the only place it could happen.
My best friends Kira and Tara accompanied me on one of my many trips to Florida. This time would be no different other than the fact that there were no parents. We were going to simply have a fun road trip, just us girls, just three friends who had nothing better to do. Our goal was simple. We were going to each do something we enjoy and have fun doing it. Kira is definitely the comic of the group so we had persuaded her to hit some local, cheesy comedy club for Open Mic Nite. Tara was a party girl and had persuaded us to hit up the local nightclubs and celebrity hangouts. My part of the trip was a compromise with my friends I guess. You see, I am a huge sports entertainment fan and decided that I wanted to go see some WWE and then settle in and go to an amazing awards induction at O'Malley's. It is here where our story begins.
"Well, ladies we are here. What an amazing way to honor one of Florida's prowrestling royal families." I told my friends as we went inside.
"Who cares? I'm starved!" said Tara.
"I agree, but RAW was great and I'm glad you persuaded us to go. It was actually kinda fun. And Seth Rollins is sooooo hot!" replied Kira.
The place was slammed with fans from the night's RAW event. Kira and Tara quickly found us a table.
"I have got to go to the lil' girls room." I said.
"I'll go with." chimed in Kira. "Tara, just order us the usual and make sure you include a large margarita for Devyn here. Don't worry, I'll drive."
We proceeded to the restroom where right at the entrance something, well someone, caught my eye.
"God, Kira. He is beautiful!" I exclaimed.
"Giiirrll, who you talkin' about? Remember these events celebrate the 'older' generation! They could be our granddaddies!",laughed Kira.
"Now don't be ridiculous, K. You know who I'm talking about. Doesn't that painting favor him so much and it's so detailed, right down to the details on his tattoo."I said.
Outside of the restroom entrance was a mural painted on the wall. This mural featured some of the legends that made the Anoai family so great. It featured Afa and Sika, The Wild Samoans, Rodney Anoai (Yokuzuna), Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and of course the High Chief Peter Maivia, Jimmy and Jay Fatu with their father Rikishi Fatu but then there he was. The "he" that I'm referring to is the one who is now the face of the Anoai wrestling family none other than Joe Anoai aka Roman Reigns in the WWE. Joe is well on his way to help to cement the Anoai legacy for sure. This "he" was also responsible for one of the greatest factions in WWE history better known as 'The Shield'. This "he" was the object of my affection at this moment.
Of course, Kira just smiled and laughed. She actually put up with my little obsession of this wrestling Adonis. "Yeah, he's beautiful…oh speaking of which, he is going to be a presenter tonight! He will be recognizing his Dad and Uncle. I forgot to tell you, but I knew you'd be excited. Good thing you look like you just stepped off the runway! Maybe you'll get a chance to meet him this time." said Kira.
"That is great. But, I doubt I'll get the chance. These fans are crazy about him here with him being a local boy and all!" I replied. "Besides, I don't want to seem too pushy like some lil fangirl. I'm sure he deals with that all the time."
"At least an autograph or picture, Devyn. Surely, the guy wouldn't care." Kira laughed.
We got back to our table where our drinks had already arrived. "Devyn, you will be happy to know that tonight's guest is your favorite WWE Superstar." said Tara.
"I know Tara, I know." I smiled and said.
The show began with the emcee talking about the Anoai family and announcing the night's honorees . They discussed the usual things of what each individual and tag team accomplished including Roman.
"What better way to end an amazing night celebrating an amazing family than with one of it's current Superstars. Let's give a great big welcome to the awesome, Roman Reigns." Of course everyone just cheered, laughed and smiled. So many remembered that young man as just simply Joe, a local fave who played high school football and really never seemed too interested into going into the family business.
"Hello Michael, I am so honored be here and having the opportunity to honor my family. Looks like we have a full house and I'm so glad to be able to celebrate this night with family, friends, colleagues and of course the fans!"