Last night’s show in Auckland was phenomenal!  Arriving to the building was not like it was in South America and Europe, where fans are usually awaiting anxiously by the hundreds, just to greet us as we get off the buses. Actually, there were no fans at all when we got off the buses. Initially, I found that to be strange, but by the time I came through the curtain, I swear it seemed like several thousands of fans were erupting as far as the eye could see! It was truly like a sea of flailing bodies excited to embrace the action. 

As icing on the sugar bun, I got to meet New Zealand’s own, Bushwacker Butch! I remember growing up and being so entertained by the Bushwackers and now several years later, I was actually shaking Butch’s hand! It was a great jumpstart to the tour to say the least.

After the show, jet lag started to make its presence felt, as most people were sleeping on the way back to the hotel.  I got about four and three quarters of an hour of sleep (every bit counts) before checking out of the hotel. Tony Garea (a wrestling legend and a future WWE Hall of Famer) was checking out next to me. He was born in Auckland and when the receptionist asked if he wanted an envelope for his receipt, he responded in his New Zealand accent, “No, I don’t need an envelope. I believe in recycling. Don’t you know I planted most of the trees on this island?” Classic.
We made it to the Auckland airport where a nice woman who worked for the Qantas Airline wanted to take a few pictures of us, I believe for their newsletter. CM Punk and I were happy to oblige.

After two failed attempts to land our plane, our pilot finally succeeded in hitting the runway and we arrived in Christchurch. This airport was more like what we are used to, with fans wanting pictures and autographs as we wait to claim our baggage. We headed to the hotel and I was scheduled to do some media interviews.

The media interviews went extremely well – I had three of them. I haven’t done many of these, but I do always enjoy giving these interviews. Not only is it a place where we can share some insight, but it is also another link to the people that make our industry the success it is today.

We leave for tonight’s show in about 45 minutes so I must be out. Until next time!