Sunday’s Chatham return of Jimmy Hart, known in the wrestling world as “The Mouth of the South,” could be the start of big things to come.
The flamboyant, outspoken WWE Hall-of-Famer is coming to Rockets Sports Cards at 335 Queen St. for a meet and greet from 4 pm to 7 pm that will include signing autographs and posing for photographs.
The return of Hart is building on the success of other wrestling celebrities, including Koko B. Ware and Tito Santana, along with NHL legend Marcel Dionne, visiting Chatham in the past year, said Mike Lucio, owner of Rockets Sports Cards.
He said “baby steps” are being taken with a plan to increase the number of sports celebrities visiting Chatham to take part in meet and greets or be part of local trade shows.
“In the future, we’re looking to bring in massive celebrities to do signings in the area,” Lucio said.
He added the timeline still needs to be worked out.
“My goal here is to bring money into the city rather than an event coming to the city and leaving with our money,” Lucio said.
He noted Hart’s visit last June attracted people from as far away as Toronto.
These events also attract American visitors, he added.
Details, including how to buy tickets for Sunday’s visit by Hart, can be found at www.rocketssportscards.com.
Lucio said two more events are planned for later this month and in April.
Charles Wright, who has wrestled as The Godfather, Papa Shango and The Undertaker, is appearing at a trade show at the Moose Lodge in Chatham on March 26.
Pro wrestler Gangrel will be appearing at Rockets Sports Cards on April 28.