.... I never let Buddy forget what that meant to me and Little George.
...... I love you Buddy Landel.
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.... Buddy Landel's last text to me. I still have it on my phone. Jesus kept it for me!
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I have so many great Buddy stories but my favorite was a few years ago in Gastonia, N.C. In one of Buddy's last matches it was going to be me and him. He had told me that day to take it easy on him because he hadn't been in the ring in some time! The promotor wantted a DQ finish and with Buddy saying sure, but me under my breath saying, 'yeah right'. What a great time, Buddy was perfect. With a minute left I said "Corkscrew elbow!" Buddy said what? I said. "Yep, I'm taking it brother." Buddy, in that sweet voice said, "no George I haven't done it in years." So with only 20 seconds left I hit the ropes and said "slam me!!" With time standing still, and every fan's eyes wide open, it was l985 again as Buddy Landel brushed back his hair, and once again, almost effortless, painted the perfect "corkscrew elbow."... Amen