Mark "Extravaganga" Erickson

Inductee Number:  0001

Click Here to Download Mark Erickson's Attempt at Playing Ring Announcer

Little is known about Mark Erickson, and even after an extensive internet search I could still find no information on this, hopefully one time, World Wrestling Allstars ring announcer. World Wrestling Entertainment fans get on the back of Lillian Garcia when ever she makes an error on a wrestler's name. Heck I have even heard Michael Buffer screw up Bret Hart's name.

But this man is in a league of his own. As far as I know, and feel free to correct me on this one, Eruption was the man's first ever wrestling event, and judging by his ability it certainly showed. Now I know for a fact that Mark Erickson took at least 15 minutes prior to the doors opening at the Rod Laver Arena, bellowing "Eruption" over and over. So the man had at least some idea of what he was to do.

However the World Wrestling Allstars, as well as thousands of people in the Rod Laver Arena (Melbourne, Australia) and, millions on pay per view would soon find out that he really did not. First mistake this man made was calling the WWA the:

"World Wrestling (pause) Allsports (pause) Allstars Association" 

Now if that already didn't warrant a nomination, there were more blunders, in a matter of seconds. Instead of saying EXTRAVAGANZA, the fans that saw the show were treated to EXTRAVAGANGA. Here is what he said:

"... World Wrestling Allstars EXTRAVAGANGA, ERUPTION!"

At least he got the company's name right this time around. However it was too late. By that time he had lost my respect, as I was in tears from laughter at the Rod Laver Arena, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who had lost faith in the "BLUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER".

AND if he hadn't already made enough mistakes he decided to announce the commentators for the show. How is that a dilemma you ask? Well you see Jeremy Borash had already taken the time to announce himself, and his co-commentator for the evening, the Disco Inferno, before the show went to air. That and Mr. Erickson stood blindly staring at the ring entrance waiting for Jeremy Borash and Disco Inferno to appear, until magically they are at ringside. Wonder how they did that? Even Jeremy Borash was showing signs of frustration, as he certainly appeared to be giving Erickson the windup.

Yes it is true, quite pathetic. Quite pathetic that this guy turned down palm cards. Even more pathetic that this guy is a professional, and whilst it may not be a lot, he still got paid. What might even be more pathetic is that the World Wrestling Allstars signed his check at the end of the night. What would be the even more pathetic then the things mentioned is that the WWA would even think of using him again.

Maybe I'm not being entirely fair to Mark Erickson. I will mention something positive about him. However it may be a long, long time before something comes to mind.

- Mark Erickson: "Ladies and Gentleman, your attention please! Wrestling fans around the world, my name is Mark Erickson welcone to the Rod Laver Tennis Center, here in Melbourne Australia! The World Wrestling Allstar wrestling extravanga, ERUPTION! Please welcome your play-by-play announcer, first of all the voice of World Wrestling Allsports ... Allstars ... Association, Jeremy Borash!"

Mark Erickson gazes at the entranceway looking for Borash to appear.

- Disco Inferno: "He's right here! Right here! We're here already! Announce the match!"

- Mark Erickson: "And his announcing partner from Melbourne, Australia, please welcome, The Disco Inferno!"

The Disco Inferno stands up and poses. The crowd boo.

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