I met Shawn back on April 9, 1999 in St. Charles, MO., which is a suburb of St. Louis. He was Commissioner at the time, and he was there to promote the upcoming RAW in May (I was going). Sadly that RAW ended up being RAW is Owen. He was on a local radio station that morning (funny/charming, and I taped it so can I relive it), visited St. Louis Children's Hospital (it was on the local news so I recorded it-it was sweet!), and was having an autograph session at Bud's Place, a boat seller.
I was maybe 10th in line (there was no way I was missing it) so I had a good view of his arrival. I could see him and Rebecca, the newlyweds, going inside the store and talking w/employees beforehand which was indescribable. When he came out, it was absolute pandemonium. The crowd was huge for someone who wasn't on TV regularly(not much at all at the time). It actually looked like HE was surprised by the turnout. He looked fantastic and even more gorgeous in person. His hair was shoulder length and it was pushed back by sunglasses. He had on black jeans and an all black t-shirt. He even had a slight stubble (sexy!). I'm almost positive he had his wedding band tattoo. As the line got closer, I got more nervous b/c I wasn't sure how I'd react. I had printed out the picture I wanted him to sign-it was he and Hunter from Raw when they're making fun of Bret Hart and they have those shocked looks on their faces. When I actually got up to him, I couldn't say anything. At first he didn't notice I had a picture so he started to go for the flyers that were provided. Just then I put my picture on the table for him to sign (I was in shock he was right in front of me so I was slow to move!). He started to sign it and I managed to say, "That's one of my favorites" or something close and he took a 2nd look at the picture and chuckled. I picked it up and moved on. The whole way home I was in amazement: I met Shawn Michaels. I'm glad I have proof of my day (radio, TV, pictures, autograph) or otherwise I'd thought I was dreaming.
Diane