Interview with Rich Achberger
The “WWE Sign Guy”

Rick tell us about being the Sign guy and how you got this title?

Wow. Well I guess back in 1997, I got front row tickets to a RAW is War event in Dallas. I have watched the WWF for years and always wanted to bring signs to a televised event. I brought a few signs, one of which was a sign for The Nation of Domination. It had Cartman from South Park in a NOD uniform. Cartman was pulling his pants down and farting. The sign said “Nation of Flatulation”. Mark Henry did not think this sign was very funny. After his match, he came over and ripped my sign to shreds. I thought this was the coolest thing ever! Not only did a get too see a great show, but I got to interact with the Superstars as well. I was hooked. I started going to several WWE shows a year.
 
I guess a few years later I was at another WWE event wearing a red hat and blue workman shirt. I was really sticking it to a Superstar all night. (I cant really remember who. Kid Kash?) My buddy and I were going to the same show the next night in a different city. I thought, you know what? I’m gonna wear the same thing I did last night so that guy knows its me again! The outfit kind of stuck after that. I would bring several different signs to each show and peolple would come up to me and say, “Hey! You are that guy with the signs. You’re that sign guy!” The name really stuck after the WWE did a piece on me on a show of theirs called WWE Confidential.

I saw you at the Wichita Kansas events in the past, I see you all over the Country, tell us how many events and what the deal is, alot of people think your employeed by WWE?
 
I try to go to 40 to 50 WWE events a year. Yeah, people do think I work for the WWE as a plant. I really dont. I just love to go to the shows as much as possible. Why not go do what you love as much as you can? Life’s too short! Some think I go to EVERY show. This is so not true. 

Where do you get the sign ideas, cause they are great stuff?
 
Thanks but some of the Superstars think otherwise! Haha. I have boxes full of sign ideas written on napkins, toilet paper, letters, notebooks, whatever. The ideas hit me usually when I’m watching Raw or Smackdown. 

What do you think of the internet and the so called Internet wrestling community?

I think its ok. You can focus on any sport and there are several fans who like to express there opinion via internet. I dont follow it too much. Alot of times they report things that are not true. 
 
The WWE in the 1980′s had a guy named Ivan who was working for the US post office and went to all events and became a fixture, you have become a fixture your thoughts?

I dont know. I just love watching the WWE on TV and have a huge passion for seeing it live and interacting with the talent. 

What do you think of the current product and the CM Punk issues?

I love Punk and his character.  I really dont know if his contract was up or if the whole thing was a work, I dont know. I do know that it was extremely entertaining.

Your a WWE guy and have been identifed with Vince and Co, what are your thoughts on ROH,TNA,etc.?

I really cant answer that because I dont watch the other companies on a regular basis. I can say I sure do miss some of those guys and girls that were in WWE and now with them. I hit some of those shows from time to time to mess with them.

What has been your favorite memory of wrestling?

There have been so many. I do remember once at a WWE house show in Tyler, TX. I was doing my usual annoying yelling and sign holding. Tyson Tomko came out and looked at me and then went under the ring. He pulled out a giant sign that said, “SIGN GUY SUCKS” and it was signed by the whole roster. I had a tear in my eye. That was so cool. I had it framed and its hanging over my fireplace. 
 
I notice your an STP fan, what do you think of music and wrestling and why they go together so well?
 
I have a big love for music and concerts. I without a doubt go to more concerts than wrestling events! Well, they both are trying to put on the best show they can.

Your on twitter, what do you think of the whole twitter fad with fans being able to interact and all with the stars, they worship and follow?

I think its a great thing!! Its cool to see yet another picture of Natalya’s cat! haha. No, I really like it. I wasnt going to do it until I found out someone was impersonating me. Who would be that nuts???

James Lowe
Project Backstage Contributor