The WWE tried to prevent us from running our Sommelier Smackdown classes (they claimed it violated their trademarks) In turn, I turned it into a media feeding frenzy. It was a fun little adventure in going up against a national company.
How did we do? Well, we still run that food and wine tasting class!
In honor of Vince McMahon and the WWE
Philadelphia, PA. Outgunned perhaps, but not outwitted, The Wine School of Philadelphia’s very own Keith Wallace laid down the gauntlet last week when he challenged Vince McMahon and Chris Jerico to a Sommelier Smackdown challenge. The whole thing started when McMahon issued a cease and desist ordering the school to stop using what [he claims] is his trademark word: “smackdown.”
Wallace has not yet heard from either McMahon or the WWE’s lawyers. Nonetheless, he’s organized The Big Red Smackdown to take place Saturday, November 28, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, at The Wine School of Philadelphia.
“The LA Times, Wine Business News, the Inquirer, all ran with this story,” says Wallace. “But imagine my surprise when no less than a dozen pro wrestling online news sources picked up the story, a number of them making it the story of the day.”
“And I always imagined these big lugs knocking back cans upon cans of light beer.”
So, in honor of these (presumed) wine-appreciating wrestlers, Wallace organized the Big Red Smackdown because it’ll be darn fun. This particular match will feature reds coming from the school’s top instructors’ cellars.
That’s right; we will be pouring and arguing the merits of their favorite red wines. And the first folks to snatch up these tickets are in for one delicious and rumbling good time.