[1][2] Each year, the event would feature the Gilbert family receiving a plaque from promoter Dennis Coralluzzo.
[3] In 1998, the show came under some criticism when Coralluzzo was alleged to have used the in-ring plaque presentation to publicly attack Paul Heyman, as did the Gilbert family,[4] provoking a verbal altercation between himself and ECW fans in attendance.
[5] Mick Foley made an appearance at the first convention[6] and later expressed his regret in not wrestling the first show.
[13] It has been suggested by some in the industry, such as former wrestlers Bob Blackburn and Buddy Landel, that the shows have been used to financially exploit Gilbert's death.
[14] Landel, a regular performer for the NWA shows, initially declined Ian Rotten's offer to appear for IWA Mid South's memorial show for this reason.