In the aftermath of the team’s historic Grey Cup victory Sunday night, Blue Bombers fans may have noticed star defensive end Willie Jefferson sporting a wrestling championship belt, customized in blue and gold.
The creator of that belt is 12-year season ticket holder Tony Carvalho, a.k.a. “Tony Tones”, part of a group of fans who developed wrestling alter egos for Bomber games.
“Last year, I made a cheap little belt out of some vinyl and whatnot, and this year, I decided it just felt right that we had to take it to the next level,” Carvalho told 680 CJOB.
“We were sitting in row four (at the Grey Cup), and I managed to squeak down to the first row because someone had moved out of the way.
“Willie J. had just made another big play and he came to the sidelines. He looked up at me… I showed it to him, and he was all about it. He represented that Blue Bomber belt good.”
The belt – proudly worn by Jefferson – made its way into the dressing room celebrations and was prominently featured in post-game photos and videos.
Carvalho said the entire Grey Cup experience was indescribable as a longtime fan who supported the Bombers through thick and (mostly) thin.
“The buzz… I’m still buzzin’. Just an absolute loss of words,” he said. “I’m just so happy I never gave up on my team.”
Carvalho said he’s hoping to meet up with Jefferson at Tuesday’s parade to get the now-famous belt back.
“Technically, Willie J’s still got my belt. That’s gotta come back home.”
Update: After the story initially aired, Jefferson got in touch with 680 CJOB and said he still has the belt and will be giving it back.