C Red Appreciation

I first met C Red about 12 years ago. Red was a manager-broadcaster at Resistance Pro. I quickly grew to like Red.

While at RPro, Red started POP (Positive Outreach Program). Red coordinated RPro visits to schools for various events. Sometimes there were just talks. Other times there were games and contests. There were even a few wrestling matches. The students loved these visits and all from RPro always enjoyed reaching out to these kids.

At one of the first POP events, I attended intending to report on it. Red approached me and told me I would be speaking with the wrestlers. When I stated I appreciated him including me, but I was not a wrestler, he repeated I would be speaking, since I was there. We all were volunteering and we all had stories. I gained a new appreciation for Red.

After RPro ended, it was a long while before I saw Red again, but when I did, we hugged for a long time, like old friends do. It was great seeing him again. Since then, I have seen Red several times and it is always special.

In the world of wrestling (or the world in general), folks like Red are unique. As entertaining as he is in any role in wrestling, he is even more special as a person. A big heart, a big smile and a hug always come from Red.

Red is too humble to accept any of this, but it's al true. Red is one of the best things to come from my RPro experience..

C Red and me in Joliet, IL-October 2024.

The "Or Else" Podcast: Episode 13 POP With C Red

The newest episode of The "Or Else" podcast is up on Soundcloud. On Episode 13, POP with C Red, we talk to RPro original C Red, who was the driving force behind the POP (Positive Outreach Program).

I never knew C Red prior to RPro, but I had heard of him. Still, no story could really capture the essence of him. Clothed in red, he was quite a character in and out of the ring. I really enjoyed his work, as did the fans. C Red and da Soul Touchaz were very popular.

I remember talking to C Red about his idea for the POP program. I Immediately loved the idea and promised to help in any way I could. Having had a bit of a rough early childhood, I knew how much young students would love RPro to be involved in any way.

The first POP event was held at the Southside Occupational Academy, where C Red teaches and wonderful work is being done with students who have various challenges in their lives. I thought I would be in my usual role as reporter, but C Red informed me I would be speaking with the rest of the RPro team, which included Billy Corgan.

I was unprepared and surprised to be included, but I figured if I was going to speak, I would tell the truth. I spoke of my childhood problems and how I shouldn't even had been alive. I just figured the students needed to see that obstacles could be overcome. They needed to hear that there are many roads in life.

I started late in life as a writer/ I never expected to be part of a wrestling company. Yet, here I was, sharing a stage with the owners and other wrestlers. Even if I started younger, I could never have been a wrestler, but I could still be involved, be productive and still have a lot of fun. I wanted to tell the students that if I could be where I am today, they could make it, too.

I think my RPro team was a bit shocked at my story, since I had never told it to any of them. I've never even told it to most of my close friends or here. I simply felt I owed it to C Red and the kids to be honest and tell the whole story.

After the event, Billy brushed my handshake away in favor of a big hug. He commented that I was really a part of the RPro team at that point. That meant a lot to me.

Driving home from that event and all future OP events, I felt amazing. It's cliche, but if we affected one student in a positive way, every effort was worth it. Looking at the faces and hearing their words, I know POP touched many students.

I owe that all to RPro and specifically C Red. I hope I conveyed my appreciation properly in Episode 13 of The "Or Else" podcast. I didn't want to go into all of this on the podcast, because it was about C Red, not me. Johngy's Beat is my forum though.

In addition to POP, C Red has been a great friend. He's been great to me with interviews, casual chatting and just goofing around. You just have to like this guy!

Check out The "Or Else" podcast Episode 13: POP With CRed on Soundcloud. You can also check out all of the other episodes of The "Or Else" podcast.

Tommy Else, C Red and me in Glen Ellyn, IL-May 2018.

The "Or Else" Podcast: Episode 13: Kickball

The latest episode of The "Or Else" podcast is up on Soundcloud and it is jam-packed with stuff. In one short hour, we crammed in a wrestling event, a comic con , a kickball tournament and more.
Episode 13 starts with us talking about RPro's "Lights Out" event at Bourbon Street, a great place for wrestling. We follow that laughing about the fun we had at Wizard World 2013. We end it with more laughs about our experience playing kickball for charity (spoiler: one of us got a hit and scored!).
This episode is especially meaningful for me. It starts with wrestling, but ends with fun and friendships. Tommy Else, C Red, Barry Ryte and me are four guys who probably wouldn't have met, let alone become friends, without RPro. Within a couple years fo the debut of RPro, there we were participating in a charity kickball tournament.
The picture below says it all. (Sorry, Barry had left by that point.) The beautiful Chicago skyline is in the background, as we celebrate an amazing day. It may be cliche, the bonds made through RPro are strong and wonderful. In doing "The "Or Else" podcast, I get to relive these moments and remember how much fun I had. The six years flew by quickly and sometimes events are forgotten or blurred. With The "Or Else" podcast, they are coming alive for me and hopefully for the listeners who were part of this journey. This is Tommy's story at heart, but it's my story, too. It's the story for all who were part of RPro.
My little cousin Noah is another example. While he has only been to a few shows, he did some interviews for Johngy's Beat at those shows and at the RPro booth at Wizard World. That was always surreal to me. I grew up with his dad and to see Noah interact with the RPro talent was just so cool for me. I might be biased, but I always found his RPro interviews to be highly entertaining. The wrestlers always delivered in those interviews.
I hope the listeners are enjoying the ride. The feedback has been excellent so far. What started as a plan for a handful of episodes has grown into another great experience because of RPro.
Check out The "Or Else" podcast Episode 13: Kickball on Soundcloud. You can also listen to all of the episodes at The "Or Else" podcast main page on Soundcloud.

C Red, Tommy Else and me in Chicago, IL-Summer 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Deonte Thompson and C Red

I don't think I am revealing any major secret by talking about C Red's "other" life.  It's well known around here and he freely talks about both parts of his life.

C Red is a teacher on the south side of Chicago.  He is dedicated and passionate about his job and his calling.  It's heart-warming to see him work so tenderly with these students after seeing the showy, bombastic performer in the wrestling world.

Every year, C Red organizes a wrestling show at the school.  I have been at several of these shows and I will continue to do whatever I can to help at these shows.  It s the least I can do and I am proud to be a small part of the day.

C Red is the true hero though.  Wrestlers and helpers join the cause because we loved C Red and we respect what he does (in both worlds).  The students absolutley love these shows.  Seeing their eyes and hearing their cheers is really one of the highlights of my year.

There are also other events at the school.  It's not unusual to see celebrities or athletes visiting there.  Such was the case when Deonte Thompson of the Chicago Bears appeared there for an event.

I meet a lot of celebrities, who are role models for youngsters.  With no disrespect to any of them, there is no better role model than C Red.

Deonte Thompson and Sean Young in Chicago, IL-August 2017.

Seeing C Red

I first met C Red through Resistance Pro Wresting.  I had the pleasure of working with him for a few years there.  Unfortunately, C Red left the organization and I don't see him often.  Last Saturday, at "A Benefit for Thailand Volunteer Work," was one of those times and it was great seeing him again.

It figures that he would be at the benefit show.  He gives a lot to his students (he is a teacher in his day job).  He is a fantastic teacher in and out of school.  At RPro, he started an outreach program.  Participating in that was one of my proudest moments.

He is a teacher in and out of school, in and out of the ring.  I have seen him with students and wrestlers.  He is a giver.

Like most people, C Red has his share of problems, but he has a strong belief system and he is always positive.  I love this guy.

If you happen to see C Red at a wrestling show, know that he will entertain you.  If you see him in school, he will educate you.  If you know him, you are better for doing so.  The world needs more C Red.  Fortunately, even if I don't see him often enough, I feel lucky to have him as a friend.

C Red and me in Summit, IL-February 2016.

C Red and Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program (POP)

I have written many times about Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program (POP), but a cause as good as this deserves every bit of exposure it gets.  I am honored to help spread the word.

POP is supported by RPro owners Jacques and Gabe Baron.  They also participate in all POP events, as do many members of the RPro organization, from wrestlers to staffers.  POP is definitely a company-wide passion, but the man behind it all is C Red.

He already was a director, manager, broadcaster and wrestler, when he added POP to his full plate.  Despite juggling all of these roles, C Red never complains and always smiles.  That's because he is doing what he loves and he is setting the example for the rest of us.

POP was given life through C Red's vision and hard work.  It has grown because of those same qualities.  Oh sure, we all pitch in, but C Red is the driving force.

I chose to feature POP in my second article for Tru School Sports, because aside from the wrestling, it is the most important part of RPro.  In many ways, it is even more important than the wrestling.

That article can be found at on TSS at Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program.  I hope you all read it and learn a bit more about C Red and POP.  I am lucky to know such fine people as C Red and to be involved in something so great as POP.

C Red and me in Merrionette Park, IL-July 2013.

On the Beat at Resistance Pro's "Draw the Line"

The last Resistance Pro show was dedicated to United States veterans and they packed the house.  It was the usual great RPro event, plus the added bobus of giving back to the veterans for their service.

Speaking of the veterans, we got an interview with C Red, a veteran of the service.  He spoke on what this show means to him and the others.

We also spoke to Mickie Knuckles.  Knuckles left me with a unique and much-appreciated gift.

While Special Correspondent JayHawk Evans was interviewing Head Ref Robert King, they were interrupted by Robert's brother Justin.  They also were interrupted by "The Ego" Robert Anthony and Knuckles.  Lastly, all heck broke loose and the interview had to be continued in another room.

Finally, we talked to Warden Myers.  This interview was also interrupted.  Rival Manager C Red injected a little soul into the segment.

The next show is Friday night.  "Practice What You Prewch" promises to be another awesome night of entertainment.

On the Beat with Resistance Pro Wrestling at "Deliverance"

Resistance Pro's "Deliverance" was another great night of entertainment.  As usual, JohngysBeat.com was there to enjoy the evening, but also to record some fun interviews with the stars at R Pro.

I started the night by interviewing C Red.  Despite being the successful manager of da Soul Touchaz and one of the fascinating R Pro broadcasters, this interview focused mostly on R Pro's Positive Outreach Program" (POP).  C Red discussed the origin, growth and future of POP.

We finally got Lucy Mendez back for an interview.  Recently voted "The sexiest Female Wrestler in the Midwest," Mendez discussed that award, her love of the St. Louis Cardinals and more in this fun exchange.

JohngysBeat.com's Special Correspondent Jonathan McMahon took the interview spot by landing Jake O'Neill.  This, too, focused mainly on the POP program.  O'Neill also talked about his future in R Pro.

The Slobberknockers have been part of R Pro in various roles since the beginning.  They finally got a shot in the ring (against the tag team champs, no less) and we talked to them immediately after their match.  This is emotional, inspirational and fun.

Justin King was not scheduled for an interview, but that did not stop him from making his presence felt here.  King interrupted a conversation between Dere and me and also an interview with returning ESV superfan Matt Parker.  King is angry and he let us know about it.

Speaking of ESV superfan, ESV himself (Eric St. Vaughn) took Matt to task over his lack of support over the last several months.  ESV demands a lot of himself and those around him.

This is just a slice of the fun I had at R Pro at "Deliverance."  Next Friday, I am heading out to "Mob Rules" to get more interviews and have more fun.  Sat tuned to the Resistance Facebook page and the JohngysBeat.com Resistance playlist on YouTube for all future R Pro interviews.

On the Beat at Resistance Pro's "Don't Tread"

Last month's Resistance Pro's "Don't Tread" was another excellent show.  If you think I am just repeating myself, I challenge you to come to one of their shows and find out for yourself.  You will be saying the same thing, too.

It was another solid night for JohngysBeat.com, too, as we got several interesting interviews.  "Mr. M80" Marshe Rockett was getting shot at Jocephus Brody's title.  We talked to Marshe before his match and got his thoughts, along with the first look at his new shirt available for purchase.

After a year long absence (because of a "Loser leaves R Pro for a year" match with "The Ego" Robert Anthony), Mr. 450 returned and was looking for revenge.  We talked to him about what he had been doing and what his future holds.

Warden Myers is right in the middle of the action as always.  Two of his inmates were fighting for freedom, but one chose not to fight.  The Warden is never without a backup plan though.  He had two new men under his thumb, although he wouldn't reveal them during the interview.  (Johngy's Beat does give the reveal in it though.)

Chris Hall revealed his new shirt, but did not reveal his latest career path.  (Check back to the Warden's interview for a little clue.)

Just when I thought I was going to get that interview with Colonel Jesse Corgan, Timekeeper Mike Bellcaster stepped in and ousted me.  I have no idea where this is going, but I do not like it one bit.

Superfan and wrestling columnist Jonathan McMahon made his interview debut on both ends of the questions.  First, I interviewed him about his path to Resistance.  Then he took over the interview duties and got the latest scoop from Scotty Young.  Welcome to the JohngysBeat.com Universe, JMc and thank you.

That's a lot of action for a three hour show and that is just from my end.  The actual R Pro wrestling was even more entertaining.  Plus, I did not even mention the women of the Chicago Bliss who were there again.  Next show, I will have to get their opinions.

Speaking of the next show, it is this Friday, May 16.  "Savage Amusement" promises to be what the title proclaims.  Two days away and I can't wait..

Saluting Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program

Today I am featuring a very special Resistance Pro interview.  As great of a wrestling company as R Pro is, today is not really about wrestling.  Today is about paying forward.  Today is all positive.

Last summer, R Pro's C Red talked to me about a Positive Outreach Program (POP) that he envisioned for R Pro.  I saw the passion in his eyes as he laid out his vision.

Since then, I have watched POP debut, grow and flourish, all under the leadership of C Red.  There are many more people involved and they all deserve credit, but C Red is the driving force.

I cannot express how proud I am to consider C Red a friend.  I am just as proud to be a part of POP.  I did not expect to be more than a reporter, but C Red had me speak at the first POP event and I have been contributing on some level to every event since.

Each event is different, like each school and each student is different.  Whatever POP does is always well-received by the schools.  We all have talked about the chills we get from being at these events.  As C Red says, just making a difference with one kid would make it worthwhile.  POP far exceeds that number every time.

At the end of the interview, C Red gives me some props for my participation.  I was humbled, proud and speechless (for once).  I am taking this time and space to shine the light on C Red and POP>  C Red...thank you.  I love you, friend!

On the Beat with R Pro's Positive Outreach Program

Between games at the Kicks for a Cure event last summer, Resistance Pro's C Red talked about starting a Positive Outreach Program.  He had a vision of R Pro reaching out to youngsters.  A few weeks ago, that vision became a reality when we appeared at the Southside Occupational Academy.  Since then, we have held events at Fenger High School and at Neil Armstrong Elementary School.
I have been privileged and proud to have been at each event.  I have seen the grateful students and teachers. I have also seen the proud, humble and emotional members of the R Pro family.
Each event was a wonderful experience.  Believe me, I got far much more than I gave at each event.  I am sure my friends at R Pro all feel similarly.  Rather than me speak for them, I am including interviews from them right after the events.  I love the passion and emotion.
R Pro is doing something special here.  They are making a difference.  They are proving they are not just a another wrestling company.
After you watch the interviews, head over to the R Pro POP (Positive Outreach Program) Facebook page.  Give it a "LIKE" and show R Pro your support for this great cause.

On the Beat with Resistance Pro Wrestling at "Alive"

Last moth, Resistance Pro Wrestling held "Alive" at St. Laurence High School on the far south side of Chicago.  It had been about 30 years since I stepped foot in St. Laurence and then I was cheering for their rival Mt. Carmel (my alma mater).
"Alive" was a benefit for the St. Laurence wrestling team.  Wrestling Coach Joe Phelan worked hard with the Baron Brothers to make this event special.  The action of the evening did not disappoint.  Once again, R Pro blew the roof off of the place and even got some in-ring help from Coach Joe.
During the course of the night, JohngysBeat.com had the pleasure of interviewing several members of the R Pro roster and Coach Joe, too.  This is an interesting mix of interview subjects.  It includes three relative newcomers (Team I.O.U., Jake O'Neill and Chazz Moretti), two managers (C Red and Warden Myers), the Head of Security (Michael Bradley), the Merchandise Maven (Nicole Bellcaster), two R Pro wrestlers (Jocephus Brody and Eric St. Vaughn) and Coach Joe.
Each brought something new to the interview.  Whether newcomer or R Pro veteran, each is making a difference in R Pro.
This is just one of the beautiful things at R Pro.  There are 10 very different people featured in these interviews.  Some of them will go at it in the ring, but all are great folks outside of the ring.  All have a voice and all contribute to making R Pro the best thing out there.
I thank everyone involved with R Pro.  It has been a great ride and I look forward to staying with R Pro for the long haul.  I encourage everyone to check them out at ResistancePro.com and to check them out in person.  Their next show is Friday (tomorrow) at the Barn in Willowbrook.

On the Beat with Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program

JohngysBeat.com is all about meeting celebrities.  Over the years, I have written about hundreds of celebrities.  Today, I am writing about being with a music legend, two wrestling company owners and several wrestlers, but more important than that, I was with students from the Southside Occupational Academy for the debut of the R Pro Positive Outreach Program.  The full report, including an interview with C Red, the man behind POP, can be found on the Patch at On the Beat with Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program.
R Pro's Creative Director Billy Corgan (also of the Smashing Pumpkins) believed in POP so much that he took time from his insanely busy schedule to be there and speak.  R Pro owners Jacques and Gabriel Baron were both there.  Wrestlers Eric St. Vaughn, Matt Knicks, Marshe Rockett and Suge D were also joined by Michael Bradley and Stoney McGee (both of many roles within R Pro).  This was a large assemblage of talent and all believed enough in the cause and in R Pro to make this happen.
The goal of POP is to be a positive force in the community.  I have seen for the last two years how things don't begin and end with the ring of the bell.  It might sound cliche, but R Pro is really one giant family.  People don't just show up for wrestling and then leave.  We see each other, talk regularly, support each other and do the things that a family does.  I have never felt more accepted by any organization.
The goal of POP and R Pro was to be a positive in the lives of these students (and others in the future).  I gave a bit of my time and walked away feeling more positive than I ever had before.
Thank you C Red.  Thank you R Pro.  I love you all.

The Resistance Pro crew in Chicago, IL-September 2013.

On the Beat with Resistance Pro at Kicks For A Cure

Last Saturday, I had a great time at Kicks For A Cure.  The highlights include Resistance Pro teaming with the New Jersey Grabowskis on the kickball diamond, the event raising over $300,000 and everyone having a lot of fun.  You can read my whole recap at On the Beat with the NJ Grabowskis and Resistance Pro at Kicks For A Cure on the Skokie Patch news site.
This was another example of the amazing experiences I have had and the quality people I have met (and befriended) since I started covering R Pro.  Eric St. Vaughn agreed to help me cover the event and ended up doing double duty as he also played, joining C Red and Barry Ryte.  Gabe, Jacques and Haley Baron were there bright and early to support their guys.
Forget Cosell and Meredith, Caray and Piersall, Foley and Tallon.  Those broadcasting tandems have nothing on Jacques and Gabe.  I was lucky enough to be standing with them as they provided informal play-by-play of the first game.
The R Pro wrestlers were good sports, too.  They had fun in and out of the game, despite their (mostly) lack of productivity.  They even raucously supported me during my one unexpected inning of play, especially when I got a hit and eventually scored.  Will I ever let them live that one down?  Highly unlikely!
Even (or maybe especially) during down time, I had a lot of fun with these guys.  I observed as C Red told some wrestling stories, as ESV picked C Red's wrestling brain a bit and as Barry, C Red and ESV just hung out.  I really shouldn't have said "observed," because I was a participant in all of it.  Not once did they make this non-wrestler feel like an outsider.  In fact, as always, it was quite the opposite.  They are very inclusive.
Below is my official video recap of my day at Kicks For A Cure.  A year ago, I would have left it at that.  Now though, I feel very much a part of the R Pro family and like a good family we poke and jab at each other.  You have to know there are video outtakes and I own all of the video footage.  There will be some stuff put up soon.
If you missed Kicks For A Cure, you can catch the R Pro guys at Stick It To Ya on July 26, in Willowbrook, IL.  I am quite sure you will enjoy C Red, ESV, Barry Ryte and the rest of the R Pro roster as much as I do.
I would like to publicly thank Greg and Chris Olsen, the Receptions for Research Foundation, Kicks For A Cure, Julie Hamm, Jon Heselica and the New Jersey Grabowskis, Resistance Pro and all else involved in this great event.  I also want to thank R Pro once again for making me feel a part of the R Pro family.

C Red Kicks for a Cure

At Resistance Pro Wrestling, C Red calls the action with Zach Thompson.  He also gets involved in the action by managing the tag team known as Da Soul Touchaz.  C Red is very entertaining in either role.  This Saturday, June 29, C Red will be in another role, that as a kickballer.  More precisely, he will be one of thousands who will be supporting Kicks For a Cure.
Kicks for A Cure is an annual kickball tournament held each summer at Grant Park in Chicago.  Kickball teams compete and raise money to help fight cancer and support Receptions for Research, the Foundation started by former Chicago Bears and current Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen.  Olsen's mother survived her battle with cancer.
C Red will be participating on a team with other R Pro stars including Barry Ryte and Ashton Vuitton.  His excitement about Kicks For a Cure was evident when he told me, "I'm involved because I know this is a great cause. Helping people is something that I feel strongly about and raising money is one way to help. I hope others will support Resistance Pro, the Chicago Bears, Greg Olsen and donate to this cause! I'm proud that I can help out for a great fun day!"
I have met C Red many times and have always been entertained by him.  Saturday, I will see him once again.  I am sure I will be entertained, but I will also be very proud to know him and to help promote and cover this great event.
For more info on this great event, check out KicksForaCure.mytmc.com, ReceptionsforResearch.org and the Kicks For A Cure Facebook page.

C Red and me in Merrionette Park, IL-May 2013.