The Shot to the Top PL Myers

"The Shot to the Top" PL Myers is truly one of a kind. A successful wrestling manager, founder of the Chicago Connection (of which I am a proud member), an author (Gate to Gate), Pl has carved quite a career.

I first met him when he was a manager (and part-owner) at PCW, a great, although now gone, independent wrestling company. PL did the seemingly impossible there. He stayed in heel character, but still check on fans making sure all were having a good time.

Along the way, we became friends, especially after we reconnected at Resistance Pro Wrestling. I was honored and humbled when he asked me to join his Hero TV show. Covid caused Comcast to change procedures, so Hero TV is on hiatus, but it will return in some  form.

Speaking of returning, Chicagoland Championship Wrestling returns Sunday, October 9, after Covid also delayed their shows. PL brings his Chicago Connection to cause havoc and win titles in CCW and I will be there "On the Beat" and supporting my Connection brothers.

For more info, go to ChicagolandChampionshipWrestling.com. Also, check here for my coverage before and after the return of PL and CCW!

PL Myers and me in Addison, IL-November 2019.

On the Beat With John Cosper

Earlier this week, I caught up with writer, author and wrestling historian John Cosper. In addition to wrestling, John is also an accomplished fiction author, who just released two new books. We talked about all of this in our interview at On the Beat With John Cosper.

“Girl Most Likely to Kill You” is available now and “Zombies of Oz” will be released this weekend. John gives a spoiler-free sneak peak at his two newest works, as well as a look ahead at the next book in the Dead Park series. 

Of course, John never strays too far from wrestling. He's currently working on books with wrestlers Dean Hill and Mad Man Pondo and  broadcaster Dean Hill.

John tells a few Pondo tales and we both share our appreciation for the veteran wrestler. This will be the second Pondo book and we agree Pondo probably has enough stories to fill several books and many would be stranger than fiction.

We finish our interview discussing the latest in Ohio Valley Wrestling. WWE legend Al Snow continues to do great things at OVW. John shares his thoughts on the talented roster and events.

Whether through his wrestling books, his event recaps or his talent evaluations, John always provides great wrestling content. Additionally, his fiction is a quick diversion from the squared circle.

I appreciate John's time and thoughts. I also am grateful for his ever-growing section on my bookshelf.

Go to DeadParkBooks.com and EatSleepWrestle.com for all info on John's books. Check back here and TheEveryDayFan.com for more interviews and wrestling coverage.

On the Beat With John Bullard of Chicagoland Championship Wrestling

It's been a while, but I was back “On the Beat” talking wrestling with John Bullard of Chicagoland Championship Wrestling. That interview is at On the Beat With John Bullard.

Enduring a hiatus due to world events, CCW is back and looking stronger than ever. After a great debut in October 2020, CCW followed with another fantastic event in June 2021. It's been a bumpy ride through the pandemic for everyone, but CCW weathered the storm. In the absence of live shows, Bullard kept busy by building CCW on other levels.

On October 9, CCW is back with The Return, called a Two Year Anniversary Super Show. 

We started the interview by discussing all of this. Putting together a show like this is not an easy task. Coordinating schedules of  international and local stars is a daunting task, but Bullard got it done.

From there, we discussed the Indiana and Chicago area independent wrestling scene, working with other promotions, the future of CCW and more. Bullard discussed several partnerships, including the latest with Liquid Death Mountain Water.

Before finishing our chat, I asked Bullard about his musical endeavors. A skilled musician, he has a lot of fantastic videos on YouTube.

Back in action, CCW has a bright future. Bullard promised to return for an update interview as things develop.

I appreciate Bullard's time and consideration. Check back here and TheEveryDayFan.com for coverage and a recap of CCW's The Return, as well as other wrestling coverage.

On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt & Joey Roth of Chicagoland Championship Wrestling

Last October, Chicagoland Championship Wrestling debuted in Michigan City, Indiana. On Saturday, June 12, CCW returns for their second show and what a show it will be!

As last time, I again talked to Steve Ahrendt and Joey Roth, who watched the show up close as the broadcast team. Who better to speak of the product than the two men who called the action?

CCW's debut show was sold out, as is this upcoming show. You will still be able to watch it though on several platforms sometime soon after the event.

On June 12, CCW Saturday Night Grapplemasters features the following matches:

• UHC Title Match-Jay Kross vs. Ewokk
• The Sin City Playboys w/Beau Anderson vs. Air Country
• No Coast vs. Triibunal
• Marshe "All Day" Rockett vs. Chris Moore
• Wolf Yokai Dojo vs. THE ARC w/Jackson P. Larkin
• Youth Gone Wild vs. The Outrunners
• Main Event-CCW Title-The Fro-Gun vs. The Shogun Chris L.O.G.A.N.

As Steve, Joey and I discuss in the interview, any of those matches could be a headline match. CCW owner-promoter John Bullard built a card full of top notch talent pitted against each other.

The above match list doesn't even include the Chicago Connection led by "The Shot to the Top" P.L. Myers, one of best managers in the business. Nor does it mention C Red, another top manager, who is also a veteran wrestler. There's also Garrisaon Creed, Chip Walker and others. They will all be there June 12.

Much like John built this card, he has built CCW. Despite delays and obstacles caused by the pandemic, John has methodically built a wrestling company from the ground up. Taking no shortcuts, he has gotten the top talent, partnered with excellent companies and has his product shown on major broadcast platforms.

Wrestling is full of hyperbole. As a reporter, I must separate hype from reality. I don't work for CCW, nor am I part of the show. If I didn't believe in the product, I might not bash it, but I certainly wouldn't praise it.

It seems a new wrestling company debuts every month. Great hype and anticipation comes with each announcement. CCW quickly set itself apart from the pack however. Most of the buzz surrounding CCW comes from the talent and the fans. For the most part, John has allowed his product to do the talking.

Steve, Joey and I discuss all of this and more. There's not a dull moment with these two. They are entertaining on the broadcasts, in interviews or just chatting casually.

Since I do not work for CCW and this event is sold out, why am I writing about it? I believe in the product and I want to expose the product to others. CCW's third show is August 21 and it isn't sold out...yet. Tickets will be selling fast at the June 12 show though. Wrestling fans or anyone who simply likes entertainment should get a ticket to the August 21 show ASAP, because when I write my recap of the June 12 show here, I might be talking about another sell out already.

As always, I thank Joey and Steve for their time and consideration. I also thank CCW and John for allowing me access to the product and talent roster.

Our interview can be found at On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt & Joey Roth of Chicagoland Championship Wrestling. For more info, check out ChicagolandChampionshipWrestling.com.

On the Beat With Joey Roth and Steve Ahrendt of Chicagoland Championship Wrestling-10/19/20

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of being back "On the Beat" with Joey Roth and Stever Ahrendt, the broadcast team for Chicagoland Championship Wrestling. A few weeks ago, prior to the debut of CCW on October 3, I interviewed the pair which can be found at On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt and Joey Roth.

Now, a couple weeks after the debut, it was time for an update. Steve and Joey talked about the debut, their predictions for the title match, thoughts on CCW in general, the next CCW show on April 17, 2021 and more. Who better to discuss CCW's debut, than the two men who sat 10 feet from the ring, watching the action closely. Having these guys talk about anything is entertaining.

I appreciate Steve and Joey for their time, consideration, humor and friendship. I encourage everyone to follow both on social media. Also, go to ChicagolandChampionshipWrestling.com for all of the info on CCW. As always, check back here for my recurring coverage. 

On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt and Joey Roth of Chicagoland Championship Wrestling

Chicagoland Championship Wrestling debuts tonight in Michigan City IN. A couple days ago, I was "On the Beat" with Steve Ahrendt and Joey Roth, who will be handling the broadcast.

When I interviewed CCW owner John Bullard, he spoke very highly of the broadcast team he put together. Ordinarily, I might think this was the usual promotion any good owner would do. In John's case, it is promotion, but it is straight from his heart. I know John well enough to know he really believes in this duo.

I agree with John's assessment. I have seen Joey in action at wrestling events and even as the interviewer for Johngy's Beat. I have also seen Steve, but only on videos. The duo promises to be electric. While I will be at the event, I will also listen later when the video is available, because I want to hear these two describe the action.

I don't know if this interview is the first time Steve an Joey appeared together as the broadcast team, but I am claiming it as such. If it's not the first, it is close enough.

Steve and Joey talked about the debut event, what brought them to CCW, their thoughts on owner John and more, including giving a prediction for the threeway heavyweight championship match pitting Marshe Rocket versus Garrisaon Creed versus Chris Logan.

I am excited about CCW's debut and hearing Steve and Joey on commentary. They are good guys and very talented. Owner John is the same. When you have good people, who are talented, coming together to start a new company, good things will follow and I am happy to be a part of it from the beginning.

It all starts tonight. Come out to Michigan City or watch it on Amazon Prime. Just don't miss it! 

Thank you to Steve and Joey for their time and consideration. Thanks to John for giving me access.I appreciate all of them/

Go to ChicagolandChampionshipWrestling.com for more info. Also, check the Chicagoland Championship Facebook page for more frequent updates.

On the Beat With John Bullard of Chicagoland Championship Wrestling

Yesterday, I featured wrestler Tully Bertorelli, who will be part of the inaugural Chicagoland Championship Wrestling event on October 3 in Michigan City, IN. Today, I present my second interview with John Bullard, the owner-promoter of CCW.

Television host, wrestling promoter and man of many more hats John started promoting CCW many months ago on social media. The pandemic forced a delay, but John used the extra time to make the debut bigger and better.

I had the pleasure of interviewing John a few months ago. That intro interview can be found at On the Beat With John Bullard on YouTube. A lot has happened in the 5 months since, including the rescheduling of CCW's debut. That brings us to last Thursday, when I revisited John for an update on CCW's debut event.

The night's wrestling card has shaped up nicely, despite the unfortunate injury to Vic Capri. John stated that Capri will still be at the show to meet fans and to watch the action. John also announced the new main event as Marshe Rocket vs. Garrisaon Creed vs. Chris Logan in a three-way for the CCW Heavyweight Championship. Any two of these athletes battling would be a main event. Having all three compete raises the level even higher.

John was kind enough to answer questions sent to me from the first interview. In this interview, John discussed the future tag team situation, a possible Women's title, the health precautions and safety measures at the event and more.

We also talked about the pairing of Steve Ahrendt and Joey Roth on commentary. That duo has the potential to be gold on the broadcast. I won't hear them live, since I'll be at the show, but I will definitely rewatch it on video and on the DVD when that is released. John gave info on both of those viewing options, too.

Lastly, I asked John about the rumblings from the famous Chicago Connection. For 20 years, the Chicago Connection has been the dominant force on the local wrestling scene and leader PL Myers seems to have plans for CCW. John was just as mystified by the recent actions of the Chicago Connection, but he assured me that he and his security staff are ready for anything.

The more we talked, the more excited I got for this event. I have seen a lot of wrestling companies come and go over the years. Some are still standing, while others were “one and done.” Chicagoland Championship Wrestling has been built on a solid foundation and will have staying power. John has big plans and a grand vision, but he is building things the right way. He has already secured broadcasting on Amazon Prime and is working on other possibilities. He has brought in a nice mix of wrestling talent. No matter who walks away with the Heavyweight Championship, that title will be around the waist of a deserving champ.

I always must state I am not employed by Chicagoland Championship Wrestling. As a pop culture reporter, I am always looking for fun new events. While wrestling isn't new, the CCW version is going to put a new spin on it and that is why I approached John about covering it. John graciously granted me press credentials and I will be at the inaugural show doing interviews and other fun stuff to be reported here.

Chicagoland Championship Wrestling debuts Saturday, October 3 at the American Legion #451 in Michigan City, Indiana. The doors open at 6 pm CST and bell time is 7 pm CST. This promises to be a debut like no other. This promises to be a night like no other!

Go to ChicagolandChampionshipWrestling.com for more info. Also, check the Chicagoland Championship Wrestling Facebook for more frequent updates.