Blizzard Brawl Returns!

The 20th annual Blizzard Brawl was another fantastic event. It was full of surprises and good news.

Held at the Waukesha County Expo, Blizzard Brawl is Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's big event of the year. There was talk of this being the last. Even promoter David Herro admitted he was unsure of its future.

Fortunately, David ended the suspense right away by announcing Blizzard Brawl 2026 would happen. It would be held in Milwaukee though. David said it will hold more fans, allowing for lower prices. As long as it returns, the rest is just an added bonus.

David works tirelessly to make Blizzard Brawl a great event. He is also very visible there, talking to and thanking fans. David always looks relaxed and in control, which is great to see in a promoter. It is also because things run so smoothly at Blizzard Brawl. That's more kudos to David and his staff.

As always, I'll be featuring more folks from Blizzard Brawl throughout the year, but I wanted to start with the man where it starts. David is more than a promoter. He is a #Superfriend (as he calls his circle of buds).

Speaking of David, I highly encourage everyone to watch The Herro's Journey about David's incredible life. It is not a wrestling movie. It is a movie about a man and his son (Kal). I guarantee it will bring smiles, laughs and tears.

Go to GLCWWrestling.com for more info on all of their great events. Check back here for my recurring coverage.

David Herro and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2025.

Friend Encounters: Kal and David Herro

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

This is a fun Friend Encounters. Ten or so years ago, it would be celebrity David Herro and his son Kal. Now, it is celebrity Kal and his dad David. Ever humble and proud, David would have it no other way.

While David was making a name for himself as a wrestling promoter, among other business ventures, young Kal was absorbing all in the wrestling world. When he was old enough, Kal joined Ohio Valley Wrestling, run by WWE legend Al Snow. With a lot of hard work, including overcoming injuries, Kal became the OVW champ. Nobody was more proud than papa David, even if David now got second billing. LOL

Never was their dynamic more visible than the premiere of The Herro's Journey, a documentary on David's life. In the film and at the showing, the mutual love, respect and bond was evident.

It is a pleasure knowing both of these men and to call them friends. Saturday at the 20th Blizzard Brawl, I will see these men again!

On a related note, I encourage everyone to check The Herro's Journey. It's the story of a great man and a wonderful relationship with his son, with wrestling as a backdrop. It's heartwarming and uplifting and be prepared to shed a tear or two. I know I did.

David and Kal in Bend, WI-May 2025.

Dave and Kal Herro at Fan Expo

Fan Expo returns to Chicago (Rosemont) August 15-17. As always, I will be "On the Beat" all weekend.

Last year, a special attraction was a preview of The Herro's Journey, the documentary about Wisconsin wrestling promoter David Herro. It's a story about a man and his son, with wrestling as the backdrop, but you don't have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy it.

David and his son Kal were there, as were director Danny Reyes and producer David Vox Mullen. Also there were many friends I met through wrestling, like Sandra. The preview was followed by a Q&A. The crowd applauded all throughout the short preview and after the event ended. Despite it being only a sneak look, it still triggered emotions and chills as we saw David in a new light.

After the event, we chatted in several different groups. We were all excited about seeing it come to fruition, which it recently did. I interviewed Daid a few weeks ago about the whole process.

To watch o\my interview with David, go to On the Beat with David Herro. For more info on FanExpo go to fanexpohq.com. Also, check here for my recurring coverage.

Kal, David, Sandra and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2024.

David Herro of The Herro's Journey

Over the last couple weeks, I wrote about the premiere of The Herro's Journey, as well as interviewed Producer David Vox Mullen and Director Danny Reyes. Today, I feature an interview with David Herro, the subject of the documentary.

The Herro's Journey gave a great look into the man and father David is. My goal here is to share that with my readers and also to thank David for years of entertainment and friendship.

Just like in the film, David spoke candidly about the process of making it. He also diffused the topics of nepotism and criticism of wrestling (and rightly so). Lastly, he spoke of his son Kal.

All of it revolves around Kal. He clearly is David's main focus and their relationship is one to admire.

As The Herro's Journey gives a fantastic view of David, I hope this interview gives another small glimpse into him. David is a #Superfriend to all.

Watch our interview video at On the Beat with David Herro. Check back here for updates on The Herro's Journey.

David Vox Mullen & Danny Reyes Talk "The Herro's Journey"

Yesterday I discussed the premiere of The Herro's Journey. Today, we're still on the subject, as I interview Producer David Vox Mullen and Director Danny Reyes.

Vox and Danny talked about all aspects of the film. They were open and honest about the challenges and their love of the project and subject. Likewise, the film is open about David's life. Also like the film, this is such a feelgood interview, not because we made it that way, but just because of who is involved.

For the full interview, go to David Vox Mullen & Danny Reyes Talk "The Herro's Journey" on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel (and subscribe to the channel if you would). 

The Herro's Journey Premiere

In late May, I attended the premiere of The Herro's Journey. It is the story of Wisconsin promoter David Herro. Wrestling is the backdrop, but the real heart of the story if the relationship between David and his son Kal. For my full recap, go to The Herro's Journey Premiere on the Wisconsin Patch.

I have the pleasure of knowing all involved in the movie. I've known David and his son for about 15 years, having met them at a Blizzard Brawl event David promotes. I've known Producer David Vox Mullen for years, having seen him in many projects. I guess Director Danny Reyes is the newest to my circle, but I have known him a few years, too. With these kind of folks, I knew the documentary would be great, but honestly, it surpassed my expectations.

The Herro's Journey is not available to the public yet, but when it is, I will share that news, and I highly encourage all to see it. Until the follow The Herro's Journey on Instagram.

Tony and me in West Bend, WI-May 2025.

The Herro's Journey Premiere

I first met Wisconsin wrestling promoter David Herro about 14 years ago at Blizzard Brawl, a yearly event he runs. Right from that first meeting, David made me feel like one of his #superfriends (the name he gives to his circle of friends). Since then, I have seen David many times at other Blizzard Brawls and other events.

A couple years ago, mutual friend David Vox Mullen told me he was working on a documentary about David. Another friend, Danny Reyes, was the director. With these two running it, I knew it would be good. They have the wrestling knowledge and respect to treat the subject properly. They have the skillset to make it appealing to all, not just wrestling fans.

Last week, I saw the premiere and was blown away. They captured what makes David so special. It shows the highs of Blizzard Brawls and seeing his son rise in wrestling. It also shows the lows of losing his mother. That segment is one of the few times I have seen David not smiling. Even through his various health issues (he has lost several toes and has continuing feet problems), David's smile is always there.

Nobody deserves this tribute more than David and nobody could do it better than Vox and Danny. At the premiere, I felt pride just knowing these folks are my friends. One should always surround oneself with good people and it doesn't come any better than these three.

I don't know when The Herro's Journey will be available to the public, but I will share the news when it is announced. Be sure to see it when it does comes out though. You can't watch it and not feel good.

My full recap is on the Wisconsin Patch at The Herro's Journey Premiere. Stay tuned for a couple interviews with those involved.

David Herro and me in West Bend, WI-May 2025.

David Herro Appreciation Post

About 20 years ago, I attended my first wrestling show in Wisconsin and I have gone back there many times since. That particular company changed names a couple times I think, but it is now Great Lakes Championship Wrestling, although some call it Blizzard Brawl, after its huge annual show.

The promoter then and still is David Herro (aka #Superfriend). Back then, I saw a promoter and his young son bonding while putting on a fantastic show. In the 20 or so years since, the wrestlers, fans and other small things have changed, but I still see a father and son binding while putting on fantastic shows.

David's son Kal is a rising you superstar wrestler, currently in Ohio Valley Wrestling, but he makes many appearances for GLCW. 

Jaded folks will say this is a money-maker. Of course, it is, but it is so much more. I believe it is a testament of David's love for his son and the business. I believe David loves the fans, too. I see how hard he works.

David has had some health issues, causing him to lose some toes, among other problems, but I have never heard him complain. It's easy to see how David has made so many friends in and out of wrestling.

David has quite a story and fortunately for his friends and fans, that story will come to life soon in the form of a documentary by David Vox Mullen and Danny Reyes. This is a doc I am following and will provide updates as they happen.

Until then, go to GLCWWrestling.com and follow GLCW on social media to get updates. Also, come back here for my updates and coverage.

 David Herro and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2024.

Friend Encounters: David Herro and David Vox Mullen

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Both David Herro and David Vox Mullen are too humble to call themselves celebrities. Although I am a biased friend, I can definitely call both celebrities.

Herro is a wrestling promoter based in Wisconsin. Wrestling promoters often get a bad reputation (sometimes deserved), but I have never heard a bad work about Herro. As dedicated to his son as he is to wrestling, Herro has raised a great young man, while organizing some of the best wrestling events in the midwest or anywhere.

Vox has entertained fans in a much different, but equally successful, way. As a comedian, host, podcaster, producer or any of the other hats he wears, Vox always delivers.

Their most recent news is of a joint collaboration to create a documentary of Herro's life. Having seen a special screening at Fan Expo, I think it is going to be an amazing doc. I'd expect nothing less from these two.

Did I mention Herro has done all that despite battling losing several toes over the years? Often times, he has limped around, sometimes in a cast, but he never complains. Actually, he makes light of his situation. That's just him. 

I look forward to this doc. Check back here for my updates as they develop. 

 

David Herro and David Vox Mullen in Waukesha, WI-December 2023.

David Herro at Blizzard Brawl 2021

Yesterday, I featured an interview with news anchor Mike Curkov who will be wrestling Mordecai (Kevin Thorn) at Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's Blizzard Brawl this Saturday. Today, I feature the man responsible for all of it.

#Superfriend David Herro has provided wrestling entertainment for many years in Wisconsin. He even got in the ring on a few occasions, but mostly he sticks to promoting events. On the other hand, his son Kal has entered the ring many times and is one of the best, youngest stars on the rise.

While I always love Herro's events, I am even more impressed with his relationship with Kal. It is heartwarming to see them together always. Pops Herro supports without pushing and Kal is a respectful, amazing young man. I always smile at their adventures.

Kal will be at Blizzard Brawl 2022. I look forward to seeing Kal, David and everyone else.

Go to GreatLakesChampionshipWrestling.com for more info. Check back here for my recurring coverage.

David Herro and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2021. 

David Herro at Blizzard Brawl 2019

Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's Blizzard Brawl returns Saturday, December 4 at the Waukesha County Expo in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Doors open at 5:00 PM with the show starting at 7:30.

Blizzard Brawl always has several wrestling legends and current stars who participate in the pre-show meet-and-greet. Despite there being a lot of wrestling stars, there is plenty of time to meet all of them. I have never run out of time trying to meet all of the talent. After the meet-and-greet, there is a full wrestling card featuring the legends and current stars.

Already announced are Val Venis vs. Backwoods Brown, Shannon Moore vs. Joey Avalon, Cash Flo vs. Joe Doering, "The Titan" Adam Scherr, EC3, Serena Deeb, Debra and the Gunn Club (Austin and Colten Gunn). That's already a Super Card and there is more to come.

It all adds up o a fantastic night of wrestling. It all starts with #SuperFriend and promoter David Herro. David is always working tirelessly to make all of his shows a fun time for all. Many of the wrestlers return, proving how much they like Blizzard Brawl and David. I have attended many Blizzard rwl events and all have been a blast/

David's son Kal has been involved in Blizzard Brawl shows since he was a toddler. He has gotten into the ring for various segments, but this year, he will be in the ring as an active member of the Ohio Valley Wrestling roster. It has been great watching Kal grow up over the years and now seeing "The Fannypack Kid" wrestle. I'm sure nobody is happier to see him than proud pops David and rightly so. They are a great combo and I look forward to catching up with them at Blizzard Brawl.

Go to GLCWWrestling.com for more info and scheduling. I'll be "On the Beat" there and will be providing recurring coverage before and after Blizzard Brawl.

David Herro and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2019.

David Herro and GLCW are 24K

This Saturday night, Great Lakes Championship Wrestling returns with "24K" in Cedarburg, WI. The show name is a reference to headliner Dustin Rhodes, who made the "Goldust" character amajor success. I am sure Dustin would agree that David Herro is also 24K.

David has been promoting great wrestling shows for years. I have attended many of his shows and I will be there this Saturday. I always am highly entertained.

There is always a great energy at these shows. The crowd is hot, because the matches feature excellent wrestling. I have seen many of my favorite wrestlers in action and even in the crowd. I have also reconnected with many Wisconsin wrestling friends.

I join many others in looking forward to seeing Dustin. He is a total class act and a great guest. I recently met him in Indianapolis, where he looked fantastic and was great with the fans.

Also great with the fans is David. He works hard to present an entertaining show. While he is usually pretty busy, he always has time to greet fans and chat a bit. He really makes all feel welcome and makes it special.

I am also looking forward to seeing his son Kal wrestle. Kal made his debut earlier this year, but I have yet to see him in action. I have seen Kal grow from a happy kid into a quality young man. I always admired the father-son relationship between the two. Kal has a bright future. He has the looks, charisma and intangibles to go far in wrestling if he continues down that path. With papa David in his corner, he will be a champ in any field he chooses.

Go to BlizzardBrawl.blogspot.com for more info on Saturday night and other GLCW events. Also follow GLCW on Facebook for more frequent updates.

David Herro and me in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

David Herro at C2E2 2017

C2E2, March 22-24, is a few days away. As we approach this great comic con, I am recalling some of my favorite moments over the years at C2E2.

David Herro is a wrestling promoter from Wisconsin. I have attended several of his Great Lakes Championship Wrestling shows, including the awesome Blizzard Brawl events. David is a great guy and a #SuperFriend.

I have seen David several times at C2E2. Sometimes he is accompanying wrestlers and sometimes he is there or fun. David has worked with so many of the biggest names in history, he has become legendary himself.

The best part about David is he is always smiling. Truly one of the most positive people I know, David has a great life, but he has his share of battles, one of which is his continuing foot issues. Despite pain and limitations, David never complains.

He is also a great dad. It always makes me smile to see him with his teenage son Kal. I have watched Kal grow from a youngster to a young man who recently made his pro wrestling debut. Kal is growing up to be a great young person and David should be applauded.

This year, GLCW is having GLCW 4 Life on March 23, which will probably prevent David from being at C2E2 on Saturday, but I am hoping to see him on Friday or Sunday. It's always good to see him.

You can get all of the info on GLCW 4 Life at GLCW. Go to C2E2.com for all of the info, including the celebrity guest list. With a little bit of planning, you can go to both events and have a fantastic weekend.

David Herro and me in Chicago, IL-April 2017.

David Herro, Blizzard Brawl and House of Hardcore

The House of Hardcore is coming back to Waukesha, WI and #SuperFriend David Herro is right in the middle of it. Tommy Dreamer is coming to town with his awesome wrestling event.

The House of Hardcore Blizzard Brawl For It All, on Saturday, December 1, at the Waukesha County Expo. Already scheduled to appear are Dreamer, Herro, Al Snow, Abyss, MVP, Eugene, Hornswoggle, Sami Callihan and Dameon Nelson.

Dreamer started HOH in 2012 as a wrestling school and promotion in the spirit of ECW. To date, there have been 46 HOH shows.

I attended and covered many Great Lakes Championship Wrestling shows run by Herro and I was there when HOH debuted in Waukesha, taking obver for GLCW. HOH retained all of the action and intensity of GLCW and added a little extreme to it. The result is a fantastic night of wrestling.

One of the real fun parts of attending show sin Waukesha is seeing so many old friends, whether they are fans, other wrestlers in the crowd or actual in ring talent of that show. It's like a friend reunion, with Herro as the host.

In addition to Herro hosting and occasionally wrestling, he is simply a great guy. The #SuperFriend tag really fits him. He's a great guy who always delivers a fun show.

Check HouseofHardcore.net for more info on all of the HOH events. You can also buy your tickets in advance through the site.

David Herro and me in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

David Herro and Blizzard Brawl 13

For David Herro, #SuperFriends is much more than a catchy slogan to sell shirts.  It is his motto and way of life.  He is a SuperFriend and he has a lot of other #SuperFriends.

He's been involved in wrestling for a long time.  He hasn't run many actual wrestling shows of late, but he is still very involved with the business.

The good news is that Blizzard Brawl is coming soon.  On December 2 in Waukesha, Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore presents Blizzard Brawl 13.  Dreamer takes on Abyss.  Candice Michelle (in her last match ever) will face Lisa Marie Varon.  Austin Aries battles Joey Mercury.  Al Snow and Swoggle (with Dave Herro) take on The Squad.  Also appearing will be Carlito, MVP and many more.  You can get more info at Blizzard Brawl.

I'm sure Wisconsin and northern Illinois wrestling fans are excited to see GLCW back.  It had been too long.  There is no news if this will mean more regular shows or not, but it is a great start.  Herro and GLCW were missed.

I made the trek from Chicago to GLCW events many times and it is always worth it.  The place is packed and lively.  The wrestling action is always solid.  The headliners are always great with the fans.  In short, it's all you would want in a wrestling show.

Wrestling promoters too often get a bad name, but Herro is a good one.  He works hard to make the shows great and to make the fans happy.  Believe me, I never intended to start attending shows in Wisconsin, but Herro makes the shows well worth the extra effort to get there.

I'm sure that on December 2, the arena will be packed with #SuperFriends.  I am also certain they will enjoy the entire night.  #SuperFriend David Herro would have it no other way.

David Herro and me in Chicago, IL-April 2017.

David Herro at Blizzard Brawl 2015

What is up with Great Lakes Championship Wrestling and Blizzard Brawl?  How does Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore fit into this equation?  Perhaps we will get some answers on December 3 at House of Hardcore 21: Blizzard Brawl.

At last year's Blizzard Brawl, Wisconsin promoter David Herro lost control of Blizzard Brawl through a match stipulation.  Tommy Dreamer immediately picked up the slack and announced House of Hardcore would be coming to the arena.

Is this storyline or reality?  Does it really matter?  I only care that we will be entertained and I am positive that will be the case.  Herro is involved and he wouldn't let down the loyal GLCW fans.

Tickets will go quickly and you don't want to miss this show.  Already announced are Mickie James, Ryback, Colt Cabana and more.  Knowing the Blizzard Brawl events, you can expect many wrestlers there just as fans.  For more info, check out HouseOfHardcore.net. 

David Herro and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2015.

I'm Saving the Date For a SuperFriend

We are three months away from another big event in the land of SuperFriends.  Something big is happening on December 3, in Wisconsin.  Expect to see my SuperFriend Dave Herro in a blurry form, as he is one busy person on event night.  No matter how busy though, Herro still takes time to greet friends and fans.  That's just how he is.

For those out there who think I have done a good job with the marketing of the Johngy shirts, Herro has done much better with his #SuperFriend shirts.  Hundreds of wrestling stars have donned the shirt over the years.  Herro was kind enough to allow me to make a special Johngy #SuperFriend shirt and I will be wearing it as I enjoy another evening of wrestling surrounded by SuperFriends..  I hope to see you there.

Go to the Save the Date for all of the info and updates.  I will also be providing pre- and post-event coverage.

David Herro and me in Chicago, IL-April 2015.

Friendly Encounters: Aquaman and David Herro

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

David Herro is always up to something.  Whether it is hanging with wrestlers, hitting the gym or just coordinating #SuperFriends stuff, Herro always seems busy.  The really nice thing, too, is that he does most of this with his son, Kal.  They are quite a pair.

At C2E2 earlier this year, Herro took a page from my book and got a picture with Aquaman, old school Aquaman, too!  Nice catch DH!

I thought I was the only one who sought out Aquaman.  By the way, how did I miss this one?  I was at C2E2 every day and I walked all over the place many times.  Now, I am a little miffed at myself for missing him.  An Aquaman sighting is very rare.  Actually, it is much more rare than a David Herro sighting.

Aquaman and David Herro in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Gene Okerlund and David Herro

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Our #SuperFriend David Herro is everywhere and with so many superstars of wrestling.  At the recent Cauliflower Alley Club event in Las Vegas, David was at it once again.
From his wrestling promotion, television appearances, podcasts and more, the Pride of Wisconsin is as recognizable as many of the wrestlers.  As I have written many times, David does all of this with his son Kal.  It's heartwarming to see the father-son bond.
David is hosting the SuperFriends Fan Fest on Saturday, May 7 and Sunday May 8.  It will be two days filled with wrestling superstars and fans interacting with each other.
Among the legends appearing will be Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, "Mean" Gene Okerlund, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman.  Active wrestling stars, ODB, Velvet Sky, Angelina Love, Thea Trinidad, Melina Perez, Ricardo Rodriguez, Katie Forbes and more.
No, I did not forget Al Snow.  How could I ever forget Al Snow?  Aside from him "punching" me every time I see him, I always enjoy his wit and wisdom.
You can get all of the info, including prices and schedules at the SuperFriends Fan Fest website.  Tell David Johngy sent you.

David Herro and Gene Okerlund in Las Vegas, NV-April 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Reggie Jackson and David Herro

This is a regular series about friends who have met celebrities.

When I was growing up, Reggie Jackson was one of the biggest superstar athletes.  Love him or hate him, you could not deny his ability to shine, especially on the big stage.  Mr. October was a name well-earned by Jackson.

If Jackson is Mr. October, David Herro can be Mr. December.  Like Jackson, Herro shines on the big stage.  His big stage is Blizzard Brawl, a big event held every year in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Blizzard Brawl 11 is happening on December 5, at the Waukesha County Expo.This year, the headliner is Chyna, the Ninth Wonder of the World.  There will also be several other wrestling stars, including Tommy Dreamer, The Boogeyman,  Curt Hawkins, Scotty 2 Hotty, Zach Gowen, Kevin Thorn, The Headbangers and more!

Additionally, Herro will be facing TNA wrestling star Abyss in the ring.  Who knows what will happen in this match?!

This is a great event.  Herro and his crew put on a fantastic show.  I'll be there and I hope to see all of you.  For more info and updates, head to the Great Lakes Championship Wrestling site.

Reggie Jackson and David Herro in Louisville, KY-August 2015.