Appreciating Amy Dumas

Amy Dumas began her wrestling career in Mexico in 1998. She gained fame in ECW and much more fame in the WWE as Lita.

I have met Amy several times, including a couple memorable times with her bestie and former opponent Trish Stratus. Amy is always great at conventions.

A neck injury derailed her career. She mostly has been sporadically appearing since 2007. Now 50, she shows slight signs of slowing down in the ring, but she is still capable of excellent matches. More importantly, she is better at the actual story telling than most of today's stars. It's a lost art at times.

Amy is doing it right these days. When she makes appearances in wrestling, it means something. She doesn't overstay the visit either.

Despite being most retired for 15+ years, Amy is still hugely popular at conventions. Part of that reason is how nice and engaging she is. Like in wrestling, Amy knows how to attract the audience. I always look forward to seeing her and I hope I do again in 2026.

Amy Dumas and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

Happy Birthday, Tony!

I don't know when we met, but I know today is my pal Tony's birthday. I just saw him yesterday at a screening of Broken Mary, but today I am sure he is celebrating with his wife.

Tony and I probably crossed paths for many years. We attend many wrestling events, comic cons and softball games. We know we can trace the friendship back to at least 2015, because we took a picture together at a Chicago Bandits game.

We really bonded at a pop culture convention a couple years later. We were both waiting to meet former Chicago Bears star Chris Zorich and I asked him to record my interview with Richie Ramone of the Ramones. We finally put our braincells together and realized we did so much of the same stuff, we should do it together.

Since then, that is exactly what we have done. We also introduced each other to our other friends, expanding the friend circles. Ron and Angela pictured below are two of Tony's best friends and now I call them my friends, too.

Although he always threatens to throw me out of the car when I make bad puns, I appreciate Tony's friendship. Happy birthday, Fed! 

Tony, Ron and Angela and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

Missing Felissa Rose

After seeing actress Felissa Rose at least once a year for several years, the pandemic of 2020 caused me to miss her. Unfortunately, that started a streak of four years without seeing her.

When she was just 13, Felissa starred as Angela, the transvestite murderer, in the cult film Sleepaway Camp. She remained busy over the years, but really added to her resume in 2003, having more than 100 roles since then, including Return to Sleepaway Camp.

Embracing the Scream Queen title, Felissa is a complete delight at horror cons. She is one of the most energetic, lively, hilarious guests at any con. She is also one of the sweetest. It is no wonder she is one of the most popular celebrity guests.

Her role as Angela earned her a place in horror history. Her body of work earned her more respect. It is her personality though that keeps fans coming back to her table at every con she attends. I have probably seen her 20+ times and I will keep seeing her and catching up every chance I can get.

Sometimes celebrities can become oversaturated, appearing too many times at the same conventions or in the same area too often. Felissa is not one of those. Despite appearing often at cons, Felissa always has a solid line of fans waiting for their time with her.

These conventions aren't just about meeting celebs for the first time. They are about seeing them over the years, even becoming "convention friends" with them.

Happily, my Felissa-less streak ended last year. It was great to finally see her again. She gave me the warmest, biggest hug.

Learn more about Felissa at FelissaRose.com and follow Felissa at @Felissa_Rose on twitter.

Felissa Rose and me in Indianapolis, IN-June 2017.

Dustin Runnels Coming to Squared Circle Expo IV

Squared Circle Expo is less than two months away. It's not too late to make plans to be at SCX IV March 29-30 in Indianapolis.

Although I have met Dustin Runnels several times, I am excited about seeing him again. He is a great convention guest.

Dustin is the son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes, which came with many benefits and some challenges. Imagine trying to follow in the footsteps of your Hall of Famer father. The Natural did just that, making his pro debut at 19.

He wrestled in the same companies as his father for a while, but then reappeared in the WWF as Goldust, one of the most controversial characters ever. Not only did Dustin make it work, he kept it eveolving with the times, ultimately making it one of the beloved characters of the era.

Post-Goldust, Dustin found more success in other companies, before landing in All Elite Wrestling a few years ago. Part agent, part worker, Dustin si valuable to AEW on both ends. Although his in-ring career is nearing its end, Dustin is still capable of putting on awesome matches.

Dustin will be joined by about 70 other legends and current stars at SCX IV. There are far too many to list. There are almost too many to actually have time to meet, but with proper planning, I get them all!

For more info on SCX IV, go to SquaredCircleX.com. Also check here for my recurring coverage.

Dustin Runnels and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2019.

Gene Okerlund Wasn't Really Mean

There is debate over who first called Gene Okerlund "Mean Gene." While it is not the most clever moniker, it stuck, no matter who first coined the name.

I first saw Okerlund as a backstage interviewer on WWF television in the mid-80s. At the time, I did not know of his lengthy career prior to that. He actually started back in 1970. He had a great run in the midwest's American Wrestling Association. When Vince McMahon took the WWF nationwide, he gobbled up talent from all other companies, including Okerlund.

I had the pleasure of meeting him several times. He even did a promo for my site, which is in the left column. Even funnier were the outtakes, but I could not make those public. There was nothing bad, just some stories and language better left to my memories. He was quite a character.

He passed away four years ago today, but his legacy is forever. Mean Gene was one of a kine.

Gene Okerlund and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

Appreciating Joey Lauren Adams

Joey Lauren Adams is probably best known for starring in Chasing Amy. That role earned her a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

Her acting debut was in 1977 with a small role in Exorcist II: The Heretic. She has had many roles in other great movies like Mallrats.

I met Adams several years back at a comic convention. While I was familiar with her work, I didn't know much about her. My friend there really wanted to meet her though. Since he was going to her, I figured I would go, too. I am glad I did.

She was so sweet. She was very engaging. She asked my friend his favorite role of hers and they talked for a bit, with me soaking in the chat. She stayed with us a bit longer than usual, maybe because there were two of us and I didn't really talk much. It was more my friend's moment, but I still enjoyed it.

The moral of the story is sometimes you have unexpected pleasant moments with convention guests. Without my friend, I probably wouldn't have met Adams, but I am glad I did. I went from being a casual fan to one who looks for her work and has a special memory of her.

Adams spent a year in Australia, after which she decided she wanted to pursue acting. One last bit of trivia, Adams  was a niece to Hee-Haw cast member Grady Nutt.

Joey Lauren and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

Missing Joe Knetter and Sarah French

I think I first met Sarah French and Joe Knetter at Flashback Weekend. I messaged Sarah ahead of the convention and asked for an interview. When we got there, Joe graciously moved and allowed me to conduct the interview.

This was very early in my interviewing years. I made a rookie mistake (as my buddy Chuck would say). I didn't realize Joe had an impressive resume, too.

Sarah is an actress, while Joe is a writer and author, both generally in the horror field. The couple has been together for many years and they are a lot of fun.

Of course, once I realized they were a couple and Joe had quite a career, I asked for another joint interview, which they both accepted. That interview is at On the Beat with Sarah French and Joe Knetter.

I interviewed both a few times back then. Unfortunately, they have not been around here in many years. The coule moved to the west coast and have been busy ever since.

I wish them great happiness and success always. I also hope they eventually find their way back to a Chicago convention. I miss them (and I want another interview).

Sarah French, Joe Knetter and me in Schaumburg, IL-Movember 2013.

Carrie at Squared Circle Expo

Squared Circle Expo returns to Indianapolis March 29-30. SCX IV promises to be bigger and better than the previous ones and that is a big statement.

Today, I salute one of the real stars of SCX, although one who eschews the limelight. Carrie, wife of co-promoter Adolfo, might fly under the radar, but everyone there loves her.

While Adolfo and co-promoter Ed have managed wrestlers during the matches portion of the weekend, and Heather has actually wrestled, Carrie has stayed out of the ring. Instead, she can usually be found handling the merch booth. Despite the fun chaos of any convention, Carrie always has a smile. She is definitely a welcome sight every year.

Carrie would probably hate this post, but I am sure she would forgive me, because it is meant with much appreciation. Don't get me wrong though, Ed, Heather and Adolfo certainly appreciate Carrie and each other. They are a great team and I love them all.

Guests have not been announced yet, but there are a few good guesses to start. SCX Champ Matt Cardona, SCX Women's Champ Freya the Slaya and SCX Tag Champs Rhino and Heath are good bets to defend their titles. In addition to them, there will be about 50 other great legends, current stars and future stars on the talent list.

Go to SquaredCircleX.com for more info and scheduling. Check back here for my recurring coverage.

Carrie Dorta and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

Traci Lords

Traci Lords has led an interesting life. In her younger days, she starred in some adult films, but managed to leave that world behind and carve out a successful mainstream career.

I'm sure there were a lot of bumps along the way, but Traci has come through brilliantly. Despite your opinion of her past, all must give credit to what she has become.

Aside from her work, Traci is one of the sweetest people I have met. I have seen her enough at conventions to become a "convention friend" of hers. I don't claim to be best pals with her, but she does recognize and remember me every time.

She is also willing to do goofy pictures. Sometimes, she even instigates the shots. A few years back, as I greeted her, she immediately asked what silliness we would do that day. I laughed, but said I didn't want to keep pestering her with that stuff. Hearing none of that, she suggested the photo below, where she hid behind me. Being that I am too often oblivious to folks around me, it is actually the perfect picture. I would miss Traci, despite her standing directly behind me!

Most celebrities are fan-friendly at these conventions, although some seem like they'd rather be elsewhere. Traci, however, gives the extra effort to make it memorable for her fans.

For more info on Traci, go to TraciLords.com. She's got plenty of merchandise and her appearance schedule here. If you see her, tell her Johngy sent you. It won't get you or me anything, but she might have fun trying to remember who Johngy is without seeing me.

Traci Lorda and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

Appreciating Katie Kadaver

Katie Kadaver is all over the horror scene. With a last name like that, she seemed destined for that field.

Seriously though, Katie is an artist, burlesque performer, producer, model, podcaster and more. She's also sweet and highly entertaining.

I think I first met Katie at Days of the Dead, but it very easily could have been another horror convention, as she is quite popular on the con scene. I know I crossed paths with her several times before I finally got a picture with her. Sometimes it is very hard to see her when she isn't busy.

It is people like Katie who make the conventions such fun. With no disrespect to her, she isn't a headline celebrity guest. She is a great part of any convention. Many attendees want to get pictures with her and she gladly obliges.

Any convention can't be just top line celebrities. The real heart of any convention are folks like Katie. Celebrities, vendors and attendees all love Katie!

For more fun, follow Katie on social media. If you happen to see her at a convention, chat with her and get a picture.

Katie Kadaver and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2019.

Kevin Thorn, Wrestler and Realtor

Born in Tennessee, Kevin Fertig found fame in the wrestling ring under several monikers. He won several titles along the way, but I liked his stint as Mordecai the most, despite it being relatively short-lived.

After making his pro wrestling debut in 2000, he joined Ohio Valley Wrestling a couple years later and reached the WWE in 2004. Fertig created the character f Mordecai, a religious zealot, who condemned others for sins. I liked the character because it wasn't overly like a cartoon. Fertig kept it menacing and mysterious. It had potential, but the fickle nature of wrestling and the WWE didn't have patience for it to develop and Fertig went back to OVW. Since then, Fertig has wrestled on the independent scene and ECW, as well as returning to the WWE. He appears to be semi-retired now, having stated his last match at Blizzard Brawl was the retirement of Mordecai. Although less active in wrestling, Fertig is busy in another endeavor, running Kevin Fertig Realty in the Indianapolis area. 

I have had the pleasure of meeting Fertig several times. He is always eager to discuss his time in the ring, his WrestleMania appearances, Blizzard Brawl and more, including real estate. Fertig knows his business in and out of the ring and is a great guy.

Go to TheChampIsHome.com for more info on Kevin Fertig Realty. Also, check out Blizzard Brawl at GLCWWrestling.com for info and scheduling of that great event. Fertig has made several appearances at Blizzard Brawl, but you'll have to check the website for this year's guests.

Kevin Thorn and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2017.

Jayson Maples and Heroes and Legends Wrestling Fan Fest

Jayson Maples debuted Heroes and Legends Wrestling Fan Fest several years ago. Fast forward to May 13, Jayson presents Heroes and Legends XIX in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

I have attended a couple Heroes and Legends events and they are a blast. I would have gone more often, but distance and schedules prevented me, much to my disappointment. It's not form indifference though. I plan on returning when I can.

Jayson is a great guy. A man of deep faith and spirit, Jayson is not shy about declaring his thoughts on social media. He isn't shy about showing his tremendous weight loss in the last few years. I am proud and happy for Jayson for both of these and for his convention, of course.

Among those appearing this year are Dr. Tom Prichard, Wolfie D and Jamie Dundee, Brian Pillman Jr.., Heath, Kevin Sullivan, Henry Godwin and so many more.  There will be plenty of independent wrestlers, too, along with a full night of wrestling.

Go to HeroesandLegendsProWrestling.com for more info. Also follow Heroes and Legends on social media and check here for updates.

Jayson Maples and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2017.

The Legendary Mad Man Pondo

Mad Man Pondo has done it all in pro wrestling and beyond. If you want proof, check out his book Memoirs of a Mad Man, co-written by my pal John Cosper.

I am not promoting his book because John and Pondo are my friends. Also, it is not just a book for wrestling fans. It is a book of almost unbelievable stories which actually happened.

Pondo has a well-earned reputation as one of the best or most hardcore wrestlers. He was one of the few wrestlers who intimidated me when I approached for an interview. He was also one of the nicest I ever interviewed. The duality of Pondo is well-known to his friends and fans. He can battle with the best, but he is a great guy.

He also continues to give back. I saw him help many young wrestlers at RPro. He was very giving of his time and knowledge.

Similarly, he started Girl Fight Wrestling a few years back to help young women wrestlers get experience and exposure. After the pandemic caused the world to stop, I am happy to see GFW is putting on a show March 7 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. I keep hoping Pondo brings GFW to Chicago. I'd be in the front row!

For more info on Pondo, look for him on social media. Also, check out EatSleepWrestle.com for John Cosper's books.  

Mad Man Pondo and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2017.

Adolfo Dorta and Squared Circle Expo

I met Adolfo about 12 years ago at a convention where he was one of the promoters. He was great to me for many years. He left the convention on his terms, but with unpleasant details. That's his story to tell though.

The better story is where he is now. He is one of the organizers of Squared Circle Expo, a fantastic wrestling convention which will have its third event April 7-8 in Indianapolis. I have written about SCX many times and I will continue to write about it because it is really a fun weekend.

Just walking into the Wyndham Indianapolis West and seeing Adolfo, his wife Carrie, Ed and Heather is like seeing family. That's one of the very cool parts of the convention. There's a strong family feel to the event and that comes from that foursome.

At last year's SCX, I saw an Adolfo who seemed to be more relaxed and having more fun than ever. Representing opposing wrestlers in the main event, Adolfo stunned the crowd (including me) by spearing Ed. It was  a textbook spear, worthy of the big stage, despite Ed being considerably bigger than Adolfo. I am sure Adolfo will hold that memory with pride.

SCX has too many wrestlers, vendors and events to list here. It's loaded with legends, Hall of Famers and current stars. I will be "On the Beat" all weekend.

Go to SquaredCircleX.com for more info. Then, buy your tickets and join the fun.

Adolfo Dorta and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

Carrie at Squared Circle Expo

The Squared Circle Expo returns to Indianapolis, IN April 7-8. I will be "On the Beat" as always. Carrie will also be there and she will be working a lot harder than me.

The wife and partner of co-promoter Adolfo, Carrie has a low profile at the event, but she is truly an unsung hero. Adolfo and other co-promoter Ed Gonzales had some ring time with their chosen wrestlers. Hardcore Heather Owens, wife of Ed and also a co-promoter, saw time as a ref in one of the matches. Carrie, however, kept her behind-the-scenes role.

I love all the promoters at SCX. They bust butt to make this a great convention. I have praised it many times over the years, but it really is one of the best conventions I have ever attended.

While she isn't in the limelight, Carrie is a big part of SCX. Whether it is at the ticket office or on the floor handling any number of impromptu situations, Carrie is always a welcome sight. She is the perfect partner for Adolfo and I am proud to call them and Ed and Heather friends.

When quality people do great things, it is the best situation. That is the case with SCX. That is why I promote them every throughout the year. They don't only work on SCX weekend. It is a year lomg endeavor. I simply try to highlight their effort and remind everyone to go to this event!

For more info, go to SquaredCircleX.com. Also, check my recurring coverage.

Carrie Gedeon and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2017.

Joel Robinson (Thanks to Tony Feddeler)

I first became aware of creator Joel Robinson at the recommendation of my buddy Tony Feddeler. A biig fan of Joel's work, Tony once again provided great advice.

Joel is a fantastic artist. He has designed logos, tshirts etc for several comic cons, as well as having a very popular booth at cons. His comic con designs are amazing. I'm usually not into event posters, but Joel's work is the exception.

You can see some of Joel's designs in the background of the photo, but he has so much more on his social media pages and Etsy shops.

Go to Joel's Etsy shop for more info and to see his work. Also, look for Joel at comic cons, especially horror-themed cons.

Joel Robinson and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

Linda Blair and the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation

Linda Blair rose to fame as the possessed child Regan in The Exorcist in 1973. Since then, she has remained active mostly in movies, but also on television.

An animal lover in her youth, she became an animal rights activist and humanitarian, working with PETA, Feed the Children, Variety, the Children's Charity, and other organizations. She also advocated for teen HIV/AIDS awareness.

In 2004, she founded  the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation, a non-profit organization which works to rescue abused, neglected and mistreated animals. Their mission is "to alleviate suffering, while rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming abused, neglected and abandoned animals."

Several years ago at Days of the Dead, I approached Linda and asked for an interview about the WorldHeart Foundation. Her handler was hesitant, but Linda agreed anyway. That interview is at On the Beat With Linda Blair.

I really appreciated Linda's time. I loved that she overrode her handler's apprehension and gave me a few minutes of her time. As promised, I kept the interview on the WorldHeart Foundation.

Of course I wanted to talk to Linda about many other things. She has had a fascinating career and life. She had an iconic role as a teenager, a 40+ year career in entertainment, an avid dedication to animal rights and other charities and other interesting parts of her life. I would have loved to touch on any of those subjects. Still, I stayed on topic, because that is what Linda wanted. Sometimes you have to be willing to bend for the overall goal. I got to interview Linda Blair!

Go to LindaBlairWorldHeart.org for more info. Also get more frequent updates at @LindaBlairWorldHeartFoundation on Facebook.

Linda Blair and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2017.

Lizzy Borden

Lizzy Borden is the co-owner (with Mark Hall) of Rock N Horror Apparel. Lizzy states, "We live and breathe rock and horror. Entertainment or Death."

Borden has been an actress, a wrestler, a music producer and more. She really seems to have found a niche in the apparel business. Rock N Horror Apparel is often one of the busiest booths at any comic con.

Rock N Horror Apparel has a large line of merchandise including clothes, pillows, home goods and all sorts of stuff, all adorned with some cool, horrific image. They even have a kimono!

Borden is a lot of fun at conventions. She is always willing to talk about horror or anything else really. Rock N Horror Apparel is a regular stop of mine at any con.

Go to Rock N Horror to see all of their merchandise. Also, check out the Rock N Horror Apparel Facebook page for more frequent updates.

Lizzy Borden and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2017.

Friend Encounters: Kane Hodder and Mark Ailes

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities. Today I feature Mark Ailes, another of my convention buddies.

Mark is a con bud, but I have no idea where we first met. After all these years and all these cons, they all kind of blur.
Mark is a big fan of the cons, but he also has an impressive body of work, as an author and producer. With book titles like Werewolves, Zombies and Deadly Women and Catfurnado, Zombies and One Killer Doll and movie titles including Clownado and Mrs. Claus, it's easy to see Mark likes to work in the horror field.
Although Mark has worked with many folks in the horror industry, he also rarely misses the chance to also meet them at conventions. I have crossed paths with Mark too many times to count.
At Days of the Dead Indy 2019, it seemed he was everywhere I was. One of those places was meeting Kane Hodder, a veteran of many horror films. Most notably, Hodder played Jason five times in the Friday the 13th franchise.
Mark had the rare chance to get a picture with Hodder in full costume. For once, Hodder wasn't choking him. Mark stated, "He didn't try to kill me because I was wearing one of his shirts." Smart move by my friend.
You can check out Mark Ailes on Amazon to see his books. You can also go to Mark Ailes on IMDB to see all of his movie projects. Also, check KaneHodderKills.com for news on this horror icon.

Mark Ailes and Kane Hodder in Indianapolis, IN-July 2019.

Angelina Love at Days of the Dead Chicago 2017

Canadian born Lauren Williams rose to fame as Angelina Love in the world of professional wrestling. She made her debut in 2000, she appeared briefly for TNA in 2004, but really made her mark there after her return in 2007.

Teaming with Velvet Sky to form the Beautiful People, Love was highly successful and very popular. She was the Knockouts champ six times and was a one-time tag champ (with Winter). She was ranked #2 among the top female wrestlers in the PWI Female Top 50 in 2009 and in 2010.

Angelina and Velvet are now in Ring Of Honor, where they are joined by Mandy Leon to form The Allure. The trio quickly became a force in ROH.

I had the pleasure of meeting Angelina a few times. A few years back, she had her infant son with her. It's always fun to see celebrities in real life situations. Seeing Angelina interact with her son was fun. It's also interesting to see how other fans react. Some love it, but others seem put off because they view Angelina as her character. Apparently the beautiful, powerful wrestler shouldn't have a child. Fans can be funny. Fortunately, most fans were happy to see her child and the few "more serious" fans got their autographs and moved on.

Angelina was always very sweet. I still am hoping to see her and Velvet together. While Johngy wouldn't exactly fit in with the Beautiful People, I would still love to be in a picture with both.

Follow Angelina at @ALove4Life222 on Instagram. Also, look for Angelina in ROHWrestling.com.

Angelina Love and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2017.