John Morrison and Melina at Motor City Comic Con 2012

Motor City Comic Con returns November 10-12. While I will not be "On the Beat" there, I still support the con as one of the best.

I used to go every year, but the scheduling as distance proved to be obstacles for me. It's not for lack of desire though.

Sometimes, celebrity pairings make for odd pictures years later. Such was the case when wrestler John Morrison (Johnny Nitro etc.) was there with his then-girlfriend wrestler Melina. Sur all was great then. They were a happy couple. Some time later, they broke up. 

Morrison is now with Taya Valkyrie. I'm not sure what Melina's relation status is. So there Jason and I are, picture with a couple that is no more. It's not a huge deal. It's not like they will call me and ask me to destroy the photo. I don't know, but I am guessing they are okay with each other, but either way, it doesn't really matter much.

The only time this would ever really come up is if I brought this picture to either to sign. Would they sign it? Again, I don't know, but I don't care. I am not trying to get their autographs, but if I was, I have since gotten solo photos with each. 

This year's MCCC does present a unique opportunity. Wrestler Danhausen will be there, as will his creator father Brian Danhausen. Getting a dual photo with them would probably be hard, but this is a rare opportunity when it might be possible.

Go to MotorCityComicCon.com for more info and follow MCCC on Facebook for more frequent updates.

Jason Fleigel, John Morrison, Melina and me in Novi, MI-May 2012.

The Squared Circle Expo Is Fast Approaching!

 The Squared Circle is three weeks away. After a  necessary postponement due to the pandemic, the Squared Circle Expo will debut in Indianapolis May 14-15. I have been to hundreds of conventions and I have no doubts this one is going to be special.

The convention organizers have been diligent in keeping everyone updated as the process went along. From announcing the delay to progress through the wait to the procedures at the convention. They have gone way above and beyond to make it safe and enjoyable.

Also above and beyond is the announced superstar guest list. This is a Hall of Fame lineup. The entire guest roster announced so far is Madusa, The Boogeyman, Jake Roberts, Booker T, Kane, Vickie Guerrero, The Godfather/Papa Shango, Dr. Britt Baker, Darby Allin, Tay Conti, Dustin Rhodes, Sammy Guevara, Renee Michelle, Dan Severn, The Highlanders, Duke Droses, Shar Boy, The Gunn Club (Billy, Austin and Colten), Francine, The Headbangers, JTG, Chris Masters, Francine and Melina Perez.

I have met about half of these legends. I look forward to meeting the ones I have not met yet, but also seeing the others again. Charles Wright (The Godfather/Papa Shango) is always fun, like when he calls me "Jay Leno" or chokes me.

Melina Perez is one I really want to see again. Melina is one of the most underrated women of the WWE. She doesn't get the credit she deserves from her time in the WWE. She was a solid manager and a multi-time champ, plus she had one of the greatest ring entrances ever.

The Squared Circle Expo promises to deliver a unique fan experience. Promoted as a " convention dedicated to the culture of professional wrestling and sports entertainment," the Squared Circle Expo takes the best elements of conventions and adds a few new ones to deliver a unique fan experience. The two day event will include wrestling superstars, meet and greets, photo ops, special events, seminars, memorabilia vendors, Q&A panels and more. There will even be a live wrestling show on Saturday night.

I'll be "On the Beat" all weekend and have reports on social media, as well as recaps here and on GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com. Until then, go to SquaredCircleX.com for all the current info and updates.

Melina Perez and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2019.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

I first met Jim Strong last December when he saved my day. We were at a Klinger Promotions event and my camera bombed. Jim took some shots for me and sent them my way later. That act of kindness earned him a spot in a Friendly Encounters feature.
Recently, Jim attended the World of Wheels show in Rosemont (IL) and naturally brought his camera. He met Melina of WWE fame there and sent along the picture to share here. Jim sent along the picture below along with a quick update.
He will be doing some photographic work for Heather Klinger as Klinger Promotions brings in Dusty Rhodes for a signing appearance on May 8 in the Chicago area. Jim is also getting a lot of bookings for wrestling shows. Many of Jim's photos are viewable on his Facebook page.
Jim's a good guy and takes great photos. If you go to these such events, you are sure to see him snapping away!

Jim Strong and Melina Perez in Rosemont, IL-March 2010.