Friend Encounters: Melanie Cruise and Tommy Else

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

My friend Tommy would suggest he is a celebrity and I cannot deny three of my interviews with him have more than 40K views. Still, in the world of pro wrestling, despite his tag team championship run, he ranks well below Melanie Cruise.

Mel was RPro's first women's champ. She was extremely popular and one of my favorite wrestlers and people back then. Since then she has wrestled all over, including a stint in All Elite Wrestling, although in recent years, she has wrestled more sporadically. We miss Mel!

At Elk Grove Rotary Fest, Mel wrestled with her brother against the tag team of Regan Lydale and Hardcore Craig. Adding to the fun, Tommy was Regan's first trainer and longtime friend.

After the match, Tommy and I caught up with our old RPro mate. It was great seeing her and chatting a bit. We had some great memories from back in the RPro days. Not seeing her very often these days, I really appreciated this opportunity. Oh wait, this is about Tommy. Yeah, he got a picture with her.

Seriously though, it was great seeing them tohether. I love them both.

 Tommy and Melanie Cruise in Elk Grove Village, IL-July 2025.

Shiny Hardware: Holidead and the Resistance Women's title

Holidead made her wrestling debut in 2013. She appeared at Resistance Pro Wrestling in the post-Billy Corgan era. With her face paint, eerie character and wrestling ability, Holidead presented a total package to fans, including me. I really liked Holidead. 

I was happy when she won the RPro Women's championship. Holidead held the RPro Women's title for 223 days. She defeated Rachael Ellering to win the belt and lost it to Roni Nicole.

With RPro on an extended hiatus, Holidead has remained active on the wrestling scene. In 2019, Pro Wrestling Illustrated had her as #19 on the 2019 PWI Top 100 Females.

Unfortunately, I never got an interview with Holidead, but at least I got a picture of her with the big, shiny RPro title belt. Maybe one day I will get that interview, but either way, I'll be following her career.

Holidead and the Resistance Women's title belt in Summit, IL-September 2017.

Lucy Mendez (Mrs. Ace Steel)

If you have followed the CM Punk saga from his time in All Elite Wrestling, you definitely heard of Ace Steel. Part trainer, part back stage agent, part friend, Steel is connected to Punk.

Steel was fired by AEW during the Punk mess, then was rehired during the aftermath, only to be fired again when Punk left. Who was fired and who left on his own doesn't really matter.

This is just about Steel.

Actually, this is about Steel's wife Lucy.

That would be Lucy Mendez, former wrestler at Resistance Pro Wrestling, among other places. I had the pleasure of working with Lucy during her time with RPro.

Lucy was part of a very strong women's division at RPro. Starting with Melody Cruise, there were always great women wrestling at RPro.

Lucy was one of my favorites. I don't recall her getting any title shots (at least not one-on-one), but she was always putting on excellent matches. She was always also a fantastic interview, capable of talking wrestling and baseball. From the St. Louis area, she is a big fan of the Cardinals.

I always like the juxtaposition of the heel wrestler  Lucy versus the sweetheart regular Lucy. She was always good for a laugh, smile or hug outside of the ring, before or after kicking butt in the ring.

This is a Lucy appreciation post, as well as a Mrs. Steel 411 post. I have heard many references to Ace's wife or Lucy and figured I would introudce folks to her, if they didn't already know.

For the record, they married a few years ago. From all indications on social media, they are very happy and I am happy for Lucy (and for Ace, of ource).

Lucy Mendez and me in Willowbrook, IL-July 2013.

Friend Encounters: Billy Corgan and Nick Hausman

Nick Hausman was one of the first folks I met on the independent wrestling scene. Then known as manager Rinaldo Piven, Hausman was carving a niche as one of the area's most popular managers. We even worked together at the beginning of Resistance Pro's existence. That is where he posed with RPro owner Billy Corgan in the pic below (which was photobombed by Ruff Crossing).

A few years later, Nick started to switch to the media side. Since then, he really has taken off. He has worked his way into many big wrestling situations, including the infamous CM Punk All Elite Wrestling media scrum. There was Punk, addressing Nick. It doesn't get much bigger than that.

He also started Haus of Wrestling, a one-stop shop for all things wrestling. He has recaps, interviews, opinion pieces and more. It's a great website for wrestling fans and a regular internet stop of mine.

Nick has earned all he has. He works tirelessly at his craft. Haus of Wrestling is still young and it keeps getting better. I recently interviewed Nick about all of this at On the Beat With Nick Hausman.

Go to HausofWrestling.com to check out interesting wrestling content. Check back here for my recurring wrestling content.

Nick Hausman, Billy Corgan and Ruff Crossing in Chicago, IL-November 2016.

Resistance Pro Memories: Lucy Mendez

Lucy Mendez was one of my favorites at Resistance Pro Wrestling. While she made several appearances there, she wasn't a regular really. I did have a chance to interview her a few times, including On the Beat With Lucy Mendez. 

Lucy was always good for a big smile, especially when talking about her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. She was a real fan, too. She knew her baseball!

As far as I can tell, she is retired from wrestling. I know she is happily married to Ace Steel, a former wrestler, who has also worked as an agent and trainer.

As I have written, RPro did not end well, but I had a lot of great times and still have fun memories. I got to meet and know some really col people, like Lucy.

Lucy Mendez and me in Willowbrook, IL-June 2014.

Friend Encounters: Jewells Malone, Madman Pondo and Jim Strong

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

I have written many times about Mad Man Pondo. There is nobody tougher, but nobody more humble and down-to-earth than Pondo. He's one of the few people who intimidated me about interviews before I met him, but he proved to be one of the coolest from our first meeting.

I can't say enough good words about Pondo. He was a leader in and out of the ring at Resistance Pro. He always had time for other wrestlers and even for me as I tried providing good coverage of RPro. I'm not worried about ruining his "Mad Man" persona, because once he steps in that ring, it is quite evident.

Pondo was a big recruiter for RPro, often bringing in new talented wrestlers from all over, onbe of which was Jewells Malone. Canada native Malone made her wrestling debut in 2011. She is a two-time PWE Flame champion. She also won the PWA Elite Women's championship.

Like Pondo, Malone's reputation preceded her. Fans were lined up to meet her at the RPro show. Some of the fans were lucky enough to get a 2fer picture of both Malone and Pondo. My pal Jim Strong was one of the lucky ones. I only wish the duo would have done more damage to Jim! 
Go to EatSleepWrestle.com for info on Pondo's book Memoirs of a Mad Man. While you are there, check out John Cosper's other books, too!

Jewells Malone, Jim Strong and Mad Man Pondo in Summit, IL-July 2019.

Jessie Belle Smothers Is the Real McCoy

Jessie Belle McCoy made her wrestling debut in 2010, losing to Sassy Steph, one of our old favorites. Sometime in 2012, Jessie adopted the "Smothers" name.

Changing ring names is not a new thing in wrestling. Connecting yourself (either stated or implied) to famous wrestlers is an old tradition.

Of course there are legitimate wrestling relations. The Hart family, the Armstrong family and the Anoa'i are some of the bigger, more famous wrestling families. Of course, the Von Erich family is another, except for "cousin" Lance, although that's another story.

Then there are wrestling "families," that aren't related. Arn, Ole, Gene and Lars formed the Anderson family, although Gene was the only real Anderson. The "Anderson" connection worked well for all of them, though.

I don't know how Jessie Belle "joined" the Smothers family, but it was an interesting move. I am not sure Jessie ever stated that she is related to veteran wrestler Terry. It worked well for her and for Tracy, who really is a "Smothers." The pair has worked together many times though. Their relationship seems very natural.

This isn't stolen identity (like when the Giant was introduced as the implied son of Andre the Giant). Jessie apparently had the approval of Tracy.

The "relation" has helped both of their careers. Jessie already had embraced the south, much like Terry, the former member of the Southern Boys. The connection has increased their drawing power together and separately.

I'd love to know the backstory, although I am not sure either would break "kayfabe" and reveal the truth. Maybe it is better that way anyway. With so much of wrestling exposed these days, it is kind of cool this way.

Unfortunately, Tracy passed away last year. At least Jessie is still working hard and carrying on "the family" name.

Jessie Belle Smothers and me in Merrionette Park, IL-February 2014.

Holidead and Resistance Pro

After a hiatus of more than a year, Resistance Pro Wrestling is returning. RPro was scheduled to return on July 25, but it has been postponed due to the health pandemic.

With Tampa as the new home of RPro, I am very happy to see RPro return and with its original name, although a bit sad that I won't be at these shows. It's a bit of a long road trip. I will be following and cheering from Chicago though!

I have met so many interesting and talented wrestlers at RPro over the years. Holidead is certainly near the top of that list.

I had heard about Holidead on the indy wrestling scene and was excited abot seeing her perform at RPro. She did not disappoint. Shortly after debuting in the Resistance, she won the Woman's title from Rachael Ellering. She held the title for 223 days before dropping it to Roni Nicole. 

Holidead has achieved a lot outside of RPro. PWI ranked her #95 in the 2019 PWI Top 100 Females. She won the RWA Woman's title twice. She also won the SHINE Tag Team title and the NWA International tag team titles (with Thunder Rosa as The Twisted Sisters).

Holidead has a unique look. I always like facepaint on wrestlers. It's a throwback to some old school talent like the Road Warriors.

I don't know if Holidead will reappear in RPro, but I wouldn't bet against it. You never know. She would certainly be a welcome addition.

Holidead and me in Summit, IL-May 2018.

DJ Erin Morris at Resistance

I had seen Erin Morris many times on the Chicago independent wrestling scene, but somehow I never got a picture with her. A talented manager, Erin was always entertaining at shows.

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw her at Resistance Pro many years ago. It was cool to be working on the same show as she was after all these years. It was also great to finally get a picture with the elusive Erin.

I learned a lot about Erin through our working at RPro. It's a bit of a sad tale though. Erin fell on her steps several winters ago. She hit her head and hasn't been the same physically since. She has endured lots of pain and also the stress of not being able to do the things she loves, like being more involved in wrestling. Of course, I join all of her friends in hoping that eventually things will normalize and she can have a relatively pain-free existence. 

Erin did some managing at RPro, but mostly she has been in charge of the entrance music and deejay work. It's always good seeing her at the shows. Despite her problems, she is always good for a laugh (or some swearing).

Erin Morris and me in Summit, IL-November 2017.

John Skyler and The Resistance

Resistance Pro Wrestling has been making news of late. In recent weeks, RPro wrestlers Sugar Dunkerton, Brady Pierce, John Skyler and "The Ego" Robert Anthony have all wrestled for All Elite Wrestling. Additionally, RPro co-owner Jacques Baron made the announcement that RPro is returning.

It is very cool seeing RPro talent appearing on television. I saw all these men in RPro. I saw how hard they worked. I saw how much they wanted this. These four are very different, but all bring something special to the ring.

It's great to see all of this talent getting opportunities. The wrestling business is a tough occupation. There are hundreds of independent wrestling organizations around the country and thousands of indy wrestlers. Making it to one of the big companies is the dream of all of them.

These four wrestlers were longtime RPro guys, too. They weren't just cameo appearances. While they all also wrestled elsewhere, these four all played major roles in RPro. All held titles. Skyler, Anthony and Sug were heavyweight champs and Pierce was a tag team champ as part of Body Magic.

This is all very exciting, but also cool was Jacques announcing that RPro was returning July 21. Notice I wrote "RPro." After transitioning to The Resistance, Jacques is bringing back the original RPro. 

While that is a bit surprising, I think it's a good move. As Tommy and I have been discussing on The "Or Else" podcast, RPro was such a special place. There was a vibe and a feel to it that I haven't experienced anywhere else.

RPro will run exclusively out of Tampa, Florida. Unfortunately, that means I will not be attending shows. As much as I love RPro, I can't commute for their events.

Of course, I wish Jacques and RPro the best. I hope it is a major success. In fact, I hope it is so successful that he brings it back to Chicago at some point, even if just for a random show.

Despite being silent for almost a year, RPro is suddenly in the news. RPro alum are wrestling on television. RPro events are back. Things look good and I wish good luck to all.

Jacques promised more news coming soon. Obviously, the matches and other info will be announced. I'll be reporting all right here and on Patch.com.

 John Skyler and me in Summit, IL-September 2017.

Heidi Steiner at Resistance

Resistance Pro Wrestling will always have a special place in my heart. Although the end wasn't great, nothing can take away the wonderful times  I had and the special people I met there.

Heidi Steiner, mother of Scotty "WonderBoy" Steiner, is one of the special folks. Not a wrestler and not an RPro "personality," Heidi was always one of the under-the-radar, unsung heroes of RPro. She did a little of everything, including giving great hugs.

When RPro started breaking apart, many people left for various reasons. I missed seeing my friends. After RPro was done and the Resistance rose from its ashes, a few old-timers returned on occasion. Heidi returned at one of the Resistance shows and everyone was happy to see her.

The RPro experience was bittersweet and filled with emotions. Things don't last and experiences don't always end well, but that doesn't take away from the good that occurred during that experience. Maybe time will heal the wounds and we can have a big reunion someday. I doubt it, but you never know.

I haven't seen Heidi since that one return. I haven't seen others at all. I miss what we had, but I appreciate it for what it was. At least I can say I also appreciated it all while it was happening. I made sure to soak in all of it.

Tommy Else and I have been reliving the history of RPro from our eyes. We discuss the events, the people, the good and the bad. You can find that and other fun podcasts on "The Or Else Network" on SoundCloud.

Heidi Steiner and me in Summit, IL-November 2017.

"The Southern Savior" John Skyler Loves Johngy's Beat

"The Southern Savior" John Skyler is a long time member of Resistance Pro Wrestling. He has drifted in and out a bit, as he also wrestled all over the world, including for the WWE and currently for All Elite Wrestling.

John is a talented wrestler in and out of the ring. He has worked hard to earn everything he has accomplished. It's great to see him get national exposure on AEW.

A little while back at a Resistance event, John was kind enough to cut a promo for Johngy's Beat. We appreciate that greatly. It's always extra cool having a champ on our side.

Thank you to John and be sure to watch for him on All Elite Wrestling. John is showing the world what Resistance fans already know!

Tienne at Resistance

Tienne was the least experienced ring announcer for Resistance Pro Wrestling, but definitely the most colorful and one of the most entertaining. Despite it being her first time announcing, Tienne did a great job and had the crowd into the action.

RPro had many announcers over the years. All were talented in their own right. Some were more experienced than others, but all did a good job with all aspects of ring announcing.

At the suggestion of Tommy Else, RPro turned over the mic duties to Tienne when the regular ring announcer was unavailable. She probably had a few days to prepare, but so many things change on event night. Tienne handled it all like a pro.

I give her extra credit for the outfit she wore for her night in action. She fit right into the wrestling scene. That night she was among the busiest people taking pictures with the fans. Of course, I had to get my picture with her (purely in th interest of solid reporting).

Tienne and me in Summit, IL-November 2017.

The Resistance Presents Blood Feast

Last year, The Resistance and Girl Fight presented Death Becomes Her, an 8 women death tournament. It was such a huge success, it was quickly announced there would be another tourney.

This year, we got double the fun as there was a Death Becomes Her 2, but Blood Feast, an 8 man death tournament was added on the same weekend. That's a lot of carnage for one weekend.

Making it even more exciting was Blood Feast being the first iPPV for The Resistance. Available on FITE, Blood Feast is was streamed live and is available to be viewed.

Making it even more exciting for me was me doing commentary along with The Resistance co-owner Gabe Baron. That's right. I would be broadcasting a legit iPPV event.

I took my assignment seriously and compiled some info on all eight male participants. I knew a few from their time at The Resistance, but I wanted to be fully prepared and to do a solid job.This might be my only such opportunity and I wanted to give it my best shot.

I wanted to broadcast one match for a while. I wanted the experience and I thought it would make for a good story. The timing wasn't right at first, but the chance came up when Tommy Else and I provided commentary for the last RPro event and then the first event from The Resistance. Gabe then joined the broadcasting team, sharing the mic with me for the first half of shows and with Tommy for the second parts.

Each time on mic is a learning experience. The roster for The Resistance features a lot of wrestlers and we have to learn about them on the fly sometimes. The crowd is always loud and sometimes so loud, I cannot even hear Gabe.

I never expected to be on commentary for the iPPV though. I figured that role would go to someone more famous or more experienced. Of course, when asked I jumped at the chance. I really appreciate Gabe and co-owner Jacques Baron trusting me with this role. While I would like to continue doing commentary, I would also understand if they went in another direction sometime.I'd walk away happy and grateful for the opportunities already given.

Check out LiveDieResist.org for more info and news. I encourage everyone to order Blood Feast. I will write more about Blood Feast in the future, but for now, I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't watched it on iPPV yet.

Gabe Baron and me in Summit, IL-July 2019.

Death Wish With Gabe Baron and The Resistance

A couple weeks ago, The Resistance held Chapter VI Death Wish in Summit, IL.I had an up close seat as I called commentary with Gabe Baron for the first half of the show. You can watch the full show at The Resistance Chapter VI Death Wish on YouTube.

The Resistance has had six shows now and things seem to be settling into a nice groove. I'd say Death Wish was their best show yet.

I admit I was not very excited when co-owners Gabe and Jacques Baron announced The Resistance was going all hardcore. That style of wrestling isn't my favorite. With no offense to the competitors, I don't care to see ridiculous spots and unnecessary blood. Now, a few shows into the new hardcore approach, I am very pleasantly surprised with the product delivered. 

While the shows are labeled hardcore, it's that very definition which I need to rethink. During the commentary, Gabe explains it perfectly. Hardcore isn't just light bulbs and chair shots. It doesn't always involve blood.

Hardcore is a frame of mind. Hardcore is an attitude. Hardcore is Mad Man Pondo beating and stapling things to his opponents. Hardcore is also Resistance champ Shane Mercer giving hi all every time he goes out there. Hardcore is the Man Muffin Kody Rice having the agility to wrestle like a man half his size.

Only one of the seven matches involved lots of blood flow and foreign objects, yet the whole night was hardcore.

On commentary I have noted the split and flip-flopping of the fans. They are on their feet for most of the night, with a pretty even divide in their cheers. Many often also switch sides as the match progresses. This shows they appreciate the efforts of the wrestlers.

There are no major storylines yet, but the crowd is very into the action, because of the action. Ther is a little history between Mercer and former champ John Skyler, only because we saw Mercer's rise as a tag team champ. Their title match had everything you'd want in a match.

While I was apprehensive about the new direction, I am starting to change my mind. The Resistance isn't a blod-filled spotfest. It is smashmouth, excellent wrestling. It is hardcore!

Gabe Baron and me in Summit, IL-May 2019.

The "Or Else" Podcast: Mike Vinikour

Mike Vinikour got his start at Resistance Pro Wrestling with a reference from our good friend Mike Bucci. Mike was a regular presence at RPro behind the camera and behind the scenes in several roles.

Mike started as the photographer at RPro. He got those awesome in ring shots that captured the action we all loved. Along the way, Mike started helping in the booking area and eventually was a main booker for RPro.

Mike has an interesting story. He was around RPro from the beginning and he saw all of the changes. Unfortunately for Mike, he was involved in booking during the roughest time in RPro's history. He did the best he could under the circumstances. I would have liked to see what Mike could do with a full, consistent roster. and regular shows.

I know Mike is well loved within the RPro family. His work on all ends was certainly appreciated and respected. He helped RPro get through a tough period of transition and he also helped get The Resistance started.

He is one of the good guys and not just because he wore my shirt several times (although I do appreciate that). He loves video games, vinyl records, wrestling and photography, of course.

Tommy Else and I interviewed Mike as part of the Or Else podcast retelling of Tommy and RPro's history. As expected, Mike had some fantastic insight and some inside stories.

Check out our interview with Mike at Episode 34: Mike Vinikour Part 1 and Episode 35: Mike Vinikour Part 2. While you're there, check out the rest of the podcasts on the Or Else channel.

Mike Vinikour and me in Summit, IL-March 2015.

Congrats to Shane Mercer, New Champ of The Resistance

The Resistance has a new champ in the form of "The Iron Demon" Shane Mercer. At Chapter VI, "Death Wish," Shane beat reigning champ John Skyler to claim the heavyweight title.

A few months ago, Shane went viral from a clip of him hoisting the bleachers and slamming them on to his opponent at a previous Resistance show. It was a tremendous show of strength, but for those who know Shane, it wasn't surprising.

A former tag-team champ with Hy Zaya, Shane's strength is legendary. You can see his workouts on his social media accounts. The man is a powerhouse and although he is obviously in great shape, he isn't overly huge, which makes his feats of strength even more impressive.

Best of all, Shane is a good guy. He has worked very hard at improving his wrestling. He performed well with Hy Zaya in their tag team run. He's great with the fans and in the locker room. I predict a long run with the title for Shane.

One thing that could derail his title run is the WWE. Shane has had matches in the WWE of late and he seems destined to eventually join the roster. This is one reason why everyone needs to see Shane now at The Resistance before he gets the national call.

Shane's victory was a smash-mouth, hard-fought battle with Skyler. In the end, Shane got the win and then extended his hand to the former champ. Skyler initially snubbed Shane, but ultimately accepted the offering and pulled Shane into a congratulatory (and respect-showing) hug. It was a classy and classic moment from two proud wrestlers and the fans loved it.

Shane's victory capped off a great night at The Resistance. There were seven excellent matches and I had the privilege of calling four of them on commentary. The night far surpassed my expectations and I look forward to the next chapter of The Resistance.

Shane Mercer and me in Summit, IL-May 2019.

The "Or Else" Podcast and the Baron Brothers

After a year of The "Or Else" Podcast with Tommy Else, we have reached a critical point in the history of Resistance Pro Wrestling. We have reached the infamous Minnesota Pub Crawl trip, the cancellation of the reality show, the departure of Billy Corgan and the fallout.

Tommy and I have reviewed and rehashed the journey. Along the way, we have been joined by some key players in the history of RPro. Recently, RPro co-owner Gabriel Baron joined us for what turned out to be a three part interview. 

Tommy and I have looked forward to having Gabe on the podcast for a long time. We all agreed this would not be a standard review of Gabe's journey into the world of wrestling. We all wanted to discuss what everyone wanted to know. While we did discuss a bit of the inner workings of RPro, we concentrated on meatier topics. Tommy and I addressed every major rumor, allegation and accusation and Gabe answered all.

This was all unedited, unrehearsed and uninhibited. Much like when we had "The Ego" Robert Anthony on a short time ago, we wanted our guest to just tell his story.

So many stories have been tossed around. Sides have been taken. Friendships have been lost. Still, nothing concrete has ever been stated publicly, until now.

Ego came on the podcast and spoke from his heart. He was professional, but still spoke his mind. Tommy and I were very proud of this interview and extremely grateful to Ego for his time and consideration.

Prior to recording, Gabe stated he was just going to be himself and he would answer anything. Like Ego, Gabe was open and honest about his side. In addressing the major issues, Gabe stated rational explanations, often offering proof behind his statements. Again, Tommy and I were proud of this interview and appreciative of Gabe.

Around 4 years after the Billy departure, this is still an emotional topic for all involved. Tommy and I always maintained we never took sides. We simply stayed where we were, because we saw no reason to leave. Neither of us have ever wavered on that stance. Neither Ego's nor Gabe's interview changed our minds.

I do not say Ego was wrong for leaving. That was his decision and (as he stated) it was more about not having fun than about other reasons. I cannot say anyone was wrong for leaving. Everyone had their own reasons. Tommy and I only say we had no reason to leave and could not understand why most of the dearly departed choose to abandon and crap on us for our decision.

Ego and Gabe have definitely given us plenty of new thoughts anbd Tommy and I will be reviewing these interviews and giving our thoughts on an upcoming episode of The "Or Else" podcast. More guests will be joining us. Tommy has reached out to many folks from RPro's past and has received a lot of positive responses. Also, RPro co-owner Jacques Baron is scheduled to get his turn to speak his truths.

We have come a long way with our podcast, but we have a way to go still. There is a lot of life left in this story and Tommy and I will continue to deliver it.

You can find all episodes of The "Or Else" Podcast on Soundcloud and the Skype interviews are also available on The "Or Else" Podcast channel on YouTube. Stay tuned, because we still have a lot more to bring you.

Gabe Baron, Jacques Baron and me in Summit, IL-March 2015.

All Choked Up With Mad Man Pondo and Khloe

Of the hundreds of wrestlers I have met over the years, Mad Man Pondo might be the most surprising to me. As I have previously written, his reputation preceded him to Resistance Pro Wrestling. He was blood, gore and all hardcore. Of course, I knew that was his wrestling persona, but researching him didn't change that image. I knew he appeared in movies, videos, video games and other forms of entertainment and obviously had a life outside of wrestling, but still he had a mad man mystique.

He certainly lived up to that image when I met him at RPro, but I also began seeing another side of Pondo. I saw a veteran of many years of wrestling, who knew the business in and out of the ring and who wanted to help in both areas. While I didn't expect some sort of savage, I also didn't expect him to be so hands-on caring about the talent and the product.

The helper I saw was very gracious, offering bits to anyone and giving a lot more if requested. Pondo never pushed his agenda or his way. Instead, he helped everyone with their role. I honestly can't recall seeing anyone give this much and so quietly.

Wrestling can be a very competitive business. Egos and politics are everywhere, but Pondo slices through it all without ruffling feathers. He's just Pondo and The Resistance is lucky to have him.

Pondo will certainly be on hand this Saturday, when The Resistance returns with Chapter V: New Jack City. You can go to LiveDieResist.org or follow LiveDieResist on Facebook for more info.

At the last show of The Resistance, Tommy Else and I interviewed Pondo and Khloe for The "Or Else" Podcast. Our interview is on YouTube at The "Or Else" Podcast: Mad Man Pondo and Khloe. Pondo talks about his career, hardcore matches, helping out and much more. Khloe also dicusses her start, teaming with Pondo and more.

Of course, Pondo also talked about Memoirs of a Mad Man, his recently released book. I picked up my copy that night and got it signed by Pondo, who included a little Mad Man sketch. I highly recommend Memoirs of a Mad Man, available on Amazon. You can also pick up a signed copy of his book Saturday at Chapter V: New Jack City.

Khloe, Mad Man Pondo and me in Summit, IL-December 2018.

Broadcasting With Gabe Baron at The Resistance

The Resistance ended 2018 with "Chapter IV: Silent Night, Deadly Night," another fantastic show. The Gym Nasty Boys won the tag titles, "The Southern Savior" John Skyler retained his title and several other solid matches made for a great night of wrestling. It was "all hardcore," as The Resistance had promised. Also all hardcore was the broadcasting. Usually, my "Or Else" podcast partner Tommy Else and I handle the broadcasting, but on the first night of the all hardcore direction, The Resistance co-owner Gabe Baron decided to get hardcore and join the broadcasting crew.

While I enjoy working with Tommy, calling the action alongside Gabe was a real treat. Gabe's friendship is one of the coolest things I have gotten from my association with The Resistance. Co-owner Jacques is clearly the more publicly vocal and probably more outrageous of the two, but I have seen Gabe's quick wit and biting humor. This was a chance for everyone to hear Gabe at his sharpest and he did not disappoint. I just tried not to step on his commentary.

I also tried to enjoy the experience. More than six years ago, when I first met Gabe, I never imagined this scene. I always wanted to broadcast one match, but now I have broadcast several shows. I have worked commentary with Tommy, Gabe and Zach Thompson, another of my favorites.

I know I have room to improve on my commentary and I will if I do more work with The Resistance. You can judge for yourself by watching The Resistance Chapter IV Silent Night, Deadly Night on YouTube.

The Resistance returns to Summit on February 9 and of course, it will be hardcore again. Chapter V will feature the original gangsta New Jack. Now that is hardcore. I can't wait!

Go to LiveDieResist.org or LiveDieResist on Facebook for more info on The Resistance and "Chapter V". I hope to see you there.

Gabe Baron and me in Summit, IL-December 2018.