Kylie Rae Appearing at Squared Circle Expo 2026

Kylie Rae is one of the best and one of my favorite independent wrestlers. I am excited to see she is appearing at Squared Circle Expo VI in Indianapolis in March.

After a long wait, I finally met her a few years ago. I have seen her once or twice since then. The last time was at 2econd Wrestling's show at St. Demetrios last year.

Kylie had her first child a couple years ago and came back strong. She won the newly-created WWE ID title for indy wrestlers. Then she got pregnant again and had to give up the title (a trade I am sure she gladly made).

When we met Kylie at St. D's, we talked a bit and learned she is a bit shy about meeting fans. That is funny, because she is so engaging while wrestling.. I guess I give her even more credit for that. She never fails to entertain when she wrestles. I think she is better as the good guy, but I have seen her as a heel and she is quite good, too.

Kylie is one of about 75 wrestlers scheduled to appear at SCX VI. It is a great 2 day wrestling convention, featuring two full wrestling cards at night. It is a must on my yearly convention circuit.

Go to squaredcirclex.com for more info. Check back here for my updates.

Kylie Rae and me in Chicago, IL-January 2025.

Stacey Marie Brown at Wizard World (Fan Expo)

Several years ago, I met an interesting author. Somewhere it was written she is a "writer of hot cocky bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick ass." With all due respect, I think that last part might also describe Brown.

She has written several book series. There is some interconnection, but her website does a much better job of showcasing and explaining those. She also has some scheduled for release this year.

I haven't seen her in almost 10 years, but I am hoping she will make an appearance at FanExpo or perhaps do a book-signing in the Chicago area.

Brown is one of many authors I probably would never know if not for FanExpo. Artist Alley contains many authors and is always a good source of discovering new ones.

Go to staceymariebrown.com for more info on all of her books. For more info on FanExpo go to fanexpohq.com. Also, check here for my recurring coverage.

Stacey Marie Brown and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.

Happy Birthday (Not So) Young Master Jason!

Today, I celebrate the birthday of the man who will always be known as Young Master Jason (or YMJ). I will not mention he is closing in on 50.

I cannot take credit for hiring Jason at Lerner Newspapers, that was our other friend Jason. I'd like to think I taught him a thing or two while we worked there. He came in as a slightly rambunctious teenager/ I often had to remind him by saying "tact," whenever I knew he was working outside of our department. Although slightly a challenge to handle, he was a great worker who became a great friend.

I sometimes still think of him as that young kid, but he is a married man with two children. He's grown a lot, without losing any of his energy.

I know we wiill celebrate whenever our group finally gets together again. For today though, I wish him a great day. Happy birthday, YMJ. I love ya, pal. 

 Jason and Heather in Illinois-Summer 2013.

Cryptkeeper John Kassir

Actor John Kassir has a lengthy resume stretching back more than 40 years. He is probably best known as the voice of the Cryptkeeper in HBO's Tales from the Crypt franchise. The voice and laugh are iconic.

While some celebrities eschew being typecast or at least very well known for one certain role, Kassir embraces his time as the Cryptkeeper and rightly so. At comic cons, he is constantly asked to do the voice, leave a voice mail, record a greeting or other such bits. He never seems to tire of it or at least he doesn't show it. I was one of those folks. Kassir did a promo for my site.

Kassir has been the ideal guest at conventions. He's prompt, engaging and fun. He makes each encounter a special moment for the fan. That's all anyone could ever want.

 John Kassir and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2018.

Cards That Never Were: Johnny Rodgers Topps 1977 & '78

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

After starring at Nebraska, including winning the 1972 Heisman trophy, wide receiver Johnny Rodgers was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 1973 NFL draft. He opted to play in the Canadian Football League instead. After four seasons with the Montreal Alouettes, Rodgers joined the Chargers. In his second season with the Chargers, he suffered a career-ending knee injury ending his career. All told, he played 17 games in the NFL, getting 17 receptions for 234 yards and no touchdowns.

For his efforts, Topps did not give Rodgers any cards. Once again, the master of card creations Lynn, of Custom Baseball Cards on Facebook, created these gems before I could get to them. The man has created thousands of cards. I wonder exactly how many, but it wouldn't surprise me if it is 10K+.

Friend Encounters: Nic Nemeth and Michael Kingston

What do you get when you combine a wrestling fan with a lot of creativity and talent? One correct answer is Michael Kingston of Headlocked Comics.

I have known Michael for many years now, having first seen him at a comic con about 10 years ago. I have seen him many times since, but more important are the hundreds of other cons he has worked. The man is one of the hardest working folks on the comic con scene and it is paying off for him.

Years ago, Michael was frustrated with wrestling comics. They were unrealistic to him. Instead of griping, Michael was proactive and created his own. It was so well-done and well-received by fans and wrestlers, he quickly gained a following. He also gained contributors, but not just any folks. Wrestlers came to him to be part of this. Talented artist-wrestlers like Jerry "The King" Lawler started doing artwork for the comics. Lawler was followed by dozens of others. Such was the case when Nic Nemeth joined Michael in Richmond, Virginia in 2024. If you look at Michael's FB page, you will see him with all the big names in wrestling.

I couldn't be happier for him. Michael has worked very hard and earned every bit of success. He has also been very kind with his time for me.

When Michael does comic cons, he usually is not alone. Many times, wrestlers will appear with him. 

Go to headlockedcomic.com for more info on all od Micgael's work. Look for Headlocked Comics and Michael at a comic con near you.

Nic Nemeth and Michael Kingston in Richmond, VA-March 2024.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #781 Ozzy Osbourne & Melissa Reese

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing jerseys. Today is a musical tribute to the Super Bowl teams.

Ozzy Osbourne was a musical legend. Born in England, he performed for more than 55 years until his death last year. His Crazy Train has been used for two decades as the into for the New England Patiots. That explains the Patriots jersey. The #1 might be for a player, but I'll bet it is a tribute to Ozzy. In either case, he gets an old school Celebrity Jersey Card.

Born in Seattle, Washington, Melissa Reese has been performing since she was a todler. She started writing music when she was 12 and is currently with Guns N' Roses. Reese earned her Celebrity Jersey Card while singing the anthem at a Seahawks game. She has been known to dye her hair and obviously here she matches the Seahawks colors.

Cards That Never Were: Walter Payton Topps 1988

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create digital trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I borrow from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

With the Super Bowl tomorrow, I am honoring the player who helped bring the only Chicago Bears Super Bowl win in my life. On a team of legends and characters, he was one of a kind.

The Bears selected Walter Payton with the fourth pick in the 1975 NFL draft. He went on to a Hall of Fame career. He is arguably one of the greatest Bears, but also one fo the best in the NFL, certainly among running backs. Water could do it all. In addition to rushing for 16,726 yards (then a record), he had 4,538 receiving yards and threw for eight TDs, going 11-34 passing. He also punted once for 39 yards. For his efforts, Topps gave Sweetness cards 1976-87, leaving him without a career-capper card. He did have a special Record Breaker card in the '88 set, but especially players like Payton deserve a final card.

That led me to create one for Payton. I am surprised i haven't seen others, since so many talented folks are so productive. In any case, here is a final card for the greatest!

Rachael Adams at Motor City Comic Con 2013

Rachael Adams was one of my first interviews at Motor City Comic Con. A model, actress, spokesperson and more, Rachael was Ms. Michigan America 2015.

Full of positive energy and very engaging Rachael was a great comic con guest and perfect for an interview. I was a bit green, but Rachael was smooth and carried it. 

I saw Rachael a couple more times, but that has been it. I probably haven't seen her since 2015 or so. I have looked for her online. I don't see much. Maybe she opted for a quieter life outside the spotlight.

To me though, Rachael is one of the cool memories, especially from my early days of covering events. She easily could have snubbed me, but she gave me plenty of her time. As a local celebrity, Rachael was very popular at MCCC.

Experiences like those with Rachael gave me the confidence to keep going. Those interviews, although shaky on my part, allowed me to gat comfortable and learn. I will always be grateful to Rachael for her kindness and patience.

Wherever she is, I hope she is doing well. If Rachael happens to see this or if anyone knows of her, please send an update. I would love to know what she is doing these days.

The next MCCC is May 15-17. Go to MotorCityComicCon.com for more info and follow MCCC on Facebook for more frequent updates.

Rachael Adams and me in Novi, MI-May 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #780 Chelsea Green & Jackie Redmond

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create digital cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. In honor of the Winter Olympics, I feature two ladies repping their country.

Born in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Chelsea Green rose to fame in pro wrestling. Currently in the WWE, she won titles wherever she has gone. A noted sports fan, she often wears jerseys or jersey-like outfits. I was surprised to see her sporting a Team USA jersey instead of the Canada one, but I'll take it for a Celebrity Jersey Card. Green only needs a football jersey pic to complete her grand slam of Celebrity Jersey Cards.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Jackie Redmond is a broadcaster currently with the WWE. She also covers the NHL. She is a big fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and I'll be looking for a pic of her in a Leafs sweater to give her a Celebrity Jersey Card. For now, shhe gets a special edition Olympics Celebrity Jersey Card.