Friend Encounters: The Blue Meanie and Al Snow

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Today I feature two friends, two celebrities and a scene I witnessed. This and many other such encounters happened at the recent Squared Circle Expo VI.

The Blue Meanie (aka Brian Heffron) and Al Snow were two of the hundred wrestling guests at SCX VI. While they did chat a bit and pose for a picture, they spent most of their time at thei booths. At SCX VI, while the wrestlers did interact like this, they spent the majority of their time at their own booths meeting fans. That is one of the best parts of SCX. The wrestlers actually stay at their booths, unlike other conventions.

Through many conventions and interviews, I have become friends with Brian and Al. Both are great guys who made their mark in wrestling. Both are very popular at conventions, because they are engaging. You get much more than a quick autograph or picture with both. Brian is likely to discuss Philadelphia sports. With Al, you never know what you might get. He might prank you. He might fake punch you for a picture. He might be serious. Whatever it is, Al gives you his attention. With Al, you usually see his awesome wife Jessica. I have met both several times and I will always go to them at conventions because they are a lot of fun.

For more info on this great convention, go to squaredcirclex.com. Also, follow both Brian and Al on social media to be entertained.

Brian Heffron and Al Snow in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026

Blizzard Brawl 2025: Al Snow

Blizzard Brawl returns December 6 in Waukesha. That's just 10 days away. As always, I will be "On the Beat" meeting wrestlers and watching great matches.

One of the highlights is always Al Snow. I have seen, interviewed and chatted with Al so often, I consider us friends. Al might say otherwise, but his wife Jessica will usually agree with me on that (although sometimes she plays the heel). Actually, they are both great folks and always greet me with a hug and a big smile. Al sometimes also gives me a soft punch for fun.

My buddy Tony and I talk about how surreal it is that we actually know Al, after watching him in the ring for so many years. Little did we know years ago when we watched him as Leif Cassidy or any of his other gimmicks, we would become friends with him. 

It really hit home when Tony saw Al at an event I could not make. Al asked him where I was. It's one thing to be nice when he sees me, but to actually notice and ask about me when I am not there is wild.

Blizzard Brawl is a must on my yearly calendar. Having been to many Blizzard Brawls, I can say they never disappoint. Between the large guest lineup and the awesome matches, it's fun all night. Don't let the many wrestlers worry you though. There is plenty of time to meet all of them. 

For more info, go to GLCWWrestling.com. Also, check back here formy recurring coverage.

 Al Snow and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2022.

Al Snow at Blizzard Brawl

Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's big event Blizzard Brawl is this Saturday. Of course, I'll be there as Tony and I will be "On the Beat" as always.

Held in Waukesha, Wisconsin and promoted by #SuperFriend David Herro, Blizzard Brawl is a great event featuring a couple hours of pre-show meet-and-greets with legends and stars, followed by a full card of solid matches. I have gone to Blizzard Brawl for many years and it never disappoints.

One of my highlights is seeing my pal Al Snow. (Just calling him a friend is kind of surreal.) From the first time I met him, Al's gag was always to "punch" me. He gets such a kick out of it, as do I. We've done the bit many times and even reversed it a few, with me getting in the punch.

Al is just a great guy. He has done amazing work with Ohio Valley Wrestling, pumping fresh air and popularity into it.

Blizzard Brawl's legends lineup includes Jacqueline, Marty Jannetty, Wendi Richter, Chavo Guerrero Jr., Santino Marella and many more. Of course, there are also current stars, including Kal Herro, son of David.

It's not too late to get your tickets. Go to GLCWWrestling.com for more info. Check back here for my coverage.

Al Snow and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2019/

Friend Encounters: Al Snow and David Vox Mullen

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities. I love this picture. I became friends with both of these men independent of the other and it is cool to see them working together.

In the interview I did with them, they stated they had talked about a comedy tour for years, but they finally got it going about a year ago. Al tells stories from his life in and out of the ring, while Vox steers the conversation and supplies great quips. They have great chemistry and it shows. They are so in sync, yet it is clearly not strictly memorized. Knowing these two, I'd say they barely have a blue print and mostly just go on tangents. Whatever their routine, it works.

Lately, Al has been busy building Ohio Valley Wrestling and the Wrestlers show on Netflix. Vox has been equally busy with his own comedy. Still, they appear together when time and schedules permit.

I caught up with both guys at Great Lakes Championship's Blizzard Brawl. Of course, they were up to their usual shenanigans. They had me lauging just chatting casually.

Follow David Vox Mullen on Facebook for more info on all of his performances. Also, watch The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast Ep. 34: "Al Snow and David Vox Mullen" to get a sample of the fun these two are.

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

Lisa Aprati and Worlds Colliding

This is an example of several worlds colliding in the most tremendous way. An autographed copy of this picture hangs in my place, because I love it so much.

It probably started about 30 years ago, when Lisa Aprati hosted several cable shows. One of her shows was a wrestling interview/promotional show featuring WWF wrestlers. One of her frequent guests was Al Snow, who wrestled under several names back then. They had such great chemistry. I often wondered why he was on so much and if they were friends.

A few years later, I met Al at a comic con. It was there where he started our "punching" photos. I interviewed Al several times since then and became friends with him and his wife Jessica. 

When Tommy Else and I started our podcast, I asked entertainer David Vox Mullen ito come on and talk about his comedy tour with Al. He came on and brought Al with him. On the show, Tommy asked Al about his appearances on Lisa's shows. Tommy had noticed their chemistry, too. Al talked fondly of that time. I contacted Lisa and sent her the link to the show. She thanked me and spoke just as fondly about the shows.

When they were appearing near us, Tommy and I went to the show. I was talking to someone, when Tommy pulled me aside to see someone. To my shock, it was Lisa, who came out to the show. What a surprise.

We probably should have gotten Vox in this photo, too, but they were busy and we were lucky to even get each separate.

Tommy and I recall this night a lot. We both think it was one of the coolest, most surreal nights ever and he also has this picture in his place.

Our interview with Al and Vox is at The Johngy "OR ELSE" podcast. We still hope to get Lisa on the show.

Tommy Else, Lisa Aprati, Al Snow and me in  IL-December 2022.

On the Beat With Al Snow and David Vox Mullen

Al Snow made his wrestling debut in 1982. Since then, he has wrestled thousands of matches in hundreds of cities in several; companies, including the WWF/WWE.

Along the way, Al won multiple championships. In the WWE, he held the European title once, the Hardcore Championship six times and the Tag Team Championship once with friend Mick Foley (as Mankind). In 1999, he was ranked No. 52 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the Pro Wrestling Illustrated PWI 500. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter named Al Most Underrated in 1996.

These days Al runs the daily operations at Ohio Valley Wrestling. Al turned OVW into a legitimate accredited trade school. OVW and Al are getting high praise and rave reviews.

Meanwhile, David Vox Mullen has created his own legacy in the world of entertainment. An actor, producer, singer, comedian and more, David is a force in the industry.

Al and David are teaming up to make a long-discussed idea into a reality. On Saturday, September 3 in Oregon, Illinois, An Evening With Al Snow, with Special Guest David Vox Mullen debuts. Tommy Else and I talked to Al and David to hear all about this new venture.

Five shows are already scheduled through November 11. After the Oregon show, they go to Washington, D.C., Braidwood, IL, Pittsburgh, PA and Memphis, Tennesssee. The Oregon show also features a special meet and greet, with the possibility of adding something similar to other shows.

Al and David talked all about their partnership, how this came to be and where it's going. Al is taking this new path very seriously. While humor comes very naturally to him, he is leaning on David to craft it into an enjoyable performance.

It will be more comedy than wrestling tales, but I am sure there will be enough wrestling topics, too. It is obvious they are working hard to make this great. It's also obvious they are having a lot of fun already.

Before we finished, Tommy asked Al about OVW, his training link to Al and Al's appearances on an old Chicago cable show. Al shed a lot of light on the show hosted by Lisa Aprati. Even though the shows were about 20 years ago, if you can find them on YouTube or elsewhere, they are worth a watch. Al was hilarious and the pair had great chemistry. Maybe that was a bit of test for Al, because I expect the same sort of hilarious chemistry between Al and David.

Tommy and I will be in attendance at the Braidwood show. I will have a full recap here. In the meantime, enjoy On the Beat With Al Snow and David Vox Mullen.

Al Snow at Blizzard Brawl 2015

At Blizzard Brawl 2015, I finally got some revenge on Al Snow.  After years of getting punched by him, I slugged back and socked him in the jaw.  I love Al Snow.

Snow has been a fixture at the Blizzard Brawl events for years.  Wisconsin promoter David Herro always put on entertaining shows, well worth the 90 minute drive for me.

This year, something different is happening.  Through a series of events at Blizzard Brawl 2015, this year Tommy Dreamer is bringing the House of Hardcore 21: Blizzard Brawl.

Is this storyline or reality?  Is Blizzard Brawl gone for good?  Where does David Herro fit in this picture?

Perhaps we will find out ion December 3.  Perhaps the picture will get even more cloudy.  Either way, the night promises to be be highly entertaining.

Of course, Johngy's Beat will be there soaking in the action, reconnecting with old friends and wrestlers and meeting new wrestlers and friends.

I hope we can get a big group from the Chicago area up there.  Let's make this event even better!  Check out HouseOfHardcore.net for all of the info.

Al Snow and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2015.

(AL) Snow Forecasted For Blizzard Brawl

Blizzard Brawl 11 is being held at the Waukesha County Expo in Waukesha, WI on Saturday, December 5.  This yearly event run by #SuperFriend David Herro is one of the highlights of the year.

First, anything involving Herro is going to be fun.  The guy works hard to deliver great shows.  I am sure Blizzard Brawl will feature action-packed matches, wrestling legends and much more, including some segment involving his son Kal.  Herro's love for his son is evident and very heartwarming.

Another certainty at Blizzard Brawl is Al Snow, longtime friend of Herro's and of Johngy's Beat (see promo on the left side).  Snow loves "punching" me in pictures.  I get such a kick out of seeing him get such a kick out of these pictures.  They have become tradition at this point.

This is just one example of the fun that will be had at Blizzard Brawl 11.  I am excited already.  I will be there and I hope to see a lot of my friends, as well.  For mor info and updates, check out the Great Lakes Championship Wrestling site.

Al Snow and me in Chicago, IL-April 2015.

Al Snow Loves Johngy's Beat

Al Snow punches me every chance he gets.  This has been happening for several years.  I am not even sure how it started, but I actually look forward to new variations whenever I see him now.

Deep down though, I know Al likes me (or at least he likes JohngysBeat.com).  In fact, he begged me to do this little promo for the site.  (Hey, it's my site, my memory and my interpretation.)  I say he begged me.  If he chooses to dispute my claim, I will be happy to run his side of the story here in the future.

What's the worst thing he can do...punch me again?

Anyway, Al's testimonial is below and also has taken its rightful place in the right column sidebar of testimonials.  Thanks Al, I appreciate the support!

Al Snow Punched Me, Again!

What's with Al Snow?  Every time I see him, he punches me in the face.  On second thought, maybe it is me.    Maybe I elicit that type of reaction.
Actually Snow punches me, because I ask him to punch me (although he seems to do it with quite a bit of glee).  I think Snow started this tradition.  I had met him several times and one time he just said we should have some fun.  Who am I to argue with Snow?  Thus the face punch was born.
One time, I was looking at the polaroid we took and a woman freaked out a bit that he actually punched me.  I guess she was not in on the joke.  I told Snow about it and he had a good laugh.
Snow is a great guy.  He was a successful wrestler, although he never attained true "main event" status.  I think the wrestling promoters missed out on Snow.  The man has humor, charisma and ability (just ask Mick Foley).
Regardless, Snow is great at appearances.  He is always willing to have fun with the pictures.  I have a few face-punch shots though.  I think next time, maybe I should get a "Head" shot or some other form of violence.  I am sure Snow will cooperate.

Al Snow, Head and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2012.

At Wizard World in Chicago

I have met Al Snow several times.  I even interviewed Snow at Wizard World in 2008.  Snow is always a treat at these conventions.
Aside from being a successful wrestler, Snow has been doing some acting.  In fact, he was in Hell House (2009) with Kayla Perkins who I recently interviewed).  Snow is funny, articulate and fan-friendly.  He is everything you want in a celebrity convention guest.
Snow is exactly the kind of celebrity you will find at Wizard World.  Wizard World holds conventions in many cities each year.  If one is near you, don't miss it.  I will be at Wizard World in Rosemont (Chicago) akk four days this weekend.  I look forward to this event every year.
Wizard World is one of the best such conventions.  There are quality celebrity guests, tons of vendor tables many activities and much more.  In addition to all of that good stuff, the staff (from top to bottom) is helpful and friendly.

Al Snow and me at Wizard World in Rosemont, IL-August 2008.

Al Snow Punched Me Again!

I have met Al Snow several times. I first met Snow at the infamous Kokomo (IN) event in 2007. I met Snow again at Wizard World in 2008 and he let me interview him. He also punched me there! I swear, I didn't even see it coming.
Recently, I had my chance at revenge when Snow appeared at a Klinger Promotions event in St. Charles (IL). Snow is crafty, however. He lulled me into a false sense of friendliness by greeting me upon my entrance. He remembered me from the Wizard World event. I started to relax and thank him for the interview when he hit me again (see below)!
Okay, but seriously folks...Al Snow is one of my all-time favorites. Snow has had a lengthy career and is really one of the good guys and certainly one of the funniest! It is always fun seeing Snow. He is entertaining and interesting.
Sometimes I gripe about celebs being aloof at autograph signings. Snow is completely the opposite. As good as that sounds, I don't think it is an act of any sorts. I believe Snow is just being himself.
I am glad to see Klinger doing more shows. Klinger always runs a smooth event with excellent guests. Their next event in the Chicago area will feature Dallas Page.

Al Snow punching me in St. Charles, IL-December 2009.

Interviews:2008

Here is the complete listing and linkage for all of my 2008 interviews.

I interviewed Rick Monday right outside the Dodgers' clubhouse at Dodger Stadium in June of 2008. We talked mostly about when he saved the U.S. flag from being burned. I wrote a piece about that for Global Traveler magazine's website. That GT piece was read by David Stein on Sporting News Radio.To hear the Rick Monday interview click hereTo hear David Stein read my piece click here


For another piece on GT's website, I interviewed wrestling personalities Al Snow, Terri Runnels and Scott Taylor separately at Wizard World in Rosemont, IL in August of 2008. We talked about travel, their current life and their future plans.To hear the Al Snow interview click hereTo hear the Terri Runnels interview click hereTo hear the Scott Taylor interview click here


I interviewed Mike Easler and Larry Bowa together during batting practice at Dodger Stadium in June of 2008. Easler talked about his favorite city, while Bowa wasn't quite as decisive about his. I also helped Bowa with fielding practice, although that is not part of the interview.To hear the Easler and Bowa interview click here


I interviewed Hall of Fame broadcaster Peter Gammons of ESPN on the field at Dodger Stadium in June of 2008. It was long before the game started and there were only a handful of people even there. We discussed his favorite cities.To hear the Peter Gammons interview click here


The last interview I got at Dodger Stadium in June of 2008 was with Ryan Dempster. Dempster had an unbelievable season after converting back to a starting pitcher after being a reliever for several years. Dempster was very loose and seemed happy to talk for a bit.
To hear the Ryan Dempster interview click here


I interviewed ESPN broadcaster Jon Miller at Dodger Stadium in June of 2008. Miller gave me over 3 minutes of his time, which is quite a lot for an unscheduled interview. He talked freely about a number of his favorite cities.To hear the Jon Miller interview click here


I interviewed Hall of Famer Joe Morgan right as he headed into the dugout moments before the game at Dodger Stadium in June of 2008. Morgan only had about 30 seconds, but I logged in another Hall of Famer!To hear the Joe Morgan interview click here

Doing some research for another GT website piece, I attended a couple of TNA wrestling events in the Chicago area. At the fanfest, i was able to interview Christy Hemme, Lance Rock and Jimmy Rave (collectively known as the Rock N Roll Infection). We talked about travel and the expansion of TNA.To hear the Christy Hemme, Rock and Rave interview click here


At the Walk for Hope 2008, in Glenview, IL, I interviewed actress Andrea Evans for a GT online piece. Evans discussed her return to tv's One Life to Live, her commitment to Walk for Hope, her partnership with Lather and her future plans.To hear the Andrea Evans interview click here

Snow-ing

In honor of the inches of wet, white stuff which have sealed off my garage and slowed traffic on every street, I present a better snow. Al Snow.
Snow is a talented performer. Along with winning titles in smaller organizations, Snow has won the WWE European title, the WWE Hardcore title (6 times) and the WWE tag team title (with Mick Foley). Snow has also been a trainer for WWE developmental areas as well as being a trainer on tv's Tough Enough.
Despite all of this success and exposure, I have to say that Snow has been underutilized and underappreciated. He has wrestled under many names (gimmicks), but his best role is as himself, just Al Snow. The guy is gold.
I have met Snow several times and interviewed him earlier this year. The interview was for Global Traveler magazine and was pretty straight forward. The pre- and post-interview stuff was the best, though. Snow had everyone in stitches. He wasn't just 'on' that day. This is just Al Snow.

Whether it is a wrestling organization or a tv network, someone should grab Snow and provide him with airtime. Better yet, give him the right role and put him on the big screen. He is funnier than most stuff out there now.

Al Snow (with Head) and me in Kokomo, IN-October 2007.

Not a Snowjob

Aside from this blog and my weekly blog at Global Traveler magazine, I dabble in freelance writing. Earlier this year, I took my press credentials to the Wizard World convention in Rosemont, IL and scored an interview with Al Snow. Snow has had a storied career in and out of the wrestling ring.
Al was his usual hilarious self. He's a great guy and I miss him on my tv screen.
Here is a little slice of Al Snow.