Friend Encounters: Billy Corgan and Glen Rylko

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities

Today's feature is bittersweet on a couple levels. It is from a very fun time though.

Back in 2011, Resistance Pro Wrestling debuted. Run by musician Billy Corgan and the Baron brothers, RPro became a big part of my life, as well a the same for many others. Although not part of the staff at RPro, my late friend Glen was one of the loyal fans and part of the family.

As I have previously written, RPro lasted several years, experiencing various levels of success, but never quite making it. Corgan left about a third of the way into the lifespan.

A regular at comic cons and wrestling events, Glen took many pictures with celebrities. He got (at least) one with Corgan, which is no small feat. Corgan was not an easy person to get. While not rude, he usually tried ducking all such attempts. I am sure Glen was a pro and managed to get one.

I was saddened at the end of RPro. Recalling it still makes me sad for what could have been. In the end, it was a great time while it lasted.

Even more sad though, was the passing of Glen. Although we didn't see each other often, we kept in touch with texts. I always enjoyed our text chats, but even more seeing him at comic cons and wrestling. I miss Glen a lot. These posts sadden me, but they also remind me of the great guy Glen was.

Billy Corgan and Glen Rylko in Chicago, IL-May 2012.

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.

Reality and Ravinia

The newest episode of The "Or Else" podcast is now on SoundCloud. In Episode 27: Reality and Ravinia, Tommy Else and I discuss the early stages of the RPro reality show and being on stage at Ravinia with Billy Corgan and our RPo friends.

Filming had begun on the reality show which was to be aired on AMC. Things were very hectic for Billy Corgan, the Baron brothers and the RPro wrestlers. I was on the fringe of the chaos.

One of the coolest and most surreal moments came when Billy invited a bunch of the RPro roster, including me, to join him at Ravinia. Even though I was involved in RPro, I would never imagine I would be on stage with Billy and the group.

The day started with entrance to a private parking area literally a few hundred feet from backstage. The RPro gang met on the Ravinia grounds and we were led to a room where Billy was giving an exclusive pre-show performance to some VIP guests. At the end, he gathered us around and informed us we would be joining him on stage for a song. He guided us through "Of a Broken Heart" for a little practice.

After that, we all enjoyed an afternoon soaking in the Ravinia atmosphere before the actual show began. As the show started, we took our seats and waited for the cue to join him on stage.

Towards the end of the show, we got called to go backstage to the green room, where we waited for the introduction from Billy. As Billy called us on stage, the bunch of us split up and entered from both sides. I was far stage left.

I admit, I never knew "Of a Broken Heart" before that night, but fortunately, Billy didn't count on me singing lead. I was able to sing (quietly) along with the chorus.

It was so odd looking into the crowd of thousands. What was I doing up there and how did I get there?

The song ended and we went backstage again and enjoyed some food in the green room. None of us could believe what happened. It was unreal.

Tommy and I go into more detail on this night on Episode 27: Reality and Ravinia. You can also listen to earlier episodes of The "Or Else" podcast on The "Or Else" main page on SoundCloud. While you are there, you should check out "Jesse Unplugged" and "Losing Friends," Tommy's other podcasts. They are vastly different, but equally entertaining.

Billy Corgan, RPro wrestlers and me in Highland Park, IL-August 2014.

Billy Corgan and Me

I liked the Smashing Pumpkins, but I was not a huge fan.  Of course, I respected what they accomplished.

When I got involved with Resistance Pro Wrestling, it was not because of Billy Corgan.  Honestly, I didn't even realize he was involved.  I liked the concept of getting on board from the start of the company and I really liked what I saw from Jacques and Gabe Baron.

The story of Billy and RPro has been well-documented.  It didn't end well.  Billy's departure didn't change the way I felt about RPro.

I didn't have anything bad to say about Billy then and I don't have anything bad to say now.  Billy treated me fine during our time together at RPro.  I am grateful for those times, including being on stage with the Smashing Pumpkins at Ravinia.

The ending also had some residual effects, including the departure of many RPro "diehards."  I have lost contact with most of the dearly departed.  I didn't understand it then and I do not understand it now.  I don't know why choices had to be made.

I have had friends work for competitors in the past.  Why was this any different?  Actually, it shouldn't even be compared.  We weren't working for competitors.  There was no competition.  There was a falling out of sorts and some people made others pick sides.  I didn't pick a side back then.  I syaed where I wanted to be.  I felt no animosity towards them or Billy.

Now years later, it is all still very weird and pointless.  Friends are friends and that goes deeper than work affiliations.

In the end, life goes on for all of us.  I'm not bitter or angry.  I'm a bit sad at how things developed, but there are much worse disappointments in life.

I had a good time with Billy.  I had some great experiences with Billy and I will always be thankful and look back fondly on those times.  The end and aftermath might not be pretty, but doesn't erase the good times.

Billy Corgan and me in Chicago, IL-February 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Billy Corgan and Glen Rylko

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

Here is one celebrity encounter that I got before my friend Glen Rylko.  Despite meeting a lot of celebs, I always seem to miss the big ones that Glen gets.  Not this time though.

Glen met Billy Corgan during Billy's time at Resistance Pro.  As has been documented many times, I met Billy many times obviously during his time at RPro.  Score one for me on beating Glen to Billy!

I don't think Glen is as petty as me.  He's probably not keeping a tally.  Besides, he did meet Billy, unlike the many celebs he has met who I have not.

Of course, I am just kidding about the competition.  Glen is a great guy and gets to meet some interesting celebrities.  Sometimes we even manage to meet some of the same ones.

I am sure Glen and I will continue to meet celebs.  I'm even okay if he meets a few before I do.  This general statement does not apply to Billy Joel though. 

Billy Corgan and Glen Rylko in Chicago, IL-May 2012.

Friendly Encounters: Matt Parker and Billy Corgan

This is a weekly series featuring my friends meeting celebrities.

Matt "Big Money" Parker has been a vital cog in the JohngysBeat.com wheel.  He is the Contributor Extraordinaire for all he has done.  There would still be a Johngy's Beat without him, but most advances I have made have been with the assistance of Matt.

Matt has been particularly helpful in my efforts at Resistance Pro wrestling.  Along with his help, he has also been a bunch of fun.  Whether sucking up to Eric St. Vaughn (or getting chastised by ESV of late), poking Jocephus Brody or any other bits of his silliness, he always makes it a good time for me.

Making it a good time for all is Billy Corgan, music legend and Creative Director at RPro.  Corgan isn't a big name figure head.  He is the real deal, a "hands-on" leader, whose vision is sometimes questioned, but whose results are visible.  Corgan knows what he is doing and it is evident in the success of RPro.

Matt and Billy.  Two men I am proud to know.  More importantly, I am proud to call both friend.

Matt Parker and Billy Corgan in Willowbrook, IL-June 2014.

On Stage With Billy Corgan

A few weeks ago, Billy Corgan made his Ravinia debut. So did I. In fact, for a magical five minutes or so, we sang together, but more on that later.

The evening started with a performance by Corgan in a private dining room for VIPs. Corgan, accompanied by Jeff Schroeder, did a 30-minute set, followed by a Q&A. I was literally within several feet of the performers.

Before ending this session, Corgan assembled his friends from Resistance Pro and informed us we would be joining him on stage later. He proceeded to run us through a quick practice. I was going to share a stage with Billy Corgan!

We eventually settled into our seats in the Pavilion and enjoyed about two hours of beautiful acoustic music. Prior to his last song, we were escorted backstage and then introduced by Corgan. Twenty or so of us gathered around the microphones as Corgan jumped into “Of a Broken Heart.”

Then it hit me, as I looked out at the thousands of fans. I was singing chorus with Billy Corgan on stage! Plus I was experiencing this with my friends. Time flew by, yet stood still. This was about as surreal and magical as it gets.
I have always tried to soak in these moments.  I have tried to calm the excitement enough to fully experience and relish the moment.  I made sure to look at the crowd and realize just how cool this was.
Backstage after the show, we all could not believe what just happened. It became more real when hundreds of pictures and videos started floating around the Internet the next day. Other friends are still asking me how it was, and all I can say is, “Unbelievable.”
Below is a video of our time on stage.  On the far right is Eric St. Vaughn or RPro, Bridget McDonnell of the Chicago Bliss and me.  I have no rhythm whatsoever, but I still enjoyed myself to the fullest.

On the Beat at Resistance Pro's "Welcome to My Nightmare"

Resistance Pro's last event, Welcome to My Nightmare, was a fantastic evening of exciting pro wrestling, cool costumes by all, tricks, treats and Svengoolie!  Who could ask for more?
Every R Pro show is special, but the Halloween show is uniquely special.  (Is that redundant?)  In any case, the Halloween show is a lot of fun because most in attendance are in costumes and that includes the wrestlers, the fans and even the R Pro owners.  It is magically surreal.
As Rowdy Johngy Piper, I scored some interviews with a mix of the R Pro talent.  JohngysBeat.com got Vector A before and after his title match with Egotistico Fantastico (aka "The Ego" Robert Anthony).  We got Road Warrior Andres the announcer.  We got Lucy Mendez, Mad Man Pondo and Crazy Mary Dobson and newcomer Jordynne Grace.  We even got musician and R Pro fan Professor Kliq.  Oh, did I mention we got Billy Corgan, Creative Director?  All of those interviews can be viewed below.
It was another great show.  I know this seems like a repeat of last month's piece about the previous R Pro show, but that is only because R Pro continues to put on great shows and I continue to try to tell everyone.

Watch the interviews below and see some of the R Pro talent.  Head over to ResistancePro.com to learn more.  Come out to n R Pro show and see for yourself.  As a matter of fact, there is an R Pro show tomorrow at Amundsen High School in Chicago.

On the Beat with Billy Corgan of Resistance Pro Wrestling

At last month's Resistance Pro wrestling show, I had the pleasure of interviewing R Pro Creative Director Billy Corgan.  Aside from it being a feather in my cap to add Corgan to my interview list, I was very happy to present the fans with Corgan's thoughts in his own words.
I asked Corgan about the upcoming two year anniversary of R Pro and also about the great work that R Pro is doing with the POP (Positive Outreach Program).  It is one thing for me to transcribe Corgan's feelings on these topics, but it is important for his voice to be heard.
The interview is short, but packs a punch.  Of course, I would have loved to talk at length with Corgan (yeah, me and hundreds of other journalists and thousands of fans).  On the other side of that coin, I am sure Corgan would prefer to fade into the background and just do his thing with R Pro.  Our video here is a nice compromise.
Corgan should be applauded for what he has done with R Pro.  I totally respect his honesty in his answer about the direction (past and present) of R Pro.
Corgan is very involved in R Pro.  He isn't some figurehead or an absentee bigwig.  He works very hard at making R Po a success.
He is also involved in the POP program and has been at the events.  It is very motivating seeing Corgan and Gabe and Jacques Baron at these events.  It all flows from the top down.  This is one reason why R Pro staffers are so loyal.

He has his detractors and everyone is entitled to an opinion.  I only ask that you watch the video and get a glimpse into Corgan's thoughts and passion for all things R Pro.  He has totally made a believer out of me and I am certain if you give Corgan and R Pro a chance, you will be joining me and the others on the R Pro bandwagon.

The next R Pro show is two weeks from today, on November 23.  You can go to ResistancePro.com for all of the details.

On the Beat with Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program

JohngysBeat.com is all about meeting celebrities.  Over the years, I have written about hundreds of celebrities.  Today, I am writing about being with a music legend, two wrestling company owners and several wrestlers, but more important than that, I was with students from the Southside Occupational Academy for the debut of the R Pro Positive Outreach Program.  The full report, including an interview with C Red, the man behind POP, can be found on the Patch at On the Beat with Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program.
R Pro's Creative Director Billy Corgan (also of the Smashing Pumpkins) believed in POP so much that he took time from his insanely busy schedule to be there and speak.  R Pro owners Jacques and Gabriel Baron were both there.  Wrestlers Eric St. Vaughn, Matt Knicks, Marshe Rockett and Suge D were also joined by Michael Bradley and Stoney McGee (both of many roles within R Pro).  This was a large assemblage of talent and all believed enough in the cause and in R Pro to make this happen.
The goal of POP is to be a positive force in the community.  I have seen for the last two years how things don't begin and end with the ring of the bell.  It might sound cliche, but R Pro is really one giant family.  People don't just show up for wrestling and then leave.  We see each other, talk regularly, support each other and do the things that a family does.  I have never felt more accepted by any organization.
The goal of POP and R Pro was to be a positive in the lives of these students (and others in the future).  I gave a bit of my time and walked away feeling more positive than I ever had before.
Thank you C Red.  Thank you R Pro.  I love you all.

The Resistance Pro crew in Chicago, IL-September 2013.

Friendly Encounters : "The Ego" Robert Anthony Meets Billy Corgan

This is a regular series about friends who have met celebrities.

I met "The Ego" Robert Anthony at a Resistance Pro event about 18 months ago.  I watched Ego become one of the most popular wrestlers at R Pro and eventually he became the champ (a title he still holds).
Ego has been known to call the R Pro venue "the house that Ego built" and I can't really disagree.  He has consistently put on excellent matches.  His match with John Morrison was worthy of "Match of the Year" honors.  His wrestling skills in the ring seem to be ever-improving and his fanbase is ever-expanding.  Ego is gold!
Earlier this year, Ego posed with Billy Corgan, R Pro's Creative Director, at a Bulls game.  Ego is a big Chicago sprts fan and can be seen wearing various Chicago jerseys.  He is an ideal candidate for a Celebrity Jersey Card and his day will come.
Don't just take my praise for fact.  Come out to an R Pro event and see for yourself.  In fact, on Friday, July 27, you can watch an R Pro show in Willowbrook.  Go to ResistancePro.com for all of the details.

Billy Corgan and Robert Anthony in Chicago, IL-January 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Sam Thompson Meets Billy Corgan

This is a regular feature about my friends who have met celebrities.

Two years ago this Friday, Sam Thompson lost his life after battling health issues his entire 31 years of life.  The world lost one of the good guys that day.
I wrote a story about Sam for the Plainfield Patch and more info can be found on SamThompsonMemorial.org.  Today I want to concentrate on what Sam got out of pro wrestling and especially Resistance Pro Wrestling.
Sam was a wrestling fan.  When the Baron brothers (Jacques and Gabriel) were putting together their plan for R Pro, they approached Sam and his brother Zach about being part of the R Pro world.  Zach says that it was Sam's dream job.  Sam was not only able to work, but he was thrilled to work in the pro wrestling industry with friends and family.
Despite his ailments, Sam always stayed positive.  When he joined R Pro, his positive nature got amped up even more.  He was doing something he loved and he valued and he was loved and valued by all.
We have all lost good people in our lives.  The real key to easing the pain is to keep their spirit.  I have seen the Thompson family and friends of Sam feel and keep his spirit alive.
I don't claim to have been a great friend of Sam's.  In reality, I barely knew him.  Still, I knew him well enough and I have heard the stories from other mutual friends.  I feel blessed to have known him even for the short time.
I will think about Sam this Friday, but I will also think about him and all of my other departed family and friends everyday.  Their spirit lives in me and all who knew them.  In the end, aren't we the sum total of the people we have encountered?

Billy Corgan and Sam Thompson in Rosemont, IL-August 2011.

Johngy Applauds Billy Corgan

When I heard that Billy Corgan was getting involved in wrestling, I was surprised and skeptical.  Why would the front man for the Smashing Pumpkins want to get into wrestling and what did he know about running a wrestling company?
Most wrestling fans think they can be the best match-maker and the best story writer ever.  Just ask any fan.  They will gladly talk to you for hours about their brilliant "original" ideas.  I wondered if Corgan was just a big fan...a famous one, but a fan nonetheless.
Over the last year and a half, I have learned that I was right and I was wrong.  Corgan is certainly a wrestling fan.  Unlike most fans, Corgan has been able top put his ideas into play.
As the Creative Director for Resistance Pro Wrestling, Corgan has helped guide the young company to a position of prominence on the independent wrestling scene.  That is not an easy task for a start-up wrestling company to accomplish in 18 months.
Indy wrestling companies don't have the luxury of signing wrestles to long-term exclusive contracts.  Imagine trying to plan out storylines, with the uncertain status of wrestlers two to three months away.  Matches had to be reworked or scrapped due to the sudden unavailability of any given wrestler.
They also don't have the big bucks to lure established wrestling stars.  Oh sure, Corgan could have dumped part of his fortune into the company to grab big names, but that would not have necessarily made R Pro a success anyway.  R Pro has thrived on dedicated, talented, hungry wrestlers, like Melanie Cruise, Robert Anthony, Jay Bradley (who has signed with TNA Impact), Nikki St. John and several others.  R Pro has even developed their own upcoming superstar in Eric St. Vaughn.
All of this is done while Corgan also pushes R Pro in several other ways.  Television contracts, expansion into new areas and other such things occupy Corgan's time as well.
I must be honest and admit I have not liked some of Corgan's stories.  I have questioned some of the matches and logic.  On the other hand, I also recognize the difficulties he faces.  I also must say that I have seen his love for the company and for the individuals within the company.
I am taking this time to publicly applaud Corgan for what he has done for R Pro.  While it would be easy to bash him for some of the wrestling plots, I encourage everyone to look a little deeper and see the whole picture.  You don't have to agree with everything he has done to recognize the fact that he has done quite a lot.

Billy Corgan and me in Chicago, IL-January 2012.

Friendly Encounters:Sheri Shaw Meets Billy Corgan and Harry Smith

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.  If you have a celebrity encounter picture you are willing to share, I'd love to run it here in the future.  Just let me know.

I have written many times about Resistance Pro Wrestling.  R Pro is a great organization and it has been so much fun covering their live events and meeting everyone involved with them.  I have had nothing but great experiences with everyone with R Pro.  I like to think I have gained several new friends, along with gaining story subjects!
One of those friends is Sheri Shaw.  I contacted Sheri about a year ago, when I heard she was in charge of music for R Pro.  It took a while to actually connect for an interview, but eventually we got together for one and even got her music partner Brian Judy in for another.
Sheri is a great asset to R Pro.  She is as friendly as she is cool...and her music is great.  Her music sets the stage for the wrestlers and the crowd.  I think Sheri will play an even bigger role as time goes on and R Pro gets bigger.
Resistance Pro's next show is Friday Sept. 14 at Excalibur.  Come on out and see some great wrestling action, accompanied by some great music.  Sheri and R Pro are a winning combination!

Billy Corgan, Sheri Shaw and Harry Smith in Chicago, IL-Early 2012.

Friendly Encounters:Tommy Else Meets Billy Corgan and Harry Smith

This is a regular feature about my friends who have met celebrities.

I first encountered Resistance Pro Wrestling last year at Wizard World.  Since then, I have been featuring R-Pro regularly here and have enjoyed their live wrestling shows at Excalibur.  During the course of my learning all about R-Pro, I came across Tommy Else aka T3.
Tommy is a Chicago area guy and also a fan of R-Pro.  Actually, he is more than a fan.  He is trying to become part of R-Pro.
Tommy has his own site, The T3 Universe.  You can read about his audition for R-Pro here.  It is a great story, full of passion and real emotion.  Making his experience even better was meeting Billy Corgan, one of his favorites.
The story doesn't end there though.  Tommy started a campaign to get into the R-Pro organization.  You can read about that campaign here and here and here.  Tommy manages to show the passion, emotion and humor of a wrestling vet.  I have seen a lot of wrestlers and Tommy could easily make a name for himself with the right breaks.
Tommy made his Resistance debut recently for the Vicious Circle event.  He is aligned with D'Arcy Dixon as part of Team D'Arcy.  I am really hoping to talk to both of these Resistance stars at Obsession on March 23.
I really appreciate Tommy sharing all of this here.  I think he has a great future and I am looking forward to watching his career develop.

Harry Smith, Tommy Else and Billy Corgan in Chicago, IL-January 2012.

Friendly Encounters:Matt Meets Billy Corgan

This is a weekly feature about friends who have met celebrities.

Last Friday, Johngy's Beat covered Rise, the second event held by Resistance Pro Wrestling.  RPW is owned and run by Gabriel and Jacques Baron.
I really think RPW is something special and will see a lot of success as they continue to grow and develop.  They have brought in great wrestling minds like Raven, Mike "Nova" Bucci and Shane Douglas.  They have popular young talent like Colt Cabana, Kevin Steen, Melanie Cruise, Harry Smith and more.  The wrestling is solid and the storylines are going to just keep building the excitement.
One other interesting component of RPW is their Creative Director.  That title belongs to Billy Corgan (of Smashing Pumpkins fame).  Corgan was at Rise to present the first ever RPW heavyweight championship belt to the winner of the triple threat match, which was Harry Smith.  Corgan also stuck around to pose with fans after the show.
Matt expressed an interest in meeting Corgan and I am very happy he was able to take a picture with Corgan.  Matt does a fantastic job for Johngy's Beat and is severely underpaid.  I am glad he got that opportunity.
This begins a stretch of several days over which we will be featuring interviews we did with some of the talented wrestlers of Resistance.  We love this organization, are excited to be in on it from the beginning and look forward to watching it grow and develop.

Billy Corgan and Matt Parker in Chicago, IL-January 2012.