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

Friend Encounters: Missy Hyatt and Brian Heffron

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

This is one of those times that I feature a friend who is also a celebrity. Really, this is two celebrities.

Brian Heffron rose to fame as the Blue Meanie in Extreme Championship Wrestling. Heffron made that character very popular and successful. He eventually had a run with WWE, too. Since then, he has made appearances on the indy scene and doing comic cons, too. 

Missy Hyatt is one of the first modern day valets. With her Gucci purse, Hyatt became one of the best-known valets. Hyatt had stints in several companies, including a brief stay in the WWE.

Heffron reconnected with Hyatt at a comic con earlier this year. The two worked together in ECW. It's cool seeing them together and looking good after so many years.

Heffron is one of those celebrities I consider a friend. While we don't chat on the phone or hang out, I have seen him enough times that we became friends through familiarity. He is one of the great guys in wrestling and anywhere. He is a huge Philly sports fan, too. He is a knowledgeable fan, too, as our interviews prove.

Brian Heffron and Missy Hyatt in Indianapolis, IN-April 2025.

Friend Encounters: Gritty and The Blue Meanie (and Swoop)

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

I love the picture for today's feature. Two mascots and a larger-than-life character are always a welcome sight.

The big character is Brian Heffron (aka the Blue Meanie) of pro wrestling fame. Brian is a huge fan of Philadelphia sports, as proven in my latest interview with him, which is at On the Beat With The Blue Meanie.

Brian can often be seen at all Philly sports games. He's not a celebrity bandwagon guy. He knows his stuff. He's not just there for the party, although today he appears to be celebrating with Gritty, mascot of the Flyers, with Swoop, of the Eagles, photobombing them.

Aside from all of that, Brian is a great guy. He's always up for an interview or just casual chatter. It's especially fun when he is with his Blue World Order mate Mike "Nova" Bucci. They go at it pretty good supporting their teams (Bucci loves the Dallas Cowboys). 

Along with my friend Adam Barnard, Brian does The Mind of Meanie podcast. Go to Brian's links to find all of his projects.

Brian Heffron and Gritty (and Swoop) in Philadelphia, PA-October 2022.

On the Beat With The Blue Meanie at StarrCast VI

I spent my weekend at StarrCast VI, immersed in the world of pro wrestling. In its sixth year, StarrCast drew thousands of fans.

After debuting in 2018 in Schaumburg, Illinois, StarrCast returned to there in 2019 and again this year. It has also been in Paradise, Nevada, Nashville, Tennessee and Baltimore, Maryland. Promoted by Conrad Thompson, it was three days of meet-and-greets, panels, Q&A's and other events. 

Despite it being a wrestling convention, part of my focus on Friday was football. Knowing wrestling friends The Blue Meanie and Frank the Clown are big football fans, I got their thoughst on their favorite teams for the upcoming season.

The Blue Meanie (Brian Heffron) is an Extreme Championship Original, who also had a successful stint in the WWE and a few independent companies. He is a great guest at wrestling conventions. A Philadelphia native, Brian is true to his roots in his sports fandom. Not a fair-weather fan, Brian (along with "Mrs. Meanie") is often spotted at all Philly teams' games. He also has a friendly football rivalry with fellow Blue World Order member Nova (aka Mike Bucci), as referenced in our interview.

Check out our interview at On the Beat with The Blue Meanie at StarrCast VI. Also, check my StarrCast recaps on TheEveryDayFan.com.

The bWo at Squared Circle Expo III

We are now less than two months away from Squared Circle Expo III. Running April 7-8 at Wyndham Indianapolis West, SCX III promises to surpass the first two fantastic SCX events.

My last update listed the first couple rounds of wrestling guest announcements. That list was packed with legends, including Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medal winner Kurt Angle, All Elite Wrestling's MJF, WWE legend Tatanka, podcasters and current stars Matt Cardona and Brian Myers, AEW's Jamie Hayter, WWE Hall of Famer “Big Sexy” Kevin Nash, Heath, Rhyno, current SCX champ Jake Omen, WWE Hall of Famer Lisa Marie Varon, WWE legends Tugboat/Typhoon and Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, multi-time WWE and TNA/Impact Women's champ Mickie James, multi-time NWA champ Nick Aldis and ECW stars Al Snow, Sandman, Shane Douglas, “The Queen of Extreme” Francine and the bWo's Blue Meanie, Nova and Stevie Richards.

Recently added were WWF Hall of Famer Tito Santana, Christian, Evil Uno, AEW's Toni Storm, NJPW's Juice Robinson, WWE HOFer Sgt. Slaughter, AEW's Willow Nightingale, Red Velvet, Dvon Dudley, SoCal Val, Impact's Ace Austin, Impact's Crazzy Steve, PG-13 (J.C. Ice and Wolfie D), Shark Boy, Athena and Danhausen. That' makes 40 wrestling greats and the promoters aren't done yet. As I have previously written, although that list would be enough for any regular convention, SCX III never settles for regular. That list keeps growing.

There are nearly 30 great vendors announced, too, including Great Lakes Championship Wrestling, artist AJ Moore, Mess Bucket Comics, Tony Hunter Promotions and Collar and Elbow. If you are looking for wrestling memorabilia or merchandise, chances are some vendor will have it or at least tell you where to get it. I have picked up qute a few Roddy Piper pieces, some I didn;t even know existed until I saw them at SCX.

SCX also has Q&A sessions, panels, photo ops and more. Ending each day is a night of wrestling. The first two SCX events had wrestling only on Saturday, but because ethe promoters are always trying to outdo themselves, they added another night of wrestling. My friend Tony and I agreed last year's wrestling was possibly the best independent wrestling show we have evenr seen.

Aside from it simply being twice as much wrestling, it also creates a lot of possibilities. Actions from the first night could affect the second. It also opens the possibilities of some wrestlers now being able to make one of the nights, if they had a previous commitment on the other.

I am excited about the whole weekend, but one thing especially cool is the bWo's appearance. This si a rare chance to meet three of the core members of the famous ECW stable. Since it is Throwback Thursday, I am featuring interviews with Stevie Richards, Nova (Mike Bucci) and Blue Meanie (Brian Heffron) from several years ago at a comic con. I post this as an example of how much fun these guys are. I expect the same at SCX III.

Those interviews are at On the Beat With Blue Meanie, Nova and Stevie Richards.

The bWo at Squared Circle Expo III

During the holidays, the folks at the Squared Circle Expo gave wrestling fans a lot to celebrate. SCX III is now just three months away and it keeps getting better.

Running April 7-8 at the Wyndham Indianapolis West, SCX III is a two day wrestling convention featuring many wrestling stars and legends, photo ops, meet-and-greets, panels, Q&As, vendors and more, including full wrestling cards on both nights.

My last update listed the first couple rounds of wrestling guest announcements. That list was packed with legends, including Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medal winner Kurt Angle, All Elite Wrestling's MJF, WWE legend Tatanka, podcasters and current stars Matt Cardona and Brian Myers, AEW's Jamie Hayter, WWE Hall of Famer “Big Sexy” Kevin Nash, Heath, Rhyno, current SCX champ Jake Omen and WWE Hall of Famer Lisa Marie Varon. As I wrote then, although that list would be enough for any regular convention, SCX III never settles for regular. That list keeps growing.

Recently added were AEW's The Acclaimed, WWE legends Tugboat/typhoon and Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, multi-time WWE and TNA/Impact Women's champ Mickie James and multi-time NWA champ Nick Aldis. Then the SCX promoters got extreme. ECW stars Al Snow, Sandman, Shane Douglas, “The Queen of Extreme” Francine and the bWo's Blue Meanie, Nova and Stevie Richards will now be at SCX III. That's a major chunk of talent from Extreme Championship Wrestling, the upstart company many people feel changed the direction of the wrestling business.

SCX promoters also announced only a few vendor spots remain. Wrestling memorabilia collectors are happy to hear that. Last year, I added a few Roddy Piper pieces I had never even seen before and I hope to find more this year. If you are looking for a wrestling piece, odds are you'll find it here or at least one of the dealers will know how to get it for you.

Another benefit of all the vendors is some of them bring in wrestlers who aren't listed on the official SCX wrestler roster. As big as the SCX lineup will be, the total number of wrestlers present will be even bigger.

I keep emphasizing SCX III will be even better than the previous two SCX events. Look no furher than the actual wrestling matches. This year, there's twice as much wrestling, as full wrestling shows will end both Friday and Saturday's schedules. SCX has put on two of the greatest independent wrestling shows I have witnessed. This year, two nights means twice as much entertainment. 

The other benefit of two nights is the possibilities of the first night actions causing reactions on the second night. That brings an endless amount of options and opportunities.

I always mention reconnecting with friends at the event. I now have friends coming from seven different states and one other country and I am sure that number will keep increasing. SCX really is THE wrestling convention of the year. 

Lastly, I must praise the SCX organizers. These folks work tirelessly to make this the smoothest-running convention possible. From continual social media updates to on-site, hands-on involvement throughout the convention, the SCX team is laser-focused on giving the fans the best time. You won't see these folks posing with the talent all weekend. Sometimes they are so busy they fail to get their own pictures with the wrestlers. It's because the fans come first for the SCX crew.

As always, I will be “On the Beat” all weekend. I locked in my hotel and ticket along time ago. There are still SCX tickets available, but I highly suggest not waiting if you want to go. This will be a sell out. I don't know the Wyndham's rooms availability either, but if there are rooms let, they will go quickly. There are other quality hotels nearby too, though. My advice is to get your ticket, get your room and come on out for a great time.

Go to SquaredCircleX.com for more info on SCX III. Check back here for my recurring coverage.

Stevie Richards, Brian Heffron, Mike Bucci and me in Rosemont, IL-summer 2011.

Friend Encounters: Blue World Order and John Dean at Wizard World 2011

Friend Encounters is a weekly series about friends meeting celebrities.

With Wizard World returning to Chicago this weekend, this is a great time to feature a Friend Encounter from one of their events. I'll be there again and I hope to see today's friend John Dean there, too!

I have known John for many years. A fellow wrestling fan, John has met many great wrestlers over the years.

In 2011, before I knew John, he met the Blue World Order (Stevie Richards, Brian Heffron and Mike Bucci) at Wizard World. I might have crossed paths with John there, because I spent a lot of time at the booth talking to them about wrestling and getting individual interviews. They were all fantastic at that event. I have since seen John at many events, including Squared Circle Expo earlier this year.

Recently, John took his love of wrestling to a new level and invited anyone to join the fun. John started a Wrestling Photo Ops & Action Shots on Facebook, a fun group where folks can share all of their wrestling pictures.

The group has grown to 250 members. It is a private group, which keeps it among fans who want to see other fun pictures, while sharing their own. There is none of the usual FB drama and the wrestlers pictured cover decades of greatness, not just recdent wrestling stars.

Go to Wrestling Photo Ops & Action Shots on Facebook to join the fun. You'll see a bunch of John's pics, as well as many of mine and others. Also, check WizardWorld.com for info and scheduling.

 Stevie Richards, John Dean, Brian Heffron and Mike Bucci in Rosemont, IL-August 2011.

The Blue World Order at Wizard World 2011

Stevie Richards, the Blue Meanie and Nova comprised the Blue World Order in the now-defunct ECW. It was originally intended to be a one off appearance, but it was so popular it stayed around a lot longer and was even revived briefly by the WWE years later.

The gimmick was a hilarious spin on the wildly popular nWo of that time period, but it wouldn't have worked without the talented trio.

All three men are also very nice and very smart about the business. Johngy's Beat Wrestling Correspondent JayHawk Evans handled the interview duties when we had the opportunity to talk t them at Wizard World years ago. Those interviews remain some of my favorites and some of the funniest stuff we've seen in our interviews. These guys are gold.

Though mostly retired from active wrestling, these three have been involved with consultations and appearances. All are big sports fans, with Stevie and Meanie being Philly fans, while Nova is a HUGE fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

I love the picture below. I was part of the bWo, even if just for a few minutes. I think Johngy would have fit in with the Blue World Order.

Stevie Richards, Brian Heffron, Mike Bucci and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2011.

The Blue Meanie Loves Johngy's Beat

A few years ago, we interviewed wrestler The Blue Meanie at Wizard World.  That interview can be found at On the Beat With The Blue Meanie.

The Blue Meanie is Brian Heffron, a talented wrestler who has appeared in ECW and the WWF/E.  He has also wrestled on the independnt scene as well as done some acting.

Recently, Meanie was kind enough to send us a short promo video, which can be watched below.  It is classic Meanie, minus the blue makeup.

Thank you very much Brian.  We really appreciate your support!

Friendly Encounters: Jacques Baron and the bWo

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

Jacques Baron would have fit nicely with the bWo (Blue World Order) in ECW.  Pictured with the Blue Meanie, Nova and Stevie Richards, Jacques looks great in the blue.
Actually Jacques is friends with the members of the bWo.  They shared a booth at a Wizard World convention a few years back.  This is the same convention when I first became aware of Jacques and Resistance Pro Wrestling.
I see these four and I see four great guys.  I also swee four funny men who give great interviews.  I interviewed te bWo guys individually and all were a blast.  Jacques is also always up for some fun during interviews (and more fun off camera).
Nova (aka Mike Bucci) has an incredible wrestling mind.  He is mostly out of wrestling, choosing to concentrate on his regular job.  He could jump back into wrestling at any time.  I am sure the offers are out there.  He is also one of the most genuine men I have met.  I have heard nothing but praise about Bucci.
Blue Meanie (aka Brian Heffrom) is a good dude.  When I went as Blue Johngy for Halloween, we exchanged tweets.  The guy is funny and talented.  Don't let his weight fool you.  He could go in the ring.  Good for him now that he has lost a bunch of that weight.
Richards is probably the most active wrestling-wise of the three.  Little Stevie is still in incredible shape.  My favorite memory of Richards is from the Blue Meanie interview.  The camera panned around and caught Richards enjoying his salad.  He stopped mid-bite and remained frozen until the camera was off of him.  It was pure lunacy.
Then there is Jacques.  I love the guy.  He (and his brother Gabe) have welcomed me into the RPro family (and their families).  He always has a kind word and a sharp wit.
This Friendly Encounter isn't so much about them meeting.  They have met many times.  This is about four great guys who gave me fun memories together and individually, in and out of the ring.

The Blue Meanie, Jacques Baron, Mike Bucci and Stevie Richards in Rosemont, IL-August 2011.

Friendly Encounters: Tommy Else Meets the bWo

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

At Wizard World 2011, I met the Blue World Order (aka Stevie Richards, Brian Heffron and Mike Bucci). These guys are legendary for their wrestling success, especially in ECW.  I was ecstatic that I got to interview each of them separately, although I think they all appeared in each interview at some point.  Not only are these guys a lot of fun, they all had very interesting thoughts on wrestling and other topics.
Tommy Else also met the bWo and from the look of the picture, he was as happy as I was to meet them.  Tommy is a big wrestling fan and has met quite a few wrestlers.  I think Tommy would have made a good addition to the bWo, maybe as an enforcer (ala Arn Anderson?).
At the time of the event, I did not know Tommy yet.  I met him at a Resistance Pro Wrestling event.  In fact, I saw him at many R Pro events.  I also took one of his fitness classes.  Tommy runs T3 Fitness and if it was closer, I would go to more classes.  Tommy is also the brother of Mike Else (aka Professor Kliq), who I also consider a friend.
Over the year or so, Tommy and I have become friends.  He is really a great guy.  He has helped Matt (my nephew) and me many times.
I went to R Pro for some fun wrestling action and I came away with several friends, especially Tommy.  This is just another example of the impact of R Pro.  It really is like one big family and it is definitely a great time.  I am sure I will see Tommy at the next R Pro event, Stay Hungry, on January 18 in Merrionette Park (IL).
To learn more about Tommy, you can check out the T3 Personal Training site or T3 Fitness on Facebook.  You can also go to ResistancePro.com for more info on this great organization.

Stevie Richards, Tommy Else, Brian Heffrom and Mike Bucci in Rosemont, IL-August 2011.

On the Beat with the Blue Meanie

I recently ran our interview with Mike Bucci, also known as Novi.  One of Bucci's mates in the Blue World Order was the Blue Meanie (or Brian Heffron).
Heffrom borrowed the Blue Meanie name from the Beatles Yellow Submarine and the bWo concept was a parody of the wildly popular nWo (New World Order), but the humor and creativity to make this work came from Heffron (along with Bucci and others in the bWo).  The bWo remains a fan favorite years after ECW closed.
Heffrom had a run in the WWE, including a stint as Bluedust, a manager and associate of Goldust.  This was very popular, too, but the WWE doesn't always utilize talent properly.  Blue Meanie didn't stay long in the WWE and returned to mostly independent wrestling organizations.
We caught up with the Blue Meanie at Wizard World and had a blast interviewing him.  This interview has everything, including a cameo by Mrs. Meanie!
After enjoying the video, check out Brian on Twitter.  Also, check out Resistance Pro Wrestling, a new wrestling organization which Brian was helping promote.