CM Punk at C2E2 2019

New York Comic Con returns to the Big Apple October 17-20. From ReedPop, the same folks who run C2E2 in Chicago, NYCC is one of the major comic cons in the world.

I have attended NYCC the last two years, but will miss it this year. It's not because I don't want to go. I loved NYCC. I just have other commitments, but my mind will be at NYCC.

I was amazed at how big it was when I first saw it in 2021. With all due respect to comic cons in Chicago, NYCC was bigger and bolder. I quickly realized I needed to make a logistical plan to minimize walking back and forth across the huge Javits Center, but every step was worth it. It was awesome.

NYCC will probably have several wrestlers on their guest list. I have met a bunch there either as part of the NYCC lineup or brought in by specific vendors. Either way, there was a solid wrestling presence.

While he probably won't be at NYCC, CM Punk is a popular guest at C2E2. The Chicago-area native is also back in the ring with the WWE.

Punk can be a polarizing figure, but I have had nothing but pleasant experiences with him. I've talked to him at length at various comic cons and a couple shows. Maybe it is the right time and place for him, but no matter, he was still very friendly.

For more info on Punk, go to WWE.com. Also, check NYCC.com and C2E2.com for more info and scheduling on these two great events.

Troy Babbs, CM Punk and me in Chicago, IL-March 2019.

CM Punk at C2E2

Running March 31-April 2, C2E2 2023 is right around the corner. Of course, I will be there "On the Beat" all weekend..

One regular stop of mine at C2E2 is the Pro Wrestling Tees booth. PWT has hundreds of wrestling for purchase online, including my Johngy's Beat shirts.

PWT brings in a few wrestlers to appear at their booth. One of the usual wrestlers is Chicago's own CM Punk. While Punk has a bit of a gruff personality at times, he has always been great at C2E2. Actually, I have met him several times elsewhere, too, and never had a bad experience with him.

When he joined All Elite Wrestling, Punk returned to wrestling after many years away. I was at his return, which happened at the United Center in Chicago. The crowd pop was insane.

After a few good matches and storylines, Punk's return hit the rocks. A backstage skirmish and a wild press conference have left fans wondering if he will ever return to AEW or wrestling anywhere.

I hope Punk does return. I enjoy his wrestling and his promos. Unfortunately, I don't see it happening.

I do think there is a good chance he will be at C2E2 again this year. If he's not at appearing as a wrestler, I am pretty sure he will be somewhere in the crowd, but I wouldn't bother him if I see him just meandering.

Go to C2E2.com for info, updates and schedules. Also, check ProWrestlingTees.com for all their cool merch, including Johngy's Beat tshirts.

CM Punk, Jim Strong and me in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

CM Punk at C2E2 2020

C2E2 2022 takes over Chicago August 5-7. I will be "On the Beat" as always. Hopefully, Chicago's own CM Punk will be there again.

A polarizing figure in wrestling, Punk did the seemingly impossible. He made a successful return after a length absence and is at the top of his game. When he retired from the WWE in 2014, it looked like his wrestling career was over. Punk remained busy, though. He continued working on comic book projects. He entered the world of MMA. It really seemed like he was done with wrestling.

As any wrestling fan knows though, wrestling retirements rarely last. Sure enough, in 2021, Punk joined All Elite Wrestling. I was there for his debut in Chicago and the United Center was crazy loud.

Since then, he has had memorable feuds and has done quite well. He is now the veteran helping elevate others, while still succeeding in his own career.

Punk gets criticized far too often for his alleged attitude, but I have never found him to be anything but great. He is one of my favorite guests at comic cons.

It was just announced Punk will be at C2E2 2022. I will see him again, but I am still hoping his wife AJ accompanies him.

Go to C2E2.com for more info and scheduling. Check AllEliteWrestling.com for info on Punk and the rest of the AEW roster.

CM Punk and me in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

CM Punk at C2E2 2019

After a seven year absence< CM Punk returned to wrestling at All Elite Wrestling's Rampage in Chicago in September. Punk received a huge ovation. It was one of the loudest and longest crowd reactions I have witnessed in wrestling and he deserved it. Love him or not, Punk has made his mark and looks to add to his legacy.

I have met him many times at comic cons, wrestling shows and charity events. I have enjoyed each encounter.

One such time was at C2E2 2019, when I my friend Glen and Patrick Rylko and I met him. Granted, you don't have much time at these such events, but the key is to make the most of those precious few minutes. Punk made it a fun time and that is all I can ask of any celeb.

C2E2 2021 runs December 10-12. I don't know if Punk will be there, but I have a feeling he will. I know I will be there "On the Beat" as usual. I also think Glen will be there, maybe with his wife Alicia. I hope all are there, because it is going to be a blast.

Go to C2E2.com for all the info and scheduling. Also, check out AllEliteWrestling.com for more info on Punk and his squared circle mates at AEW.

Patrick Rylko, Glen Rylko, CM Punk and me in Chicago, IL-March 2019.

Friend Encounters: CM Punk and Michael Kingston

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

Michael Kingston is the creative force behind Headlocked, a professional wrestling comic book that debited in 2007. My first of a few interviews with Michael can be found at On the Beat With Michael Kingston.
The story focuses on Mike Hartman, a college theater major who discovers the world of pro wrestling one night and is changed forever. He sets his goal to make it to the top of the WFW, the largest wrestling organization in the world.
Wrestling Hall of Famer Jerry "the King" Lawler provides the cover art. Many other wrestlers have contributed to the series as well.
Michael is a talented and fun guy. His booth at comic cons is always one of the busiest and most entertaining. Michael always has a wrestler or two appearing at his booth. Other wrestling guests at the con stop by to chat with Michael, Michael's guests and the fans. Such was the case when Michael met CM Punk in 2011.
A huge comic book aficionado, Punk checked out the Headlocked booth delighting Michael, who said, "When CM Punk was the biggest wrestler in the world, he came to my booth at SDCC. 1 of only 2 stops he made that day (the other being Jill Thompson’s Booth)."
The best in the wrestling world met the best wrestling comic creator. It was a meeting of twp icons.
Go to Headlocked Comic for more info. Also, follow Headlocked Comic on Facebook for more frequent updates.

CM Punk and Michael Kingston in San Diego, CA-July 2011.

CM Punk at C2E2 2017

Few wrestlers have ever been as polarizing as CM Punk. He was the darling of fans while he wrestled on the indy scene and into his early run in the WWE. As he rose to the top, detractors started coming out (as usual unfortunately). When he walked away from the WWE and then joined the UFC, most fans were ready to lynch him.

I find it amusing. I also find it impressive that he walked away from a profession he loved (at least at one point) and pursued another path. He had enough money and he has the right to do what he wants. He doesn't have to live for the fans. He owes the fans nothing.

I have met and talked to him several times at comic cons. He has always been extremely cool in those encounters. I always acknowledge that people will say he should be nice at those events, but it isn't so with every celebrity and Punk goes above and beyond within the constraint of the situation.

Maybe he is a jerk in other situations. I don't know, as I have never met him casually. I can only judge him from what I have experienced. In those instances, he has been great.

Of course, I would love to see him go back to the WWE. I think it would be a huge event and a big paycheck for him. I applaud and respect him even more though, because if he isn't going back, he is passing on that for his own reasons. It isn't all about money and prestige.

CM Punk and me in Chicago, IL-April 2017.

CM Punk at C2E2 2016

Chicagoan CM Punk is one of the recently most popular wrestlers I have met.  Punk achieved a lot o success in a relatively short time in the WWE and his departure caused a lot of sadness (and rumors of his return).

I can't say Punk is one of the all-time greats.  I think his overall body of work is just too short.  I think he was on his way.  I think during his time, he was a top performer.  Unfortunately for wrestling fans, he went on to other stuff.

He has his detractors, too.  Punk has been said to be a bit prickly.  This was not the case when Scottie Steiner and I met him at C2E2.  It was also not the case in the media session there.  In fact, Punk seemed to be in an extra good mood.

Some might still criticize him for this, as he was getting paid to be nice.  I rebuff that by acknowleding his payment, but pointing to oters in the same situation who have been far less friendly.  I must be fair and say he was a great celebrity guest at C2E2.

I am happy to hear that Punk and his wife AJ Lee will once again be appearing at C2E2.  Of course, I'll be there and reporting back here.  For more info, head to C2E2.com.

Scottie Steiner, CM Punk and me in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Friendly Encounters: CM Punk and Eugene Cresto

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

I have featured Eugene Cresto many times.  He meets more people than I do.  His main focus is wrestling and he has met some of the all time greats.
CM Punk had a short, but great wrestling career.  He is attempting to have a UFC career now, although some still predict a return to wrestling.  He is a bit controversial, but nobody can deny he was one of the best during his run in the WWE.
Speaking of greats, how great is the picture below.  Eugene and his crew got that pose thing down.  This is awesome (apologies for using the Miz's catchphrase).  Perhaps I should have written that this is the best in the world.  That might have been more fitting.
Either way, Eugene will continue to meet wrestlers and I will continue to be impressed by his ability to find them.  I will also continue to feature his best pictures right here.

Filip Trbovic, Steve Pustek, CM Punk, Eugene Cresto and Che Alfaro in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Dirk Manning and CM Punk

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

I met author Dirk Manning at a convention years ago.  I interviewed him then and have tried to interview him whenever I see him.  He's an interesting guy and a talented writer.
He is also a wrestling fan, which gives us a bit more common ground.  During our last interview, I asked Manning to make three predictions.  So far, two of his predictions are holding up and the third will be determined soon.  You can hear his predictions, along with some info on his projects at On the Beat with Dirk Manning at Wizard World 2014.
Dirk predicted CM Punk would not return to wrestling (or not for a very long time at least).  While we might not see him in a ring, Dirk did see Punk at a comic con a few years ago.  This is a rare photo indeed.  Fans of Dirk will spot it right away.  For those who aren't that familiar with Dirk, if you check out the Dirk Manning FB page and look at his profile picture, you will understand.
Manning is the mad genius behind "Tales of Mr. Rhee."  You can learn all about this great project at the Tales of Mr. Rhee Kickstarter page.  You can get some cool stuff with various donations, too.  I encourage all to check out Manning and help the cause.

CM Punk and Dirk Manning in OH-October 2012.

What's Up with CM Punk?

CM PUnk is an interesting guy.  He was a very popular star on the independent wrestling scene and eventually joined the WWE in 2005.  He did not have immediate major success there, although he remained very popular.
Over the last couple years, his success increased as did his popularity.  He was red-hot.  He was clearly one of the top guys at the WWE.
Recently however, Punk walked away from the WWE.  The rumor is that he was upset with part-timers getting main event slots.  If that is true, I cannot blame him.
It is hard to tell.  Wrestling imitates life and all the lines are blurred to make things look real (or to make the reality seem like part of a planned storyline).
Punk has been known to be less than pleasant to fans, except at organized events, where I have heard of and seen him be completely pleasant.  He is reported to have handled his money well and can afford to stay away from wrestling.
Punk has been called a lot of names (good and bad).  I applaud him for sticking to his principles and walking away from a big pay day at WrestleMania.  He did not just sit back and collect the cash.
Of course, there is the possibility that all of this is part of the storyline.  In that case, I applaud the WWE and Punk for making it work.
Confused?  Join the club.  The Punk situation has the wrestling community confused, divided and talking.  In the end, I guess all of that is good for business.

CM Punk, Matt Parker and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2013

Friendly Encounters: Scott Steiner Meets CM Punk

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

Scott Steiner is a jack-of-all-trades for Resistance Pro.  Mostly he can be seen helping Security, although you might see him just about anywhere during the shows.  As a matter of fact, within a few years, you might even see him in the ring.  With his name, that is a natural fit.
Scott is a great guy and a favorite around R Pro.  The folks over at JohngysBeat.com like him, too.  He did a great job covering the airplane pull for charity event last summer (which can be found at On the Beat with Resistance Pro at the Special Olympics Plane Pull).
Scott and his mom Heidi were in attendance at a recent WWE event in Rosemont, IL.  They got close enough for Scott to get a quick photo with CM Punk, whom Scott describes as his "hero."
Obviously Scott was happy, but I heard a lot of other good reports from fans meeting Punk at the event and elsewhere on this trip.  I am happy to report good moments like these.  Meeting your favorites is always a big deal and it is just wonderful when that person is nice.
I met Punk at Wizard World and despite it being a brief moment, Punk was cool then.  Maybe some of those negative reports are slightly exaggerated?

Scott Steiner and CM Punk in Rosemont, IL-December 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Sheri Shaw Meets CM Punk

This is a regular series featuring my friends who have met celebrities.

With over a year of being around Resistance Pro Wrestling, I have made a bunch of new friends and they are not all wrestlers.  One of the first people I contacted and interviewed about R Pro was Sheri Shaw, R Pro's musical Director.  Along with Brian Judy, Sheri is also part of sstaria.  Sheri is as talented and busy as she is nice.
Sheri is also a huge Veronica Mars fan.  For a musician and VM fan, it must not get much better than having the Director of the show/movie put sstaria's version of the Veronica Mars theme song up on the Movies YouTube channel!
She freely announces that she is super-excited and she should be.  This is big news and we are excited for her.  It really could not happen to better people than Sheri and Brian.
We encourage everyone to check out the sstaria YouTube video "We Used to Be Friends."  It is fantastic and I am not just saying that because Sheri is a favorite of JohngysBeat.com.  We honestly really enjoy sstaria.  As a matter of fact, sstaria's Resistance Pro Themed cd is in my car's cd rotation right now..
I borrowed the picture below of Sheri with (then) WWE champ CM Punk.  One champ deserves another.  Sheri was excited to meet the champ, but we think he should have been happy to meet Sheri.  We know we always are!
For more info on Sheri and sstaria, please visit the sstaria Facebook page or ResistancePro.com.  Most important right now, check out "We Used to Be Friends" on YouTube!

Sheri Shaw and CM Punk in Chicago, IL-Summer 2012.

Friendly Encounters: Josh Watko Meets CM Punk

This is a weekly series featuring my friends who have met celebrities.

Joshie Watko is one of my buds whom I have never met, but I feel like we have.  Maybe it is because I have been regularly following his site, WrestlingMemorabila.blogspot.com.
Josh is a great wrestling fan.  He is knowledgeable, respectful and interesting.  He puts all that together to produce very interesting pieces about meeting wrestlers, wrestling merchandise and other fun stuff.  He is also an occasional contributor here and he is always welcome.
Josh recently attended Ringside Fest and sent me his report.  He also sent an exclusive picture of him and CM Punk.  He sent it here without putting it on his own site.  How cool is that?
As always, I will let Joshie take it from here...

It took thirty years for me to visit The Big Apple, and what else would get me there but a wrestling autograph signing? This event happened to be Ringside Fest and featured appearances by CM Punk, Sin Cara, and A.J. Lee. While the latter two were suitable mid-card talent, it was clear that the true draw was "The Voice of the Voiceless" himself.
The irony is that for nearly a decade, CM Punk appeared almost monthly at events anywhere from 2 to 15 miles from my own home. IWC here in Pittsburgh was one of the first independent promotions to book Punk on a regular basis. The problem is that despite being a fan from the first time I saw him in the ring, back in those days I only ever bothered to obtain one autograph and completely skipped getting a photo op. I guess it was a blessing in disguise, as I thoroughly enjoyed the city that doesn't sleep and am glad that I finally had a "wrestling" reason to go.
Despite being the top heel in WWE right now, Punk largely ignored that in meeting his fans. From day one he has always had the ironic and somewhat wise attitude, but it's really what you expect from Punk. Perhaps because of an overabundance of children attending this event, he seemed to have less of that demeanor this time around.
Punk was signing everything from giant cardboard representations of his own cranium to all of the new action figures and promotional photos available. I chose to have his most recent magazine cover, the 2012 Pro Wrestling Illustrated "PWI 500" signed.
Despite a few hiccups over crowd control, Ringside Fest was a worthwhile event to get one of the top stars of the industry. Although it would take another very large name for me to attend another event under the banner, I don't know how long I'll be able to wait to return to NYC. It truly is everything I could've imagined and more.

I really appreciate Josh's contributions.  Some day, we will attend an event together and co-produce a report for both of our sites!  Until then, check out JW's Wrestling Memorabilia...I always do!

John Watko and CM Punk in New York, NY-October 2012.