Charlotte Flair at Wizard World Chicago 2017

Fan Expo hits Chicago next Thursday through Sunday. This is a big event, because Fan Expo acquired Wizard World last year and needs to come out strong. Fan Expo has has several events elsewhere this year and reports have been great. I will be "On the Beat" and reporting back here on all the fun.

WWE wrestlers had a big presence at Wizard World over the years and Charlotte Flair was one of my favorites. It was a little bittersweet meeting Charlotte. I grew up watching her father Ric carve out a Hall of Fame career. Meeting his grown daughter makes me feel a bit old, but I guess I am old.

Charlotte is carving out her own Hall of Fame career. She has already won 12 singles titles in the WWE, along with being named Rookie of the Year and Woman of the Year. Earlier this year, she won the Women's Royal Rumble. At 34, she still has plenty of time to add to her awards and accolades.

When I met Charlotte at Wizard World, I was a bit in awe. She has a certain charisma that comes out much better than on television. She has a definite presence and a lot of personality.

She is very proud to be carrying on the Flair legacy, but she also is intent on being her own person. Still the shadow of the Nature Boy is always there and she embraces it, even wearing a shirt adorned with Ric's face (presumably in mid "woooooo").

 Charlotte was one of the most fan-friendly WWE wrestlers I have ever met in a photo op. In fact, she was one of the most fan-friendly of any celeb in a photo op. The time is limited obviously and most fans try to extend it for a few precious seconds. Charlotte actually initiated a real conversation about my fandom and who I was there to see. I told he she was at the top of my list. It's not often I can meet a legit top star of the WWE and I wasn't going to miss her. She seemed genuinely appreciative.

Charlotte gets a bit of criticism from some of the WWE fan base because of her father and also they are simply fickle. Take away her name and any connection and Charlotte is still one of the best ever.

Check WWE.com for more info on Charlotte and the WWE. Also, be sure to check FanExpoHQ.com for updated scheduling for their events.

Charlotte Flair and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

Friendly Encounters: Charlotte Flair and Ty Wasilk

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

I met Ty Wasilk a few years back at a wrestling show. Ty is a hug wrestling fan and has met many wrestlers. I don't know how he does it, but he meets them everywhere.
At a recent WWE show in Moline, IL, Ty met Charlotte Flair, WWE SmackDown Women's Champion and daughter of "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. It wasn't part of the usual photo ops. Ty met her outside somewhere and managed to get a nice picture with the champ.
Charlotte is doing quite well in wrestling. Obviously, being Ric's daughter helped her start her career, but she has worked hard to improve and become an excellent wrestler.
Ty is a great guy. I'm sure I'll see him many times this year at wrestling shows and comic cons. Anywhere you see a bunch of wrestlers in this area, odds are you'll see Ty. Maybe I should take some tips from my friend.

Charlotte Flair and Ty Wasilk in Moline, IL-March 2018.