The Chazz Moretti Comeback Begins

 Chazz Moretti is one of the longest working wrestling manager in the Chicago area. I met him at POWW more than a decade ago.

Chazz is a polarizing figure at times, which means he does his job well. He gets under the skin of his opponents and fans, but all respect what he does.

Late last year, Chazz was rushed to the ER. The end result was he had his leg below the knee amputated due to complications from diabetes. Chazz has been very open about this on social media and not in a sorrowful way. Quite the opposite. From the first day, he has been extremely positive and working hard towards regaining his life.

I'm sure Chazz went through some horrible thoughts. Anyone going through a life-changing event would have to have some negative thoughts at times, but he hasn't shown any.

I have ever had more respect for Chazz than now. He's as tough as can be, while sharing his journey. It's inspirational, whether you liked him or not.

I really don't doubt Chazz will make a remarkable comeback. Knowing him, he will work it into his manager, (sorry, Chazz...I meant "agent") gimmick. He'll be back around a ring at some point in the future and I wouldn't rule out a 2024 return.

Chazz Moretti and me in Waukesha, WI-Summer 2023.

A Knight to Remember with Chazz Moretti

I have known Chazz Moretti for more than a decade. He was one of the first workers I met when I started covering independent wrestling. An agent to the stars, as opposed to a manager, Chazz is one of a kind. One month from today, Chazz will be part of a major event.

A Knight to Remember will be another unique thing and, of course, Chazz is involved. Being held Friday, July 28 at the Tinley Park Convention Center, A Knight to Remember features the legendary Saraya Knight (hence the event's title). Also appearing are old school valet Babydoll, Stacy Shadows, Samantha Starr, Zak Zodiac, Kamille and many more, including "The Hair Extraordinaire" Mr. Ricolo as the ring announcer.

Of course, Chazz will be roaming the ringside area guiding a wrestler, but which wrestler is the question. As usual, Chazz keeps all guessing. Whoever it is will have the benefit of Chazz's many years of leading wrestlers to dozens of titles.

It will be interesting to see which side of fairness Chazz will take. He has a long career of leading heels to the ring, although occasionally he is on the good guy side. I'm predicting, Chazz will be up to his usual shenanigans though, thus incurring the wrath of the crowd. Chazz embraces that wrath though, because he knows it shows he is doing a great job.

Go to the A Knight to Remember on Facebook to get all the info on this great event. Feel free to boo Chazz.

Chazz Moretti and me in Waukesha, WI-June 2023.

Friend Encounters: PL Myers and Chazz Moretti

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

Take your pick for friend or celebrity for PL Myers and Chazz Moretti. Actually, this is one of those cases where they are both.

PL and Chazz are two of the best managers on the independent wrestling scene. While their characters are different, they possess similar qualities. Both have charisma, command attention, have great mic skills and basically have all of the necessary components of a great manager. They both can even get in a match on occasion. They also both have a tremendous respect for the business and their craft.

As friends, they also share similar qualities. Both men are funny, humble, supportive and loyal.

I have learned a lot by watching them and have enjoyed every minute of it. I don't think they have ever worked against each other and that's a shame. I think they could do great work. I'm pretty sure they never even worked for the same company at the same time.

Young wrestlers or managers can learn a lot from these two. The big companies seem to underutilize the manager role, but it is still used effectively on the indy scene.

Both men are very active around the Chicago area. They might not be working together yet, but at lest they appeared together for the picture below.

PL Myers and Chazz Moretti in Rosemont, IL-September 2019.

Friend Encounters: Melanie Cruise and Chazz Moretti at C2E2 2016

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities. With C2E2 coming March 22-24, I present a special C2E2 Friend Encounter.

Melanie Cruise and Chazz Moretti are two staples on the midwest wrestling scene. Melanie is a highly decorated wrestler, who has won titles and kicked butt all over the place. Chazz is the "agent to the stars," who has represented champions in many federations. They have shared the ring on many occasions.

Melanie was at C2E2 2016 on behalf of Comic Books Against Cancer, an organization raising awareness and funds for research programs through comic books. Chazz was at C2E2 as a comic book fan. I was fortunate enough to be there when the two were together at the event.

While C2E2 is full of celebrities, creators, artists, writers and more, there are also various causes, like Comic Books Against Cancer, that have booths to promote their efforts. There's so much at C2E2 words do not do it justice. You really need to be there. You might even run into Chazz, Melanie or other stars.

Check out Melanie Cruise on Facebook for all of her news and updates. You can follow Chazz Moretti on Facebook to get his schedule updates. Go to C2E2.com for all of the info on this year's event, including a guest list.

Melanie Cruise and Chazz Moretti in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Chazz Moretti

Chazz Moretti has been a fixture on the Chicago-area wrestling scene for many years.  The agent to the stars has been cheered and jeered, but never ignored by the fans all over this area.

I was a fan of his work from the first time I saw him in action.  Some wrestling personalities just have that "it" factor.  Chazz is one of those.  His quick wit and willingness to get in the mix of the action, accompanied by his one-of-a-kind jackets make him a standout, among colorful characters.

In an era when managers are mostly gone from the wrestling scene, Chazz is a throwback to the Hall of Fame managers of the past, like Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Jim Cornette, Jimmy Hart and Paul Ellering.  Chazz's ringside presence adds to the show, without distracting from his clientele.  He has guided many talents to the gold and he continues to make the Moretti Agency the most powerful group in wrestling.

Currently, Chazz has the Moretti Agency firmly entrenched at Global Pro Wrestling in Midlothian, IL, Chicago Style Wrestling in Chicago and ARW Pro Wrestling in northwest Indiana.  Of course, you should also follow Chazz Moretti on Facebook.

You might love him or you might hate him, but you'll always be entertained by him.  If you are lucky enough to be friends with him, you'll also see he's actually a nice guy (but don't tell him I said that).

Chazz Moretti and me in Chicago, IL-August 2017.

Cheers to C2E2 2016

Another C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo) has come and gone.  By all accounts, C2E2 2016 was a major success.  That certainly applies to my participation in it.

I got a lot of pictures, our interviews went as scheduled, I made new connections and generally had a great time.  I was also interviewed by Nick Hausman of WrestleZone.com.  All of that and more from C2E2 will be seen here in the upcoming weeks.  There's simply too much to put up all at once.

For now, I leave you with a picture of my friend Chazz Moretti, agent to the stars, and I enjoying cold Coca-Cola product beverages.  This happened Sunday.  The convention went so well, I finished all of my work by early Sunday morning and actually got to relax and enjoy the rest of the day.  Enter Chazz and his fiance Amy Jo.

With all of the controlled chaos around us, we hung around the edge and talked old times and new projects.  It was the first con for Chazz and I've lost count of mine, but we both enjoyed the experience.

Cheers to the celebrities, the artists, the workers and the fans who make C2E2 a great yearly convention.  Thanks to Dick Griffiths, Scottie Steiner and Charles Alexander for their help.  Stay tuned for recurring coverage of C2E2 2016 and I hope to see you at C2E2 2017!

Chazz Moretti and me in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Chazz Moretti Meets Jim Cornette

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

It isn't often you can meet a real Hall of Famer in your given profession, but that is exactly what my pal Chazz Moretti recently did.  Moretti met legendary wrestling manager Jim Cornette at the Squared Circle (one of my favorite places in Chicago).
Moretti is "the agent to the stars" on the local wrestling scene.  You can see him ply his craft at various independent wrestling shows, as well as on the Mancow Show.  Moretti is certainly building his career nicely.
Cornette has been in the business for over 30 years.  He has managed many of the great tag teams, most notably the Midnight Express.  He has managed in several organizations and has also contributed behind-the-scenes in many companies.  He has a brilliant wrestling mind.
One can only wonder what would have happened if a young Cornette tangled with a Moretti.  Even scarier is wondering what would have happened if the two ever teamed up.  They could create and manage a stable to rule the wrestling world.  Who could stop this duo?
It is not often that Moretti is in a building with a bigger managing star than himself.  For his part, the usually boisterous Moretti showed all of the proper respect due a man of Cornette's fame.  For the rest of the fans there, it had to be a real thrill to see the legendary Cornette and the future legendary Moretti side-by-side.  Fortunately for those not in attendance, I now present that special moment!

Jim Cornette and Chazz Moretti in Chicago, IL-January 2014.

Friendly Encounters: Chazz Moretti Meets Mancow Muller

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

Chazz Moretti and Mancow Muller might debate which one is the bigger celebrity.  Actually, they are both celebrities.  For this piece however, Chazz is my friend and Mancow is the celebrity who he met.
Chazz has done more than just meet Mancow.  He has appeared on Mancow's tv show several times.  I have not seen the ratings, but I heard that Chazz's appearances always cause a big spike up.
They are very different men, yet they are similar, too.  Both are larger than life.  Both have a big place on the Chicago media scene.  Both have a huge fan following.  Both men have surpassed just being celebs.  They are more like mini-corporations (like the Moretti Agency).
I can only imagine what it is like when these two big wigs get together.  I can only imagine because I have not been privileged enough to witness it yet.  It is one of my goals to be in studio (but not on the actual show) when Mancow brings in Chazz.  Let this serve as the opening volley of my campaign.

Mancow Muller and Chazz Moretti in Chicago, IL-June 2013.

On the Beat with Resistance Pro Wrestling at "Alive"

Last moth, Resistance Pro Wrestling held "Alive" at St. Laurence High School on the far south side of Chicago.  It had been about 30 years since I stepped foot in St. Laurence and then I was cheering for their rival Mt. Carmel (my alma mater).
"Alive" was a benefit for the St. Laurence wrestling team.  Wrestling Coach Joe Phelan worked hard with the Baron Brothers to make this event special.  The action of the evening did not disappoint.  Once again, R Pro blew the roof off of the place and even got some in-ring help from Coach Joe.
During the course of the night, JohngysBeat.com had the pleasure of interviewing several members of the R Pro roster and Coach Joe, too.  This is an interesting mix of interview subjects.  It includes three relative newcomers (Team I.O.U., Jake O'Neill and Chazz Moretti), two managers (C Red and Warden Myers), the Head of Security (Michael Bradley), the Merchandise Maven (Nicole Bellcaster), two R Pro wrestlers (Jocephus Brody and Eric St. Vaughn) and Coach Joe.
Each brought something new to the interview.  Whether newcomer or R Pro veteran, each is making a difference in R Pro.
This is just one of the beautiful things at R Pro.  There are 10 very different people featured in these interviews.  Some of them will go at it in the ring, but all are great folks outside of the ring.  All have a voice and all contribute to making R Pro the best thing out there.
I thank everyone involved with R Pro.  It has been a great ride and I look forward to staying with R Pro for the long haul.  I encourage everyone to check them out at ResistancePro.com and to check them out in person.  Their next show is Friday (tomorrow) at the Barn in Willowbrook.

Would Chazz Moretti Ever Sign Johngy?

I first encountered Chazz Moretti at a POWW wrestling event.  Moretti was managing some wrestler and putting on a great show.  Actually, he was stealing the show.
Since then, I have seen Moretti work his magic in several different organizations on both sides of the fence.  Whether heel or face, Moretti gets a great crowd reaction.
Whether heel or face, Moretti is still Moretti.
These are the qualities that make him a great character in wrestling.  The best characters keep the same characteristics on either side of the fence.  They simply tweak them a bit.  This is where Moretti shines.
As a face, he is not a kiss butt, nice guy softie.  He has swagger on either side of the fence.
He also has charisma.  Fans love to hate him, but they also love to like him.  I have seen the heat and I have seen the pops.  Moretti gets to the fans either way.
None of the above is meant as sweet talk to Moretti.  I just write the truth as I see it.  If however, he wanted to sign me for some role in the Moretti Agency, I would certainly be agreeable.

Me and Chazz Moretti in Merrionette Park, IL-May 2013.