Dawn Marie Was Number One

Dawn Marie Psaltis (better known as Dawn Marie) made her pro wrestling debut in January 1995.  She was a manager, valet and wrestler during her years in the WWE and ECW.  She no longer is active in wrestling, but she does make occasional appearances at conventions.

She was one of the first wrestlers I ever met.  Jason Fleigel and I met her at a comic book store at the local mall.  I don't even remember when it was, but I am guessing it was around 1997, which would be near the height of her popularity.

Since then, Dawn Marie has done a little acting, as well as forming a charity to help wrestlers (it has since closed).  She is still on the east coast and appears to be living a happy life.

I met her again a few years back at a big convention near Philadelphia.  She was accompanied by Michele "Fuchsia" Mupo, another east coast friend who I don't see enough.  The two friends have worked on several projects together.

Dawn Marie might not have been the biggest name in wrestling, but I will always have a special place because she was the first one I met and she was so sweet.  I am hoping to see her at a convention this year (or at least sometime soon).

Dawn Marie and me in Oaks, PA-October 2011.

At Wizard World in Chicago

Dawn Marie was one of the first wrestlers I ever met (possibly the first).  Since then, I have met her several times and I walk away impressed each time.  Dawn Marie even likes (or tolerates) Johngy's Beat enough that she did a promo video for us.
While she is mostly retired from the wrestling scene, she is very active in caring for wrestlers.  She is the force behind Wrestlers Rescue, an organization aimed at helping out wrestlers (past and present) in need.  Dawn Marie is also VP of MUDA Multi-Media Entertainment, a company she runs with Michele Mupo.
Dawn Marie is a great guest and typical of celeb guests at Wizard World.  Looking at the table in the picture below, you can see a variety of photos she has available.  She also has tshirts (to promote and benefit Wrestlers Rescue).  She comes fully loaded and prepared to give her fans plenty of offerings from which to choose.  She is also very fan friendly and likes to have fun with other celebs and attendees at these conventions.  She looks like she has as much fun as the fans!
This is another example of the great guests that Wizard World gets.  You couldn't want more from a celebrity or a celebrity convention!

Dawn Marie at Wizard World in Rosemont, IL-August 2008.

Dawn Marie to the (Wrestlers) Rescue

Years ago, JayHawk Evans and I met Dawn Marie at a comic book store in Golf Mill Mall in Morton Grove (IL). Dawn had recently debuted in ECW and was about to become a star on the wrestling scene.
Fifteen or so years later, Dawn is retired from the wrestling business, but is still very busy with wrestling. She is the woman behind Wrestlers Rescue, a foundation started to create awareness and raise funds for the healthcare of retired professional wrestlers.
Dawn can often be found at various conventions greeting fans and spreading the word on Wrestlers Rescue. She is more concerned with Wrestlers Rescue than her own merchandise.  Dawn is very outgoing and definitely a friend of Johngy's Beat. Over on the right side of this page, she can be found cutting a nice promo for this site.
Dawn accomplished a lot during her time in pro wrestling. However, as much as she did during her active career, she is doing even more for pro wrestling now.

Dawn Marie and me in Morton Grove, IL-Mid 1990's.

Dawn Marie and Wrestlers Rescue

I first met Dawn Marie in the late 1990's at an appearance at a comic book store in a local mall. Dawn was working with ECW at the time, but later went on to join the WWE and also some independent wrestling organizations.
Last year, I met Dawn again at the Ultimate Collectibles Show in Oaks (PA). By now, Dawn has retired from wrestling, gotten married, had a baby girl and founded Wrestlers Rescue.
Wrestlers Rescue is a charitable organization which creates awareness and raises funds to support the health care needs of retired pro wrestlers. Unlike other sports or entertainment fields, wrestling doesn't have any unions or healthcare plans. Many retired wrestlers (especially those from before the current successful era), did not make enough money and put their bodies through so much abuse. That combination causes financial problems in later life. This is where Wrestlers Rescue tries to help.
In Oaks, Dawn told me about the Slam on the High Seas Cruise, an event run by Wrestlers Rescue. The cruise is a 5 day trip leaving from Tampa (FL) and visiting Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Many wrestling personalities will be aboard, such as Dawn, Tammy Sytch, Lacey Von Erich, Dallas Page and Rikishi.
I took some promo pieces and promised to have my distribution company (Arch News Agency) distribute them around the Chicago area. I also promised to put up some promo pieces on this site. It's a great cause and I am glad to help in any way I can.
The wrestling world recently lost Dr. Death Steve Williams. Williams died after a several year battle with cancer. Dawn Marie and Wrestlers Rescue released a poignant piece about Williams.

Dawn is a wonderful asset to the wrestling community. For years she gave fans a lot of enjoyment in the ring. Now she is giving even more to wrestling.

Steve Williams and Dawn Marie in CO-August 2009.
(Photo courtesy of Dawn Marie)