The Resistance Presents Blood Feast

Last year, The Resistance and Girl Fight presented Death Becomes Her, an 8 women death tournament. It was such a huge success, it was quickly announced there would be another tourney.

This year, we got double the fun as there was a Death Becomes Her 2, but Blood Feast, an 8 man death tournament was added on the same weekend. That's a lot of carnage for one weekend.

Making it even more exciting was Blood Feast being the first iPPV for The Resistance. Available on FITE, Blood Feast is was streamed live and is available to be viewed.

Making it even more exciting for me was me doing commentary along with The Resistance co-owner Gabe Baron. That's right. I would be broadcasting a legit iPPV event.

I took my assignment seriously and compiled some info on all eight male participants. I knew a few from their time at The Resistance, but I wanted to be fully prepared and to do a solid job.This might be my only such opportunity and I wanted to give it my best shot.

I wanted to broadcast one match for a while. I wanted the experience and I thought it would make for a good story. The timing wasn't right at first, but the chance came up when Tommy Else and I provided commentary for the last RPro event and then the first event from The Resistance. Gabe then joined the broadcasting team, sharing the mic with me for the first half of shows and with Tommy for the second parts.

Each time on mic is a learning experience. The roster for The Resistance features a lot of wrestlers and we have to learn about them on the fly sometimes. The crowd is always loud and sometimes so loud, I cannot even hear Gabe.

I never expected to be on commentary for the iPPV though. I figured that role would go to someone more famous or more experienced. Of course, when asked I jumped at the chance. I really appreciate Gabe and co-owner Jacques Baron trusting me with this role. While I would like to continue doing commentary, I would also understand if they went in another direction sometime.I'd walk away happy and grateful for the opportunities already given.

Check out LiveDieResist.org for more info and news. I encourage everyone to order Blood Feast. I will write more about Blood Feast in the future, but for now, I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't watched it on iPPV yet.

Gabe Baron and me in Summit, IL-July 2019.

Death Wish With Gabe Baron and The Resistance

A couple weeks ago, The Resistance held Chapter VI Death Wish in Summit, IL.I had an up close seat as I called commentary with Gabe Baron for the first half of the show. You can watch the full show at The Resistance Chapter VI Death Wish on YouTube.

The Resistance has had six shows now and things seem to be settling into a nice groove. I'd say Death Wish was their best show yet.

I admit I was not very excited when co-owners Gabe and Jacques Baron announced The Resistance was going all hardcore. That style of wrestling isn't my favorite. With no offense to the competitors, I don't care to see ridiculous spots and unnecessary blood. Now, a few shows into the new hardcore approach, I am very pleasantly surprised with the product delivered. 

While the shows are labeled hardcore, it's that very definition which I need to rethink. During the commentary, Gabe explains it perfectly. Hardcore isn't just light bulbs and chair shots. It doesn't always involve blood.

Hardcore is a frame of mind. Hardcore is an attitude. Hardcore is Mad Man Pondo beating and stapling things to his opponents. Hardcore is also Resistance champ Shane Mercer giving hi all every time he goes out there. Hardcore is the Man Muffin Kody Rice having the agility to wrestle like a man half his size.

Only one of the seven matches involved lots of blood flow and foreign objects, yet the whole night was hardcore.

On commentary I have noted the split and flip-flopping of the fans. They are on their feet for most of the night, with a pretty even divide in their cheers. Many often also switch sides as the match progresses. This shows they appreciate the efforts of the wrestlers.

There are no major storylines yet, but the crowd is very into the action, because of the action. Ther is a little history between Mercer and former champ John Skyler, only because we saw Mercer's rise as a tag team champ. Their title match had everything you'd want in a match.

While I was apprehensive about the new direction, I am starting to change my mind. The Resistance isn't a blod-filled spotfest. It is smashmouth, excellent wrestling. It is hardcore!

Gabe Baron and me in Summit, IL-May 2019.

The "Or Else" Podcast and the Baron Brothers

After a year of The "Or Else" Podcast with Tommy Else, we have reached a critical point in the history of Resistance Pro Wrestling. We have reached the infamous Minnesota Pub Crawl trip, the cancellation of the reality show, the departure of Billy Corgan and the fallout.

Tommy and I have reviewed and rehashed the journey. Along the way, we have been joined by some key players in the history of RPro. Recently, RPro co-owner Gabriel Baron joined us for what turned out to be a three part interview. 

Tommy and I have looked forward to having Gabe on the podcast for a long time. We all agreed this would not be a standard review of Gabe's journey into the world of wrestling. We all wanted to discuss what everyone wanted to know. While we did discuss a bit of the inner workings of RPro, we concentrated on meatier topics. Tommy and I addressed every major rumor, allegation and accusation and Gabe answered all.

This was all unedited, unrehearsed and uninhibited. Much like when we had "The Ego" Robert Anthony on a short time ago, we wanted our guest to just tell his story.

So many stories have been tossed around. Sides have been taken. Friendships have been lost. Still, nothing concrete has ever been stated publicly, until now.

Ego came on the podcast and spoke from his heart. He was professional, but still spoke his mind. Tommy and I were very proud of this interview and extremely grateful to Ego for his time and consideration.

Prior to recording, Gabe stated he was just going to be himself and he would answer anything. Like Ego, Gabe was open and honest about his side. In addressing the major issues, Gabe stated rational explanations, often offering proof behind his statements. Again, Tommy and I were proud of this interview and appreciative of Gabe.

Around 4 years after the Billy departure, this is still an emotional topic for all involved. Tommy and I always maintained we never took sides. We simply stayed where we were, because we saw no reason to leave. Neither of us have ever wavered on that stance. Neither Ego's nor Gabe's interview changed our minds.

I do not say Ego was wrong for leaving. That was his decision and (as he stated) it was more about not having fun than about other reasons. I cannot say anyone was wrong for leaving. Everyone had their own reasons. Tommy and I only say we had no reason to leave and could not understand why most of the dearly departed choose to abandon and crap on us for our decision.

Ego and Gabe have definitely given us plenty of new thoughts anbd Tommy and I will be reviewing these interviews and giving our thoughts on an upcoming episode of The "Or Else" podcast. More guests will be joining us. Tommy has reached out to many folks from RPro's past and has received a lot of positive responses. Also, RPro co-owner Jacques Baron is scheduled to get his turn to speak his truths.

We have come a long way with our podcast, but we have a way to go still. There is a lot of life left in this story and Tommy and I will continue to deliver it.

You can find all episodes of The "Or Else" Podcast on Soundcloud and the Skype interviews are also available on The "Or Else" Podcast channel on YouTube. Stay tuned, because we still have a lot more to bring you.

Gabe Baron, Jacques Baron and me in Summit, IL-March 2015.

Broadcasting With Gabe Baron at The Resistance

The Resistance ended 2018 with "Chapter IV: Silent Night, Deadly Night," another fantastic show. The Gym Nasty Boys won the tag titles, "The Southern Savior" John Skyler retained his title and several other solid matches made for a great night of wrestling. It was "all hardcore," as The Resistance had promised. Also all hardcore was the broadcasting. Usually, my "Or Else" podcast partner Tommy Else and I handle the broadcasting, but on the first night of the all hardcore direction, The Resistance co-owner Gabe Baron decided to get hardcore and join the broadcasting crew.

While I enjoy working with Tommy, calling the action alongside Gabe was a real treat. Gabe's friendship is one of the coolest things I have gotten from my association with The Resistance. Co-owner Jacques is clearly the more publicly vocal and probably more outrageous of the two, but I have seen Gabe's quick wit and biting humor. This was a chance for everyone to hear Gabe at his sharpest and he did not disappoint. I just tried not to step on his commentary.

I also tried to enjoy the experience. More than six years ago, when I first met Gabe, I never imagined this scene. I always wanted to broadcast one match, but now I have broadcast several shows. I have worked commentary with Tommy, Gabe and Zach Thompson, another of my favorites.

I know I have room to improve on my commentary and I will if I do more work with The Resistance. You can judge for yourself by watching The Resistance Chapter IV Silent Night, Deadly Night on YouTube.

The Resistance returns to Summit on February 9 and of course, it will be hardcore again. Chapter V will feature the original gangsta New Jack. Now that is hardcore. I can't wait!

Go to LiveDieResist.org or LiveDieResist on Facebook for more info on The Resistance and "Chapter V". I hope to see you there.

Gabe Baron and me in Summit, IL-December 2018.

Friendly Encounters: Dee Wallace and Gabe Baron

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

Gabe Baron described actress Dee Wallace as "a childhood crush and a perfect movie mom."  Thanks to Days of the Dead, Gabe got to meet Wallace a few years ago.

Wallace has a lengthy resume, including being the (the perfect movie) mom in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.  She had already done a lot of episodic television and tv movies by then, but E.T. was one of her first really big roles.  She continues to be very active and very popular.  On a trivial note, Wallace had a short stint on tv's General Hospital as Patricia Spencer, the oldest sister of longtime characters Luke and Bobbie.

Gabe and I have similar tastes in television and actresses, too.  Wallace didn't have a longtime regular role on any tv show years back, but she appeared on a lot of them, including Lucas Tanner, Starsky and Hutch, Police Woman and many others.

I also met Wallace at DotD and she was gracious and fan-friendly.  She wanted to give me a scoop on her part on GH, but she couldn't.  While I understand that, it would have been cool to get a real; scoop.

The next DotD is in Atlanta on February 2-4.  Gabe and I won't be there, but it will still be a great time for all.  You can get more info on DotD at DaysoftheDead.com.

Dee Wallace and Gabe Baron in Schaumburg, IL-November 2014.

Friendly Encounters: Kato Kaelin and Gabe Baron

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

Wizard World is always a great comic con for meeting celebrities.  It's also a great place for spending fun time with friends.  Today's Friendly Encounters is a little of both.
I actually met Gabe Baron several years ago at Wizard World, when he was promoting the debut of Resistance Pro Wrestling, a new independent wrestling company he started with his brother Jacques.  Over the years, I have had many laughs with Gabe, as we discussed 1970's television sitcoms, sushi, wrestling and any other similar serious nonsense.  I'm proud to know Gabe and even prouder to be his friend.  He's just a really good person.
This year, Gabe was once again at Wizard World with Jacques.  They were running their booth full of all sorts of pop culture items (movie posters, figures, etc.)  Of course, I spent some quality time hanging around that booth.
This year, Kato Kaelin was the Celebrity "Host" of Wizard World and it wasn't just an honorary position.  Kaelin worked it all weekend and the crowd loved him.
While talking to Gabe, he mentioned he had not seen Kaelin.  That was all I needed to hear.  I dragged him out to the lobby, but Kaelin was on break.  Gabe went back to his booth and I went about my business, too.  A little while later, I saw Kaelin back in action so I beelined back to grab Gabe.
Once we got out in the lobby, the fun really began.  Kaelin, who was familiar with me from earlier interactions, posed for the pic with Gabe, but then chided me repeatedly for not using the flash for Gabe's picture.  Finally, he took my phone and set up the flash himself!  I took the pic and everyone was happy, especially Kaelin (although I have to say, in my defense, the pictures with or without the flash weren't much different).  Either way, the encounter was extra fun.
My coverage of Wizard World will continue here tomorrow.  The next Wizard World will be in Madison, WI.  Check WizardWorld.com for all of the details and for a full listing of all of their events.

Gabe Baron and Kato Kaelin in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

Friendly Encounters: Chris Sarandon and Gabe Baron

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

I first met Gabe Baron at the debut show for Resistance Pro several years back.  From that first day, Gabe made me feel like part of the RPro family and I have enjoyed knowing him, his family and the entire RPro gang.

Gabe is a great friend.  I admire his family dedication and his overall attitude.  If you are lucky enough to be Facebook friend with Gabe, you will see many pictures of his wife and two daughters.  I always get a warm feeling when I see these pictures.  They are so loving.  He represents everything you'd want out of life.

Oh sure, he has a quick and often offbeat wit, but that just adds to the experience of knowing him.  He also has an affinity for sitcoms from the 1970's, but that's right up my alley, too.  It would be a blast to watch a '70's sitcom marathon with him.

Gabe and his brother Jacques have been to many Days of the Dead events in Schaumburg, IL.  At the 2014 DotD, he met Chris Sarandon, the voice of Jack Skellington among other acting roles.

I know Gabe loves meeting his favorites at these events.  I have had the pleasure of facilitating a few photo opportunities for Gabe and I couldn't have been happier to do it for him.

I truly like and respect Gabe and I am proud to call him a friend.  I'm loking forward to seeing him (and some celebs) at the next convention.

Gabe Baron and Chris Sarandon in Schaumburg, IL-November 2014.

William Sadler and Gabriel Baron at Wizard World Chicago 2016

I was very happy to see Gabe Baron at Wizard World 2016.  Gabe has taken a hiatus from Resistance Pro to stay at home with his newborn and her older infant sister.  Gabe is not just one of the good guys.  He's one of the best guys!

On Friday at Wizard World, we were talking about the celebrity guests and he mentioned wanting to meet William Sadler among others.  I had never met Sadler, but was very familiar with his body of work (The Shawshank Redemption, Die Hard 2, Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey and many more).

When I found out I would be meeting Sadler, I invited Gabe to join me.  This is one of the coolest parts of the convention work for me.  On occasion, I get to connect my friends with some of their favorites.  It's cool to give them a little extra fun at the con.

It was especially fun with Gbe.  I hadn't seen him in a while and we got to chat away while we waited for Sadler.  That basically means swapping 1970's sitcom stories.  It's always fun with Gabe.

As for meeting Sadler, he was very personable.  I backed off and let Gabe do most of the talking, since he was the bigger (and more knowledgeable) fan.  We talked to the veteran actor for several minutes.

I don't know if Gabe will ever return to RPro.  I guess he will and I hope he does.  He is missed there by me and everyone else.  At least I know I will usually see Gabe at the various comic con events like Wizard World.

Gabriel Baron, William Sadler and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.

On the Beat with Gabe and Jacques Baron at Days of the Dead 2014

I always have a great time interviewing the Baron brothers.  Jacques and Gabe Baron of Resistance Pro wrestling are always good for some interesting and witty banter.

At the recent Days of the Dead, I caught up with them again.  We talked a little horror, a little wrestling and a little nonsense.

I have written many pieces on Resistance Pro and I will continue to do so.  The Baron brothers deserve all of the press they can get, but I don't write just for them.  I write for the other workers at RPro.  I write for the loyal fans of RPro.  I also write for the potential fans out there who have not experienced RPro yet.  I cannot encourage you enough to come out and enjoy a show.

The next show is "Animals" on Saturday, January 17 at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL..  Until then, please enjoy the interview with Gabe and Jacques.

Friendly Encounters: Jacques and Gabe Baron Meet Jesse White

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

The Baron brothers and Resistance Pro wrestling have been doing great things for the Chicago communities since RPro's debut.  School fundraisers, the Positive OutReach Program (POP), special nights honoring various folks at their events and more are just a few of the ways they are giving back.
Earlier this year, they were on the receiving end of something special.  Jesse White, the 37th Secretary of State for Illinois, presented RPro with an award for all they have done.
White is a well-known politician, although ironically perhaps not as famous as the Jesse White Tumblers.  White has done great things with the youth of the area and he recognizes others for doing similar.
Resistance Pro isn't just about wrestling.  It isn't just a business here to take your buck, put on a show and leave.  I have seen their many efforts and actually have been part of several of them.  I see the effort and passion that everyone involved has.  This is the real deal.  It isn't about cameras and press.  They do what they do for people, not for the praise.
Jesse White recognized them with an award.  While not as prestigious, I am shining the JohngysBeat/com light on them today.  As 2014 comes to an end, I look forward to a great 2015 with RPro.

Gabe Baron, Jesse White and Jacques Baron in Chicago, IL-June 2014.

Friendly Encounters: Gabe Baron and Paul Williams

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

Gabe Baron is a big fan of Paul Williams.  The co-owner of Resistance Pro and I share an affinity for 70's tv and some other obscure stuff.  I happen to share his interest in Williams, too.
I admit that I first became aware of Williams from seeing him on tv's The Odd Couple, but his career goes well beyond a role on episodic television.  Williams is a singer, song-writer, actor and more.  He is a true legend.
Gabe met Williams in 2012 and it was a great moment for him.  I am borrowing from his Facebook post of September 19, because he expressed it far more eloquently than I could for him.

It's Paul Williams birthday, so I'm reposting this photo of us taken back in July 2012. This was the second happiest day of my life (Amelie's birth is still #1) and I feel honored and blessed to have met someone who has had such a huge influence on me - ever since I was 2 years old and heard "Rainbow Connection".
Paul's genuine goodwill and inspiring words/deeds make me want to be a better person. I will forever be in debt as both a fan and a human being. Being grateful of what we have in the present and having trust in the future is his mantra - I try to keep that in mind whenever I'm discouraged and it helps more than you can imagine.

That is the very essence of Friendly Encounters and JohngysBeat.com.  Williams has had a profound impact on Gabe.  It might seem like an unlikely combo, but that is the beauty of it.  Who knows what exactly makes the certain connections we have with others, including celebrities?
I find Gabe's post so intriguing.  In the rough world of pro wrestling, Gabe didn't hesitate to expose his feelings towards Williams.  Actually Gabe is usually quite expressive on FB.  I applaud him for that.  You would probably have guessed over a hundred musicians before you came to Williams as Gabe's choice.  I would have and I am a fan of Williams.
I am sure Gabe is trying to get Williams to appear at an RPro show.  If so, I would probably have to fight him off for the interview.  On second thought, I'd love to see Gabe do the interview.  Such passion should not be denied.

Gabe Baron and Paul Williams in Illinois-July 2012.

On the Beat with R Pro's Positive Outreach Program

Between games at the Kicks for a Cure event last summer, Resistance Pro's C Red talked about starting a Positive Outreach Program.  He had a vision of R Pro reaching out to youngsters.  A few weeks ago, that vision became a reality when we appeared at the Southside Occupational Academy.  Since then, we have held events at Fenger High School and at Neil Armstrong Elementary School.
I have been privileged and proud to have been at each event.  I have seen the grateful students and teachers. I have also seen the proud, humble and emotional members of the R Pro family.
Each event was a wonderful experience.  Believe me, I got far much more than I gave at each event.  I am sure my friends at R Pro all feel similarly.  Rather than me speak for them, I am including interviews from them right after the events.  I love the passion and emotion.
R Pro is doing something special here.  They are making a difference.  They are proving they are not just a another wrestling company.
After you watch the interviews, head over to the R Pro POP (Positive Outreach Program) Facebook page.  Give it a "LIKE" and show R Pro your support for this great cause.

On the Beat with Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program

JohngysBeat.com is all about meeting celebrities.  Over the years, I have written about hundreds of celebrities.  Today, I am writing about being with a music legend, two wrestling company owners and several wrestlers, but more important than that, I was with students from the Southside Occupational Academy for the debut of the R Pro Positive Outreach Program.  The full report, including an interview with C Red, the man behind POP, can be found on the Patch at On the Beat with Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program.
R Pro's Creative Director Billy Corgan (also of the Smashing Pumpkins) believed in POP so much that he took time from his insanely busy schedule to be there and speak.  R Pro owners Jacques and Gabriel Baron were both there.  Wrestlers Eric St. Vaughn, Matt Knicks, Marshe Rockett and Suge D were also joined by Michael Bradley and Stoney McGee (both of many roles within R Pro).  This was a large assemblage of talent and all believed enough in the cause and in R Pro to make this happen.
The goal of POP is to be a positive force in the community.  I have seen for the last two years how things don't begin and end with the ring of the bell.  It might sound cliche, but R Pro is really one giant family.  People don't just show up for wrestling and then leave.  We see each other, talk regularly, support each other and do the things that a family does.  I have never felt more accepted by any organization.
The goal of POP and R Pro was to be a positive in the lives of these students (and others in the future).  I gave a bit of my time and walked away feeling more positive than I ever had before.
Thank you C Red.  Thank you R Pro.  I love you all.

The Resistance Pro crew in Chicago, IL-September 2013.

Resistance Pro's Anniversary

Next Friday, November 30, I will be attending an anniversary party. This is no average anniversary party though. It is Resistance Pro Wrestling's one year anniversary and I am sure it will be a big celebration! I first learned of Resistance Pro at Wizard World 2011. Harry Smith, a third generation wrestler and part of the legendary Hart family, was manning their booth. Smith would eventually become R Pro's first Heavyweight champ.
I attended their first show a few months later at Excalibur. One show and I was hooked. I was so impressed with the production quality, the excellent matches and the fan-friendliness of the Baron family (the folks behind R Pro). Over the next year, I attended most of their shows and got to know everyone, including the Baron family, the wrestlers and the extended R Pro family of staffers. I interviewed many of the wrestlers, too. My nephew Matt and I even became part of their street team and helped with the poster distribution.
The Baron family aren’t just owners. They are now my friends. So, too, are women’s champ Melanie Cruise, Eric St. Vaughn, Nikki St. John and so many more. If it sounds like I have had a blast, it is because I have. I am not alone either. Matt and my friend Scott Beatty are also hooked, along with a ton of other fans.
That is a direct result of the passion that the Baron family has for R Pro and the passion they pass on to everyone involved.
Where else can you find the wrestlers posing for pictures and signing autographs before and after every show? Where else can you get to know the owners and the wrestling talent? Who else has a musical director in Sheri Shaw (along with Brian Judy, her sstaria partner)?
Where else will you see legendary wrestlers actually wrestling, like Vader, XPac and John Morrision, who with “The Ego” Robert Anthony, gave us a “Match of the Year” performance. Anthony would later win the Heavyweight title, which he still holds.
This all brings us to Friday, November 30 at the Teamster Auditorium, where R Pro will celebrate their one year anniversary at an event called "Sad Wings of Destiny."  Jake “the Snake” Roberts and Amazing Kong will be there, as well as Billy Corgan, R Pro's Creative Director and lead man of the Smashing Pumpkins.  I am sure R Pro will provide a few more surprises next Friday, too.
Several hundred fans will pack the place and be part of the anniversary event. Notice I wrote “be part of”, because at R Pro, the fans matter. Everyone truly wants to put on a great show for the fans! R Pro cares. What a unique concept for any business! Then again, the Baron family is unique!
So to Resistance Pro Wrestling and all involved, I say Happy Anniversary."  To all fans or potential fans, I say come out and enjoy the night. This is a celebration after all!

Gabe Baron, me and Jacques Baron in Merrionette Park, IL-Summer 2012.