Friend Encounters: Billy Corgan and Glen Rylko

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities

Today's feature is bittersweet on a couple levels. It is from a very fun time though.

Back in 2011, Resistance Pro Wrestling debuted. Run by musician Billy Corgan and the Baron brothers, RPro became a big part of my life, as well a the same for many others. Although not part of the staff at RPro, my late friend Glen was one of the loyal fans and part of the family.

As I have previously written, RPro lasted several years, experiencing various levels of success, but never quite making it. Corgan left about a third of the way into the lifespan.

A regular at comic cons and wrestling events, Glen took many pictures with celebrities. He got (at least) one with Corgan, which is no small feat. Corgan was not an easy person to get. While not rude, he usually tried ducking all such attempts. I am sure Glen was a pro and managed to get one.

I was saddened at the end of RPro. Recalling it still makes me sad for what could have been. In the end, it was a great time while it lasted.

Even more sad though, was the passing of Glen. Although we didn't see each other often, we kept in touch with texts. I always enjoyed our text chats, but even more seeing him at comic cons and wrestling. I miss Glen a lot. These posts sadden me, but they also remind me of the great guy Glen was.

Billy Corgan and Glen Rylko in Chicago, IL-May 2012.

Friend Encounters: Laurence Juber and Glen and Alicia

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Once again, I feature my late pal Glen. I miss him and use this to keep his memory alive and honor many great memories.

We met at a wrestling show or comic con. I forget which. It was many years ago and we became friends through continually seeing each other at both events. Sadly, Glen passed a few years ago. We lost a truly good guy.

Glen met many celebrities and he got me with this one. At a Beatles convention, Glen and his wife met Laurence Juber. A guitarist, Juber was with Paul McCartney and Wings 1978-81. I have not met any of the Beatles, nor any affiliated folks. I would have loved to meet Laurence. 

Despite my envy, I am glad Glen got to meet him. I know how much that meant to him. While we would tease each other about beating the other to certain celebs, we always were happy for each other. We were happier when we both got to meet someone though. Several times, we met folks together.

Those were good times. RIP Glen.

Glen, Laurence Juber and Alicia in -August 2019.

Friend Encounters: Lisa Marie Varon and Glen and Alicia Rylko

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

I have featured my pal Glen many times. A longtime pal from conventions and wrestling, Glen passed away a few years ago and I miss him. I use this to keep his memory alive.

Glen, his wife Alicia and son Patrick were always very kind to me. We caught up at various events, but Glen and I would often text each other our complaints, laughs or just checkups. He really was a great guy.

I saw him and Alicia take many pictures with celebrities. One of the last ones was with former wrestler and Chicagoan Lisa Marie Varon. Glen and I had similar favorites and Lisa was definitely one of our favorites.

These pictures are always bittersweet. I miss my pal, but I remember so many fun times. Rest in Peace, Glen.

Glen, Lisa Marie Varon and Alicia in Rosemont, IL-August 2019.

Friend Encounters: Henry Winkler and Glen and Alicia Rylko

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

Today I feature one of the coolest guys with Henry Winkler. With no disrespect to The Fonz, Glen Rylko was one of the coolest, nicest people I have known. Unfortunately, Glen passed away a couple years ago. I miss my convention pal.

Glen and his wife Alicia were constant presences at comic cons. We often crossed paths in various lines, stopping to chat and take pictures every time. It was uncanny how many times our celebrity meet lists were nearly identical.

I knew Glen for many years. We also shared a passion for wrestling. I always enjoyed seeing Glen at events.

We texted often between events. We'd vent our wrestling frustrations for laughs. I knew Glen's health wasn't great, but I never heard him complain. Then there was a long stretch with no texts. I texted his son, hoping there was some other reason. Sadly, Glen was not doing well. Shortly after, his son relayed the news Glen had passed.

Every time I go to any convention now, I always think of Glen. I don't see Alicia at cons, because I think it was more Glen's thing.

Rest in peace, my friend. You're at every convention in spirit!

Glen, Henry Winkler and Alicia in Rosemont, IL-August 2019.

Friend Encounters: John Travolta and Glen and Alicia Rylko

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

Today I feature my dearly departed friend Glen and his widow Alicia with one of the biggest stars they or I ever met. I remember this day clearly.

Glen and I were convention buddies,. While we didn't really get together outside of comic cons and wrestling events, we kept in touch with texts. I valued his friendship and I really miss my buddy.

At Wizard World a few years ago, we all met John Travolta. As we waited to see him, we wondered how he would be. Big name celebrities can be hit-or-miss. Most are at least polite, if not outgoing and friendly, but you never know.

I met Travolta first and then did not see Glen and Alicia until later that day. As we compared notes, we agreed he was super nice. Keep in mind, the time constratints limit the actual interactions, but Travolta was as cool as could be given the situation. He asked our names and thanked us for coming. That's all we really wanted. That's all it takes to make a nice encounter in those photo ops.

Sadly, Glen passed away early last year. He had been sick for a while, but we kept in touch until the very end. His son Patrick delivered the sad news about a week after our last text.

As we head into comic con season, I am thinking about Glen. He is no longer with us, but he is there in spirit. Glen always supported my efforts and encouraged me. He was a great friend and a wonderful human. RIP alwys Glen.

Alicia, John Travolta and Glen Rylko in Rosemont, IL-August 2019.

Friend Encounters: Jerry "The King" Lawler and Glen and Alicia Rylko

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

This picture makes me sad and happy. It features WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler with my friends Glen and Alicia Rylko. Sadly, Glen passed away last year and I miss my friend.

Glen and I became friends through out mutual love of wrestling and comic cons. We crossed paths for years, eventually becoming good friends outside of those scenes. I was actually at C2E2 when this picture was taken, although I wasn't at Lawler's booth at that exact moment.

Glen is the closest friend I have lost. I miss our random texts and I miss catching up at events. It's like something is missing at comic cons without seeing Glen's smiling face. I always think of him when I meet various celebrities he'd like to have met.

At least we had a lot of fun at these events. I appreciate knowing him, his wife Alicia and son Patrick. There is much more to his family, but I didn't have the pleasure yet of knowing others.

Rest in peace, buddy. Thank you for many great times. 

Glen, Jerry Lawler and Alicia in Chicago, IL-March 2015.

Friend Encounters: Svengoolie and Glen and Patrick Rylko at C2E2

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring my friends meeting celebrities.

Early in 2022, my friend Glen Rylko passed away. I always had so much fun with Glen and his family at comic cons, wrestling events and other fun places.

During the pandemic, Glen and I became closer, often texting each other our complaints of the day, fun stuff, comic con info or whatever was on our minds. It was really more about reaching out than actual content. As the pandemic lessened and it looked like life would resume to some form of normalcy, Glen became very ill and soon passed.

I miss those texts. I'll miss Glen at the events. He was a good man with a loving family. He died way too young.

Glen and his family were big fans of the legendary Svengoolie. With the long lines Sven always had, Glen and I would sometimes sneak into the line with whoever was there first. It was simple comic con fun, the kind of silliness I'll miss.

Fortunately, Glen was big on picture-taking, as am I. I have several other celebrity encounters of Glen's I'll be posting in the future. It's my way of keeping his memory alive and remembering the good times.

C2E2 and Flashback Weekend are both running August 5-7. I'll be thinking of my bud Glen and missing him even more than usual. 

Thank you for the memories, my friend. Rest in peace, Glen.

Glen, Sven and Patrick in Chicago, IL-March 2019.

Friend Encounter: RIP Glen Rylko

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

Today is a special and very sad Friend Encounter. It is also a salute to a good friend of mine.

I met Glen Rylko many years ago at Resistance Pro Wrestling, although our paths crossed several times at other events.

We became friends over our mutual interest in comic cons, sports and wrestling. Over the years, I got to know his son Patrick and wife Alicia. Glen was a fun guy, knowledgeable and respectful of sports and wrestling. He was a man of deep faith, too. I liked, appreciated and respected Glen.

The last time I saw Glen was at C2E2, right before the pandemic hit. Since then, we communicated mostly by text. We had hopes and plans to finally get together at a comic con this year. Unfortunately, those plans would not happen.

I knew Glen was ill. In our last few texts I could tell he wasn't doing well, but he kept up his spirits and his spirituality. The texts stopped a couple weeks ago. I knew that was a bad sign. Yesterday morning, Patrick texted me informing me of Glen's passing.

They say he's in a better place. They say he's no longer suffering. That's the consolation for those who knew him.

I'll miss Glen, but I will remember our fun times and many interesting chats. Rest in peace, Glen. I love ya, buddy!

Alicia and Glen Rylko and me in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

Friend Encounters: Jim Roche and Glen and Alicia Rylko at C2E2 2020

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

I have written many times about Svengoolie Rich Koz. Today, I feature Jim Roche, a vital part of the Svengoolie team.

Jim's is the Executive Producer of Svengoolie at Weigel Broadcasting, but his responsibilities and significance goes well beyond that title. Jim is Sven's right hand man. Sven is one of the hardest-working folks out there and Jim is always right there with him. They make a great team.

Glen and Alicia Rylko make a great team, too. The married couple are two awesome people, who I am proud to call friends. They have big hearts, often giving their time, money and exposure to various charities and events.

Of course, they also like to have fun. I have connected with them at many comic cons over the years. Usually we end up meeting in Sven's line, like at C2E2 2020, when the picture below was taken.

Jim was there helping and coordinating the Sven appearance, while Glen, Alicia and I were there to see our horror host friend.

C2E2 2021 was delayed, but is taking place December 10-12 at McCormick Place. I will be "Onthe Beat" as usual and I am betting Glen and Alicia will also be there. Sven is a pretty good bet to be there, too. Maybe we can get a big group photo.

For more info, go to C2E2.com. Also, check Svengoolie.com for news about the legendary Sven!

Jim Roche and Alicia and Glen Rylko in Chicago, IL-February 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: Tony LaRussa and Glen Rylko

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

This picture is such a classic. I look at this picture and I see two Hall of Famers. Tony LaRussa was in his first stint as manager of the Chicago White Sox and Glen Rylko met him at the historic Palmer House.

I never thought I would have to write "in his first stint" for LaRussa. Who would have thought 35+ years after leaving the Sox unceremoniously he would return amid some criticism, too. Of course, he quieted the critics by leading the team to first place and heading tjem into the playoffs as a real contender.

Glen and I first crossed paths at a wrestling event, but have since connected at comic cons, too. Glen and his wife Alicia are such great people. Glen continually supports me on social media by sharing and commenting on my posts. I appreciate his support, but I really appreciate his friendship.

I enjoy Glen's posts about wrestling, his son Patrick, his charitable efforts, his adventures with his mom (lovingly called Miss Ellie) and more. Glen also posts some classic throwback pictures, like the LaRussa picture below.

Wrestling and comic cons have expanded my circle of friends. I am grateful for all the friends and experiences I have gotten through these activities. Glen and Alicia would be at the very top of any list of friends.

Tony LaRussa and Glen Rylko in Chicago, IL-1982.

Friend Encounters: Svengoolie and Glen and Alicia Rylko

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

You won't find three better folks than the three people I'm featuring today. I'm proud to call of them my friend.

Rich "Svengoolie" Koz has been a Chicago legend for 40+ years. Having worked with Koz several times and having been able to get to know him a bit, I am happy to say he is one of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever met. He is amazingly generous with his time. He is a complete class act.

I could say much of the same about Glen and Alicia Rylko. While they haven't been famous entertainers, they are genuinely great people and also very generous with their time. Glen and Alicia donate lots of time and energy to various local charities.

I'm grateful to be friends with all three. Surround yourself with quality people and good things happen. These three are top quality for sure.

I miss seeing all three of these fine folks at conventions and elsewhere. Hopefully, soon we will all be able to get back to doing the things we enjoy, including seeing each other.

Svengoolie and Alicia and Glen Rylko in Chicago, IL-February 2020.

Friend Encounters: Mick Foley and Glen Rylko

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

Glen Rylko and I became friends after crossing paths at comic cons and wrestling events. Before we officially met, we both attended a Mick Foley book signing at Borders Books in Oak Park, IL.

Mick was promoting Mick Foley's Christmas Chaos, a fun Christmas story illustrated by Jerry "The King" Lawler. A noted lover of all things Christmas, Mick came wearing a Santa hat and was in his best holiday spirit. Of course, the line that wrapped around the block waiting to buy his book probably boosted his spirits (and also exhausted him by the end of the day).

Mick has published several books, including fiction tales, illustrated books and autobiographies. I have read and enjoyed all of them. I have attended several of his book signings and he is always great there, as well as at comic cons and wrestling events.

With events postponed this year, I haven't seen Glen in a while. Hopefully soon, that will change. Maybe we will even see Mick, too.

Glen Rylko and Mick Foley in Oak Park, IL-Winter 2000.

Friend Encounters: Kevin Smith and Glen Rylko

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

Today I am again featuring Glen Rylko, a dear friend of mine. Glen one-upped me with this one.
I met Glen years ago at some wrestling show. Glen is more of an old school wrestling guy, but he does venture out to indy shows on occasion. I love seeing his FB posts featuring old wrestling memorabilia.
Glen and his wife Alicia support and do great volunteer work for Alicia's House, a food pantry in a south suburb of Chicago. Glen and Alicia also participate in walks for other causes. It always warms my heart seeing them doing these events together.
I also enjoy seeing them at various comic cons. We generally meet a lot of the same celebrities.
One celeb Glen met who I haven't is Kevin Smith. Glen met Smith at his show at the Chicago Theater several years ago. In his social media post, Glen mentioned that "combined, we've lost about 140 pounds since then."
An actor, writer, producer and more, Smith is probably best known for Jay and Silent Bob. Smith has also done a few horror films, which make him a double threat at comic cons. Crossing genres successfully certainly increases his drawing power at any event.
That's an amazing accomplishment for both men. Both men look great now, but ultimately it is about feeling and being healthier. I'm happy that Glen looks good and is doing well.
I look forward to seeing Glen and Alicia once conventions or other events start happening. I always say I love meeting celebrities, but sharing these experiences with friends is really the best part.

Kevin Smith and Glen Rylko in Chicago, IL-June 2012.

Friend Encounters: Bill Watts and Glen Rylko

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

I first met Glen Rylko at a wrestling show. Over the years, Glen and his wife Alicia have become good friends of mine. It's always a pleasure seeing them at various conventions or wrestling events.

Glen is a knowledgeable wrestling fan. Actually, he is the best kind of fan. He knows and respects old school wrestling, but also enjoys attending modern independent wrestling shows. I always enjoy seeing Glen's social media posts featuring older wrestlers and memoriabilia.

One such post featured Cowboy Bill Watts. A legendary wrestler and promoter, Watts was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009.

Glen met the Cowboy a few years prior to his HOF induction. I'll let Glen tell the story. 

This was taken in 2005 in Chicago Ridge, IL where he and Jim Cornette talked to Jim Zordani and Chitown Ridge in depth about wrestling history. We had them to ourselves for about 20 minutes. He autographed everything we had in exchange for some old WRESTLING LIFE sheets.

I asked Glen about the jersey he was wearing. I thought it might be a Watts jersey from his playing days. Glen told me it was actually a St. Xavier jersey. Cool either way.

I really appreciate Glen's friendship. He has invited me to his wrestling circle of friends and I have met some very nice and fun folks because of him. Glen and Alicia are special people and I am lucky to know them.

Glen Rylko and Bill Watts in Chicago Ridge, IL-Winter 2005.

Alicia's House and Glen Rylko

I have known Glen Rylko for several years. We became friends over our interest in old time wrestling, comic cons and other fun stuff. Many times, Johngy's Beat has featured Glen with his many celebrity encounters.

Taking nothing away from meeting celebrities, today I am featuring Glen doing something far more important. Glen has done a lot of volunteer work with Alicia's House, a food pantry named to honor Alicia, a young girl who passed away in 2001.

Grandma Stella and Poppy Juan started the non-for profit food pantry. Alicia's House continues to feed hungry families. In another homage to Alicia, a little treat is put in each food bag, just as Alicia had done years ago while working next to her grandmother at the church pantry.

Glen and his wife Alicia have volunteered at Alicia's House for more than 15 years, having been touched by Alicia's tragic story and inspired by the dedication of the volunteers all year.

On why it is so special to Glen and Alicia, Glen stated, "Seeing the pantry first hand and the people they serve made me aware of those who have things way worse than me and my family. They are lacking in basic day-to-day needs and otherwise would not have anything for Christmas." This is a great thought especially at this time of year.

Glen and Alicia are deeply involved. Glen explained, "My wife, Alicia Rylko, and I, volunteer for all of their fundraisers, food distributions, and parties and giveaways. In 2017 we helped prepare and distribute over 1200 Holiday baskets. Christmas gifts, stockings, coats, hats, gloves and scarves to over 1900 children were given away. An annual party for special needs children and their family was held for over 275 in attendance for which I am the emcee for the event. I am also the emcee in the evening dinner for the Alicia's House Golf Outing, Dinner, and Auctions which is our biggest fundraiser of the year. I also did the ring announcing for a couple of pro-wrestling fundraiser events."

Naturally Glen did ring announcing for their wrestling events. Fondly recalling the days of Dick the Bruiser and other greats, Glen has a fine appreciation for wrestling.

Ironically, it was wrestling that first brought Glen to Alicia's House. Glen told me, "I heard about them first from a good friend Dan Roeglin from Minnesota. Another fan George Gunderson (RIP) further made me aware of them. I met Juan and Stella shortly thereafter at a Cauliflower Alley Reunion all the way in Las Vegas in 2004,and we are only 20 miles away from each other." 

Just like wrestling connected Glen to Alicia's House, it connected me to Glen. I am very grateful for that connection. If a cause is important to Glen, I will always support him.

It is important to remember those less fortunate than us, especially during the holiday season. I know Glen and Alicia will be giving their time and energy to Alicia's House as they always do. I hope this has inspired at least a few others to check out thie great cause and honor precious, little Alicia. Give or volunteer if you can. You might just see Glen and Alicia Rylko there. Tell them Johngy sent you. 

Check out AliciasHouse.org for more info on this great organization. You can also get news and updates on the Alicia's House Facebook page.

Glen Rylko and me in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Friendly Encounters: George Wendt and Glen Rylko

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

I have crossed paths with Glen Rylko many times and we became friends through our times at Resistance Pro.  Glen and I have similar interests with celebrities and wrestling.
I have met hundreds of stars, but Glen has me beat on several, including George Wendt.  Glen met the legendary Chicago actor last May.
I would love to see Glen's collection.  He has posted many pieces on social media.  I love the old wrestling promo cards and the old score books.  Glen has a keen eye and an appreciation for the cool things (aka stuff I like).
As we head into the spring and convention season, I am sure I will run into Glen at several conventions.  He'll probably beat me to a few more celebs, too.  For right now, Wendt is my biggest miss from his impressive list.

George Wendt and Glen Rylko in Chicago, IL-May 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Greg Luzinski and Glen Rylko

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

For once, not only did I meet a celebrity who Glen Rylko met, I beat him to that celebrity.  I don't think Glen is keeping score though.  He's probably not as petty as I am.

Glen is a good dude, who I met at a wrestling show and who I have seen at many shows and conventions.  He also gets to meet many celebrities, often times ones I have not met.  Despite meeting hundreds of celebrities, it's always the ones I haven't met that sting when I see others with them, especially when they are favorites of mine.

Glen met Greg "The Bull" Luzinski and that would be one that would make me envious, had I not met Luzinski several years ago in Philadelphia.  Luzinski is a legend in Chicago.  He is a local kid, who starred for the Phillies and won a division title with the White Sox in 1983.  On my trip to see the Phillies, meeting Luzinski was definitely one of the goals and highlights.  Now, I can look at the picture of Glen and "The Bull" and not feel anything but happiness for Glen (and for Luzinski, too, since he got to meet Glen).

Friendly Encounters almost always have happy stories for those involved.  This one makes everyone happy, even me.

Glen Rylko and Greg Luzinski in Chicago, IL-July 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Southpaw and Glen Rylko

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

My buddy Glen Rylko is a bit late for my "Mascot Week," but that won't stop me from running his picture, espceially since baseball season is underway.  Glen is a big fan of the White Sox and it has been evident in some of his previous appearances here.  This time, he is featured with Southpaw, the newest mascot of the Sox.

Southpaw debuted in June of 2004.  I don't know what exactly Southpaw is.  Maybe nobody knows.  Maybe he isn;t anything specifically.  He might just be a bigm, fluffy generic mascot.

Anyway, he is an improvement over the Sox mascots of my youth.  As mascots started popping up everywhere, the Sox created Ribbie and Rhubarb.  I guess they were popular with the really young folks, but nobody else seemed to care for them.  Then again, most grownups don't care for any mascots.

I do have an appreciation for mascots though.  Any company can toss out some poor guy in a goofy, nondescript mascot costume, but a well-crafted mascot with a talented person inside can actually be entertaining and charming.

On the other side, Glen might say he is charming and entertaining.  I can't argue that.  He is a good guy and we cross paths at various comic cons and wrestling events.  Those events don't usually have mascots though.  They don't need them.  There are already anough characters present.

Glen Rylko and Southpaw in Chicago, IL-June 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Billy Corgan and Glen Rylko

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

Here is one celebrity encounter that I got before my friend Glen Rylko.  Despite meeting a lot of celebs, I always seem to miss the big ones that Glen gets.  Not this time though.

Glen met Billy Corgan during Billy's time at Resistance Pro.  As has been documented many times, I met Billy many times obviously during his time at RPro.  Score one for me on beating Glen to Billy!

I don't think Glen is as petty as me.  He's probably not keeping a tally.  Besides, he did meet Billy, unlike the many celebs he has met who I have not.

Of course, I am just kidding about the competition.  Glen is a great guy and gets to meet some interesting celebrities.  Sometimes we even manage to meet some of the same ones.

I am sure Glen and I will continue to meet celebs.  I'm even okay if he meets a few before I do.  This general statement does not apply to Billy Joel though. 

Billy Corgan and Glen Rylko in Chicago, IL-May 2012.