Kal Herro at Squared Circle Expo

The Fannypack Kid is coming to the Squared Circle Expo V. Kal Herro will be appearing at the great two-day wrestling convention in Indianapolis April 25-26.

From a young age, Kal seemed destined to enter the world of professional wrestling. Being around his promoter father David, Kal learned the business from an early age. He also learned from many pro wrestlers, including Al Snow, his tag partner in The Newest Rockers.

While Kal has had a lot of guidance, he worked his way up and earned everything he has. The best part is he is as humble and gracious outside the ring as he is talented inside it. Clearly proud papa David did well and Kal followed the lead of dad and his friends like Snow.

He currently wrestles at Ohio Valley Wrestling. At SCX V, he will defend the SCX tag titles with Snow. That is just one of several interesting matches already announced for SCX V. There will be a full Saturday night wrestling card.

Of course, that all comes after two days of meet-and-greets, Q&As, panels, photo ops and so much more. It is a convention for wrestling fans, run by wrestling fans, who are also outstanding folks. This is one of the best-run conventions I have ever attended. It is a yearly must on my calendar.

For more info, go to SquaredCircleX.com. Check back here for my updates.

Kal Herro and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2024.

Iron Mike Curkov

When Wisconsin news man Mike Curkov started wrestling a couple years ago, I thought it was a gimmick. That's not a bad thing. I just figure he would do minimal work in one or two matches. Little did I know how serious Mike was and remains.

I started to realize how serious he was when I interviewed him at On the Beat With Mike Curkov. Mike was training hard and intended to actually wrestle, not just make an appearance in the ring. Of course, he was realistic. With a late start and a full-time job, Mike knew he wouldn't be the next John Cena, but he wanted to be respectable. He has  become more than that though.

Mike has worked himself into being a decent wrestler. He'll never be the technician like Bret Hart, the mauler like Brock Lesnar or the showman like The Rock, but he has accomplised more than I thought he would. He is actually better than some wrestlers who want to get to the big time.

Perhaps the best part of Mike's wrestling career is he donates his merch money to help animals. Tony and I will see him every time he's on the card. Although he gives free selfies, we donate something to his cause. It's something Tony and I both support.

For more info on Mike, check GLCWWrestling.com. Also, check here for my recurring wrestling coverage , including "Iron Mike" Curkiv!

Mike Curkov and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2024.

Gene Snitsky at Squared Circle Expo

Gene Snitsky is one of the 50+ wrestling stars and legends on the roster for the upcoming Squared Circle Expo V. Despite recently meeting him at Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's Blizzard Brawl, I am looking forward to seeing him again.

Snitsky is a huge man (as if you couldn't tell from the picture). A former football player at the University of Missouri, Snitsky made his pro wrestling debut in 1997. He won a few titles elsewhere, but none in his several year stint in the WWE. One of his highlights was being ranked 83 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2005.

I originally met Snitsky back in my Resistance Pro Wrestling days about 10 years ago. He hasn't lost any strength since then. Unintentionally, he nearly squashed my hand in our handshake.

On April 25-26, SCX returns to Indianapolis for its fifth annual event. This one promises to be bigger and better than ever. SCX is a convention by fans for fans, but it is run extremely professionally and is well-organized. It is a must on my yearly claneday.

For more info, go to SquaredCircleX.com. Also, check back here for my coverage.

 Gene Snitsky, Tony and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2024.

David Herro Appreciation Post

About 20 years ago, I attended my first wrestling show in Wisconsin and I have gone back there many times since. That particular company changed names a couple times I think, but it is now Great Lakes Championship Wrestling, although some call it Blizzard Brawl, after its huge annual show.

The promoter then and still is David Herro (aka #Superfriend). Back then, I saw a promoter and his young son bonding while putting on a fantastic show. In the 20 or so years since, the wrestlers, fans and other small things have changed, but I still see a father and son binding while putting on fantastic shows.

David's son Kal is a rising you superstar wrestler, currently in Ohio Valley Wrestling, but he makes many appearances for GLCW. 

Jaded folks will say this is a money-maker. Of course, it is, but it is so much more. I believe it is a testament of David's love for his son and the business. I believe David loves the fans, too. I see how hard he works.

David has had some health issues, causing him to lose some toes, among other problems, but I have never heard him complain. It's easy to see how David has made so many friends in and out of wrestling.

David has quite a story and fortunately for his friends and fans, that story will come to life soon in the form of a documentary by David Vox Mullen and Danny Reyes. This is a doc I am following and will provide updates as they happen.

Until then, go to GLCWWrestling.com and follow GLCW on social media to get updates. Also, come back here for my updates and coverage.

 David Herro and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2024.

Val Venis at Blizzard Brawl 2021

"Hello ladies..." and gentlemen. I channeled Val Venis for that opening.

Venis was one of the more popular characters in the WWE when it was in the Attitude Era. A porn star who wrestled was an interesting concept, but Val made it work.

Venis is mostly retired, although he makes convention appearances, where he is still one of the most popular. He looks great, although he isn't wearing his trademark towel (fortunately).

A couple years ago, Venis was one of the wrestling guests at Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's  Blizzard Brawl. .This year, Blizzard Brawl is December 2 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. I don't know if Venis will be there this year, but either way, there will be more than 20 wrestling legends and stars. The guest list hasn't been fully announced yet. I will provide updates as things develop.

Go to GLCWWrestling.com for updates and news. Check back here for my updates.

Val Venis and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2021.

Terri Runnels at Great Lakes Championship Wrestling

Last year, I caught up with Terri Runnels at Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's Golden Days. I wrote more about it for Global Women's Sports Radio at Golden Days Was Solid Gold.

I had a lot of fun with Terri. She was as lively as always. I hadn't seen her in years, but it was just like old times when she greeted me as "Jay Leno." Then for whatever reason, Terri grabbed my hand and said we were going to run laps around the whole area. Who am I to argue with Terri? It was fun seeing all the odd looks and Terri and I had a lot of laughs.

I have meet Terri many times at GLCW events, including Blizzard Brawl. This year, Blizzard Brawl is on December 2 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Only a couple guests have been announced, but there will be at least 20+ legends and current wrestlers there. I'm hoping that includes Terri, because it is always great catching up with her. Either way, I will have updates here as announcements are made.

Go to GLCWWrestling.com for more info on Too Cool and other events. Also, check here and GWSR for my recurring coverage.

Terri Runnels and me in Cedarburg, WI-January 2022.

On the Beat With Mike Curkov

Mike Kurkov, news anchor for CBS 58 in Milwaukee made his professional wrestling debut at Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's Blizzard Brawl. I thought it would be a one-off, cameo appearance for Mike, but I was wrong on both accounts.

At Blizzard Brawl, Mike teamed with The Gunn Club to do battle against The Express and Kevin Thorn. Mike was no auxiliary player in this match. He was a legit competitor, who accounted very well for himself, but his story was not over.

On Saturday, December 3, Mike will again enter the ring opposite Thorn. This time, he won't have The Gunn Club on his side. Making matters more ominous, he will be facing Mordecai (a religious, zealot-like alter ego of Thorn).

Early this morning, I interviewed Mike about all of this. Much like Mike seeks interesting stories (as he explains in the interview), I sought out Mike because he is a fascinating story.

A veteran in the news media field, Mike talked about his career and what led him to the wrestling ring. His quest for an interesting story turned into his own interesting story, one which might win an Emmy for him.

Last year, when previewing the Blizzard Brawl card, I noted Mike's inclusion. I figured The Gunn Club would do the bulk of the battle, with Mike getting a hot tag and showing off a few moves, before tagging out again. I figured he might get the pin, but only after his teammates beat down the opposition. I was wrong and happily admitted it to him, the exact reaction he wanted to get, as he tells it in our interview.

Mike talked about his dedication and effort in training and it showed. He wasn't a sideshow for publicity. He took it very seriously and the results showed it.

His debut was in a six-man tag match and his subsequent matches have been various tag team efforts, too. At Blizzard Brawl, he will be going to the ring alone though, ready to face one of the more imposing wrestlers in Mordecai.

Mike discusses his mindset heading into the match, which is billed as a “Retirement” match. He is even more serious about this match.

I am torn when predicting the outcome. I can't see Mike's wrestling career ending, but I also don't think Thorn is ready to hang up his boots. Maybe this will just be the retirement of Mordecai.

Adding to the intrigue is Mike's possible Emmy win. He explains how it all tied together. I think the one more loose end is the Emmy win, which will be announced from Chicago sometime that night. That win would bring everything full circle and be a storybook moment for Mike.

No matter which outcome, it is one I don't want to miss. I will be “On the Beat” ringside for Mike's match and recapping all here the next day.

The entire card is:

Main Event

EC3, Psycho Boy Fodder, Jacob Fatu, Shera & “Certified” Luke Kurtis vs. “The Fanny Pack Kid” Kal Herro, Al Snow, Dustin Jackson, D-Lo Brown & Doug Basham

GLCW Heavyweight Title Match

Backwoods Brown with Josh Ashcraft vs. “The Last Real Man” Silas Young

Fatal 4 Way #1 Contender Match

“Mayan Mauler” Drew Hernandez vz. “Punk Rock Prince” Jordan Kross vs. “80s Baby” TW3 vs. Cash Flo

Tag Team Match

ODB & Tiffany Nieves vs. Chelsea Green and Leila Grey

Eric Redbeard vs. Moose

Juggalo Heavyweight Championship

Vampiro vs. “Shotgun” Tony Gunn

Mordecai vs. “Iron” Mike Curkov

There will also be plenty of other wrestling legends appearing, including Dustin Runnels, Billy Gunn, The Nasty Boys, Jimmy Hart, Gangrel and more. Of course, expect to see many other wrestlers and longtime wrestling fans in the crowd. This is THE big GLCW show of the year. It's one I never miss.

Blizzard Brawl 2022 is on Saturday, December 3 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.). It's at the Waukesha County Expo Center in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

I really appreciate Mike taking time from his busy news schedule to discuss his career and Blizzard Brawl. On a side note, our paths crossed years ago, when Mike, Then with the Schaumburg Flyers minor league baseball team) granted me press credentials to cover the team.

Watch the interview at On the Beat With Mike Curkov. Go to GreatLakesChampionshipWrestling.com for more info and updates.

Jessie Godderz at Great Lakes Championship Wrestling

Great Lakes Championship Wrestling returns to action this Saturday with Merrill Mania in Merrill, Wisconsin, featuring Scotty 2 Hotty. Also appearing will be Jessie Godderz.

The man called Mr. Pec-Tacular is the current and first ever Ohio Valley Wrestling National Heavyweight champ. He is also a former OVW Television champ and a six-time OVW Southern Tag Team champ. He previously wrestled in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where he won the tag tiles (with Robbie E) twice.

Godderz is known outside of the wrestling world for being on the 10th season of television's Big Brother. He was eliminated in the fourth week, but returned for the 11th season. He was evicted on the 40th day of that season.

I met Godderz at GLCW's Golden Days. At the pre-show meet-and-greet, Godderz heard special guest Terri Runnels discussing running with me and he asked me about my running when I went to his table. I found that interesting. He cared enough to ask and to engage me. That's a bit more than expected at meet-and-greets, but it left an impression and I appreciated him for it.

Go to GLCWWrestling.com for more info on Merrill Mania. I hope to see many of my friends there.

Jessie Godderz and me in Cedarburg, WI-January 2022.

On the Beat With Linda Kay at Great Lakes Championship Wrestling

On Saturday, I trekked to Cedarburg, WI for Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's Golden Days, featuring Terri Runnels. I wrote more about the whole night for Global Women's Sports Radio at Golden Days Was Solid Gold.

One of the highlights for me was an interview I got with Linda Kay, who was the unexpected star of last month's Blizzard Brawl at GLCW. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Linda Kay. Unfortunately, my usual video camera wonked out on me and my backup was not great for audio.

I talked to Linda about her stealing the show at last month's Blizzard Brawl. Ever-humble, Linda said she just had fun. I asked about her future in the ring and she did not rule out more in-ring action. Whether it is wishful thinking or not, to me that means we will eventually see Linda wrestling again. At least I hope so.

On Saturday, Linda was the ring announcer and she did her usual fantastic job pumping up the crowd. At Blizzard Brawl, though, Linda was supposed to be the guest ref in a women's tag match. That plan quickly went away, as Linda ripped off her ref shirt and made it a six-women tag match. Even at that point, I figured Linda would wrestle a bit, and probably get the pin, but only after her tag mates beat the opponents into submission.

I was almost completely wrong. Linda did get the pin, but she earned it. Linda didn't just make a cameo wrestling appearance. She stole the show in the ring. She had moves and holds. She gave a beating and took a bit of a beating, too. In the end, she got the pin on her own as the crowd erupted.

Linda did far more than I expected and she did it extremely well. I am not exaggerating thinking she stole the show. No offense to the other fine wrestlers on the card. They did great, but we expect that from them.

GLCW's next event is Too Cool, featuring Scotty 2 Hotty and Natalya Markova on Saturday, February 26 at Circle B Recreation in Cedarburg, WI. Will Linda be back in the ring wrestling? Will she confront Markova? Check back here for more updates and hopefully a new, better interview with Linda.

Go to GLCWWrestling.com for more info. Also, check here for recurring coverage of GLCW.

Terri Runnels at GLCW's Golden Days

Terri Runnels has had a fascinating career in wrestling. She started in World Championship Wrestling as Alexandra York, leader of the York Foundation, a group of wrestlers who used high tech computer info to defeat opponents. She moved to the WWE as Marlena, valet to then-husband Goldust. The cigar-smoking Marlena added a new layer to the intriguing Goldust character. Eventually, Terri assumed her true identity and became a manager for others. The little she-devil even won the Hardcore title once.

Terri has kept a bit of a low profile since leaving wrestling, although she does make appearances at various conventions and events. At the Motor City Comic Con many years ago, Terry started calling me "Jay Leno," a name I heard fairly often those days. This brought frustration to The Honkytonk Man, who was also there and thought he was the first to make that connection. Since then, I have seen Terri many times. She has been kind enough to give me a few interviews, a promo and even wore my shirt.

I will see Terri again Saturday at Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's Golden Days in Cedarburg, WI. It will be a great night of wrestling action, featuring Terri in a pre-show meet-and-greet. Will Terri get involved in any of the wrestling action? Will Terri attempt to mix it up with Linda Kay, the unexpected star of last month's Blizzard Brawl? I don't know, but I will find out while I am "On the Beat" there. I will report back here on all the action.

Go to GLCWWrestling.com for more info on Golden Days and other GLCW events. Check back here for my recurring coverage of GLCW.

Terri Runnels and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2012.