Baby Owen Is Home!

This is the best Christmas present for my pal Justin James and his family. Baby Owen is finally home. After about seven months in the NICU, Owen is home with his family.

After former pro wrestler and current teacher Justin James and his wife had baby Owen they got the bad news he had some major throat issues and would require several procedures and a lengthy hospital stay. #FightLikeOwen became a rallying cry for all who knew Justin and his family. Fundraisers were held and prayers were said.

Recently, Justin announced Owen is home. While hopefully Owen has overcome the worst, he still faces some battles. Hopefully, he wins each battle and starts to live like an average infant.

I have talked to Justin in interviews and off the record. I'm not telling any secrets when I say he is a man of great faith. Speaking from my experience in my youth, I assured him Owen will not remember any of this. Hopefully, he will get a clean bill of health before he is at the age of recall.

Last month, POWW Entertainment, where Justin used to wrestle and where he is still involved, held a special event to honor his late uncle and to raise money for Owen. The turnout was even greater than expected, as friends and fans filled the venue. It was a wonderful night, especially after Justin announced the projected going home date for Owen. It is all even better now that Owen is home!

Merry Christmas to all! Count your blessings today. I am sure Justin and his family are doing just that!

Justin James and me in Elk Grove, IL-November 2025.

Justin James and Elk Grove Rotary Fest

Recently, I have featured a couple interviews with Justin James about Elk Grove Rotary Fest's wrestling event. For more on that, check Elk Grove Rotary Fest Wrestling Recap on the Chicago Patch. Today, I feature the main person behind it, Just James.

I first met Justin many years ago at POWW Entertainment. Justin was a wrestling manager, recovering from injuries which kept him out of in-ring action.

Earlier this year, we reconnected at a POWW show and he told me about Elk Grove Rotary Fest. I offered to help in any way I could.

Justin gave me his time for the interviews, despite being busy with his job, the fest and most importantly, his newborn son, who was experiencing issues. As the fest day approached, Justin also had to deal with the question of storms.

Like magic, the storms, let up and it was a fun day. Even in the middle of the chaos of a wrestling show, Justin checked with me often to make sure I got what content I needed for coverage. He paid similar attention to all wrestlers and folks involved. Despite the craziness, Justin always looked calm, as a true leader should.

I can't praise Justin enough for all he accomplished with the event. An estimated crowd of 1,500 attended, eespite the storms in the area. That was to support the fest, the area and Justin. Upon the conclusion of the 8-man tag featuring Justin and the Mayor, I could see the mix of joy and relief on Justin's face. I told him to be proud and enjoy it, because he earned it.

Meanwhile, Justin's infant son is doing better, but has a way to go. It's not my place to give details, but Owen is a fighter like his dad and he is improving daily. If you believe in prayer, say one for Owen. If not, send positivity his way.

Justin James and me in Elk Grove Village, IL-July 2025.

Justin James Talks Elk Grove Rotary Fest

The Elk Grove Rotary Fest starts today. I caught up with Justin James to get an update on the event, specifically Saturday's wrestling. That interview is at Justin James Talks Elk Grove Rotary Fest.

A teacher and resident of the area and a former pro wrestler, Justin has worked very hard to put together a fun afternoon of wrestling. The six matches feature old favorites, current stars and young wrestlers on the rise.

Melanie Cruise is making a rare area appearance. Stonewall is coming out of retirement. A little know fact is they are siblings and this is their first time tagging together. Adding to that match, they face Regan Lydale, one of my favorite stars of today.

For more info, go to elkgroverotaryfest.com. I'll be there and i hope to see many old friends and favorites.

On the Beat with Justin James Elk Grove Rotary Fest

 I hadn't seen former pro wrestler Justin James in several years, when I ran into him at a POWW show a few weeks back. Justin told me of a cool future wrestling event and I immediately got behind it.

James had to step away from in-ring action due to injuries, but he hasn't strayed from his passion. He is a teacher and wrestling coach, as well as a great help to POWW owner Jimmy Blaze behind the scenes.

Justin is teaming with Elk Grove Mayor Johnson in tag team action at Elk Grove Rotary Fest. This is the first time wrestling will be held at the fest and it looks to be a great card. Justin got some returning favorites, active veterans and stars on the rise in a great mix of talent on the card.

I talked to Justin about his career and the upcoming show. I'll let him reveal the entire card in the video.

For the full interview and full story, go to Wrestling Coming to Elk Grove Rotary Fest on the Chicago Patch. Check back here for updates.

Justin James and Rotary Fest

 I first met wrestler Justin James about 15 years ago at POWW. Unfortunately, his in-ring career was stopped due to injuries. I am not certain of the exact nature and I don't want to speculate.

Recently, at a POWW event, I saw Justin again. Shortly after that, he announced he would be part of the first ever pro wresting event at Rotary Fest in Elk Grove, Illinois.

This will be no average event. Justin is coming out of retirement to team with Elk Grove Mayor Johnson. There will also be many of my old favorites, including Melanie Cruise, Stonewall (aka Jim Goranson), Chris Cairo and more. POWW owner Jimmy Blaze will also be there, as will the Brothers of Funstruction Yabo and Ruffo.

This is going to be a lot of fun and I cannot wait. For more info, follow the Village of Elk Grove on Facebook. Also, check back here for my coverage, including my first interview with James.

Justin James and me in Winthrop Harbor, IL-May 2025.