Four Star Heroes at Wizard World 2013

I first encountered Chris Castro and Matt Knicks at Resistance Pro Wrestling. They performed as The 2 Star Heroes, who were on the lower end of the wrestling card, often in dark matches (matches held before the official card starts).

Chris and Matt were nice guys and talented performers. Chris was a big man, with somewhat surprising athletic skills. Matt was smaller, but a skilled wrestler. They worked well together in the ring and had a lot of personality.

They worked hard at their craft and eventually moved up the card. They became fan favorites at RPro. They never captured the tag titles, but they remained popular throughout their run. Eventually, the pair was split (a bad move in my opinion).

The pair left RPro, but resurfaced as the 4 Star Heroes in the newly created Freelance Wrestling. They were a huge part of Freelance Wrestling, which became the hot new organization in the area. Freelance has been going strong from the debut.

The world of wrestling is funny. Castro and Knicks eventually made a return to RPro after Freelance ran a joint show with RPro. It was great to see these guys again.

I always liked Knicks and Castro. They worked hard to improve and earned everything they got. They could have easily been lost in the RPro shuffle, but their skills and effort wouldn't allow that.

I applaud these guys fro all that they have done. Freelance Wrestling has proven to be a success and they also wrestle in other organizations. They have done well in the business and I am very happy for them.

You can check out Freelance Wrestling at FreelanceWrestling.com. You can also follow Freelance Wrestling on Facebook.

Chris Castro, Matt Knicks and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2013.

On the Beat at Resistance Pro's "The Real Thing"

It was a sweltering night in the Barn in Willowbrook, but that did not prevent the folks at Resistance Pro Wrestling from putting on another great event.  "The Real Thing" featured an evening full of wrestling, along with several extra cameras, as the long-awaited reality show tapings started to happen.

The AMC film crews were not the only ones doing any video recording.  As usual, JohngysBeat.com grabbed a few stars of RPro for some interviews.

The Slobberknockers were making their return to the ring, after such an emotional debut a couple months ago.  We also got them for a return interview.  Despite the best efforts of a few joker wrestlers, the Slobberknockers held their composure throughout (most) of the interview.

Special Correspondent Jonathan McMahon interviewed Referee Mario Scruggs and I interviewed Referee Drew Thomas.  These were our first interviews with both of these refs.

After months of trying, I finally got to interview Musical Director Sheri Shaw.  Shaw is usually a whirlwind of activity, but we got her right before her day began.

We also spoke to Matt Knicks.  The Marvelous One discussed his recent attitude change and his split from former partner "Big C" Chris Castro.

Lasty, in a short video presentation, we gave Eric St. Vaughn a trophy commemorating his 40,000 YouTube Views for one of our previous interviews.  It was the first interview we have done (and only one so far) to have reached that mighty milestone.

Resistance Pro Invades St. Francis De Sales High School

I hope I don't lose my Mt. Carmel Alumni Association card for this.  Well, the risk is worth it.

When I was growing up, there were a handful of choices for high school.  My sisters both chose Sf. Francis De Sales, a coed school.  I chose Mt. Carmel, an all boys school.  That was a lot of years ago and I have not been to either school since my graduation.

Recently, I returned to SFDS for a prelim meeting between Resistance Pro and some SFDS staffers.  The point of the meeting was to discuss the upcoming R Pro show The Battle Rages On, which is being held at SFDS on Friday, March 21.  Everyone is excited about this event, but now we must spread that excitement to the students and others in the area.

Last Friday, R Pro took another step in that direction by appearing in the cafeteria for all of the lunch periods.  Wrestlers don't usually just make simple appearances though and this was no different.

While full-fledged wrestling matches would be out of the question, Eric St. Vaughn and Matt Knicks did the next best thing.  They challenged all comers to an arm-wrestling match.

I was lucky enough to be on hand to cover the fun.  Several students (boys and girls) and a few adults took on one of the R Pro grapplers.  No offense to the rest, but Gloria was my favorite.

Check out the video below to see the fun for yourself.  After watching the video, go to ResistancePro.com to purchase your tickets to The Battle Rages On.  You'll get great wrestling action and you will be helping out a great high school.

The Chicago Bliss Invaded Resistance Pro Wrestling

George Costanza did not like when his worlds collided, but I could not have had a better time when the Chicago Bliss invaded Resistance Pro Wrestling last Saturday.  The fact that I facilitated this only makes me prouder!

As you all know, I do coverage for R Pro and the Chicago Bliss.  I consider both to be outstanding organizations always good for a fun time.  I always enjoy working with them or simply enjoying the action.

This night had been in the works for several months.  I was nervous and excited about how the evening would unfold.  I should have realized it would be great with these two companies involved.

The Bliss women were embraced by the R Pro crowd and vice-versa.  I think several of the Bliss players would have liked to really get involved, but they had to settle for being lumberjills in the final match of the 8 women tournament.

There is no doubt the Bliss players are beautiful, but they are also incredibly tough, as well as being very personable.  In short, they are the total package.  I love these women!

I want to publicly thank both the Chicago Bliss and Resistance Pro for being class organizations and providing so much entertainment.  I also want to strongly encourage my readers to come to their events.  R Pro generally has monthly events and the Bliss season starts April 5 in Milwaukee.

Chris Castro, Matt Knicks, the Chicago Bliss and me in Willowbrook, IL-February 2014.

Friendly Encounters: Joe Phelan Meets XPac and the Two Star Heroes

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

Here is another odd Friendly Encounter.  I actually met the celebrity before I met my friend.  In this case, the celebrity is Sean Waltman, also known as XPac.  The Two Star Heroes should also get celebrity consideration, but more on that later.
I met Sean Waltman at a Resistance Pro Wrestling event several months ago and the resulting interview can be found at On the Beat with Sean Waltman.  Waltman put on a great match that night and was a great guy from all accounts.  Hey, he did our interview, which makes him okay by me.
At the last R Pro event, I met Coach Joe Phelan.  Coach Joe and R Pro put the event together as a benefit for his Badgers wrestling team.
While I figured that Coach Joe would meet all of the stars of R Pro and Waltman, too, I somehow never guessed he would be in an actual match and get the pin!  To the delight of the crowd, Coach Joe made his pro wrestling debut, alongside Waltman and the Two Star Heroes and the foursome won!  Coach Joe is now 1-0 in his pro career.
The Two Star Heroes (Matt Knicks and Chris Castro) are also pro wrestlers, although they have not yet achieved the success that Waltman has.  Of course, the Two Star Heroes are much younger and just at the start of their careers.  I really enjoy their work and I enjoy them as people.  They are just good guys.
The picture below shows the end result of the match.  It was a great moment.  Coach Joe deserves to have his hand held high and not just because he won a match or met some wrestlers.  Coach Joe is a great guy and a fantastic coach.
This Friendly Encounter is about a lot of things.  Most importantly, it is about helping others.  Everytime I look at this picture, I remember the night and simply feel good about life.

Chris Castro, Joe Phelan, XPac and Matt Knicks in Burbank, IL-September 2013.

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.

Inside the Squared Circle with Lisa Marie Varon

A couple weeks ago, Contributor Extraordinaire and I met our friend (and Resistance Pro wrestler) Eric St. Vaughn at The Squared Circle, a pizza and burger place owned and operated by Lisa Marie Varon.  We also ran into Matt Knicks and Chris Castro (two other wrestlers also known as the Two Star Heroes).
Immediately upon entering The Squared Circle, LMV greeted us with big hugs and a big smile.  While enjoying our pizza and appetizers, she came over several times and joined us for some casual chat.  I wrote about the experience for the Patch at On the Beat with Eric St. Vaughn and Lisa Marie Varon at The Squared Circle.
Today, I want to write about how cool Lisa Marie Varon is.  We had met her several times prior to this evening at various conventions and she has always been friendly, sweet and fun.  She has given us interviews, put us in wrestling holds, showed us her infamous ankle tattoo and other fun stuff.  More importantly, she gives us her warmth, friendship and spirit.
Wrestling is a hard business.  It is highly competitive in and out of the ring.  While others have made headlines for the wrong reasons, I have never seen a bad thing about LMV.  She has apparently lead a normal life and seems to be determined to keep it that way.
The Squared Circle is a lot like her and not just because of the wrestling theme.  It is fun and lively, but also comfortable and casual.  It is the kind of place I would gladly take visiting friends for a great night.  It is also the place I could go regularly as a neighborhood spot.  I think The Squared Circle is a winner, like LMV.
I really hope The Squared Circle is a success.  Lisa Marie Varon deserves it and besides...I really loved their pizza!!!

Matt Knicks, Matt Parker, Chris Castro, Eric St. Vaughn, me and a few others have fun with Lisa Marie Varon at The Squared Circle in Chicago, IL-April 2013.

Eric St. Vaughn reviews The Squared Circle in Chicago, IL-April 2013.

On the Beat with the Two Star Heroes

Whether you call them "the Two Star Heroes" or "Kings of the Dark Matches" or simply Chris Castro and Matt Knicks, you must always call them entertaining.  They are a fun tag team at Resistance Pro Wrestling, without being a comedy act.
As a young tag team in a young, developing wrestling company, it would be easy to get lost in the shuffle.  For the Two Star Heroes, it is working to their advantage.  They are sort of making their presence felt, while still staying under the radar a bit.
These guys are very familiar with wrestling in the dark matches (pre-show matches) and they are making the most of those matches, even to the point of embracing their role (hence Kings of the Dark Matches).  It is only a matter of time before they start moving out of dark matches.  Until then, they are learning and improving.
They are also enjoyable to watch as they progress.  They inject humor into their matches, but not to the point of distraction.  You never want to cross that line and become more comedy than wrestling (ask Santino Marella).  So far, these guys are working it all well.
JohngysBeat.com Contributor Extraordinaire Matt Parker interviewed Knicks and Castro before R Pro's Mane Attraction in March.  Their personalities come through clearly in the interview.  Like I wrote, these guys are fun.  I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.  It was our first time speaking to them on camera, but it won't be our last.
After you watch the interview, please head over to the Matt Knicks Facebook page and the Chris Castro Facebook page to learn more about them and get their updates.
Also, check out ResistancePro.com for info on this great wrestling company.  Better yet, come out and see Knicks, Castro and all of R Pro (and Johngy's Beat) on April 28 in Willowbrook for Back for the Attack.