Happy Birthday, Big Money

Today is my nephew's birthday. Big Money adds another year to his life resume.

I have written a lot about Matt. He's been more than a nephew. He's been a great friend and a major contributor to Johngy's Beat. In the early days of this site, Matt helped with so many things.

One of Matt's biggest moments came at Blizzard Brawl in Wisconsin. We had front row seats. When wrestler Billy Gunn walked out, Matt struck his pose and the photog got it. That picture was used all over wrestling sites. I still see it pop up. It's classic Matt.

Now Matt is married with two beautiful kids, but he still contributes ideas and material on occasion. Nop matter what though, Matt has cemented himself in Johngy's Beat history as a true Hall of Famer. More importantly, he is a Hall of Famer person.

Happy birthday, Big Money! Enjoy your day.

Matt and Billy Gunn in Waukesha, WI-December 2013.

RIP Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan's death last week brought out a lot of comments on social media. Like Hulk himself, it is complicated.

Back when Hulkamania hit in the early 80s, Hulk told us to say our prayers, eat our vitamins and train. Those were simpler times, before I knew of steroids, backstage politics, creative control and other shenanigans.

I admit I was never a huge Hulk fan. I favored Rowdy Roddy Piper< not because he was a bad guy and some thought it cool to cheer the bad guys. I liked Piper for his outrageous character. When Hulk turned evil and formed the massively successful NWO, I still didn't cheer for him. Still, through it all, I respected what he did for wrestling. Love or hate him, his impact is undeniable.

Then there is Terry Bollea (aka the man himself). I won't list his transgressions. You can find those easily on the internet. Bollea was a lot more complicated that Hulk. Some don't separate the two. Some condemn both.

My nephew Matt and I met Hulk many years ago at C2E2. It was a short interaction, but Hulk was as pleasant as could be given the constraints. That's all I ever really ask of any celebrity.

Is it fortunate or unfortunate that the internet gives us such inside info of others? Would it be better not to know Hulk's real life drama? Is it better to know Bollea was imperfect?

I'm not here to judge Bollea. That is a job for his maker. Where do I stand? I am glad I got to meet Hulk and I recognize his legacy. I do not praise nor vilify him in death.

 Matt, Hulk and me in Chicago, IL-March 2014.

Happy Birthday, Big Money

Today is my nephew's birthday. Big Money probably celebrated with his family over the holiday weekend, buy I'm saluting him today.

Last week, I covered my first Chicago White Sox game in a long time. As I made my way around the press area, dugout, lockerroom etc., I was reminded of all the fun I had when Matt joined me several times in Houston and elsewhere. We talked with stars, reserves, broadcasters and more. We didn't care. We were just having a blast. We were two goofy kids (me, a lot older of a kid) playing baseball reporters. As much fun as we had, we did take it seriously though. We never took any of it for granted and we knew how good we had it.

I will always cherish those memories and so many others with Matt. Now, he is a married man with two cutie kids. He's creating new memories with them and it is cool to see.

Thanks for the memories, Big Money. Happy birthday!!

Matt in Houston, TX-Summer 2011.

Happy Birthday, Matt

Today is my nephew Matt's Birthday. Join me as I reflect upon the legend of Big Money.

The picture below perfectly captures the essence of Big Money in his prime working with Johngy's Beat. Always repping the Beat apparel and always ready with a big thumb's up for the cameras. If you were a fan of Resistance Pro Wrestling back in the 2010's, you definitely saw Big Money in action at the shows, in pictures and even on the dvd's.

We had a ton of fun back during those years. It never felt like work with Matt. We were just two knuckleheads who couldn't believe the access we had at times. Whether backstage at wrestling, on Major League Baseball Fields or waiting on comic con guests for interviews, we always had a blast.

Life moves on and Matt now has a beautiful family of a wife and two young children. I couldn't be happier for him. He deserves all the happiness he can get.

It always makes me smile when these memories pop up on my timeline or when he sends me one from his. That was a great time in life and now I get to make new memories as I watch his family grow.

I am sure Matt will celebrate with his family today. I wish him a great birthday from a couple hours away. I love ya, Big Money!

Matt and Awesome Kong in 2013.

Happy Birthday Matt!!!

Today I celebrate the birthday of my nephew Big Money! 

For those who don't know, Matt has played a major role in Johngy's Beat over the years. As Contributor Extraordinaire, Matt has done just about everything along the way and I appreciate it all.

More important, Matt has been a great part of my life. I have had so much fun with him. Whether we're standing on a Major League Baseball field or simply hanging out, it is always fun with Matt.

I'm sure Matt will celebrate with his family today, but I am there in spirit (he can't escape me) celebrating with them. I am also toasting him from here. Happy birthday, Matt! Have a fantastic day!

 Erin, Delaney, Theo and Matt in Mokena, IL-December 2021.

Happy Birthday Matt!

Today is my nephew Matt's birthday,. I am sure he is celebrating with his beautiful family, but I toast him from here.

Matt and I had so many fun adventures. He helped me so much in the early days of Johngy's Beat. He got Roddy Piper to do a promo for the Beat. He hung in there and secured my interview with Lauren Holly. He did so much and I appreciate all of it. I will always think fondly of the sports trips, comic cons, wrestling events and more that we enjoyed.

Now, Matt is a family man, married with two beautiful little ones. It's awesome to see him in this light. It's even better seeing him happy and living his life. I couldn't be happier for all of them.

I'm sure Erin, Delaney and Theo are making his birthday special, but I am sending birthday greetings right here. Happy birthday, Matt. I love ya, Big Money.

Matt, Delaney, Theo and Erin in IL-August 2021.

Happy Birthday Matt

Today I am celebrating my nephew Matt Parker's birthday. While I usually exchange barbs with him, today I will be nice.

We'be had so many great times together. We've been on Major League Baseball fields, interviewed great (and not-so-great players), hung out with celebrities at comic cons, got ourselves on camera at wrestling shows and other fun stuff.

While we don't see each other as much now, I couldn't be happier and prouder of Matt. The picture below says it all. Matt has his own happy little family. It warms my heart and blows my mind seeing this.

Matt and Erin are going to have wonderful times with their daughter Delaney. I'll enjoy watching in person and via texts and social media. They are a beautiful family (and also with their dog Annie).

I hope Matt has a great day today. I wish him a happy birthday and the best of life always.

Matt, Erin and Delaney in South Haven, MI-June 2020.

Happy Birthday Matt

Today is my nephew Matt's birthday. While he will probably celebrate with his wife and infant daughter, I am celebrating "Big Money" here.

Matt is everything I would want in a nephew. We have done so much fun stuff together, I couldn't even begin to list everything. Over the years, I have written about many of the fun events here on the Beat.

Speaking of the Beat, Matt is responsible for lots of parts of this little site. As contributor Extraordinaire, he has worked camera, helped with interviews, edited video and much more. He is also responsible for many of the Johngy's Beat cartoon logos, including the part of adding the other logos to the Johngy character short.

I don't get to see Matt as much, because he's got a family and is carving his own life, but it is always a great time when we are all together. We slide right back into the same jokes and bets (much to the dismay of others around us).

Happy birthday, Big Money! Have a great day. I love you.

Matt Parker and me in Skokie, IL-May 2019.

Maria Kanellis at Wizard World 2011

Wizard World is here through Sunday. While I am ensconced in pop culture madness, I will be reporting on Facebook, but I am recalling previous years here.

Maria Kanellis placed fifth in the WWE Diva Search in 2004, but she was signed to a contract anyway. She since has bounced around a bit between companies. She one the Impact Knockouts title once and won a WWE Slammy award for being the Diva of the Year in 2009.

Marie has been a popular figure on the wrestling scene, despite not beibg in the title picture very often. Her and husband Mike are currently back with the WWE.

She isn't limited to just the wrestling world though. She has ventured into acting, singing and owning an event design company. She is building quite an empire.

Maria was in especially good spirits at Wizard World in 2011. Doing such conventions near her hometown allows so many of her family and friends to visit. Chicago is a huge wrestling town and we really embrace our own.

Now that she is back with the WWE, I am hoping she will be one of their represetatives at Wizard World. It has been a long time since I have seen her.

Check WizardWorld.com for info on this event and all other Wizard World events across the country during the year. Also, follow Wizard World on Facebook for more updates and announcements.

Matt, Maria Kanellis, Jason and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2011.

Friend Encounters: Tech N9ne and Matt Parker

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities. With Wizard World starting later this week, I present a special Wizard World edition of Friend Encounters.

Aaron Yates rose to fame as Tech N9ne, a rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur. Fellow rapper Black Walt gave him the name due to his fast-rhyming Chopper style, similar to a TEC-9 semi-automatic handgun. In addition to his released recordings, Tech N9ne's music can be heard in video games, movies, television shows and commercials.

The ever-vigilant Johngy's Beat Contributor Extraordinaire Matt Parker spotted Tech N9ne at Wizard World several years back. Admittedly, I am not as hip to the music scene as Matt (or most people actually), but I had heard of Tech N9ne. Still, I would never have recognized him with ace spotter Matt.

You don't see many rappers at Wizard World, but most rappers don't have the varied body of work that Tech N9ne does. You just never know who will appear at Wizard World. You always have to be alert.

Go to WizardWorld.com for all of the info, including the guest list. Also, follow Wizard World on Facebook for more updates and announcements.

Matt Parker and Tech N9ne in Rosemont, IL-August 2013.

Tammy Sytch at Wizard World 2011

Wizard World comes to Chicago August 22-25. While I look forward to the long weekend of pop culture fun, I am recalling some of my favorite moments from the past years there.

Today's featured celebrity represents a bittersweet moment. Tammy "Sunny" Sytch was "the Original Diba of the WWE" and AOL's most downloaded celebrity at one point. As a manager, broadcaster, interviewer or host, Sunny was as good as it gets. Her popularity rivaled the top wrestlers in the WWE. She was on top of the world.

Unfortunately, personal issues have taken their toll on her career and her life. Her longtime boyfriend Chris Candido died in 2005 from acute pneumonia (after having a blood clot from leg surgery). Tammy also has had alcohol and drug issues, along with very public relationship problems over the years.

Tammy's rise and fall was meteoric in both directions. She has had several comebacks, including a WWE Hall of Fame induction, but she has had many lingering issues, including several stints in jail.

The tragedy isn't just that a major star lost everything. It's really that a young woman is fighting a battle for her own life.

It would be easy to write off Tammy for causing her own problems, but life isn't that easy. Under it all, Tammy is actually a very sweet person. I don't claim to know what is in her head, bt we all have our demons.

I have met and talked at length to Tammy many times over the years. While I don't claim to be best friends or even part of her inner circle, I can honestly say I consider us friends and I am confident she would agree. She has always treated me well and has gone out of her way with interviews an promos for me. I greatly appreciate her time, consideration and friendship.

I sincerely hope and pray that Tammy gets the help she needs. I hope she gets her life together and stays clean. Tammy is only in her late 40's and can still have many great years.

Check WizardWorld.com for more info and scheduling on Chicago and all of the other events across the country all year. Also follow Wizard World on Facebook for more frequent updates and announcements.

Jason, Tammy Sytch, Matt and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2011.

Friend Encouters: Ted DiBiasi, Virgil and Matt Parker

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring my friends who have met celebrities. With Wizard World Chicago on the horizon, I present a special Wizard World Edition of Friend Encounters.

Johngy's Beat Contributor Extraordinaire Matt Parker would be a lock for the first class if Johngy;s Beat ever does Hall of Fame inductions. He has been instrumental in virtually every p[art of Johngy's Beat over the years.

At Wizard World a few years ago, Matt and I met "The Million Dollar Man' Ted DiBiase and Virgil. DiBiase was very happy to put Matt in "The Million Dollar Dream," his version of the sleep hold. 

Yes, I know wrestling is scripted, but the sleeper hold is a legit maneuver that can cause unconsciousness. If properly applied, it can cut off blood flow through the carotid arteries. It doesn't require a lot of strength, as it is all about compressing those arteries. It can legit work.

Granted, DiBiase doesn't clamp down and squish the carotid arteries of the fans as he puts on the hold, but he does give you a little taste of it and he does it with glee. With a little pressure, you quickly realize how potent that hold can be.

Matt's expression is partly cause by DiBiase catching him a bit off guard in slapping on the hold. Plus, it's always cool to be in one of the most famous pro wrestling finishers.

As noted, DiBiase's expression is his mischievous side showing. He loves catching fans like this.

Virgil's happiness is unexplained. I think it's just that he is part of the whole scene. Virgil's comic con experiences are legendary.

Wizard World invade Chicago August 22-25. I'll be there as always. Go to WizardWorld.com for more info and scheduling on Chicago and elsewhere.

Virgil, Matt Parker and Ted DiBiasi in Rosemont, IL-August 2011.

Friend Encounters: Colin Ferguson and Matt Parker at Motor City Comic Con

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities. With Motor City Comic Con coming May 17-19, I am presenting a special Motor City Comic Con edition.

After a couple years of attending MCCC by myself, friends started to join me on the trip. We peaked at four total (Jason Fleigel, Cuzz Gekas and Matt Parker), which might have been the most fun I've ever had on the trip. It is always cool to facilitate friends meeting their favorite stars.

I forget which of Colin Ferguson's roles my nephew Matt followed, but he wanted to meet him. Canadian born, Ferguson has had a lengthy and successful career on the big screen and on television. As a side note, he is also a huge fan of the Montreal Canadiens and has done guest-blogging on NHL.com.

Two of his more well-known roles were Eureka and The Vampire Diaries. Of course, I knew him best as the "Maytag Man" from the Maytag commercials. He did not have any 8x10's from that role, but he did have plenty of other pictures from his many other parts.

The MCCC is in May, right in the middle of the Stanley Cup playoffs. With Detroit being a big hockey town, there is plenty of puck talk. Ferguson's Canadiens aren't very popular in Red Wings territory though.

Go to MotorCityComicCon.com for more info and scheduling. Also follow Motor City Comic Con on Facebook for more frequent updates.

Colin Ferguson and Matt Parker in Novi, MI-May 2012.

Happy Birthday, Matt

Today I feature my nephew Matt, who is celebrating his 30th birthday. I am sure he is whooping it up somewhere, but I will wish him a great day here.

Matt and I have had a lot of fun over the years. He was a big help in launching and improving Johngy's Beat. We did a lot of interviews together, including him single-handedly facilitating my interview with Lauren Holly (for which I am eternally grateful).

I have watched Matt become a family man. It's always fun to see his updated pictures with Erin and Delaney and their pooch Annie. They make quite a cute family.

Matt is a great nephew, friend and person. Oh sure, he is still as petty as can be when we are making silly Coke bets, but it's all fun (even when I lose).

I love the picture below. Such happiness. I wish him a happy birthday and a lifetime of happiness. I love you, Big Money. Enjoy your day!

Erin, Delaney and Matt Parker in Watervliet, MI-July 2018.

Friendly Encounters: Milo Ventimiglia and Matt Parker

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

As Wizard World Chicago 2018 approaches, this is a special Wizard World Friendly Encounters.

JohngysBeat.com Contributor Extraordinaire Matt Parker earned his title hundreds of times. His place is firmly cemented in Johngy's Beat history. I couldn't have done a lot of what I have without his help, especially in the earlier years.

I was always happy when Matt would meet a celeb. Aside with payment in pizza and Cokes, it was good to give him something you couldn't get just anywhere.

Meeting Milo Ventimiglia was one of the times when Matt wanted to meet a celeb. Among his many other roles, Ventimiglia played Peter on tv's Heroes. Of course, he also starred as Rocky Jr. in Rocky Balboa. before finding even more success on tv's Gilmore Girls. Recently, he really struck gold on tv's This Is Us.

I have met Ventimiglia many times since and he is still a great guy. His lines are longer, but it s always worth the wait to see him. He's great with his fans.

Thank you to Big Money for all of the help he has given me. Thanks to Wizard World for granting us access.

Check out WizardWorld.com for all of the info on every show. Wizard World Chicago 2018 starts Thursday, August 23 and runs through Sunday, August 26. I hope to see you there.

Milo Ventimiglia and Matt Parker in Rosemont, IL-August 2013.

Tugboat at C2E2 2014

Fred "Tugboat" Ottman had a nice run in pro wrestling from 1984 to 2001.  Then known as Typhoon, he won the WWE tag team titles once as part of the Natural Disasters with Earthquake.  Back then, titles exchanged hands les often.  Despite winning gold only once, Tugboat was very successful.

Matt and I met Tugboat at C2E2 several years back.  He looked in better shape than during his active career.  He was in great spirits and seemed to love meeting fans and talking wrestling.  Often times, it is the lesser stars who have (or are willing to tell) the best stories.

Tugboat doesn't do many appearances, but fans wish he did.  He is well remembered and being off the radar increases the demand for him at conventions.  Maybe he will get more active on the con scene this year.

As a little Tugboat trivia, his brother-in-law was the late Dusty Rhodes.  He is also the uncle of Dustin Runnels and Cody Rhodes.

As always, I am looking forward to more fun at this year's C2E2, starting Friday, April 6 and running through Sunday, April 8.  Check C2E2.com for all of the details and look for me there all weekend!

Tugboat, Matt Parker and me in Chicago, IL-March 2014.

Happy Birthday Matt

Today is Matt Parker's birthday.  I shall celebrate Big Money's day.

Matt and I have met a ton of celebrities together, one of the most famous being Jake "The Snake" Roberts.  Meeting Roberts was memorable enough, but meeting him with my nephew was one of those really surreal moments.

I remember seeing Roberts for the first time on WWF television before Matt was born.  Back then, I never imagined I would one day be talking to him.  I also never imagined meeting him with my nephew.  At the time of the picture, Matt was actually older than I was when I first saw Roberts on tv.

Today isn't about Roberts, but he does represent so many good times with Matt.  Of course, we have had lots of great times without celebrities, too.

Matt has grown into a great young adult.  He is now a married man with a little one on the way.  I am so happy for him and Erin.  I wish them a lifetime of happiness.

I am sure Matt and Erin are celebrating today.  In Matt's honor, I will raise a icy cold Coke and wish him the best from afar.

Happy birthday, Big Money.  I love ya, big guy!

Jake Roberts, Matt Parker and me in Chicago, IL-November 2012.

Friendly Encounters: PL Myers and Matt Parker

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

Former wrestling manager extraordinaire PL Myers was "the Shot to the Top."  He worked with some of the all-time greats of wrestling, such as the Road Warriors and Bobby Heenan.

Matt "Big Money" Parker was a Contributor Extraordinaire during the earlier days of Johngy's Beat.  Along with a lot of video work and computer assistance, Matt interviewed some very big names, like Craig Biggio and the Ultimate Warrior.

When two big hitters like PL and Matt get together, anything can happen.  I'm just fortunate to be friends with both.

PL is pretty much retired from the wrestling business and Matt is pretty much retired from Johngy's Beat.  Both have moved on to more important things, such as marital bliss.  While I miss both men, I also am happy for each, because they both seeem to be happy and content.

Of course, the wrestling door is always open for a return from PL and you just neer know in wrestling.  The Johngy's Beat door is also always open for a return of Big Money.  Either way, I have great memories of both and more importantly, both are still a part of my life away from business.

PL Myers and Matt Parker in Midlothian, IL-November 2011.

Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner

Scott Steiner followed his older brother Rick to the University of Michigan and then into pro wrestling.  They had a successful run as a tag team, but Scott went on to his greatest fame when he turned bad guy and went solo.

Scotty's appearance changed dramatically during his career.  He started as a muscular big guy with a bit of a mullet.  He ended as a hugely muscular guy with very short blond hair, usually covered by a chain headdress of sorts.

Scotty (with Rick) had a stint in the WWE early in his career, but he did not rejoin the WWE after the WCW purchase and takeover.  Scotty went to TNA, but by then he was past his prime.

Matt Parker and I had the pleasure of meeting "The Genetic Freak" at PCW.  I kissed up a bit by wearing a Michigan hat, which Scott appreciated.

Scott was very personable and still very big.  We talked a bit about his alma mater and other things.

Scott (or the Steiner Brothers) should be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.  Right now,. it appears Scott is not on great terms with the WWE, but time (and money) heals wounds.  I am sure it will just be a matter of time before they iron out their differences.

Matt Parker, Scott Steiner and me in Midlothian, IL-November 2011.

Happy Birthday Matt

Today I raise my Coke to Matt Parker.  My awesome nephew is celebrating his birthday.  It is his first birthday as a married man.

Last October, I had the pleasure and honor of being his best man at his wedding to Erin.  It was one of the proudest moments of my life.  As expected, I did toast the newlyweds with a real can of Coke (thank you Nancy and Laura for sneaking it in).

Matt and I have had many fun adventures (with many more to come), but that was his time to officially start his adventure with Erin.  It was a day filled with laughs and tears (okay, I did cry a bit).

I know Erin will make this day special for Matt.  I will not be with Matt today, but I am sending my greetings and love from here.

Happy birthday Matt.  I love you and this Coke is for you.

Erin and Matt Parker and me in Lemont, IL-October 2016.