Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.
Worlds collided in this picture. My longtime pal Jim met my other pals Joey Roth and Roxi Heart.
I've known Jim for many years. One of my earliest memories was about 15 years ago, when Jim and I were separately at an appearance by wrestling star Tammy "Sunny" Sytch. My camera jammed (these were the pre-phone cam days). Jim was taking pro photos, but he graciously took the pictures of me and later gave me the prints. Since then, we have gone to or met at many wrestling events.
Knowing he was a big wrestling fan, I turned him onto Rocket Pro Wrestling, based in Joliet, Illinois. Jim enjoyed the show, like I knew he would. After the show, I introduced him to Joey and Roxi, then leaders of the World Famous Fabulous Idols.
Joey and Roxi have been heat magnets at RPW. Fans love to hate them and they love being hated. It all just means they do their job well.
For more info on Joey, Roxi and RPW, go to rocketprowrestling.com. You won't want more info on Jim (lol), but you can look for him in future bits here.
Roxi Heart, Jim and Joey Roth in Joliet, IL-September 2022.
Rocket Pro Wrestling returns today. The World Famous Fabulous Idols Joey Roth and Roxi Heart are not scheduled to be part of the show, but I'm betting they will make an appearance.
The pair remained tight-lipped about the possibilities, but history states Joey and Roxi will not sit on the sidelines. They are always part of the action.
Why aren't the WFFI on the card? Last season ended with a betrayal and the WFFI seemingly down. Anyone who knows them, knows they don't stay down long and things are never as they seem with them. Joey and Roxi always have aces (yes, several) up their sleeves. Saturday, some of those aces should be revealed. I can't wait t see what happens.
I will be "On the Beat" as always. I'll be getting more interiews and info, which I will recap here and on the Joliet Patch.
My pals Roxi Heart and Joey Roth are not just world famous fabulous idols on the wrestling scene, they are just as world famous and fabulous in the world of comic cons. Both are fixtures on both scenes.
I probably crossed paths with the couple long before I actually knew them. Roxi is a world class cosplayer and Joey usually can be seen toting one of his many title belts (real ones, not fake replicas). Joey has also assisted me on Johngy's Beat by conducting interviews with several creators.
Despite being the ultimate villains in wrestling (roles they relish), the power couple is the opposite in life. They are two of the nicest, funniest people I know.
Joey has an excellent mind for wrestling and is quick on his feet. That makes him great on the mic. It also makes him great to do interviews. He doesn't need much prep, because he is so good at improv.
Roxi's acting background is put to use in her wrestling career. More important or impressive though, is her courage in battling and discussing her eating disorders. She talked about her issues on an interview onn The Johngy "OR ELSE" podcast.
When I see them at wrestling shows, I know I am supposed to boo them, but I can't. They are just so good. Hmm maybe I will have to join them. Could Johngy become a world famous fabulous idol? Stay tuned.
Until then, look for all of us at Fn Expo in Chicago August 10-13. For info and scheduling, go to FanExpoHQ.com.
Roxi Heart, Joey Roth and me in Rosemont, IL-October 2021.
The latest episode of The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast - Ep. 48: Roxi Heart features a very strong woman discussing her battles with eating disorders. Tommy Else and I interviewed Roxi, but we were really talking to Elizabeth, the real woman inside Roxi.
Elizabeth has fought various eating disorders for a long time, but you would never know it. I have known her for several years and had no idea.
I met Elizabeth through her husband Scott, although I knew them as Joey Roth and Roxi Heart, two polarizing figures on the Chicago area wrestling scene. Despite being with them many times, I never knew Roxi had any such issues.
To me, Roxi had it all together. She was a beautiful, intelligent, funny woman, confident enough to be a force as a manager and part of The World Famous Fabulous Idols.
When Roxi posted on social media about her eating disorders, she stated she did so to help others. With that in mind, I asked her if she would like to be on the podcast to discuss her story and shed some light on the topic. She bravely accepted.
It can't be easy putting yourself out there. You can see how raw and emotional it is in the video. Elizabeth is stronger than she'll ever know.
On a larger scale, this isn't just about eating disorders. The lesson here is to seek help if you think you needs it or to gently suggest help to a friend who you think needs it. Just like you go to a doctor for a broken bone, here is no shame in seeking help for eating issues, depression or any other battle you might have. Help is help. The main goal is total health of mind and body.
I really appreciate Elizabeth sharing her story. I hope it encourages others to seek help and share their stories. Hopefully, it is one more step in removing the stigma of seeking help for anything.
Today, I feature a 2fer interview. I talked to Joey Roth and Roxi Heart about the latest happenings at Rocket Pro Wrestling (On the Beat With Joey Roth and Roxi Heart). Then I talked to their alter egos Scott and Elizabeth about their upcoming performance in "The Tempest" at the GreenMan Theatre Troupe (On the Beat With Scott and Elizabeth).
Joey, Roxi and the World Famous Fabulous Idols are heat magnets at Rocket Pro Wrestling. Due to events from the previous show, they are now in charge of RPW. Things aren't all smooth though. There are lingering issues with announcer Steve Ahrendt and simmering problems with Gunner Brave. Joey and Roxi discuss all of this and more about RPW.
Their talents aren't confined to the wrestling ring, however. The wrestling power couple will soon be performing together in The GreenMan Theatre Troupe's production of "The Tempest" in Elmhurst, Illinois. They talk about their acting backgrounds, performing together, the GreenMan Theatre and more.
Enjoy the interviews and check back here for my recurring coverage of RPW and wrestling. Also, check GreenManTheatre.org and RocketProWrestling.com for more info on these entertainment companies.
C2E2 returns August 5-7 at McCormick Place. By now, I am sure cosplayers are well on their way to putting together their costume (or costumes) for this year.
Cosplay has become a major part of comic cons. Back when I first started going to cons, there were a bunch of attendees dressed up as their favorite characters, but now there are many. They even have Cosplay Central, their own section at C2E2.
Cosplay can take many forms from simple to very intricate, from recognizable to obscure. It is all up to the individual. There really is no defined rules, although I am against costumes that are mpractical at such events (too big and bulky, fragile, etc).
One person who loves cosplaying and is awesome at it is Roxi Heart (aka Mrs. Joey Roth). Roxi is so good, I didn't even recognize her last year. In fact, I didn't even realize it was her after she greeted me, repeatedly. It took a bit of my mind reeling to finally realize it was Roxi.
On one hand, I felt goofy for not recognizing my friend. On the other hand, it does speak to how good her costume is. I guess that s the compliment. Either way, Roxi is the best and took it with humor.
I am sure Roxi will again be in costume for each day of C2E2 this August. I will definitely be on alert when any cosplayers approach me.
For more info on C2E2 2022, go to C2E2.com. Also, check here for my recurring coverage.
I was back “On the Beat” for an introductory interview with Roxi Heart, a relative newcomer on the wrestling scene who is quickly building an impressive resume. Roxi is a valet and manager, who has recently become a backstage interviewer.
Roxi spoke openly about her connection to wrestling, stating Joey Roth originally asked her to be his valet, despite her having no previous experience in wrestling. She did, however, have an acting background, which certainly aided her in the squared circle, since wrestling is a grand performance after all. Roxi easily took to wrestling as a natural extension of her performing skills.
Joey and Roxi soon became known as a current day super couple, following in the footsteps of “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth. Although clearly different characters, the Joey and Roxi pairing possesses an aura similar to Savage and Elizabeth. Not coincidentally, Roxi lists Miss Elizabeth as one of her all time favorites.
At the recent debut of Chicagoland Championship Wrestling, Roxi conducted interviews. She announced she will continue in this role at the next CCW event on April 17, 2021 in Michigan City, Indiana. Knowing CCW owner John Bullard is a great judge of talent and character, I suspect Roxi's role will continue to grow in CCW.
As mentioned earlier, Roxi's entertaining career actually started with acting, a passion she still pursues outside the wrestling ring. Roxi regularly performs with BYOT Productions and is also in the middle of a production of Little Park of Horrors in Elgin, Illinois. She also revealed she (with Joey) will soon be in a Dracula production.
Despite being a super couple, both Roxi and Joey are quick to point out they are individuals who have their own career paths, but are also incredible together. While Joey continues to make waves as a manager,wrestler and broadcaster, Roxi is carving out a multi-faceted wrestling career as a valet and interviewer. Is an in-ring appearance in her future? As Roxi admits, on never knows, although it is not currently planned. Still, with Roxi, one does never know, but if that happens, I'm sure she will be a success.
Roxi is the type of person I love interviewing. She is involved in so much activity and has an interesting history. There is a lot more to the Roxi Heart story and I intend to continue bringing here and on Global Women's Sports Radio.
Last weekend, the IPW Chicagoland champ Joey Roth called me and asked if I wanted a scoop. He offered me the exclusive story on his big announcement to be made on July 4. Of course, I jumped at the chance to break the story.
Early in the morning on July 4, Joey Skype called me and we taped his announcement. What an announcement it was, too!
Spoiler alert: Joey unveiled his new Joey Roth title belt.It was beautiful, dazzling and brilliant. Joey stated he will be defending it anywhere and everywhere.
It created an immediate buzz on social media. Chicago's famous King of Geeks Elliott Serrano inquired about a title shot. Some others were in awe. A few haters even jumped out of their sewers. The bottom line is Joey caused a stir again.
Title belts aren't cheap, especially nice ones like what Joey has. This proves how much Joey puts into himself. Like him or not, he continues to remain relevant and then some on the wrestling scene. I am simply excited to see where this all goes. I will certainly be following and reporting on the developments.
