Jessica Snow at Squared Circle Expo VI

My buddy Tony and I always say knowing Jessica (aka Mrs. Al Snow) is one of the more surreal experiences to come from covering events over the years. How did we become friends with Al Snow's wife?!

The story really starts with Al. I interviewed him about 15 years ago, when I first met him. I was so green I hadn't contacted him prior to the event to introduce myself and ask for an interview. Although he had no idea who I was, he still gave me an interview. It was a very good interview, too.

Then it became a running gag that Al would fake some sort of punch to my for any picture we took. As much as I looked forward to that silliness, Al enjoyed it even more, bursting with laughter each time I showed him the resulting picture.

At some point early on, I saw Jessica with Al at his booth. Maybe because of the number of times I saw them both or the interactions I had with Al, Jessica joined the fun. She even turned heel on me at a comedy show featuring Al and David Vox Mullen. Fortunately, "nice" Jessica returned the next time I saw her. LOL In reality, Jessica is always nice. Her "heel turn" was a way of showing me I was in with the crew and I appreciated it for the humor it brought.

We appreciate Jessica so much. A the last Squared Circle Expo, we actually didn't get to chat with Al beyond a quick greeting. We took that opportunity to chat with Jessica though. 

Since then, Jessica always greets me with a big hug and warm smile. It's always great seeing Al anywhere, but it is even better when Jessica is there.

Jessica, Tony and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Carrie and Squared Circle Expo

One of the unsung heroes of Squared Circle Expo is Carrie, wife of co-promoter Adolfo. With Ed and Heather, these two run a fantastic wrestling convention.

I first saw Carrie at a horror convention many years ago. Adolfo saw her there, too and they eventually married. That is a true love story.

Carrie is usually manning the SCX merchandise table. She is always smiling, no matter the crowd wanting various items. I am sure she has other roles behind the scenes, like the other promoters. They all work extremely hard to make the convention awesome.

She's just a nice person, a joy to know. As the merch table is one of the first things after the entrance, Carrie is usually one of the first folks I see. It is always comforting and welcoming to see her there.

SCX has held six events and each one is better than the previous. SCX VII should be sometime in late March, but I am eagerly awaiting the date announcement.

Until then, check squaredcirclex.com for mor einfo on this great event. Also, check here for my updates.

Carrie and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Kylie Rae at SCX VI

Squared Circle Expo VI was about three months ago. That means SCX VII is about 9 months away and I can't wait.

In addition to many wrestling legends, SCX promoters always have several current wrestlers in the guest lineup. To my surprise, Kylie Rae was one of the current wrestlers at SCX VI.

While Kylie certainly is one of the best independent wrestlers, she was about 8.75 months pregnant at the time of the convention. Through social media, Kylie kept fans updated on her status. Barring the slightly early arrival of her little one, she firmly stated she would be there and she was.

Kylie has long been a favorite of mine. My pal Tony firmly agrees. In fact, we once drove to Milwaukee just to see her wrestle.

With one little one at home and this one on the way, we didn't know if Kylie would wrestle again or even do such appearances. That made it essential to meet her again there in what might be the last time we see her in a wrestling environment. I always say, never to miss such an opportunity.

Kylie was her usual fun self. She especially lit up when she saw my shirt.

I really hope Kylie resumes her career, but with two little ones now, priorities might have shifted for her. Whatever she chooses, I simply wish her happiness. It's been great seeing her in person and I hope to see her again.

For more info on SCX, go to squaredcirclex.com. Also, check here for my updates.

 Kylie Rae and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Mr. Zubaz at Squared Circle Expo

Today, I feature one of the unsung heroes of the Squared Circle Expo wrestling convention. Ed (aka Mr. Zubaz) is one of the four promoters who make this a great event.

I have actually known Ed's wife Hardcore Heather longer than I know Ed. I might have crossed paths with both at a horror convention we all attended years ago, but I got to know Heather during her stints in Resistance Pro Wrestling. I don't think Ed was ever there or at least I never met him there.

There is more to Ed than his ever-present Zubaz. I do applaud him for his determination in wearing them. Ed is a mostly-retired wrestler. More importantly, as I wrote, he is one of the promoters of SCX.

As a longtime wrestling fan, wrestler and convention attendee, Ed has the knowledge and connections to make SCX great. The Fantastic Four make a great combo, each with a different strength. I don't know for sure, but I am guessing Ed is one of the main (if not the main) booker for the wrestling matches ending Saturday. Those matches are always some of the best matches I have seen. Last year, in particular, had awesome matches. That card was capable of standing with any wrestling card anywhere.

During the event, Ed usually doesn't have much free time as SCX business keeps him hopping. He does however always make time for a quick chat and selfie. In short, Ed is a good dude and I appreciate his friendship and all he does.

For more info on SCX, go to squaredcirclex.com. Check back here for my recurring coverage.

Ed and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Sean Logan Pops Up at Squared Circle Expo VI

Squared Circle Expo VI featured about 100 wrestling stars and legends. We met one wrestler though, who we didn't expect, but was one of the highlights of the weekend.

We first saw Sean Logan at 2econd Wrestling. Sean has a great gimmick involved taking selfies throughout his match. Don't get the wrong idea though. He is not a comedy act. As funny as this is, his ring work is tops. Wrestling is always first. He just incorporates the selfie stuff into the act and it works beautifully.

As always at SCX, Tony and I are busy trying to meet all the talent. Early Saturday morning, eagle-eye Tony spotted Sean roaming the room. There as an attendee and not part of the wrestler lineup, Sean was there just like we were. We all wanted to meet some of our favorites.

The difference is Seam is one of our favorites. After some chatting, we had to ask for a selfie with Sean and he happily obliged.

While he is one of our favorites, I like to think we are two of his favorite fans. Part of his routine is taking selfies during his ring entrance. After one show, we mentioned we would love to be part of that. The next show, he remembered and took a selfie with us as he circled the ring. After seeing that, others made requests, too. Ever the heel, Sean declined. We had been his fans from his debut. We weren't just jumping on the bandwagon.

If you get a chance, see Sean in action. He will definitely impress.

Sean Logan, Tony and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Killer Bees at Squared Circle Expo

A couple months ago, Tony and I went to Squared Circle Expo VI. Of the about 100 wrestlers in the guest lineup, the Killer Bees were among our favorites.

The Bees came to tag team prominence in the WWF in the 1980s. Jumpin' Jim Brunzell had already made a name for himself as half of the High Flyers tag team (with Greg Gagne) in the AWA. When Brunzell jumped to the WWF, Gagne stayed behind, obviously because his dad owned the AWA. I wonder if his dad wasn't the owner, would Greg have gone to the WWF, too.\In any case, Brunzell was teamed with B Brian Blair and given the Killer Bees team name. While they never won tag titles, they were a big part of the tag scene back then. Wrestling as faces, they eventually started using masks in sort of a heelish way. "Masked Confusion" allowed them to switch places without legit tags, much like heels. They never made a full turn to the dark side though. That's another wonder. Was that a test for the reaction of the fans?

The Bees actually didn't lasy too many years in the WWF, but they bounced around the indie scene. Forty or so years later, here they were together at a convention. They were just the type of old school wrestlers Tony and I really appreciated.

I always enjoy SCX, but wish they would have a few more old school wrestlers like the Bees. With their usual wrestling lineup though, I have no real complaints. There always are plenty of interesting wrestlers I enjoy meeting.

For more info and scheduling, go to squaredcirclex.com. Also, check back here for my coverage. 

B Brian Blair, Tony, Jim Brunzell and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Finally Meeting Big Mama

About five years ago, I was helping Mad Man Pondo promote his Girl Fight Wrestling events. One of the tough women in that company was Big Mama. My interview with her is at On the Beat with Big Mama.

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Big Mama is otherwise known as Tasia. After making her debut in 2009, Tasia has wrestled for several companies. She held the NWA World Women's Television tile and the NWA Women's Tag title (with Kenzie Paige). 

I followed her career since that interview, but I never met her. Once again, Squared Circle Expo changed that.

While roaming the rooms before SCX actually started, I saw a sign for Big Mama! Slightly, but pleasantly, surprised, I made note to circle back and finally meet her once the show started.

Again, to my pleasant surprise, Big Mama recognized me as I approached her table. A warm hug was followed by a nice chat. Neither of us expected to see the other, yet there we were.

Tasia was as nice as she had been as we set up the interview years ago.  With no disrespect to Tasia, there were bigger names at SCX, but seeing her was one of my top moments.

Look for Tasia on social media (bigbadmama06 on IG). Also, check squaredcircex.com for info on that great show.

Tasia Bachman and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Friend Encounters: Priscilla Kelly & Heather

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

At the Squared Circle VI, there was a meeting of two tough women wrestlers. Longtime friend and favorite Hardcore Heather Owens and Priscilla Kelly (aka Ggi Dolin) were in the same room and actually posed together. There's a lot of talent in that picture.

Prior to wrestling, Kelly already was getting into the entertainment world. She was in the first season of the reality show My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding. After making her wrestling debut in 2014, she worked for several independent companies before being signed by WWE. She is currently back on the indie scene. Kelly credits her autistic brother for inspiring her to be a wrestler, to give him a beter life.

I first met Heather while we were with Resistance Pro Wrestling. Heather came in several times and always had a good match. Unfortunately, she never had a great chance at the title. I could definitely have seen a title run for her.

Heather has gone on to bigger things. Heather, her husband Ed and Adolfo and Carrie, are the promoters of Squared Circle Expo, a great wrestling convention.

The pair did not meet in a match at SCX VI, but they did pose together. While I would have loved to see a match, seeing them together was still a cool sight.

For more info on SCX, go to squaredcirclex.com. Follow both Heather and Kelly on social media. Of course, always check here for more fun Friend Encounters and other pop culture bits.

Heather and Priscilla Kelly in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Friend Encounters: The Blue Meanie and Al Snow

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Today I feature two friends, two celebrities and a scene I witnessed. This and many other such encounters happened at the recent Squared Circle Expo VI.

The Blue Meanie (aka Brian Heffron) and Al Snow were two of the hundred wrestling guests at SCX VI. While they did chat a bit and pose for a picture, they spent most of their time at thei booths. At SCX VI, while the wrestlers did interact like this, they spent the majority of their time at their own booths meeting fans. That is one of the best parts of SCX. The wrestlers actually stay at their booths, unlike other conventions.

Through many conventions and interviews, I have become friends with Brian and Al. Both are great guys who made their mark in wrestling. Both are very popular at conventions, because they are engaging. You get much more than a quick autograph or picture with both. Brian is likely to discuss Philadelphia sports. With Al, you never know what you might get. He might prank you. He might fake punch you for a picture. He might be serious. Whatever it is, Al gives you his attention. With Al, you usually see his awesome wife Jessica. I have met both several times and I will always go to them at conventions because they are a lot of fun.

For more info on this great convention, go to squaredcirclex.com. Also, follow both Brian and Al on social media to be entertained.

Brian Heffron and Al Snow in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026

Friend Encounters: Dennis Rodman, Ed and Heather

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

In March, I attended Squared Circle Expo VI. It's not just a great wrestling convention. SCX has quickly become one of the best celebrity conventions of any kind. 

Dennis Rodman was one of the headliner guests this year. What perfect timing, too. The three-time NBA champ with the Chicago Bulls was just voted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. This was probably his first autograph signing since that announcement.

For those who don't know, Rodman dabbled in pro wrestling as a tag team partner of Hulk Hogan and a member of the NWO. While Rodman would never be confused with Bruno Sammartino, he did what he needed to do. He was himself, in all his fabulous outrageousness. 

Getting him as a guest at SCX was a big coup and it paid off as his line was ridiculously long. Two folks who didn't have to wait in line though were Ed and Heather, one-half of the Fab Four who run SCX. 

I've known Heather for about 15 years and Ed not much less. I first met her at Resistance Pro Wrestling and Ed at a different convention. Saying they are a fun couple is an understatement. They are great folks who bust butt to make the convention fun for all. They also squeeze in a little fun for themselves and rightly so.

With SCX VI in the books, everyone is already looking forward to SCX VII. No info is known about that yet, but you can learn a bit more about SCX at squaredcirclex.com.

Ed, Dennis Rodman and Heather in Indianapolis, IN_March 2026.

Stevie Ray at Squared Circle Expo VI

Squared Circle Expo VI was another amazing event. SCX continues to raise the bar for great conventions and not just wrestling cons. SCX is among the best of any convention.

One of the many guests Tony and I wanted to meet was Stevie Ray. Laslon Steven Huffman is the older brother of Booker T, with whom he formed the great Harlem Heat tag team. Together they won the WCW tag tiles 10 times. Stevie Ray also had some success outside of WCW, but it was there which really put him and Booker T into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2019.

Obviously, we knew he was a big man (billed as 6'5" and 292), somehow he seemed even bogger. The man is 68 and his is almost as thick as Tony and me together. His arms are huge, too.

One thing that makes these encounters special is when the celebrity is into it and Stevie Ray was. He was very engaging and seemed delighted to meet so many fans. He initiated extra conversation with us, which is always welcome.

This also speaks to the folks who run SCX. While Stevie Ray went above and beyond, I have never had anything near a bad encounter at SCX. The promoters to a great job with bringing in the right people. So kudos to Steve and to the SCX folks.

For more info on SCX, go to squaredcirclex.com. I am already looking forward to next year!

Stevie Ray, Tony and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Scott Romer Shout Out

After our recent interview at Squared Circle Expo VI, ace photographer Scott Romer gave a shout out to Johngy's Beat. We appreciate Scott's consideration.

In turn, I highly recommend his book, When It Was: My Life on Both Sides of the Camera. It's a great book full of stories and pictures from Scott's many years covering wrestling. If you missed our interview, look back to early April when it ran here.

On the Beat with Scott Romer

At the Squared Circle Expo VI, I had the opportunity to interview ace photographer Scott Romer about his book, When It Was: My Life on Both Sides of the Camera. That interview is at On the Beat with Scott Romer.

Scott Romer has photographed thousands of wrestlers and wrestling moments. In his book, he shares many of these pictures, along with stories from his incredible and lengthy career. There are also stories from friends and colleagues. If you're a wrestling fan or just want to read about an interesting life, this is a book for you. It's on my book shelf and it should be on yours.

It is available on Amazon and other retail outlets. Even better, you can email Scott (he gives this info at the end of the interview) to get a signed copy.

Tony, Scott Romer and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Friend Encounters: Heather, Ed and Troy

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

It's hard to say who the biggest celebrity is in this picture. I would say they are all celebrities. Depending on the day, they might say none are or they might debate who is the biggest.

Married couple Ed and Heather were staples of the independent wrestling scene. Now they are mostly retired. I am inclined to say Heather is the biggest celebrity (because she is the toughest lol).

Troy is a staple on the convention scene. The man goes to more shows than I do.

Together, this trio is a huge part of Squared Circle Expo, the great wrestling convention in Indianapolis on March 27-28. This picture was a foreshadowing of things to come, as it happened before the SCX I, but even then, they were all heavily involved in conventions.

Heading into SCX VI, Ed and Heather are two of the promoters and Troy manages the volunteers. Together with Adolfo, Carrie and a staff of volunteers, they run a fantastic event. The trio is a lot of fun, along with being very hard-working. 

All three will be surrounded by more than 75 wrestling legends and current stars, along with thousands of fans. SCX is the best wrestling convention and I can't wait to see all of them.

For more info, go to squaredcirclex.com. Also, check here for my updates.

Ed, Heather and Troy in Fort Wayne, IN-October 2019.

Madusa Returns to Squared Circle Expo

Wrestling legend Madusa is one of a kind. At Squared Circle Expo VI, she will be one of about 90...and knowing her, she swill still stand out.

Whether she is called Madusa, Madusa Miceli, Alundra Blayze or any other of her wrestling names, Madusa is a legend and a pioneer. Perhaps she was even ahed of her time. Beautiful, talented and solid on the mic, she would work well in today's wrestling.

When Madusa debuted in the 80s, the competition was thin. There were no women's divisions in the big wrestling companies. AWA, WWF and WCW would have to bring in various challengers. Madusa would win and the league would have to bring in new challengers. Longterm feuds were not possible.

Madusa also was involved in monster trucks. I am sure she stood out there, too.

I have met her several times, but I will meet her again at SCX VI. I can't pass on meeting this legend.

Of course, I will also meet many other wrestling legends and current stars. The lineup has about 80 stars and it seemingly grows weekly. This is just one reason why SCX is the best. During the two-day convention, there are also panels, Q&As, photo ops, vendors and more, including two nights of wrestling.

For more info on Madusa and SCX, go to squaredcirclex.com. Check back here for my recurring coverage.

Madusa and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2018.

Laynie Luck Appearing at Squared Circle Expo VI

The wrestlers lineup at Squared Circle Expo just keeps getting better. Independent wrestler Laynie Luck was recently announced.

I first saw Laynie a few years back. I quickly realized she is an excellent wrestler. She married fellow wrestler GPA. They have wrestled in mixed matches and separately. Both are extremely nice outside of the ring, too.

After making her pro debut in late 2015, Laynie has wrestled for several companies, including Impact. She has won several titles and has appeared on the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 250 Female Wrestlers list four times.

SCX VI features more than 75 wrestlers appearing for meet-and-greets, along with vendors, panels, Q&As, photo ops and much more. There will also be two full nights of wrestling. Matches haven't been announced yet, but I would think Laynie would be in one of the matches. I hope GPA is also there.

Go to squaredcirclex.com for more info. Check back here for my updates.

Laynie Luck and me in Northbrook, IL-December 2023.

Kylie Rae Appearing at Squared Circle Expo 2026

Kylie Rae is one of the best and one of my favorite independent wrestlers. I am excited to see she is appearing at Squared Circle Expo VI in Indianapolis in March.

After a long wait, I finally met her a few years ago. I have seen her once or twice since then. The last time was at 2econd Wrestling's show at St. Demetrios last year.

Kylie had her first child a couple years ago and came back strong. She won the newly-created WWE ID title for indy wrestlers. Then she got pregnant again and had to give up the title (a trade I am sure she gladly made).

When we met Kylie at St. D's, we talked a bit and learned she is a bit shy about meeting fans. That is funny, because she is so engaging while wrestling.. I guess I give her even more credit for that. She never fails to entertain when she wrestles. I think she is better as the good guy, but I have seen her as a heel and she is quite good, too.

Kylie is one of about 75 wrestlers scheduled to appear at SCX VI. It is a great 2 day wrestling convention, featuring two full wrestling cards at night. It is a must on my yearly convention circuit.

Go to squaredcirclex.com for more info. Check back here for my updates.

Kylie Rae and me in Chicago, IL-January 2025.

SCX Champ Jake Omen

Squared Circle Expo returns to Indianapolis, Indiana March 27-28. Once again, I'll be "On the Beat,' but more importantly, so will SCX champ Jake Omen.

A native of Noblesville, Indiana, Jake brings 20 years of experience with him into the ring. Jake is in his second reign as Heavyweight champ at SCX, having first won it in 2021 to become the first SCX champ. He regained his belt at SCX V and hopes to retain at SCX VI.

I actually met Jake years ago, when he became a two-time tag team champ at Resistance Wrestling (formerly Resistance Pro).

Jake's opponent at SCX VI hasn't been announced, but it will be a worthy opponent. I have no doubt it will be a great match.

SCX is a fun two days of wrestling-related events, culminating in a full night of wrestling. There are usually about 70 wrestling legends and stars for meet-and-greets, panels, Q&As, photo ops and more. It is extremely well run and organized. It is a "must" on my yearly event schedule.

For more info, go to squaredcirclex.com. Also, check here for my updates.

Jake Omen and me in Indianapolis, IN-April 2023.

Kiss Demon or Dale Torborg

Is the Kiss Demon from wrestling included in the Kiss universe? To most, the answer is an easy one, but to diehard Kiss fans, I'm not sure.

Wrestling's Kiss Demon was Dale Torborg, longtime Major League Baseball coach and son of former MLB player and manager Jeff. World Championship Wrestling partnered with Kiss to create a wrestler and have Kiss play a concert at a WCW show. It was a unique partnership, although it didn;t last long. Dale did continue using the gimmick for a while. That's why he appeared at Squared Circle Expo in 2023.

SCX is a fantastic wrestling convention featuring wrestling legends and current stars. It returns to Indianapolis March 27-28.

Back to the Kiss Demon, many fans will collect anything and everything Kiss-related. Obviously, the Kiss Demon appeals to those folks.

Kiss purists might argue he was not a member of Kiss and therefore outside of their collecting interests. Some really elite fans only want the four original Kiss members. Collectors can be a picky bunch.

Either way, Dale as the Demon was a popular guest at SCX. he appeared as himself and in makeup, pleasing all fans, including baseball fans like me.

For more info on SCX, to to squaredcircx.com. Also, check Dale's amazing documentary on his father, Jeff Torborg - A Wonderful Baseball Life.

Dale Torborg, Tony and me in Indianapolis, IN-April 2023.

Dale Torborg at Squared Circle Expo 2023

Dale Torborg is the perfect person to spotlight to promote both Global Traveler, the Squared Circle Expo and Jeff Torborg- A Wonderful Baseball Life, the documentary Dale produced about his father Jeff, a former Major League Baseball player and manager. I give rave reviews to all three.

I met Dale a couple years back at SCX. More known for his lengthy career as an MLB coach, Dale spent time in wrestling as the Kiss Demon. The character was an attempt by World Championship Wrestling to jump on the Kiss bandwagon.

SCX returns to Indianapolis March 27-28. SCX VI promises to be the best SCX yet, which is a high standard to meet. Knowing the promoters, I have no doubt SCX VI will surpass the rest. Each SCX seems to be bigger and better. It is a must on my yearly convention ciruit.

More recently, I interviewed Dale about his father for Global Traveler. The interview focused mostly on the documentary about Jeff. It was an amazing film about a wonderful man. It worked on several levels. Baseball fans will definitely love it, but it also makes a feelgood true life movie.

If you missed my interview, it is at Talking Travel with Dale Torborg. After that, check out Jeff Torborg - A Wonderful Baseball Life on YouTube.

Dale Torborg and me in Indianapolis, IN-April 2023.