Friend Encounters: Jim Ross and Tony F.

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

Today's feature is a long time coming and I got to witness the much-anticipated event. Actually, I also had a hand it in actually happening.

Like many wrestling fans, my pal Tony grew up listening to the legendary Jim Ross as he announced wrestling matches for the National Wrestling Alliance, World Championship Wrestling and the WWF/E. Tony and I have met dozens of wrestlers over the years. While I met good old JR at New York Comic Con, Tony never met the Hall of Fame announcer.

When the guest list for StarrCast VI was announced, JR was at the top of Tony's list. I applied and was granted press passes for Tony and me. Tony would have gone and would have met JR with or without the press pass, but the credential made it a tad easier. I am not glomming onto 100% credit for this, but I am glad to have a slight hand in it.

Tony was pretty excited as he approached JR. I can't blame him. JR is on the Mt. Rushmore of wrestling broadcasters. For ability and longevity, I can't think of anyone who tops him, at least in my time watching wrestling.

These are the kind of moments that happen at StarrCast. I am happy three of the six events have been in the Chicago area. Nothing has been announced for StarrCast VII, but it will probably not be here (although I am sure it will return soon).

Go to StarrCast.com for future announcements. If you're a wrestling fan, you definitely want to go to StarrCast at least once.

Jim Ross and Tony in Schaumburg, IL-September 2023.

Friend Encounters: Kris Statlander and John D. at StarrCast VI

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

I can post this picture of my pal John D. meeting All Elite Wrestling's Kris Statlander without being envious. I Recently had the pleasure of meeting Statlander at StarrCast VI.

Actually, I met Statlander a couple years back. Because it was during the pandemic, Statlander was masked. While I understand and respect her decision to wear the mask at the time, it wasn't a picture I really wanted.

When I saw Statlander would be at StarrCast VI, she went to the top of my list of wrestlers I wanted to meet. I could make up for the mask photo.

Of course, while I was there, John D. was also there to meet Stanlander and the many other great wrestlers. John is a frequent attendee of such events and we cross paths many times. John also meets a lot of singers and other celebrities. Thus, he has many opportunities to take pictures that make me envious. Fortunately, this one with Statlander is not one of them.

Go to StarrCast.com for more info on a great wrestling event. Check back here for more friends with celebrities. Feel free to send your own pics to me.

John D. and Kris Statlander in Schaumburg, IL-September 2023.

Friend Encounters: Skye Blue and Dennis D.

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

Today I feature a young wrestler on the rise and a buddy from the convention scene. This is another pic I would have wanted, but I have met her several times already.

Skye Blue has wrestled around the Chicago area for a few years. She is already a young veteran in the business. She recently was signed to All Elite Wrestling. That's a big break for Skye and one she is taking seriously. Skye is still a bit green, but she has the look and skills to go far in wrestling. She also knows how to promote well, which is an often overlooked aspect of wrestlers.

Pictured with her is Dennis, another friend whose path I crossed many times over the years at conventions and wrestling events. That seems to be a pattern with a lot of us. We attend the same events and go from recognition to short greetings to becoming friends. At StarrCast VI, we must have run into each other a dozen times, but it was always fun seeing each other recap our latest encounters.

Nothing has been announced for StarrCast VII, but I'm certain it will be bigger and better than ever. Go to StarrCast.com for future announcements.

Dennis D. and Skye Blue in Schaumburg, IL-September 2023.

Sting and StarrCast VI

Steve Borden has had an amazing career as wrestler Sting. After debuting in 1985, he is still going strong at 64 years old.

Originally billed as Flash, he started in a tag team with Jim "Justice" Hellwig, who grew to fame as The Ultimate Warrior. As they went their separate ways, Flash would morph into Sting and go on to be one of the faces of  World Championship Wrestling. When that was bought by WWE, he chose not to join them and ultimately signed with TNA/Impact Wrestling. He eventually made it to the WWE, but had an underwhelming storyline, followed by an injury (none of which was his fault). Sting moved on to All Elite Wrestling, where he is still a main player, although his in-ring time is somewhat limited.

I met Sting a couple times over the last few years and almost saw him again at StarrCast VI, but his line was too long and cut off by the time I got to it. I wasn't too disappointed, because of my previous encounters with him. Had I not already met the Icon, I most certainly would have begged to make the cut.

Sting will go down as one of the all time greats. I am not sure he will be in the elite category, although he should be. I think Sting is too often overlooked. He took a surfer gimmick and made it legendary. Then he turned it into a vigilante-type, followed by a Joker-ish one, followed by his current one, which is basically him.All were successful. Even at 64, although he isn't working a major schedule, he works smart and is an asset to AEW.

StarrCast is a great place to meet wrestlers and be ensconced in wrestling fun. There is no announcement yet on StarrCast VII, but check StarrCast.com for future announcements.

Sting and me in Indianapolis, IN-August 2018.

On the Beat With Kaia McKenna

When I was preparing to cover StarrCast VI, Kaia McKenna was one o my main targets for an interview. Due to the noise level and crowd, I could not do it there, but Kaia graciously agreed to a Zoom interview later. Last week, I got that interview.

After listening to other interviews of Kaia, I knew she would be a fascinating guest. Still early in her career, she has overcome a serious shoulder injury, but also has an amazingly mature look at the overall world of pro wrestling.

During her time in wrestling, Kaia has filled many roles. Not only did she enjoy those parts, she also learned a lot from doing those duties. All of that will help her in-ring career, but also is fueling a vision of running a promotion. This plan isn't some armchair wrestling fan playing fantasy wrestling. Kaia has a wealth of knowledge and a good grasp of what is needed. I have no doubt she will be a great promoter if she follows that path.

She also indulged me in talk of being a witch. This isn't the hokey black, pointy hat stuff. She talks of crystals, focus and energy. Maybe to an outside, it is just a mindset. To Kaia it is being a witch. Whether you believe or not, there is a lot to be learned from Kaia

 Lessons in improving one's focus can help in all aspects of life. Taking energy from crystals isn't a totally strange concept. It's not necessarily a black and white picture. Why not take whatever good you can from anyone?

In any case, I appreciate Kaia for her time and consideration. I am grateful she was open about her career and life. I am also thankful she accepted my request to learn more about witches as a genuine interest.

The full interview is at On the Beat With Kaia McKenna. Also, check all of the wrestling coverage on TheEveryDayFan.com.

On the Beat With Rabbi Jeremy Fine of 2econd Wrestling at StarrCast VI

My coverage of StarrCast VI continues with Rbbi Jeremy Fine. The owner-promoter of 2econd Wrestling discussed the state of the company, the future, the upcoming show, the summer tour and more.

2econd Wrestling is a relatively new, but massively popular, wrestling company. The first champion was Billie Starkz, who held the title for more than a year. Starkz lost the title to Arik Cannon in controversial fashion in a four-way match. Cannon will defend his title against Missa Kate (featured here recently) at Technicolor Dreamwars in October.

I have written about 2econd Wrestling several times, but they keep seeming to top themselves. Rabbi Fine does a fantastic job at running and promoting great shows. The matches are solid, top to bottom. Every show has been top-notch. Rabbi Fine is building something special with 2econd Wrestling and I am happy to give him more exposure.

Watch our interview at On the Beat With Rabbi Jeremy Fine at StarrCast VI. Check my StarrCast VI recaps on TheEveryDayFan.com. Also follow 2econd Wrestling on Facebook for updates.

On the Beat With Danhausen at StarrCast VI

My coverage of StarrCast VI concludes with my interview with Danhausen of All Elite Wrestling. It is a bit silly, but at least I was not cursed.

Danhausen and I go back many years in a way. I met Brian Danhausen at the Motor City Comic Con many years ago. The artist and writer is the father of wrestler Danhausen. The elder Danhausen spoke highly of his wrestler-wanna-be son. Fast forward to the present and Danhausen's goal ca meto fruition. The younger Danhausen is one of the stars of AEW.

 At StarrCast VI, I had the pleasure of a short interview with him. He talked about the convention, Halloween, food and his favorite artost and writer (aka Poppa Danhausen). We packed a lot into a short interview, but it was a lot of fun.

Watch our interview at On the Beat With Danhausen at StarrCast VI. Check my wrestling coverage on TheEveryDayFan.com.

On the Beat With Missa Kate at StarrCast VI

My coverage of StarrCast VI continues with an interview with Missa Kate of 2econd Wrestling. "Chicago's favorite sweetheart" is also one of Johngy's Beat's favorites.

Missa Kate is talented in the ring as a technical wrestler or a brawler. She is excellent on the mic, loaded with charisma, personality, attitude and look of a champ. I would call her "The Total Package," but that name is already used by another wrestler and Missa Kate is too much of an original to copy anyone.

I have never seen a bad match from Missa Kate. She doesn't always win, of course, but she always puts on a wrestling clinic.

At StarrCast VI, I had the pleasure of interviewing her about her upcoming title match with Arik Cannon at 2ecind Wrestling's Technicolor Dreamwars in October. Formerly one-half of the NWA Women's tag team champions (with Madi Wrenkowski), Missa is capable of beating Cannon or anyone else. She is collecting belts and hopes to add the 2econd Wrestling championship to her resume. She also talked a bit about donuts, one of her other passions.

Check my interview at On the Beat With Missa Kate at StarrCast VI. Check my StarrCast VI recaps on TheEveryDayFan.com. Follow 2econd Wrestling on Facebook for updates.

On the Beat With Frank the Clown at StarrCast VI

My coverage of StarrCast VI continues with some clowning around. Although he is full of hijinks, Frank the Clown takes football, especially hiss Los Angeles Rams, very seriously.

Although some find him to be a nuisance (an achievement which makes him proud), Frank the Clown has made quite a name for himself in pro wrestling. He has worked with a few companies, including Warrior Wrestling, where he was often with "The Ego" Robert Anthony, one of my all-time favorites. While some may find Frank annoying (again, a source of pride for him), I find him highly entertaining.

When he isn't causing havoc on the wrestling scene, Frank the Clown's thoughts turn to the Los Angeles Rams. Frank takes great pride that he may be hated by some, but is never ignored. He takes even more pride in the Super Bowl LVI champion Los Angeles Rams. Like Meanie, Frank proved he knows his stuff as he gave his favorite players from several eras of the Rams.

Watch the interview at On the Beat With Frank the Clown at StarrCast VI. Check my recaps of StarrCast VI on TheEveryDayFan.com.

On the Beat With The Blue Meanie at StarrCast VI

I spent my weekend at StarrCast VI, immersed in the world of pro wrestling. In its sixth year, StarrCast drew thousands of fans.

After debuting in 2018 in Schaumburg, Illinois, StarrCast returned to there in 2019 and again this year. It has also been in Paradise, Nevada, Nashville, Tennessee and Baltimore, Maryland. Promoted by Conrad Thompson, it was three days of meet-and-greets, panels, Q&A's and other events. 

Despite it being a wrestling convention, part of my focus on Friday was football. Knowing wrestling friends The Blue Meanie and Frank the Clown are big football fans, I got their thoughst on their favorite teams for the upcoming season.

The Blue Meanie (Brian Heffron) is an Extreme Championship Original, who also had a successful stint in the WWE and a few independent companies. He is a great guest at wrestling conventions. A Philadelphia native, Brian is true to his roots in his sports fandom. Not a fair-weather fan, Brian (along with "Mrs. Meanie") is often spotted at all Philly teams' games. He also has a friendly football rivalry with fellow Blue World Order member Nova (aka Mike Bucci), as referenced in our interview.

Check out our interview at On the Beat with The Blue Meanie at StarrCast VI. Also, check my StarrCast recaps on TheEveryDayFan.com.