On the Beat With Joey Roth and Steve Ahrendt of Rocket Pro Wrestling

One week ahead of the return of Rocket Pro Wrestling, I interviewed Joey Roth and Steve Ahrendt. At Darkness Falls, these two will be back in the same room, but for my interview, I kept them separated for obvious reasons.

This feud has been running a long time and it keeps getting hotter. Joey, along with Roxi Heart, is the leader of the World Famous Fabulous Idols. Commentator Steve now holds the newly-rechristened Main Event belt. That belt was previously called the Joey Roth belt, but this feud goes beyond that shiny belt, whatever it is called.

I attempted to get some peace, but I failed. I did get a fun interview though. These men are pumped and ready for action Saturday. Darkness Falls promises to be a great night of action, but there is no promise these two will ever see eye-to-eye.

Go to RocketProWrestling.com for more info and updates. Until then, enjoy the interview at On the Beat With Rocket Pro Wrestling.

On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt of Rocket Pro Wrestling

Fresh off of the season debut of Rocket Pro Wrestling, I went on the Beat with RPW commentator Steve Ahrendt. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt.

Last Saturday, RPW held Fall Brawl, its season debut. It started with a fun Fan Axxess outdoor event, followed by a full early evening of fantastic wrestling.

Last week, I interviewed Joey Roth and Roxi Heart of the World Famous, Fabulous Idols. Always in the mix of the title scene and the center of the action, the pair definitely made their presence felt at Fall Brawl.

After interviewing the pair and watching the all that happened at Fall Brawl, I wanted to get Ahrendt for an interview to get his take on all things at RPW. As usual, Ahrendt gave a thorough assessment of the situation. He also discussed Darkness Falls, the next RPW show on October 14.

I appreciate Ahrendt for his time and consideration in the interview. I also thank RPW owner Bill Schelli and the entire RPW family for the hospitality.

Go to RocketProWrestling.com for more info and scheduling. Look for Steve (and the others) on The Power Hour n podcast platforms.

On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt of the Chicago Knocklouts

I have interviewed Steve Ahrendt a few times in the past, but those interviews were about wrestling. Today, I feature an interview with Steve all about Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby.

Earlier this week, my podcast partner Tommy Else and I interviewed Crimson Vixen, the founder and still active skater for the Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby league. Yesterday, I talked to announcer Steve Ahrendt to get another view on the CKO. That interview is at On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt.

Ahrendt has been the subject of several of my other interviews, but those were about his various roles on the Chicago-area wrestling scene. Perhaps best known as a longtime, well-respected broadcaster, Ahrendt has been a GM, manager and more. 

Chicago Knockouts roller derby has been described as legitimate sport with a little wrestling theatrics. With that in mind, Ahrendt would be the perfect choice to broadcast bouts.

The interview started with Ahrendt discussing how he got involved and hooked on CKO. Worlds merged as CKO skater Cactus Rack and Ahrendt met at a wrestling event.

While there are similarities between wrestling and derby, obviously the action is vastly different. Ahrendt explained the differences in preparing to broadcast and the actual act of announcing during the bouts. Ever humble, he also admitted, after just a few bouts behind the mic, he is still learning. Having heard him call the action, I was very impressed with how he relayed the action, while revving up the crowd. 

Knowing everyone involved in roller derby has interesting names, I asked why he still uses his given name. I admitted, I was struggling trying to think of a good moniker to play off his name. I also revealed my name of “Beltin' John” given to me years ago from another derby league.

This Saturday, the CKO season comes down to one highly-anticipated bout for the title. The Comic Book Crushers take on the Horrific Haunters for the Golden Skate trophy and bragging rights. Ahrendt took the middle ground by not picking a winner, but he promised it would be a tremendous night of action.

Finally, we had a little fun bantering about Crimson Vixen, Marley Quinn or other skaters possibly getting Ahrendt involved in some of the physicality. Perhaps relying on his wrestling background, Ahrendt proclaimed himself ready for anything that came his way.

I will be “On the Beat” for the championship bout and report back here. Check back on TheEveryDayFan.com for my recap and other great sports coverage. Also, follow the Chicago Knockouts and Steve Ahrendt on social media to get all updates.

On the Beat at Rocket Pro Wrestling

Yesterday I had a couple interviews with talented folks from Rocket Pro Wrestling​. I got interesting info and insight. I didn't get all of the answers to the major questions at RPW, but I got new perspectives.

​I started with Gunner Brave. As part of the World Famous Fabulous Idols, Gunner is right in the middle of all sorts of action.

As usual, I got a little background first. Trained by Seth Rollins among others, Gunner gave his thoughts on the WWE superstar. He also talked about his first match, his finisher, his first title win and more from the early stages of his career.

From there we moved to his feelings on crowd reactions, whether he works as a fan favorite or a heel. I saw another side of the man who currently wrestles “on the dark side” with the Idols.

Of course, we had to delve into the latest happenings with the group. At the last RPW show and the aftermath, there seemed to be a bit of dissension in the group, although leader Joey Roth dismisses such notions. Gunner admits there was a minor situation, but states all is fine within the Idols. I am not so sure about that, but “Darkness Falls” on October 1 might provide more answers to that.

Gunner is a young wrestler on the rise with an incredibly bright future. Whether or not his future lies with the Idols is to be seen. Either way, he looks to continue to improve and become one of the bright young independent stars.

It was interesting learning more about Gunner. Although he is in the Idols, who are causing all kinds of issues at RPW, he has a genuine appreciation for RPW and the fans. Gunner stresses respect, both giving and receiving. I already respected Gunner for his accomplishments at such an early point in his career, but I gained a whole new level of respect after this interview.

The next chapter in his story will come on October 1 at “Darkness Falls.” He issued an open challenge and it was accepted. Gunner ends the interview discussing this matchup.

Those interviews are at On the Beat With Gunner Brave and On the Beat With Rion Skillz and Steve Ahrendt. Also, check TheEveryDayFan.com for more wrestling coverage. Also, check RocketProWrestling.com for more info and news.

On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt

Yesterday, I interviewed Steve Ahrendt, whose presence is felt on many levels in several companies around Chicago. A broadcaster, general manager, podcaster and more, Ahrendt has even stepped into the ring to do battle. The interview can be found at On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt.

As usual, the interview started with Ahrendt discussing his start in wrestling. Having a late start, Ahrendt took a bit of an unusual route entering pro wrestling. In a few years though, he made up for lost time.

In talking about broadcasting, Ahrendt brings up Jim Ross. Although he doesn't copy Ross, he approaches calling matches in a similar fashion. He brings a fan's aspect to the announce table. After I compare him to the WWE's Pat McAfee, Ahrendt gives his thoughts on the football player-turned-announcer.

While broadcasting was his background and entry point, Ahrendt has assumed other roles, too. He also has worked both as a fan favorite and a heel. Ahrendt discussed working both sides, which is easier and which he prefers.

As will happen, occasionally a broadcaster will get involved in storylines and find himself in the ring. This has happened to Ahrendt a handful of times, but he semi-proudly states he is 3-2 in such matches.

Working in a few companies and seeing so many young wrestlers, I asked Ahrendt to name some under-the-radar wrestlers in the area. As expected, he immediately gave me several men and women.

Last week, I interviewed Chicago area entertainer Joey Roth. During the interview and in post-interview reactions, the current issues between Roth and Ahrendt heated up again. Since Joey gave his side, I felt it was only fair to let Ahrendt give his perspective.

Both men make valid points. I have been on the wrestling scene long enough to see where this is going. It will end up in the ring. It might be Roth against Ahrendt or they might have wrestlers battling for them. Either way, both will be involved and it will be highly entertaining.

Ahrendt ends our interview with a preview of several wrestling events where he will appear in some role. Chicago area wrestling is in high gear and Ahrendt is all over the scene.

Thank you to Ahrendt for his time and consideration. Check TheEveryDayFan.com for my coverage of Chicago wrestling.

On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt & Joey Roth of Chicagoland Championship Wrestling

Last October, Chicagoland Championship Wrestling debuted in Michigan City, Indiana. On Saturday, June 12, CCW returns for their second show and what a show it will be!

As last time, I again talked to Steve Ahrendt and Joey Roth, who watched the show up close as the broadcast team. Who better to speak of the product than the two men who called the action?

CCW's debut show was sold out, as is this upcoming show. You will still be able to watch it though on several platforms sometime soon after the event.

On June 12, CCW Saturday Night Grapplemasters features the following matches:

• UHC Title Match-Jay Kross vs. Ewokk
• The Sin City Playboys w/Beau Anderson vs. Air Country
• No Coast vs. Triibunal
• Marshe "All Day" Rockett vs. Chris Moore
• Wolf Yokai Dojo vs. THE ARC w/Jackson P. Larkin
• Youth Gone Wild vs. The Outrunners
• Main Event-CCW Title-The Fro-Gun vs. The Shogun Chris L.O.G.A.N.

As Steve, Joey and I discuss in the interview, any of those matches could be a headline match. CCW owner-promoter John Bullard built a card full of top notch talent pitted against each other.

The above match list doesn't even include the Chicago Connection led by "The Shot to the Top" P.L. Myers, one of best managers in the business. Nor does it mention C Red, another top manager, who is also a veteran wrestler. There's also Garrisaon Creed, Chip Walker and others. They will all be there June 12.

Much like John built this card, he has built CCW. Despite delays and obstacles caused by the pandemic, John has methodically built a wrestling company from the ground up. Taking no shortcuts, he has gotten the top talent, partnered with excellent companies and has his product shown on major broadcast platforms.

Wrestling is full of hyperbole. As a reporter, I must separate hype from reality. I don't work for CCW, nor am I part of the show. If I didn't believe in the product, I might not bash it, but I certainly wouldn't praise it.

It seems a new wrestling company debuts every month. Great hype and anticipation comes with each announcement. CCW quickly set itself apart from the pack however. Most of the buzz surrounding CCW comes from the talent and the fans. For the most part, John has allowed his product to do the talking.

Steve, Joey and I discuss all of this and more. There's not a dull moment with these two. They are entertaining on the broadcasts, in interviews or just chatting casually.

Since I do not work for CCW and this event is sold out, why am I writing about it? I believe in the product and I want to expose the product to others. CCW's third show is August 21 and it isn't sold out...yet. Tickets will be selling fast at the June 12 show though. Wrestling fans or anyone who simply likes entertainment should get a ticket to the August 21 show ASAP, because when I write my recap of the June 12 show here, I might be talking about another sell out already.

As always, I thank Joey and Steve for their time and consideration. I also thank CCW and John for allowing me access to the product and talent roster.

Our interview can be found at On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt & Joey Roth of Chicagoland Championship Wrestling. For more info, check out ChicagolandChampionshipWrestling.com.

On the Beat With Joey Roth and Steve Ahrendt of Chicagoland Championship Wrestling-10/19/20

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of being back "On the Beat" with Joey Roth and Stever Ahrendt, the broadcast team for Chicagoland Championship Wrestling. A few weeks ago, prior to the debut of CCW on October 3, I interviewed the pair which can be found at On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt and Joey Roth.

Now, a couple weeks after the debut, it was time for an update. Steve and Joey talked about the debut, their predictions for the title match, thoughts on CCW in general, the next CCW show on April 17, 2021 and more. Who better to discuss CCW's debut, than the two men who sat 10 feet from the ring, watching the action closely. Having these guys talk about anything is entertaining.

I appreciate Steve and Joey for their time, consideration, humor and friendship. I encourage everyone to follow both on social media. Also, go to ChicagolandChampionshipWrestling.com for all of the info on CCW. As always, check back here for my recurring coverage. 

On the Beat With Steve Ahrendt and Joey Roth of Chicagoland Championship Wrestling

Chicagoland Championship Wrestling debuts tonight in Michigan City IN. A couple days ago, I was "On the Beat" with Steve Ahrendt and Joey Roth, who will be handling the broadcast.

When I interviewed CCW owner John Bullard, he spoke very highly of the broadcast team he put together. Ordinarily, I might think this was the usual promotion any good owner would do. In John's case, it is promotion, but it is straight from his heart. I know John well enough to know he really believes in this duo.

I agree with John's assessment. I have seen Joey in action at wrestling events and even as the interviewer for Johngy's Beat. I have also seen Steve, but only on videos. The duo promises to be electric. While I will be at the event, I will also listen later when the video is available, because I want to hear these two describe the action.

I don't know if this interview is the first time Steve an Joey appeared together as the broadcast team, but I am claiming it as such. If it's not the first, it is close enough.

Steve and Joey talked about the debut event, what brought them to CCW, their thoughts on owner John and more, including giving a prediction for the threeway heavyweight championship match pitting Marshe Rocket versus Garrisaon Creed versus Chris Logan.

I am excited about CCW's debut and hearing Steve and Joey on commentary. They are good guys and very talented. Owner John is the same. When you have good people, who are talented, coming together to start a new company, good things will follow and I am happy to be a part of it from the beginning.

It all starts tonight. Come out to Michigan City or watch it on Amazon Prime. Just don't miss it! 

Thank you to Steve and Joey for their time and consideration. Thanks to John for giving me access.I appreciate all of them/

Go to ChicagolandChampionshipWrestling.com for more info. Also, check the Chicagoland Championship Facebook page for more frequent updates.