Trish Stratus and Chicago World of Wheels

Last Friday, I saw Trish Stratus and a bunch of vehicles at Chicago World of Wheels. Go to globaltravelerusa.com/blog/ for my full recap.

Hailing from Canada, Stratus became one of the greatest WWE female wrestlers of all time. She also happens to be one of the nicest.

I have met Stratus several times. At last year's FanExpo, Tony and I asked for a picture with her and her bestie, Lita, who was at the adjacent booth. They were kind enough to oblige our request. Both ladies asked our names, in a very polite gesture. The next day, Tony and I got a photo-op with Stratus. To our surprise, as we approached her, she greeted us by name. We were stunned that a person who meets hundreds each day at these conventions remembered us by name. That is one classy woman.

When I met her at Chicago World of Wheels, I would love to say she greeted me by name again, but that would be amazing. I was actually surprised that she greeted me by saying she remembered me. That was impressive enough. This is someone who cares about her fan and giving them a special moment.

Before you think Trish was my only attraction to Chicago World of Wheels, as you can read in my Global Traveler recap, I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the convention. It occupied most of the first level of the Stephens Convention Center. It was one of the biggest conventions I have seen there.

It was also very-well-run.

Seriously though, check my recap on Global Traveler (it'll make my boss happy). Also, check chicagoworldofwheels.com for more info on this great event.

Trish Stratus and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2025.

Trish Stratus at Motor City Comic Con 2018

The Motor City Comic Con returns to Novi, MI May 17-19. While I look forward to lots of fun this year, I look back on some of the great times I have had covering the MCCC over the years.

Trish Stratus rose to fame in the WWE. During her time in the WWE, she won the WWE Women's championship 7 times. One of the most successful and most popular wrestlers, Trish has been semi-retired since 2006. She still does occasionally make appearances.

Only recently, Trish started making convention appearances and fans are ecstatic. Her line at MCCC was easily one of the longest I have seen anywhere. People want to get a little "Stratusfaction" and I was happy to wait for my chance.

The constraints of any convention limit the interaction with the celebrities, but Trish did her best to make everyone's meeting special.

I caught a little break when her handler was dealing with some other situation, leaving Trish free time. Of course, I took advantage of those extra few minutes. I talked to her about her Toronto Maples Leafs, her infant children, her "Team Bestie" tour with former WWE diva Amy "Lita" Dumas.

Trish was polite and outgoing. I must add that pictures do not do her justice. Trish is absolutely beautiful in person.

Honestly though, I am happy to report that she was just a real sweetheart all weekend. I ran into her later (not by her booth) and she remembered me and thanked me for stopping by. It's just those little things which make the encounter special.

I am sure this year, the MCCC will once again have some wrestlers appearing. Over the years, they have gotten many of the all-time greats and some of my favorites. Trish would fit into both of those categories.

Check MotorCityComicCon.com for all of the info, including scheduling and the celebrity guest list. Also, follow Motor City Comic Con on Facebook for more frequent updates.

Trish Stratus and me in Novi, MI-May 2018.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.

I have featured Ira Knobler here before, when he met the Hart Dynasty (Nattie Neidhart, Tyson Kidd and DH Smith).  Today, Ira is sharing a picture of him meeting Trish Stratus, coincidentally another wrestler from Canada.

Ira met Stratus at a recent signing in New York.  Ira said, "She's such a sweetheart."  Stratus talked at length to many of the attendees and everyone left happy (although they waited longer than expected).  Still, a long wait is fine, if the end result is good.

Stratus embarked on her appearance tour a couple months ago.  Stratus is a former wrestler (winning the Woman's title 7 times) and is currently an actress and television personality.  Recently, she hosted Stratosphere, a tv show featuring Stratus visiting exotic locations around the globe (hmm, seems like a good idea for a Global Traveler tie-in).
Ira has met a bunch of wrestlers and I am glad he is willing to occasionally share the evidence.

Ira Knobler and Trish Stratus in New York-September 2010.

Celebrity Rookie Cards #1: Lanny Poffo & Trish Stratus

Many of my fellow bloggers do awesome work creating virtual cards of all types. I'm sure I am leaving some out, but my favorites are Birth Year Cards and Cards That Never Were (at White Sox Cards), Chachi Cards (at The Phillies Room), random card creations and corrections (at Wrigley Wax), Final Tribute cards (at Garvey, Cey, Russell and Lopes) and random stuff (at Punk Rock Paint).
I wanted to attempt something on my own to work on my PhotoShop skills (which are mediocre at best) and to have a unique series which reflects the scope of Johngy's Beat. I decided to do a card series of celebrities who have worn jerseys at some point. I would use the card design for the year after the person's professional debut. I realize the pictures versus card year might present time-travel issues, but these Celebrity Rookie Cards are not perfect, but they are my attempt at the world of virtual cards.
With all of the best intentions, I screwed up (like a rookie) on my first attempt. I made a Trish Stratus birth year card, instead of rookie card. After I realized the error, I then encountered a logo problem I couldn't overcome on the proposed rookie card, so I went to the Maestro, Steve at White Sox Cards for some help. Steve produced the masterpiece incredibly fast and precise.
While my goal is still to do these on my own, I reserve the right to call for help on occasion. I also invite anyone else to join the insanity if the mood should strike. The concept is easy, rookie cards of celebrities wearing jerseys (no fair PhotoShopping this part...the celeb must have actually worn the jersey).
Without further adieu, I present my first attempts at Celebrity Rookie Cards.

Lanny Poffo was born in the Chicago area and remains a Cubs fan. I have met Poffo several times. I had the pleasure of interviewing him for an article and working with him on a literacy ad series.

Trish Stratus is a native of Canada. She is a big fan of the Maple Leafs and appeared in their merchandise catalog a few years back.

My wrong year version of a Trish Stratus Celebrity Rookie Card.The correct Trish Stratus Celebrity Rookie Card (thanks to Steve).