At Legends of the Ring

I have featured Josh Watko several times on this site.  Josh is a fan of wrestling and runs his own site, JW's Wrestling Memorabilia, which is full of all sorts of wrestling fun.  Josh is my kind of wrestling fan.  He is knowledgeable and respectful, without being over-the-top.  He enjoys it and he likes writing and talking about it...and he knows his stuff.
This weekend, Josh is attending the Legends of the Ring event in Monroe, NJ.  As the East Coast Director of Wrestling for Johngy's Beat, Josh will be sending a report on this year's event.  At the top of Jason's 'want list" are Dusty Rhodes and Chyna (Joanie Laurer).  I look forward to his report, but for now I have a short Q and A with Josh.

Q-Why do you like wrestling?
JW-I guess it's just in my blood to be a wrestling fan. Growing up in Pittsburgh, my parents both watched Studio Wrestling with Bruno Sammartino and announcer Bill Cardille. I was learning to talk just as the "Rock n Wrestling" era was taking off and there is audio tape of me saying "Junkyard Dog" and "King Kong Bundy" at a young age. The marketing machine of that era gave me great items to collect and it took off from there.

Q-Which (active or retired) wrestler haven't you met but would most like to meet?
JW-I'd have to say Hulk Hogan. He's eluded me so far and it just feels like he's the one left that I really need to meet at least once. Other than him, I'd have to go with women's star Leilani Kai who is finally starting to hit the convention scene. I'm a big fan of classic women's wrestling and my fandom is something that developed after meeting some of the ladies. It seems to me that most of them adjust better to "life after wrestling" than their male counterparts. When they realize that fans are out there wanting to meet them and still enjoying their career work, it's a big surprise for them.

Q-Which wrestler whom you have met was the most pleasant surprise?
JW-This one, without a doubt, goes to Ole Anderson. Ole has quite the reputation out there but has been nothing but fan friendly every time I've met him. He has become a staple of the NWA Fanfests by holding court in the lobby telling stories, posing for photos, and signing autographs. He's like a gruff old uncle that, deep down, really cares about his family. He's not even in the best of health but continues to come in for Fanfest. When he's gone, a huge void will be left just like that left by the death of Oliver Humperdink earlier this year.

Below is a picture of Josh meeting two wrestling legends, Terry Funk and Mick Foley at Legends of the Ring IX.  I wonder if Josh was trying to talk them into reforming a tag team, with himself as their manager.
Josh is a great guy with a cool site.  Meeting people like Josh is one of the real pleasures of running this site.

Terry Funk, Josh and Mick Foley in Monroe, NJ-May 2008.

Best-selling Author Mick Foley

There I am again with Mick Foley and I think Foley probably thinks "oh here he is again" every time he sees me. Actually, Foley has been great every time I have seen him.
Foley is a wrestler and an author, a New York Times best-selling author. That distinction isn't just for his autobiography either. Even his autobio isn't the average autobio. Foley wrote it himself. Eight hundred pages of longhand. Really.
His latest effort is Countdown to Lockdown, about his journey to a huge wrestling event in TNA wrestling.  We get inside Foley's mind as he prepares mentally and physically for this match.  Foley has promoted that book here, as well as promoting Johngy's Beat.
He also wrote Tietam Brown and Scooter, two intriguing works of fiction. Oh sure, sometimes they might have gone a bit over the top, but I found both to be completely engrossing.
Another cool thing about Foley is that you can talk to him about anything and get an interesting conversation. We have talked about literature, wrestling, world events, old tv shows and sports.

Mick Foley, JayHawk Evans and me in Rosemont, IL-2008.

Countdown to Lockdown

Mick Foley is a favorite of Johngy's Beat. I have met Mick several times at different events and he is always great.  At the Wrestlers Reunion in 2005, Mick was part of one of the most memorable celebrity encounters I have ever had.
My fascination with Mick started years ago when he was known as Cactus Jack and he was working hard to make it in the business. I saw Mick work his butt off through good times and bad to become one of the greats. His story doesn't end there though.
Mick is also an author, a real author, a New York Times best-selling author. Mick's three autobiographical books were written by Mick without the usual ghost writer. Mick also authored two best-selling novels, Tietam Brown and Scooter.
Tomorrow, Mick's newest book, Countdown to Lockdown, comes out. Mick takes us from his last days in the WWE to his big match with Sting at TNA's Lockdown event. Along the way, Mick shares his life and his thoughts. Mick is open, honest and humorous.
Johngy's Beat was on hand when Mick Foley appeared at Wizard World. Mick gave us a little extra fun by appearing in a quick video promoting Countdown to Lockdown and Johngy's Beat. The video was classic Foley. All that was missing was his old school "cheap plug" comment.
Getting to know Mick a bit more than the usual fan has been a huge pleasure and honor. Mick is an entertaining, hard-working and successful wrestler. He is also an entertaining, intriguing and somewhat offbeat writer. Most importantly, he is a genuine nice guy. To quote an old catchphrase and the title of one of his books, "Foley is Good".
Buy the book. I promise you'll enjoy it. If you ever meet Mick, tell him Johngy sent you.

Literati Glitterati

This is a new series on celebrity authors.

Usually you will find an autobiography of sorts here. Today, I am shifting gears a bit and featuring a novel written by wrestler Mick Foley.
Foley has been a professional wrestler since 1986. He had two best sellers, although they were both of the autobiographical nature. Unlike a lot of autobiographies, Foley's were written entirely by him, after he dismissed his co-writer (ghost-writer), figuring he could do it better by himself. In 2003, Foley's first novel Tietam Brown was published.
Antietam "Andy" Brown V is a troubled 17 year old just out of reform school. Andy lost his mother at birth and was abused by his stepfather. He is reunited with his father, Antietam "Tietam" Brown IV, and together they attempt to start fresh.
Andy is not only emotionally damaged, but physically as well. He is missing an ear and has a damaged right hand. This causes even more problems as Andy tries to fit in at high school. It seems that everything around Andy is violent and ugly, yet he struggles to find happiness in all of the mess.
One bright spot in Andy's life is Terri Lynn Johnson, the school's homecoming queen. I won't reveal what happens with this young couple or how the book ends, but I will say it is surprising and entertaining.
Foley insists there isn't anything autobiographical about Tietam Brown. Either way, he captures the teenage angst of Andy in such a compelling way. You can't help but to be drawn to Andy. You really deeply feel his highs and his lows.
A few years ago, Laurie and I talked to Foley about Tietam Brown. According to Foley, he tried "to tell a tale of innocence in a violent world." Laurie asked him about the violence and dark images and Foley said that he understood what she was saying, but still felt it was a "positive message".
Foley said that he got a lot of the material from stories he heard and people he met in wrestling. He even credits wrestling with giving him the experience needed to create characters. Foley said, "I have been doing that for my entire wrestling career."
There has been talk of a movie version of Tietam Brown. Foley thinks wrestler-actor Terry Funk would make a good Tietam IV. This resulted in excellent banter between Laurie and Funk, who seemed surprised that Foley would connect him to the abusive father.
There are some plot holes and some contrivances, but Tietam Brown is a riveting read. I couldn't put it down. I recommended Tietam Brown to several friends (non-wrestling fans) and they all enjoyed it. While none of us would say it is going to be a classic, we all agreed it was quite an unusual book and an excellent first novel.

Mick Foley and me in Novi, MI-May 2008.

A Foley Christmas (aka Christmas Chaos)

Mick Foley loves Christmas. I have never been to the Foley house (hint hint, MIck), but I hear Foley goes out all with the decorations. Foley even wrote a children's book about Christmas, entitled Christmas Chaos.
You might question why I would care about Christmas Chaos being that it is a children's book. Maybe I just share Foley's joy for the season. Okay, maybe I just am easily amused. The truth is somewhere in between and definitely influenced by the fact that I loved Foley's other books.
The reindeers are funny, the elfs are oft naked and the hilarity is never-ending. Fellow wrestler Jerry Lawler illustrated this masterpiece, which has a few WWE wrestlers making guest appearances.
I have met Foley several times (he even recognizes me now) and he is one of the best convention guests. He is always ready to discuss virtually anything, although I have never seen him as engrossed as when he was discussing Tietam Brown with Laurie.

Mick Foley and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2008.

Mick Foley at the 2008 Motor City Comic Con

The last 2 years, I have had a blast at the Motor City Comic Con in Novi (MI). This year, not only am I going to there, I am covering the convention online for Global Traveler magazine.
I have previously written about the MCCC for Global Traveler. For those who missed it, you can read it here.
On Johngy's Beat, I have already written about meeting several celebrities at the MCCC in 2007 and 2008. In earlier pieces, I wrote about graphic artist Connie Persampieri, actors Dan Haggerty, Ami Dolenz, Joe Pantoliano, Michael Gross, Lou Ferrigno, Tony Burton, Alan Ruck, Genie Francis (with Jonathan Frakes) and Tony Moran, musician Micky Dolenz and wrestlers Christy Hemme and Gail Kim. Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting other celebrities I have met ath the MCCC.
I have met Mick Foley several times. Meeting Foley at the MCCC was a great time. There were a good amount of people waiting to meet Foley, but there was also some quieter times. Foley admitted that perhaps he (or the WWE then) should have advertised his appearance more to the wrestling community.
I took the opportunity to spend a few extra minutes with the hardcore legend. Foley was his usual fun self. He lamented that at one point he was being outdrawn by a Monkee (Micky Dolenz at the next booth). I reminded him of some stories from meeting him at a Wrestler Reunion a few years back. He remembered meeting Laurie and me.
Foley is a natural at these shows (maybe even taking too long with each person, but that is better than too short). Foley had several 8x10's from which to choose, along with his books. Additionally, on the second day, he brought along a friend. Even though I already saw him the previous day, I had to see him again to meet Mr. Socko!

Mick Foley, Mr. Socko and me at the Motor City Comic Con in Novi, MI-May 2008.

Dusty Rhodes Flirts; Mick Foley Cares

As previously mentioned, I had a blast at Wrestle Reunion. I pretty much figured I would enjoy it. I also knew I would really enjoy watching Laurie at the event. However, I admit, I underestimated how much fun Laurie would have and how much interaction she would have with the wrestlers.
Two of the funniest events came from the question-answer session with 4 of the legends. Terry Funk, Mick Foley, Dusty Rhodes and Kevin Von Erich were on stage together, answering questions from the audience.
During the session, Laurie snapped a few pictures of the guest panel. She did nothing intrusive or distracting, but she did catch Dusty's eye. He gave her a smile and a little finger wave (which only Dusty could pull off and still look manly). I couldn't believe what I just saw. Big Dust just tried playful flirting in the middle of the session on stage.
After that session, when the wrestlers were at their signing tables, Foley waved over Laurie. He asked her if she was okay, stating he thought he saw her crying. Laurie said she was fine, but he asked again. Laurie assured him that all was right and thanked him for his concern.
Of course, my response to both of these events was laughter quickly followed by my stating that I knew she would make an impression on the wrestlers. However, I do admit that maybe I might have underestimated her involvement.
Laurie's genuine interest and thirst for knowledge coupled with her ability to really reach these wrestlers on a unique level made her stand out. Add to all of her qualities the fact that the rest of the crowd was 99% male diehard wrestling fans. Not only was Laurie a refreshing change of pace for each wrestler, she asked intelligent and different questions which usually looked into the man behind the gimmick.

Terry Funk, Mick Foley, Dusty Rhodes and Kevin Von Erich in Tampa, FL-January 2005.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

In January of 2005, Laurie and I were in Tampa (FL) for the Wrestling Reunion. I was going down there to meet a bunch of wrestlers, but especially Roddy Piper and Lanny Poffo. I knew going with Laurie would be a lot of fun. I even thought she would find some interest in the whole wrestling scene, despite not being a wrestling fan. However, even I did not imagine just how incredible this trip would be.
Laurie had read In the Pit with Piper (by Roddy Piper) and Tietam Brown (by Mick Foley). She had hoped to be able to talk to each about those books. In her usual unassuming way, Laurie doubted either would pay her much more attention than that given to the average fan. I predicted that she would stand out among the crowd and each would take notice.
When we met Foley, Laurie started to talk to him about her writing career and her take on Tietam Brown. Foley (who was probably surprised to see a female at this event, let alone one who had writing credentials and who read his book) immediately became engrossed in their conversation.
This wasn't the typical fan talk about his greatest match. This was a real conversation which lasted several minutes, much to the dismay of several fans behind us who simply got a signed photo as Foley continued talking to Laurie.
For me, this was one of the more surreal moments I have ever witnessed. Laurie and I had discussed Foley and Tietam Brown several times. We had also theorized on how their potential conversation would go, but seeing it actually happen was just unreal.

They discussed themes and styles. They talked about the possibility of a movie based on the book (a chat that Laurie would continue with Terry Funk). All the while, I stood there just enjoying the scene.

Mick Foley and Laurie in Tampa, FL-January 2005.

Christmas Chaos Courtesy of Mick Foley

I couldn't let Christmas week pass without highlighting a man who absolutely cherishes Christmas. Mick Foley loves Christmas. Foley has even authored a book about his favorite holiday called 'Christmas Chaos'. It is an amusing tale, complete with artwork by Jerry 'the King' Lawler. Together, they make this book fun for everyone.
I first met Foley years ago at a Borders Books in Oak Park, IL. He was wearing the Santa hat and was definitely in the holiday mood as the snow started to fall. I didn't have much of a chance to talk with him or even pose with him for a photo, because the line was too long.
Years later at a Wrestling Reunion, I would get to spend actual quality minutes with Foley. That time was highlighted by Laurie and Mick discussing writing (but I will discuss that much more in depth in a future post). Suffice it to say, it was one of the most surreal moments I have witnessed.
Since then, I have met Foley a few times. He is different from the average celebrity at appearances. Foley will talk with you about virtually anything and for longer than the average time it takes to sign a picture.

Mick Foley and me in Tampa, FL-January 2005.

Friendly Encounters

This is the first in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

I have known Jake for most of his life. I have seen him grow into a fine (and big) almost 9 year old. Recently, Jake has started getting interested in the Chicago White Sox and pro wrestling (AJ Pierzynski would cover both). He also expressed an interest in meeting some celebs with me. He was disappointed when he found out that his mom and I met Mick Foley years ago without him (even though he would have been too young to remember).
Five years ago, Jake had his first documented encounter with a celebrity (Santa Claus does not count). Jake met Sir Topham Hatt, the head of the railway in the Thomas the Tank Engine series. I have a theory on the whole Thomas series, but I'll leave that for another post. For now, I present a happy youngster, my pal Jake.

Jake and Sir Topham Hatt in Chicago, IL-October 2003.