No Criticism of Kevin Nash Here

Kevin Nash has had an interesting wrestling career.  He has been involved in some of the greatest angles.  He has been a multiple time champion.  Unfortunately, he has also been criticized for various reasons (such as backstage politics and laziness).
I don't know the inside scoop, but I can tell you he seems like a straight up guy to me.  He is always really cool in person and I have met him several times under many different circumstances.  He goes out of his way to give his fans what they want.
For some odd reason, JayHawk and I decided we wanted the big man to put us in headlocks.  He obliged.  Be careful what you ask for, but hindsight is 20/20.  It seemed like a good idea.  Fortunately, Big Kev kept it a loose lock and didn't snap our necks.  Seriously, I do think Kev could have put a hurtin' on us if he wanted.
Kev also is patient and willing to talk about himself, wrestling and his friends in wrestling.
He has enough detractors out there (really too many), but I am not one of them.  Kev is okay in my opinion!

JayHawk Evans, Kevin Nash and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

Friendly Encounters

This is a regular series featuring friends who have met celebs.

Previous to his recent reports on Legends of the Ring, when we last saw Josh Watko, he was meeting the Icon Sting.  Today, Josh is going to tell us about meeting the King, Jerry Lawler.  Before we get to that though, I'll give a little update on Josh.
Josh's website is JW's Wrestling Memorabilia. and it is full of great wrestling stuff.  Josh covers autograph signings, live events and products (new and old).  He also writes wrestling opinion pieces and other interesting posts.  Josh is gaining exposure and is already widely known within the wrestling circle.
I have asked him to share some wrestling stories and he has contributed one about meeting Mike McGuirk, Mae Young and the previously mentioned meeting with Sting.  Finally, here are Josh's thoughts on Jerry Lawler.
Back in 2001, it was Jerry Lawler's name on the marquee that got me to attend my first independent wrestling show.  Ten years and many meetings with The King later, I once again encountered the WWE Hall of Famer at a show for the very same promotion.  Although many stars fill IWC's annual Night of Legends show, it was clear that Jerry was the draw of the night.
The King, despite his often rotten in-ring character from years past, is one of the most fan-friendly wrestlers of all time.  He always has time for a word, a handshake and of course, photos and autographs.  A friend of mine even asked why his legendary piledriver did not come into play at his recent match at WrestleMania.  (The answer:It was discussed but ultimately shot down by the WWE.)

Lawler also has one of the most beautiful signatures I've ever seen.  I've always felt that this may be due to The King being an accomplished artist.  If you have paid attention to the announcer segments on Raw in recent years, you may have seen Jerry's shirt which includes a large facsimile of his exquisite John Hancock!
As always, I appreciate Josh sharing his experiences.  I like his insight.  As a longtime autograph collector, I can appreciate his insight about Lawler's signature.  If you have any interest in wrestling or even if you just want to check out some interesting things, give a look to Josh's site.

John Watko and Jerry Lawler in Elizabeth, PA-May 2011.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly series about friends who have met celebs.

I first met Scott Beatty about 15 years ago at AU Sports.  After several years, Scott went to do some other business and I didn't see him for a few years (except for one random encounter at a July 4th celebration in Evanston a couple years back).  A few months ago, Scott returned to AU.
As many of you know, former AU owner Steve Gold passed away earlier this year., but AU Sports will continue to be the best trading card and memorabilia store.  Scott is running things and Dave Zeman is back.  There is a nice buzz around the store. 
While AU has had several great guests in for autograph signings, Scott ventured away from AU to Naperville to meet WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Joe Laurinaitis, also known as Animal, one-half of the Road Warriors.  Joe is also the father of star linebacker James Laurinaitis of the St. Louis Rams.
Scott went to meet Laurinaitis, get his book signed and see a screening of the Road Warriors dvd.  Laurinaitis was great, according to Scott.  He was eager to pose for photos and to sign additional items (something which is often frowned upon, but is very appreciated by collectors).
Scott was pretty eager to meet Animal, too.  In fact, I am pretty sure he was tempted to don the face paint and make a pitch to form the Road Warriors 2011.  I am sure Scott could hold his own in the ring, but the real question is what ring name would he use?  I am also sure his friends might have a few suggestions.
Scott is a good guy and I know he will do well with AU and longtime AU patrons are happy.  To keep up with the happenings at AU, check out the AU Facebook page or stop in at the store.

Joe Laurinaitis and Scott Beatty in Naperville, IL-April 2011.

Barry Windham and the Family Business

Everywhere Barry Windham looks, he sees wrestlers.  His father is Blackjack Mulligan.  His brother is Kendall Windham.  His brother-in-law is Mike Rotunda.  Two nephews are wrestlers.
Windham has had a lengthy career, winning several tag team titles and various other titles, although never holding the Heavyweight title in any major organization.  Windham is one of those wrestlers who never quite put it all together (perhaps maybe a bit too injured), but still was always popular and successful.
Windham was also a member of the famed Four Horsemen.  Having met Ric Flair, Chris Benoit, Steve McMichael, Dean Malenko, Tully Blanchard, Lex Luger and Windham, I stand at 7 Four Horsemen.
Windham seemed to be really enjoying himself at the Wrestlers Reunion in 2005.  I think it was the first big reunion and many wrestlers enjoyed themselves fully.  Windham was gracious enough to the fans, but he seemed more interested in the other wrestlers.  I really can't blame him though.

Barry Windham and me in St. Petersburg, FL-January 2005.

Arn Anderson For the Hall of Fame

Marty Lunde debuted in pro wrestling in 1982.  Because he strongly resembled veteran wrestler Ole Anderson, Lunde became Arn Anderson and started teaming with Ole as the Minnesota Wrecking Crew.  By 1986, they were aligned with Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard, collectively known as the Four Horsemen.
Flair would go on to have a legendary career.  While Anderson was usually connected to Flair, he never captured the big titles, but did win many tag titles and lesser singles titles.  Still, Anderson carved out a great career by being "the Enforcer".  His interviews were quiet, but intense.  His in ring work was no-nonsense.  A neck injury ended his career slightly prematurely and he now works as an agent for the WWE.
From all accounts, Anderson is awesome to meet.  He is cordial, gracious and appreciative of his fans.  That doesn't surprise me, as Anderson is pretty old school.  He is very protective of the business he loves and he is a great ambassador for it.
With this year's WrestleMania being in Atlanta (home of the now defunct WCW) and the Hall of Fame class having a WCW flavor,  I thought Anderson was a sure bet.  Maybe they are waiting for Ric Flair to leave TNA and rejoin WWE to induct Anderson.  With the WWE and wrestling, you just never know.  I do know that Anderson is a true classic and deserves enshrinement.

Arn Anderson in Atlanta, GA-Late 2000's.

Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle

Despite having a severely injured neck, Kurt Angle won a gold medal in wrestling in the 1996 Olympic Games.  While this sounds more like a pro wrestling storyline, it's true.  It's damn true (to borrow Kurt's catchphrase).
Following his amazing effort in the Olympics, Angle did go into a career in pro wrestling.  Over the years, he has won 13 world heavyweight championships between his time in the WWE and TNA.
Angle's character has usually remained similar to his perceived real life persona.  He was one of the first wrestlers to use legit MMA-type submission moves.  He is viewed as a legitimate tough guy.
Angle has also shown his comedic side at times.  He has worked both as a face and a heel.  Basically, I am saying Angle can and has done it all.
I met Angle at a promotional event near Chicago.  He had one of the longest lines waiting for him.  To his credit, Angle did his best to accommodate everyone.  I am willing to bet a few people walked away unhappy and probably bad-mouthed him.  This is always a no-win situation while signing autographs.  You have to stop at some point and someone will usually end up mad.
In this case, Angle did his best, like he always does in the ring.  It was a pleasure meeting him, as it has been a pleasure watching him perform for all f these years.

Kurt Angle in Rosemont, IL-October 2008.

The Mouth of the South Jimmy Hart

Even a casual wrestling fan of the 1980's would recognize Jimmy Hart.  I first saw him as an annoying manager of several "heel" tag teams.  In that pre-internet era, behind the scenes stuff was unseen in the world of wrestling.
I had no idea Hart was an excellent musician.  In fact, he wrote many of the theme songs used by wrestlers back then.  Even more impressive, he was in the Gentrys, a band from the 1960's.  Their big hit was "Keep On Dancing" (although Hart was not the lead singer on it).
Hart has been a tireless and creative force in wrestling for decades.  He is also one of the nicest people around.  I have seen him pose for pictures and sign autographs long after his scheduled sessions were to end.  I have talked to him several times about a multitude of subjects and he always gives full attention during each chat.  The guy must have an endless supply of energy and enthusiasm.

Jimmy Hart and me in Kokomo, IN-October 2007.

Gotta Love the Kish

Samoans have a rich history in pro wrestling. The Anoa'i family is probably the biggest, most successful and best-known Samoan family. Previously, I have written about Matt Anoa'i (who hoisted me on his shoulders at an event). Today, I am featuring his cousin Solofa Fatu Jr (aka Rikishi).
Solofa has had a long and successful career. Most notably, in the WWE he has been a tag team champ three times and the Intercontinental champ once. His two oldest sons currently wrestle as Jimmy and Jey Uso for the WWE.
He was in a great mood when JayHawk and I met him at Wizard World. We talked about his career and his sons.
I'm feeling pretty old seeing sons of wrestlers I grew up watching. I didn't mention this to Solofa, because I didn't want to incur his wrath and be the recipient of a stinkface (his signature move...and no, I am not going to describe it).

Me, Solofa Fatu and JayHawk Evans in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

Bruno Sammartino from Abruzzi

Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was one of the most popular wrestlers of the 1960's and 70's. Sammartino held the WWWF (now WWE) championship for over 11 years during the course of his two reigns.
Sammartino relied on a mat-oriented style, but he was also a great brawler. He was very charismatic and was a huge favorite in the New York area. His "gimmick" was just himself, no frills, just Bruno.
Sammartino has been very critical of Vince McMahon, the WWE and wrestling in general. Despite this stance, he's one of those guys who still commands respect.
I first met Sammartino in the hallway at the hotel hosting a wrestlers reunion. We talked for a bit and I felt like I had just talked to one of the older Italian guys in the neighborhood of my youth. I basically walked in with him and we went to his area, where we talked a bit more.
Like I have written before about today's fans, most of the crowd was more interested in younger stars. Admittedly, Sammartino's own actions have pushed him away from the wrestling scene, but a man like this should still hold a place of honor on the wrestling scene. The man was wrestling's biggest draw for nearly 20 years. He almost was wrestling.
We discussed Italian food and Abruzzi (his birth place and that of my ancestors, too) and then I thanked him for his time. He grabbed my hand strongly and thanked me. The man was pure class.

Bruno Sammartino and me in St. Pete, FL-January 2005.

Friendly Encounters

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

Years ago, the Brian Pillman Memorial Show was an annual event to honor the late Brian Pillman and to raise money for the widow Pillman and their children. There was a 'meet and greet' with the wrestlers, followed by a full evening of great matches. JayHawk Evans and I made the trek to Cincinnati to attend the show.
William Regal had finished with his photo-op session, but several fans remained. Regal didn't walk away. Instead, he walked over to us and posed for pictures with anyone who wanted one. That was going above and beyond.
Regal has had an interesting career. He has battled his demons (on and off) and seemingly has overcome them. He has won a bunch of titles, but unfortunately never a world championship in a major organization. Still, he has had a long and successful career and he still is capable of producing excellent matches, great mic work and entertaining skits.

JayHawk Evans and William Regal in Cincinnati, OH-May 2001.

Ted DiBiase Did Not Put Me to Sleep

Ted DiBiase is the adopted son of Iron Mike DiBiase, a professional wrestler who died in the ring while Ted was a youngster.  His mother suffered from depression and Ted lived with his grandparents.  He earned a football scholarship to West Texas State University, but dropped out to become a professional wrestler.
DiBiase had a long and successful career, winning many tiles, including the Million Dollar Belt, a "title" made just for his character, the Million Dollar Man.  He never quite made it to the top, but he came pretty close for a number of years.  The WWE did recognize his achievements by putting him in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.
When I met DiBiase at Wizard World, he was sharing a booth with Virgil, who was partnered with DiBiase for lengthy stretches during their careers.  I asked DiBiase to put me in the Million Dollar Dream, his version of the sleeper hold.  He asked me how tight I wanted it.  He slapped it on pretty good and Virgil kept yelling to pull it tighter.  (I think Virgil was just upset that I really didn't include him in the picture.)
This is one of those holds that can be legit.  Of course, in the ring, I know it isn't really putting the opponent into dreamland, but it could.  DiBiase didn't even give me his best and I felt how deadly it could be.
This  opportunity allowed me tio make up for one of the few misses from my time at the Wrestle Reunion in 2005.  I took a picture with DiBiase, but it didn't come out.  I mentioned this to DiBiase and he commented on how much for that event was.
DiBiase was a fun guy.  I think he is a guy who deserved more than he got in wrestling.  Hopefully his son Ted Jr. will climb to even higher heights.

Ted DiBiase and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

The Iron Sheik Finds a New Friend

Hossein Vaziri was born in Tehran, Iran.  He competed in Greco-Roman wrestling for Iran in the 1968 Olympic games and was a bodyguard for the Shah.  He came to the United States and twice was an assistant coach for the US Olympic wrestling team.
Vaziri gained fame when he entered the world of pro wrestling adopting the ring name of The Iron Sheik.  As the Iron Sheik, he won the WWF World Heavyweight title and the WWF tag team tile once each.
I have met the Iron Sheik several times and he is part of the Jay Leno Club.  He always has something fun to say, but at Wizard World last year, I saw a whole new side o him.
I went with my buddy Hassan, who is Iranian.  Hass mentioned this fact to the Iron Sheik and talked to him a bit in his native tongue.  The Sheik's face lit up and enjoyed a several minute conversation with Hass.  It was a lot of fun to witness.
The next day when I saw the Sheik again, he asked about Hass and seemed disappointed that his new friend would not be there that day.  I told him that I would bring Hass to the next show when the Sheik was back in town.  Then I called Hass and told him he had to come the next time.  Maybe if the Sheik is at the Motor City Comic Con, I can persuade Hass to take that trek with me.

Hass, the Iron Sheik and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

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.

No Armstrong Curse Here

After 25 years and at least 10 ring names, Brad Armstrong made it to the WWE. He signed mostly as a trainer-producer, but he has done some wrestling and some broadcasting.
Armstrong comes from a wrestling family. His father is Bullet Bob and his brothers are Scott, Brian and Steve. Despite his lengthy career and superb wrestling ability, Armstrong never achieved greatness in the ring. He has had his moments and is generally regarded as a very popular wrestler. In the later stages of his career, he even had a storyline where he blamed his lack of major success on the "Armstrong Curse".
I always like Armstrong. He's the type of wrestling lifer that the business needs. Everyone can't be a top guy. The midcard needs solid workers. Armstrong always knew his role and accepted it. I am sure he would have liked more, but he was professional enough to give his best every night regardless.
When I met him at the wrestlers reunion, we joked about the Armstrong Curse. Of course, he viewed his heritage as a blessing and just had fun with the storyline.

Brad Armstrong and me in St. Pete, FL-January 2005.

Tully Blanchard, My 6th Horseman

Tully Blanchard played quarterback and defensive end for West Texas State University.  His father Joe was a professional wrestler and Tully followed in his footsteps after college.
Blanchard enjoyed the bulk of his success while a member of the famed Four Horsemen, lead by the legendary Ric Flair.  Blanchard was an original member and lasted about 5 years with the group.  Substance abuse and contract issues lead to Blanchard stepping away from wrestling with the Horsemen.  The Horsemen would reunite for Ric Flair's retirement ceremony in the WWE last year.
Blanchard is a born-again Christian and seems to be doing well.  When I met him at the Wrestlers Reunion, he was quiet, but looked to be enjoying the event.  We talked about his Horsemen days and also his time at WTSU with fellow future wrestlers Tito Santana and Ted DiBiase.
With Ric Flair, Barry Windham, Lex Luger, Chris Benoit, Steve McMichael, Dean Malenko and Blanchard, my Four Horsemen count stands at 7.  That leaves 6 to be met.

Tully Blanchard and me in St. Pete, FL-January 2005.

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.

Dawn Marie to the (Wrestlers) Rescue

Years ago, JayHawk Evans and I met Dawn Marie at a comic book store in Golf Mill Mall in Morton Grove (IL). Dawn had recently debuted in ECW and was about to become a star on the wrestling scene.
Fifteen or so years later, Dawn is retired from the wrestling business, but is still very busy with wrestling. She is the woman behind Wrestlers Rescue, a foundation started to create awareness and raise funds for the healthcare of retired professional wrestlers.
Dawn can often be found at various conventions greeting fans and spreading the word on Wrestlers Rescue. She is more concerned with Wrestlers Rescue than her own merchandise.  Dawn is very outgoing and definitely a friend of Johngy's Beat. Over on the right side of this page, she can be found cutting a nice promo for this site.
Dawn accomplished a lot during her time in pro wrestling. However, as much as she did during her active career, she is doing even more for pro wrestling now.

Dawn Marie and me in Morton Grove, IL-Mid 1990's.

All Choked Up

Lisa Marie Varon is a body builder and a pro wrestler. In 1997, she won ESPN2's Fitness America Series. Varon has won the Woman's Championship 5 times (3 in TNA Wrestling and 2 in the WWE).
I met Varon for the first time at Wizard World in Rosemont (IL), right when she was ready to leave. She very politely gave me a few minutes of her time. I got two scoops from Varon. She is planning on moving to Chicago and she is planning on opening a restaurant. She said how much she loves Chicago, but will have to get used to the harsh winters (good luck on that part).
Varon previously owned a pizza place called Fat Tony's in Louisville (KY). She then opened a custom car shop called Black Widow Customs.
Despite achieving a fair amount of success in wrestling, I think the organizations still haven't fully realized her potential. Varon has skills in and out of the ring and should be the top woman in the organization.
I already had respect for her abilities, but after talking to her at Wizard World, I was impressed with her personally. This is why it was so strange when she lunged for my throat (see below). Then again, I have that effect on people.

Lisa Marie Varon and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

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.

Rhythm and Blues and Hass and Johngy

As Hass and I walked by this booth, the Honky Tonk Man called out a "Jay Leno" to me. As I have previously written, Honky Tonk is a member of the Jay Leno Club and has jokingly debated about Terri Runnels calling me "Jay" before or after him.
I wasn't surprised by the Jay Leno remark, but I was surprised to see Greg 'the Hammer' Valentine sharing the booth. I met Valentine before, but never the former tag-team known as Rhythm and Blues together.
Valentine is a WWE Hall of Famer, while HTM is the longest reigning WWE Intercontinental champ. Unfortunately, Rhythm and Blues was not exactly a high point for either of them. Valentine was a great, but dying his hair black and adopting the guitar playing gimmick went against his traditional wrestling background.
HTM and Valentine actually wrestled together (sometimes called Double Trouble) a while before they reunited as Rhythm and Blues. Although they never won tag-team gold in the WWE, they did win the titles in the Northern States Wrestling Alliance. Also, Diamond Dallas Page's first appearance in the WWE was driving them to the ring in a pink Cadillac for Wrestlemania VI.
Honky Tonk was his usual fun self and Valentine was his usual quiet self, but both were definitely willing to talk a bit about wrestling. Honky let me hold the IC title belt. In the lower left, one of Johnny Valentine's (Greg's dad) is sitting on the table.

Greg Valentine, Hass, me and Honky Tonk Man in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.