On the Beat with Ray "Glacier" Lloyd

Ray Lloyd has an interesting spot in pro wrestling history. As Glacier in World Championship Wrestling, he had one of the most elaborate expensive entrances and costumes. He also had a series of incredible vignettes to introduce the character.

It was an incredible time in the WCW. The New World Order burst on the scene, overshadowing many of the other storylines. Because of the uniqueness of the Glacier character and Lloyd's excellent work, he was never swallowed into the NWO vortex.

Lloyd also embarked on an acting career, landing roles in movies and on television. His latest role is a big one. The Unbreakable Bunch is a movie about a group of wrestlers on a final tour who encounter aliens in Florida. It's got a They Live vibe in all the best ways. From watching the trailers, I am very intrigued.

I talked to Lloyd about his career in the ring and on film in our interview. Lloyd's passion and positivity are clearly evident. Watch the interview to learn all about Lloyd and The Unbreakable Bunch.

The interview is on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel at On the Beat With Ray "Glacier" Lloyd. Also, check out TheUnbreakableBunchMovie.com for more info on this project.

Missa Kate's New Shirt

Wrestler Missa Kate is "Chicago's Favorite Sweetheart" and she is an absolute sweetheart.

She is the 2econd Wrestling Champ and is a former tag team champ with the National Wrestling Alliance. She also held several other titles in her career.

As good as any title belt looks on Missa, I found something that looks even better on her...a Johngy's Beat shirt! After her most recent successful title defense at 2econd Wrestling's Taking Names, I presented Missa with a shirt and she promptly put it on. 

Missa is one of my favorites. She works great as a heel, but is excellent as a face, too. She does so many little things to add to her character. When I see someone like her, I always hope she gets to the big companies, but I also don't want to se her go. Right now, she splits her time between the NWA and Chicago area companies.

Thank you to Missa for her support. In turn, I encourage everyone to check a Missa match any time you can. You will not be disappointed.

Missa Kate and me in Vernon Hills, IL-April 2024.

Talking Travel with Michael Londra

My latest interview guest on Talking Travel on Global Traveler is Irish singer and television host Michael Londra. After missing Ireland with Michael at a venue near me, I got something even better with this interview.

Despite coming from a musical family, Michael did not start as a performer, but he eventually found his way into the entertainment industry. His first big role was in Riverdance. He stayed busy since leaving the production on his terms, which he discussed with me in the interview.

Michael eventually combined his profession with his passion as he started Ireland with Michael, a tour and television show on PBS.

Michael discussed all of this and more. My biggest takeaway was his genuine passion for the Emerald Isle. It shows in the interview, as well as every episode of Ireland with Michael. The show is not a glitzy promo piece. It is a loving tour of lesser-known spots in Ireland, with beautiful Irish music as the backdrop.

Look for the interview video and recap on Global Traveler at Talking Travel with Michael Londra. Also, get more info on Michael at irelandwithmichael.com. Lastly, please subscribe to the Global Traveler YouTube channel for all sorts of interesting travel content (and to help my job security LOL).

Friend Encounters: Heather Drums and Jim Strong

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Once again, I post a picture which makes me envious of my pal Jim Strong. This time, he is with Heather Drums, one of my favorites on the local music scene.

I have met many wrestlers, athletes and musicians with Jim. Because he is out all over all the time, he occasionally meets folks I really would have liked to see. Such was the case with Heather, who he watched play on Valentine's Day.

I first saw Heather when she was in a band playing just blocks from my place. Her energy and charisma stood out. Of course, she was also an outstanding drummer. Unfortunately, I have only seen her that one time, while Jim has seen her multiple times.

I will never catch up with Jim, but seeing Heather this year is one of my goals. I don't think she is currently with one band, but plays with several. Either way, I hope to see her somewhere this summer.

Heather Drums and Jim in Mundelein, IL-February 2024.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #683 Beyonce & Tracy Byrd

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing jerseys. I continue marching alphabetically through all of the Major League Baseball teams.

Born in Houston, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter rose to fame as the mononymous singer. She's won countless awards and was named as one of the greatest vocalists of all-time by Rolling Stone. Beyonce earned a Celebrity Jersey Card by donning an old school Houston Astros jersey with a slightly torn pair of jeans.

Texas native Tracy Byrd rose to fame as a country music singer. Pushed into singing Hank Williams' "Your Cheatin' Heart" at a local mall recording studio, Byrd was so impressive, he was signed by MCA Records. Byrd has worked for several charities, including the Special Olympics. He also released a cookbook. Byrd earned a Celebrity Jersey Card while singing the National Anthem for the Astros. Usually, I would deduct points for a dress shirt under a jersey, but I do like the hat. 

Cards That Never Were: Michel Plasse 1971-72, 80-81 & 82-83

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual cards for players missed in various sets. I's a concept I have borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts. More of my cards and thousands from others can be found in the Custom Baseball Cards Facebook group (and it's not just baseball cards, despite the group name).

Goalie Michel Plasse was selected by the Montreal Canadiens with the first overall pick in the 1968 NHL draft. He made his NHL debut with one game for the St. Louis Blues in the 1970-71 season. He then went back to Montreal for two seasons. The Kansas City Scouts took him in the expansion draft, but traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins midway through the 1974-75 season. After the 1975-76 season, he went to the Colorado Rockies for four seasons, before finishing his career with the Quebec Nordiques for two seasons.

All told, he played in 298 games over his 11 seasons. He had a 3.79 goals against average and an .881 save percentage. He also became the first professional goalie to score a goal when he pulled that trick in a game in 1971 while playing for the Oklahoma City Blazers.

For his efforts, Topps/OPC gave him cards in their 1972-73 through 1979-80 sets and also 1981-82. That left out 1971-72, 1980-81 and 1982-83. Jeff, from the aforementioned FB group made the Rockies card. I took the picture for the first card from a different card posted in the FB group. When he only played one game for the Blues, finding any picture of him was a task. After a long hunt, Plasse's collection is now done.

Heather Owens and Squared Circle Expo

When you talk #classybroad, you must be talking about Hardcore Heather Owens. A semi-retired pro wrestler, Heather is also one-fourth of the dynamic foursome who run Squared Circle Expo.

I first met Heather years ago at a horror convention, but that was mostly just in passing. We chatted more and became friends when she wrestled for (the now-defunct) Resistance Pro Wrestling. Heather had excellent matches as a solo and a tag team wrestler.

RPro had a great women's division, but I still think Heather deserved a run with the belt. Sometimes I think she was too good, meaning the bookers knew they could count on her to make others look good.

After RPro folded, I still saw Heather every year at the horror con. Then several years ago, I saw she and her husband Ed Gonzales joined Adolfo Dorta and his wife Carrie to run Squared Circle Expo, an awesome wrestling convention.

Now four years of SCX and it just keeps getting bigger and better.

I always try to get pictures with the Fantastic Four, but they are so busy and I don't want to get them at the wrong time. Fortunately, I ran into Heather at a quieter moment for her and snapped the photo below. 

Not only is Heather one of the promoters and organizers, she also wrestles on the cards at night. If SCX ever unveils a women's championship, I hope Heather gets a shot.

Go to SquaredCircleX.com for more info. SCX V has not been announced yet, but it'll probably be around the same time in 2025. Don't miss it.

Heather Owens and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2024.

Shout Out from Charlie Kruel

Charlie Kruel is one of my favorite wrestlers on the independent scene. Let me correct myself. Charlie Pierce is now one of my favorites.

Charlie Kruel continues to evolve in and out of the ring. Recently, she changed her name from Kruel to Pierce. She's a bit edgier.

Before the change though, Charlie Kruel sent a shout out to Johngy's Beat. I return the favor and encourage all to check out Charlie Pierce on social media and at a wrestling show if possible.

Whether she is Kruel or Pierce (or any future incarnation), she has the talent and charisma to be a success in wrestling. I'll be watching and cheering throughout her journey.

Squared Circle Expo IV

Another Squared Circle Expo is in the books. SCX IV was the biggest and best SCX event yet.

SCX is a major wrestling convention, including a large lineup of wrestlers for meet-and-greets and two full cards of live wrestling. I can't even begin to list the wrestling legends and young superstars I have met over the years.

It is run by the fabulous foursome of Adolfo and Carrie Dorta and Ed and Heather (Owens) Gonzales. I love all of them, but this all started with Adolfo, who previously was a co-organizer of a different convention. It's hard to believe I first met Adolfo in 2011.

Adolfo has always been generous with his time and considerations. He has always shown me great hospitality at the other con and now with SCX.

I wrote more about the convention for Patch.com, GlobalTravelerUSA.com and TheEveryDayFan.com. Also, check SquaredCircleX.com for info and updates about next year's event.

Adolfo Dorta and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2024.

Friend Encounters: Taylor Heise and CiMags

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

I met Jonathan Cimaglio during my time covering the (now defunct) Chicago Bandits. Cimags was a big fan and also an autograph collector (or a grapher). His graphing goes well beyond just the Bandits. He frequently posts all of his other graphing successes, including sports, entertainment and any celebrity.

Today, I feature him with hockey player Taylor Heise. In high school, Heise she was a four-time USA Today American Family Insurance All-USA honoree. She has since gone on to play internationally, as well as in the new Professional Women's Hockey League. In the underrated, undercovered world of women's hockey, Heise is one of the all-time greats.

I am envious of Cimags for landing this celeb encounter. I am a big fan of Heise and the PWHL. I hope they expand to Chicago, because I will definitely be out there and hope to have a chance to see Heise play in person.

Until then, check out the Cimags YouTube page for all of his adventures. Also, check thepwhl.com for news on the league.

 Taylor Heise and Cimags in Minnetonka, MN-March 2024.