After I left NYC, I went to 80s Wrestling Con in Jersey. There was very little I needed there but I helped someone out with his items and I got photo ops. Since I had everybody. this con was more about social fun than it was about photo ops.
First, I got promoter Joel Goodhart who created Tri-State Wrestling Alliance which later became ECW. He was a free photo op. Never got him before. But almost all photo ops I would get were repeats, some updates some upgrades.
I got Baron von Raschke, John Laurinaitis, Vladimir Koloff (fresh), and Harry Smith. Showed Harry my Hart Dynasty photo op and he got a kick out of it. Then got a dual shot with photographer George Napolitano and Bill Apter. Since I never got George before I also got a solo with him.
Then I got a nice dual shot with Ray Rougeau and Jacques Rougeau, Boris Zhukov, Koko B Ware, and Jose Luis Rivera. I showed Koko our photo op from years ago and he didn't seem to recognize himself.
Also enjoyed the watching Koko sing Piledriver and the Rougeau brothers singing All American Boys. The best part of this con was seeing old faces from wrestling cons the years. Including Ray Duct who beat cancer!
Ray Rougeau and Jacques Rougeau
In May I would also attend Fan Expo in Philly and Big Lick Comic Con. Unfortunately, my top want from Big Lick, Tony Anselmo (whom Clerance Nash trained to voice Donald Duck) canceled. Prior to these I would go for bodybuilder and four-time Mr. Olympia winner Jay Cutler. He had a meet and greet at a gym and did combos.
Went to a hotel where the Big Lick people are staying, got Daniel Kash (update) and Kaitlyn Robrock who currently voices Minnie Mouse (fresh). Go to the airport and get Bill Farmer AKA Goofy flying in (update). Came back to hotel saw Arryn Zech and Bill Farmer. Arryn declined.
Next day I went to Fan Expo in Philadelphia. My main want is someone I technically have, Mr T. But in my street photo op he has a hat and shades, making this a much-needed upgrade.
Mr T was unfortunately pro-op only. I did the pro-op and he seemed happy to be there.
After that I get Greg Weisman who created Gargoyles and Bonkers. Only got a photo op which he charged $10 for (if I got a $20 auto it would have been free). Then I go for artist Jose Marzan Jr who gave me a good deal. For $5 he signed my six Superman and Flash comic books and did a photo op with me.
Then got comic books names Joe Quesada (update), Ken Wheaton (update), and Scott Hanna (fresh). Back to the actors I got Emilio Rivera (fresh) then I got Dominic Monaghan from Lord of the Rings. For years he has alluded me, so it was good to finally get one of the only remaining names from that Trilogy that are still alive and I don't have.
I then get Frank Miller (update), actor Colin O'Donoghue (fresh), and actress Dafne Keen (fresh). Then I got a Brian Tochi autograph on my TMNT laserdisc. He played Leonardo so I guess I had to get it. I think my laserdisc is "complete" as there is little else I could get on there plus I'm running out of room. Then author David Wenzel (fresh) and actor Jonny Coyne (Fresh). Ended my time at Fan Expo with a David Morrissey upgrade.
Did some hotel rounds in Philadelphia. Scored singer Monica who was friendly. My riding buddy attended a VIP meet and greet with Robert Hays and Julie Hagerty of Airplane fame. But I already had them so I had no need. After this was done left Philadelphia.
Superman and Flash comics signed by Jose Marzan Jr
Signed TMNT laserdisc with Brian Tochi (Lenoardo) added
Next day I go to Big Lick (the actual con). First, I get actress Catherine Disher (upgrade) and Ruth Connell from Supernatural (fresh). Then youtuber Meghan Camarena (fresh). Then I get a bunch of artists that are there. Go to the airport and get an update with Joe Satriani who was leaving plus 2 autographs. Then get DJ MAU P who was flying in. Wait to see some Big Lick people leaving. Got Ricco Ross (update) and saw Daneil Kash but didn't bother him. Bill Farmer declined someone for an autograph saying he can't do it outside of the con.
