WAJ Magazine: Fall 2022 Featuring Frankie Edgar and Tobias Eats

Faith Rodriguez

Daniel Shawell @bb.faith @danielshawell

INSIDE

Opener

The Sizzling Summer Made It Easy To Fall Into Today’s Trendy Tracks by: MinneeTellsItAll (pg. 9)

Giving Away Game

GIVING AWAY GAME #010 by: Bridget Papino (pg. 19)

GIVING AWAY GAME #011 by: Bridget Papino (pg. 46)

Editorials

Love In Peak Form by: Jose Wright, Jr. (pg. 25)

Lovin Online: File Corrupted? by: Jose Wright, Jr. (pg.33)

Features

Tobias Eats

Cover Story by: Amber Le (pg.59)

Frankie Edgar Cover Story by: Gavin Saxon (pg. 65)

Business

Sade Moore by: Vanessa Cameron (pg.51)

Alberto's Angels by: Amber Lé (pg. 55)

Sports

Karl "Baby K" Roberson by: Gavin Saxon (pg. 71)

Joey Janela by: Dwayne “Deascent” Gittens (pg. 77)

The Sizzling Summer Made It Easy To Fall Into Today’s Trendy Tracks

by: MinneeTellsItAll

As far as Summer 2022, it came and went in a blink of an eye! While we barely saw what seemed to be a sped up summer, the music world was determined to make the best of it. This time of year usually provides much-needed escapism. Bringing the best music made up in the months of August, September, and October 2022.

With the browning and dropping of leaves, the fall is also a great time to try something new. In doing so, many artists took advantage of this opportunity to push themselves outside of their comfort zone. Following a scorching summer that saw major projects from music moguls like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Lizzo, Beyoncé (who still has two more Renaissance acts on the way) and more; the Fall season fell right into place providing a variety of vibes for the masses. Settling into the new season, fans look forward to the upcoming releases as we enter cuffing season. In fact, the scheduled forthcoming drops promise to bring more than the house and electronicdance sounds that big-name stars have been pushing all year. Whether you like Freddie Gibbs' sharp spitting rhymes or Silk Sonic's kaleidoscopic dancefloor drops during residency to Muni Long's soothing sounds and Giveon's infectious indie melodies — a lot has happened in the last few months.

Equally important, we’ve witnessed artists who are branching out into TV, such as Kid Cudi. The Man On The Moon musician recently released a record in conjunction with his latest endeavor. As many may know, Kid Cudi has been transitioning from music to acting for several years. Now, he’s taken on a new role as a TV creator with the animated Netflix series, Entergalactic, which he co-created with Kenya Barris from Black-ish. Moreso, the multihyphenated musician released the series alongside a companion album that included tracks that fleshed out the narrative of each episode. Additionally, Tegan and Sara, also unveiled a project in support of their new TV show High School.

Bringing it back to 2020, when the pandemic shut down the world, fans were deprived of seeing their favorite artists perform live. As a result, artists were forced to get creative in order to deliver virtual shows. However, this year appears to be a watershed moment in the music industry. Artists along with promoters are resuming tour announcements and fans once again have the opportunity to attend live concerts and festivals. Eager to shut down the stages and see fans, artists arrived for a slew of shows to make their comeback. (see pg. 11)

Since the warm weather has wrapped, we’ve had Hip-Hop in the lead with LL Cool J, Jack Harlow, and Nicki Minaj as the 2022 VMAs emcees for starters. Followed up by a fair share of memorable moments from BET’s Hip Hop Awards 2022. Which were accompanied by many highlights that’ll go down in hip-hop history. Also, although it’s been three years since Afropunk last turned Brooklyn's Commodore Barry Park into an Afrofutustic wonderland, the festival was back and better than before this year!

Next, music’s mainstream favorites alongside the industry’s leading indie acts, trailblazed their talent all throughout the nation during their sets at the Rolling Loud stops. Keeping up the momentum, New York’s home of the Breakfast club, Power 105.1, hosted their annual PowerHouse concert powered by LiveNation at the Prudential Center home to New Jersey. Revealing an expansive star-stuffed lineup for its live music event, the eye popping performances made for an unforgettable night.

Overall, the third quarter of the year has brought a blend of blockbuster

soundscapes backed by pop, hip-hop, rap, R&B, and Afrobeats. Although controversy sparked around whether or not “R&B is dead”, the raved genre showed up and showed out. With lyrics laced about heartbreak, hurt feelings and healing, R&B reflected range and reminiscence. Furthermore, following a nearly seven year hiatus, the Rihanna reign returned! Finding her way back to the studio, RiRi’s latest offering, “Lift Me Up” comes as a part of Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack and her first solo single since 2016. The music world came and conquered! Both established and emerging artists shattered streaming services globally with a slew of singles, EPs, albums, and more!

Looking for some new trendy tracks and astounding albums to add to your playlist? We've got you covered! Make your way over to our website to stay up to date on the most recent releases and more. We currently have some Fall Fan Favorites that have so far passed the vibe check that you can check out as well. We vow to keep you up on the best of the best to assure you get the bops you need on arrival! Stay locked!

By: Bridget Papino

If you're like most entrepreneurs, you're always looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve. That's why we've got a little something for you: a head start on your 2023 content calendar. By getting a jump on your content planning now, you'll be able to hit the ground running when the new year rolls around.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

January:

New Year, New You

The start of a new year is always a popular time for people to reflect on the past and set resolutions for the future. As an entrepreneur, you can use this opportunity to talk about some of the lessons you've learned in business and how you plan to apply them in the coming year. You can also share some of your goals for your company and how your audience can help you achieve them.

February: Love is in the Air Valentine's Day provides the perfect opportunity to talk about love...the love of your business, that is! Share what it is that you love about what you do and why you continue to do it day in and day out. This is also a great time to show some love to your customers, partners, or team members by shine a spotlight on their accomplishments.

March: Spring into Action Spring is traditionally a time of new beginnings, so use this season as inspiration for your content. Talk about some of the exciting changes or projects you have in store for your business in the coming months. This is also a great time of year to share tips on goal setting and achieving personal and professional growth.

By getting a head start on your content calendar now, you'll be able to start the new year off with a bang. And who doesn't want that? So go ahead and brainstorm some ideas, get creative, and have fun planning out your content for 2023. We can't wait to see what you come up with!

Do you adore the love from the various couples you see online? Are you enamored by the beautiful memes & reels that your thoughts absorb on a regular basis? Do you LOVE a good “mushy” moment? Can you name your favorite influencer couple, or your favorite celebrity couple? Does it seem like you’re staring into an oasis full of unknown flowers & trees, and far stretched rivers when you see them? They make love look incredibly satisfying… don’t they?

On the alternate side, have you become tired of seeing people on the internet in visibly happy relationships, knowing you’re single and looking (or annoyed)? You know the posts where a couple is on vacation, and they’re taking pictures by the pool with drinks in hand? Don’t they make you wanna take a shoe, and throw it at someone’s rib cage? Are you sick of the #couplegoals #relationshipgoals or #wifelife posts on social media?

On MOST days I’m not, but there are times when the noticeably disheartening, single life can become a drag with no effort. Newsflash, everything isn’t what it seems online. Some folk you label “couple’s goals” are just a couple of steps away from breaking up. Some folk who are seen as a couple’s goals, just may have spent the previous weeks throwing a couple hours of shade towards one another, on ALL social media platforms!! There are some things that a man’s mother-in-law just shouldn’t see!

A question for the typically curious, inquisitive reader; can one tell by photos alone how good any romantic relationship is? Truly that isn’t possible, but regardless of what you see on the internet with all of these select couples, the truth is…some of them are that happy, just not all. Well for the sake of the Earth’s core, LET’S FIND

OUT HOW TO GET TO THAT SIDE OF ROMANCE!

You must note: the work ethic it takes to sustain a happy relationship is rigid! The necessary tools needed don’t fall from the heavens when you call for them, but are gained through constant, internal searching and application. To achieve the status of a healthy romance, your determination and intentional pursuit are undeniably necessary, and will require you to experience days and nights flooded with confusion, heartache, selflessness, vulnerability/ transparency, and much sacrifice!

On many occasions I’ve heard women say that line that says, “if it doesn’t feel like 90’s R&B, I don’t want it!” Do you remember that music? It gave you the “roses, tulips, and lilies as a gift for a date” feeling. That type of R&B made you wanna wrap your lady in silk, and just listen to her reaction while checking for her smile. That kind of music made you HEATED when you acknowledged that you were single; well, it sure plastered a disappointing look on my cheekbones.

Figuring out how to get to that love might be daunting a task for many a heart, but there are some ideas you should surely look into.

• Love your partner how they need you to love them!

YOU WILL GO WRONG if you love someone as you think they should be loved, or you love them precisely how you want to be loved. Their needs will likely not be precisely the same as yours, and so it is important that you learn your partner’s love languages. Even more so, you should learn those languages in proper order if necessary! Knowing what most effectively cheers your partner up at key times, will be more than beneficial in the long run.

• Be fluid with your communication, & understand their information processing details!

When you tell your partner about something drastic, scary, concerning, trivial, or detrimental, you’ve got to learn and know how they process information, and how long it takes them to process it. Rushing them does no good, because their thoughts need to clear the emotional fragment prior to the information being adequately processed.

• Never go to bed angry!

This one is a commonly spoken line, but it is of more importance than many people still do not comprehend. Suppressed anger doesn’t dissipate! Many who feel that keeping spiteful thoughts inside is a good idea, tend to find out (the hard way) that it truly isn’t. What happens when the water in a boiling pot of food reaches the top of the pot? If you don’t know because you don’t cook, let’s just say that I know from experience that jacuzzi water doesn’t get as hot as the water you cook with. As a matter of fact, I’m surprised that the skin on my right forearm didn’t melt off.

• Learn to truly like each other!

The concept of committing your life to an individual you don’t even like, is (to me) one of the most ridiculous moves that a human can make. Picture yourself watching your favorite movie, and just before a really good part comes on, your significant other walks in the room, and just turns the tv off. Then you hear the words, “I don’t like you.” Crazy thing is, they actually mean it! I don’t see the challenge in comprehending the fact that this is more than a miniscule problem. Who wants to be around someone they don’t like?? Without hesitation, if a woman walks into a friend’s bathroom & finds a tarantula on the sink, she’s gonna leave that area in fear and trembling. That bathroom might even become a trauma spot for some women, and that friend’s house may no longer be a visiting option. Women typically DO NOT like spiders! Reader, are you still there? Good…STOP hanging around people you don’t like!! Honestly, it isn’t sensible in the least, and it compromises the peace that your spirit requires.

But um, ahem…on a more positive note, get to know and like your partner!! I used to recommend to my college classmates something simple, whenever they talked to me about wanting to date. I’d simply tell them, “be friends first! If you cannot just be friends due to attraction, then try to learn about them and be their friend while dating exclusively.” It suits folk better in the long run when they actually like their partner.

A HEALTHY relationship looks like peace on both sides, an intentional decision to love one another regardless of the outside world’s perspective, and limitless support for one another. It looks like two people valuing each other’s opinions, being interested in their interests (to some degree), and wanting their smiles to be found more often than their frowns and tears. It looks like joy and comfort, and that is regardless of blissful days or trying seasons. Two people who ride for one another in a decisive manner, with no holding back on the work ethic!!

How many exes can you recall now, who’ve surely shown you what an unhealthy relationship looks like? Do you see YOUR contributions to relationships that turned out to be unhealthy? Remember that health is wealth, even when love is involved!

This was brought to you by…

An invested gentleman & your favorite love writer, Jose V. Wright, Jr.

If you have been paying attention, it has been a prevalent topic in news cycles across the country. We have been hearing about and witnessing cancel culture at its best or worst, depending on which side of things you find yourself. Brooklyn Nets star, Kyrie Irving has been the latest celebrity to face a backlash of controversy by sharing content from an anti-Semitic film. Kanye West has also been seen as controversial because of statements that he has made that were also considered to be anti-Semitic. What is anti-Semitism? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as, hostility toward or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group. To gain an even better understanding, the root word Semitic which is an adjective of a semite - a name given in the 19th century to a member of any people who speak one of the Semitic languages. The Semitic languages are a branch of the Afroasiatic language family. They are spoken by more than 500 million people across much of West Asia, the Horn of Africa, and latterly North Africa, Malta, West Africa, and in large immigrant and expatriate communities in North America, Europe, and Australasia. The most widely spoken Semitic language today is Arabic, followed by Amharic, Tigrinya, and Hebrew. The term therefore came to include Arabs, Akkadians, Canaanites, Hebrews, some Ethiopians (including the Amhara and the Tigrayans), and Aramaean tribes. Although Mesopotamia, the western coast of the Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Horn of Africa have all been proposed as possible sites for the prehistoric origins of Semitic-speaking populations, there remains no archaeological or scientific evidence of a common Semitic people. Because Semitic-speaking peoples do not share

any traits aside from language, use of the term “Semite” to refer to the broad range of Semiticspeaking peoples has fallen out of favor. The question is, since when has truth become hate speech or hostility? If you are going by definitions, and not just the word or history of a people, then we as conscious “black or African American” people can also identify as semite being a descendant of African slaves the “ original Hebrew Israelites.” You can watch the film “Hebrews to Negroes Wake Up Black America,” the film which started the scrutiny that Kyrie Irving is currently under and determine for yourself if any hate speech was ever used. Based on the knowledge I obtained and received after viewing the film, all supporting information was biblically referenced, tests and studies were conducted by doctors and universities, historical maps and journals used, were all “primary sources,”. It is an exploration of a people and their history. To quote Kyrie Irving, “I cannot be anti-Semitic if I know where I come from.”

Boca Walk-In Tubs set the standard for safety in the industry, while turning your tub into a source of therapy and relaxation.

Customize your tub to t your needs. We custom make our walk-in tubs to meet your speci c needs, they come in two colors and seven di erent sizes.

Boca Walk-In Bathtubs are constructed with marine-grade gel coat and berglass.

We o er a lifetime warranty on ALL parts and components so you are covered for life!

Our mission is to create the best product at the most a ordable price.

(Starts singing) “Computer love... computer love.” Do you remember that song, or am I seriously aging myself? Zapp & Roger ring a bell? If you don’t know, go do your research. Once upon a time, we could only see photos and videos of people on a screen. Now...video chatting through social media (with connected cell phone lines) is the norm. INSANE!!! The world of electronic connectivity is immensely fascinating, and has been used to uplift as well as to shred apart. That being said, I remember when “Glide” first came out! Some people probably didn’t get that memo, but that app allowed you to send video messages for a max of 5 minutes. Now, we are having entire conversations through video chat. As a matter of fact, my sister Raven Damon & I are chatting right now (via Google Meet), as I write this article! We have come a long way with connecting with other people, and now we’ve observed the intrusion of cyber connections into the dating scenario. Once upon a time, you had to meet someone in person to date them. Now, we can see people from all over the planet, and develop a romantic fascination with them.

When you think about it, technology is quite psychotic and simultaneously mindblowing! Ask yourself the following question, reader.

How has the world wide web impacted your dating life?

I have seen several impressive interactions from people on both Twitter and Instagram, and those interactions did...absolutely nothing. Despite that, I have heard of people who’ve met on Twitter, and found themselves in happy relationships. We all also know about the online dating apps; Tinder, Plenty of Fish, Ok Cupid, BBW Cupid, Facebook Dating, Hinge, etc. Do these apps actually connect people? Let me give you the following suggestion. Online dating is a risk, just like taking a chance when you flip a coin. You don’t know what could go wrong (or right) if you don’t give it a try. You should take note that you will definitely learn about yourself when attempting to date online, and may mercy help you if the online dating attempt is long distance! You will find days where you’ll want to uninstall the apps, and relieve your thoughts and emotions of all of the annoyances. In all truth, some women have driven me to want to throw my phone in the washing machine, and just give it a cycle. Since I nearly married a woman that I began dating online first, I believe that this gentleman has enough experience (along with prior cyberinfused attempts) to speak on online dating. As we dabble in the potential for successful romance introduced by the web, let’s seek to cover some factors that are of vast importance.

1. Be thorough, observant, and detailed

When it comes to the internet, people can put whatever they choose to place online. Your infatuation with a “handsome rapper” on the internet, could actually be you having butterflies for a janitor, who just so happens to look like Jason Vorhees. MAKE SURE that you are speaking to who you believe you’re speaking to! There are folk who chat through video, and then there are folk who don’t. The issue with people not using video, is that it’s easier to be catfished that way. Let’s not be unwise here.

2. It is a risk to date…period.

There’s half a chance you will be disappointed on the date, and there’s another half that might put you in a beautiful, unexpected scenario. The differences between the online dating & in-person dates can vary, but the experiences will be solely based on your intentionality & persistence. The major difference with online dating is the in-person factor. If you’ve spoken to your date but never met them, then it’s easier to move on when considering tangible safety. If your date was in-person, and your date had a psych problem (was an abuser, narcissist, etc), then it could be a challenging scenario to escape. The right authorities MUST be called in those extreme cases. However, if the dates were online & of a specific distance, then it’s easier to avoid the people who you shouldn’t allow around you. If you’re dating online, and the individual is still somewhat close, please take proper precaution. Above all else, your safety is paramount!

3. This will test you, if you’re far away from them.

Let’s say you’ve gone through the casual fragment of dating, and now the butterflies that have been churning in your belly have pushed you two to go exclusive! MARVELOUS!!! Now you get to reenact the love scenes in the movies, buy her flowers, give them foot massages, send them lunch to their job, etc. Aren’t you two cute? HERE WE GO!! If you both are in different parts of the world, your strength & will are going to be tested. If your first 2 love languages are touch & quality time, prepare to develop some seriously looney amounts of patience. You will have to exchange photos & videos, video chat often enough, do virtual dates (they’re quite a bit of fun, in my opinion), and implement different ideas to keep the vibrance & intrigue alive. You do not want to watch the butterflies become burned alive due to inactivity, frustration, impatient outbursts, and even being overly comfortable.

Your perceptions on online dating must be (or become) joyful or in some way positive, in order to see the outcome of dating online shoot towards a positive destination. Chaotic expectancies of online dating will plant seeds that will immediately take root, and latch on to your every movement & decision. You have to believe it can/will work, or it simply will not!

Thus far, online dating has been a partial blessing to me, and also it has given me moments that felt like a dreadful curse! However, many people have found love online!! “When Robin, a Canadian native, and Matthew went to the US Immigration Office before their May 2013 wedding, they went armed with the Instagram app. That's because it documented their entire relationship from the moment they met—online.” - theknot. com/content/couples-fell-inlove-social-media

Whether you successfully find love on the internet or not is up to sheer PERSISTENCE! Some people have been blessed to find it online, and others have a hard time seeing people even write sensible, and legible sentences in their DMs. Online dating can be a blessing to you, but the curse of failing may simply be in who you choose to date. Regardless of how you see it, be intentional…and extremely careful. I love each of you, and want you to find authentic love!! Lust is everywhere…STAY FAR from it!

May these gent’s words not be soon forgotten… Written with the sincerest intentions, Jose V. Wright, Jr.

SHAPE

Black Friday. Just the name is enough to make entrepreneurs everywhere break out into a cold sweat. After all, this is the biggest shopping day of the year—the day when consumers descend upon stores in droves, looking for the best deals on holiday gifts. And if your business isn't prepared for the onslaught, you could end up missing out on a lot of sales.

But don't worry, we're here to help. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to get your business ready for Black Friday (without losing your mind in the process). So read on, and take some notes—you're going to want to remember this come November!

1. Make a Plan

The first step in getting your business ready for Black Friday is to sit down and make a plan. What do you want to achieve? How are you going to achieve it? What promotions are you going to run? By taking the time to map out your goals and strategies in advance, you'll be less likely to get overwhelmed (and make impulsive decisions) when the big day arrives. Trust us, this will save you a lot of headaches!

2. Prepare Your Inventory

Once you've got your promotional plans finalized, it's time to start thinking about inventory. Do you have enough product on hand to meet the expected demand? If not, now is the time to order more—you don't want to find yourself sold out of popular items on Black Friday! This is also a good time to revisit your product pricing and make sure that everything is competitive with other retailers in your industry. Nailing down these details ahead of time will save you a lot of last-minute scrambling come November.

3. Train Your Staff

Your employees are going to be working overtime on Black Friday (and the days leading up to it), so it's important that they're properly trained on how to handle the influx of customers. This means walking them through your promotional plans and making sure they understand what's going on, as well as coaching them on how to deal with frustrated or angry shoppers. The last thing you want is for things to spiral out of control because your staff wasn't prepared!

4. Promote, Promote, Promote

Now that everything is set and ready to go, it's time to start promoting your Black Friday deals! This can be done through a variety of channels, including social media, email marketing, paid advertising, and good old-fashioned word-of-mouth. The key here is getting started early—the sooner you start promoting, the better prepared shoppers will be (and the more likely they are to visit your store instead of someone else's).

Black Friday can be a daunting prospect for entrepreneurs—but it doesn't have to be! By following these simple tips, you can get your business ready for the big day without losing your mind in the process. So take a deep breath, put together a game plan, and get ready for some serious holiday shopping!

It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling off, and pumpkin spice lattes are back at Starbucks. Fall is in the air, which means it's time to start thinking about establishing some new routines to help you end the year on a high note. Here are a few fall routines that will set you up for success.

1.

Wake up earlier.

When the days start getting shorter, it can be tempting to hit snooze a few extra times in the morning. However, waking up earlier can actually give you a boost of energy and help you get more done in the day. So even though it may be tough at first, getting into the habit of waking up early this fall will pay off in the long run. Plus, there's nothing like watching the sunrise with a hot cup of coffee in hand.

2. Get organized.

The start of a new season is the perfect time to declutter your space and get organized. Not only will it make your space look nicer, but it will also help you feel more relaxed and less stressed. Spend an afternoon going through your closet and getting rid of clothes you don't wear anymore, purge your bathroom cabinet of products you never use, and clean off your desk or counter tops. You'll be surprised at how much better you'll feel once everything is tidy and in its place.

3. Make time for yourself.

Between work, family obligations, and social engagements, it's easy to let taking care of yourself fall by the wayside. But if you don't make time for yourself, you'll quickly start to feel burnt out and overwhelmed. So this fall, make a point of carving out some "me" time every week to do things that make you happy. Whether it's taking a yoga class, going for a walk in the park, or reading your favorite book with a cup of tea, taking some time for yourself will help you recharge and feel refreshed so that you can take on whatever else comes your way.

4. Set goals.

The start of a new season is also a great time to set some new goals for yourself. Whether you're looking to advance in your career, get in shape, or save money for a big purchase, setting some specific goals will help you stay on track and motivated throughout the next few months. Write down your goals and hang them up somewhere where you'll see them every day as a reminder of what you're working towards. And don't forget to celebrate once you reach each milestone!

Implementing just a few simple changes to your routine this fall can make a big difference in how successful and productive you are over the next few months. So put away your summer clothes, break out the sweaters and scarves, and get ready to take on whatever autumn throws your way!

When it comes to today’s entertainment, there are three words that come to mind immediately: Power, Impact, and Evolution. These words describe Sade Moore, a wellrounded journalist who has been taking the industry by storm since 2018.

Originally from Louisiana and now living in Los Angeles, it’s clear to say Sade is without a doubt a woman to watch! She has successfully made her mark in her field as a powerful and influential leader interviewing some of the biggest names in media today. From interviewing the LA Clippers to Grammy-nominated artists, Moore is now also the lead journalist at Sheen Magazine.

Between her innovative and disciplined attitude, profound work ethic, and exceptional communication skills, there’s no stopping her! Her eagerness for growth and development with her determined spirit to make a positive impact in the media industry is the perfect combination to dominate her field while also making her the newest member of Forbes the Culture.

WAJ Magazine managed to catch up with Sade Moore during an exclusive interview.

Q: How did you get introduced to the world of journalism and was this always a passion of yours?

A: I got my introduction to journalism working as an intern for an entertainment media blog. I then joined the women of FOX sports and got the opportunity to dabble in sports as a beat reporter for the Los Angeles Clippers. I enjoyed the experience but desired something more of my interest so I then went to work for Sheen Magazine. Growing up I've always been creative and into the fashion industry which is why Sheen Magazine was the perfect fit and introduced me to opportunities where I can express my creative vision.

Q: What key points do you want the world to know about you?

A: Great question, some key points about me. I am spiritual and faith-driven. I believe in things that are good for the soul like listening to relaxing music, taking a vacation, and self-wellness.

Q: As a young girl, did you ever imagine being where you are now?

A: Honestly I never thought about it but I did always have interests in creative fields like creative directing, art directing, and fashion.

Q: What is your favorite part of being an inspirational Afro-Latina media professional?

A: My favorite part of being an inspirational Afro-Latina media professional is that someone out there can self-identify and feel proud of their identity, not like it’s something to feel ashamed of because it’s not widely accepted in the Hispanic community.

Q: Who was your most memorable interview with & why?

A: I’ve enjoyed every person I’ve gotten an opportunity to interview and it’s always a pleasure to sit and talk to anyone about

their journey to success because you learn something from a different perspective every time. I must say Syleena Johnson’s interview did stick with me as she shared how important self-care is and the empowerment of women. I feel like a lot of women needed to hear those encouraging words. I really enjoyed our conversation and respect what she stands for.

Q: What impact do you hope to make in your field?

A: I hope to inspire the next generation of media professionals to never put limits on themselves, embrace their authenticity, and never base their success on what others' measurements of success are for them because everyone's journey and purpose is different to set their own goals.

Q: What comes to mind when you hear the word legacy?

A: Legacy to me means the blueprint you leave behind that others coming after you either can learn from or get inspired by. It’s important because it's the impact of your contributions to the world.

Q: Who is your biggest inspiration?

A: My biggest inspiration is my mom. She gets all the credit for the woman I am today, without her guidance and motherly love I wouldn't be the person I am.

Q: What advice would you give newer journalists in this field?

A: My advice would be to do their research in the field of journalism they like because it’s a wide range of fields that includes TV, radio, magazines, sports, travel, and so on. I also would suggest newer journalists network, collaborate, and build professional relationships because their referral or next job can come from during so.

Q: I’m sure this industry can be pretty demanding at times. What are some tips that help you balance it all?

A: I take time out for myself because at times it can get a bit overwhelming. Self-care and wellness are important.

Q: You are such an inspiration for not only Afro-Latina women, but women all over the world who aspire to be in this field. What’s next for you?

A: Thank you so much. It was a pleasure speaking with you. Stay tuned for all my latest work on Facebook at SadeMoorenews. I will continue to share inspiring stories and share my creativity.

Q: If you could have it all your way, where do you see yourself 5-10 years from now?

A: In the next 5 to 10 years I can see myself writing self-love books and blogging about my travels. I’m very modest and love peace and bliss. 54 wajmagazine.com

There Are Angels Everywhere

The reason we fall in love with sports is due to the impact that it has on our lives. As a child, NFL Sunday was a weekly tradition in the house. That’s when we develop our love for our favorite team and players. With every game, there’s heart and there’s passion. There are players giving their all on the field. What society doesn’t acknowledge enough is the efforts behind a sports organization as they raise money for charity and donate to great causes. Jersey has a plethora of nonprofits and Alberto’s Angels has been heavy on the scene giving back and continuously catering to those less fortunate. From the football field to the food festivals, Alberto does his due diligence when it comes to contributing to the community.

During preseason 2023, Alberto’s Angels teamed up with the NY Jets for the Take Flight Fundraiser where a percentage of tickets sold goes to The Valerie Fund whose mission is to provide comprehensive care to children with cancer and blood disorders in multiple pediatric hospitals from NJ, NY and PA.

WAJ Sports had the pleasure of attending the annual NY Giants versus NY Jets preseason game where they invited me to the Green Room but not before we tailgate at MetLife Stadium. If you’re from Jersey then you already know the vibes and how the football culture gets down.

Q: How did Alberto’s Angels come to be?

A: It was originally just a group of people that would go to walks and 5K’s and after a while, a friend suggested the name Alberto’s Angels. My dad’s name was Angel as well and he died of cancer. It just clicked. The more we went on the charity walks, the more people came. It went from 6 people to 20 to 30 and every year the number grows larger.

Q: Tell me the story of how Alberto’s Angels linked up with TobiasEats to raise money through these events.

A: We met at the gym, I told him what I did. At the time, he was involved with a food truck festival that benefited The Valerie Fund which is what the Take Flight Fundraiser is raising money for, so I saw him there and introduced myself. I told him I’m a former patient and what it meant for me to see 3K - 4K likes highlighting an event that meant something and was for a great cause. He saw my page and he knew that I like to go out and do stuff so he’s like “bro let’s do something together.”

Q: You are a cancer survivor. Would you like to share how you overcame such a rough patch in your life?

A: I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma when I was 11 years old which is a rare form of bone cancer. My family didn’t know of any local help so I was sent to New York to try and get treatment. I couldn’t find anything close to the Jersey Shore. My father was the one who found out about The Valerie Fund which was right in Long Branch. I ended up getting treatment at the Monmouth Medial Center and I got better... I beat it! It was easier to get diagnosed and get treated at home where your friends and family can come over as opposed to being in New York where your 10-12 year old friends had no way of getting to the city to visit.

Once I started going to The Valerie Fund, it was a totally different atmosphere and a totally different vibe. You’re a bit happier. I mean you’re still going through what you’re going through but you’re a bit happier and that’s how the fund operates. They take care of kids and kids’ needs. The yallow them to feel safe and just be a kid. As an adult, I decided to team up with them and coordinate events together. When you’re doing it from the heart, you’re doing great things, people are going to vibe.

Q: What was the particular inspiration for this specific event (Take Flight Fundraiser)?

A: So the Jets reached out to Tobias and asked if he would like to do some kind of event who then put them in contact with me... It just made total sense, it’s the NFL but the NY Jets reached out and once they started hitting me up I said “Absolutely. Let’s do it.” I’ve been at the MetLife Stadium a thousand times for games so I jumped at the opportunity. Thank you to Kara for setting us all up beautifully. Once I said I wanted the proceeds to go to The Valerie Fund, they agreed and we moved forward.

A: We have The Valerie Fund 5K Walk and then we have the Food Truck Fest. There are about 12 food trucks, a petting zoo for the kids, bars, sangria, robots, etc. They had bumper cars last year. They raise money for Camp Happy Times which is the camp that The Valerie Fund funds through donations for kids to go camping while going through cancer treatment for a week in Pennsylvania.

A: You can visit our website at www.albertosangels.com and follow us on Instagram @albertos.angels and Twitter @albertosangels.

Author and Interviewer: Amber Le

Location: MetLife Stadium + The Green Room (NY Jets)

Event: The NY Jets Take Flight Fundraiser

Director: LaQuan Scott

Photographer: David Alexander

wajmagazine.com

Q: With this event being the start of football season as we end off summer, what do we have to look forward to in the fall?

Q: Before we sign off, where can we get in contact with Alberto’s Angels?

TOBIAS EATS

BY: AMBER LE

No matter how many times you hear the word "no," it's only important that you keep moving forward and perfecting your craft. Eventually, you'll get that one "yes" that makes all the difference. Just ask TobiasEats— he knows a thing or two about never taking no for an answer. From numerous no’s to one of the most popular foodie Apple TV shows, now that’s a flex.

The pandemic spurred the Jersey native to finally explore his love for culinary arts, and he swiftly became one of the Garden State's most enthusiastic foodies. Not only does he promote local businesses, but also organizes fundraisers in order to give back to the community. It doesn’t stop there. Tobias is known all throughout The Jersey Shore for his rambunctious events from NFL Sundays at Asbury Ale House to hitting up the Biergarten for some taste testing.

WAJ sat down with The Jersey Food Guru at Inlet Cafe in Highland Park as he shared his journey with us. The owner and the head chef were both beyond hospitable with numerous drinks and a plethora of delicious food from The Admiral’s Feast to The Sushi Boat (to view WAJ’s foodie experience with TobiasEats at Inlet Cafe, please visit our website).

Q: How did you get into TobiasEats, what were you doing before that?

A: I went to Johnson and Wales, which is a big culinary school. I didn’t go for culinary, I actually went for marketing and advertising. Now coming back after that to Jersey, I can’t get a job in the field that I want so I’m like alright, I’m going to start landscaping. I’ll make more money doing that than anything else. Then the pandemic hit and I just left landscaping to start working on interior design for kitchens. We’re talking $40-50K deals but we’re not shipping so I’m back to square one again. At the same time, all my boys are losing their restaurants, they just graduated, they’re trying to start up, and Covid hit them.

I came up with the concept of TobiasEats because I was always doing videos and it was very familiar to me with the camera. I commentated for TMZ for a little bit so that was always fun. I would take the camera with me and I would either have my girl or one of my boys “hold the camera real quick” and I would just film it. Across social media, I was getting a little bit more of a following as we went and then I got a deal with Apple TV. That was huge, that was a breakthrough.

Q: How did you get the title TobiasEats?

A: You know, it’s funny. I gotta give that to my boy Jimmy G. He had his own night show on 94.3 The Point. I had met him and he loved my stuff and he literally just wrote a whole article on me. It was ‘The Jersey Shore Food Guru.’ He put it out there and it trended. That was one of the first articles that people were sending and texting to me.

Q: You always have a bottle in your hand, what is this bottle of Jersey Jungle Juice?

A: I can’t tell you what’s in it but I can tell you it’s fire. Jersey Jungle Juice is essentially a drink. It’s like jungle juice, it’s a concoction of stuff. The owner, Tim, is really good friends with me and we partnered up on so many events. He’s one of my biggest sponsors and supporters just in general and easily, we’ve just taken over the shore with some of the craziest parties. He’s down there on Tiki Mondays, Jenks, Harrah’s, etc. It’s awesome and what’s awesome is that it’s an alcoholic beverage, it’s great and everybody loves it but the guy behind it really cares about the product and everything he’s doing. He makes less money himself to use premium ingredients In Jersey Jungle Juice so consumers don’t get headaches. I wouldn’t endorse it if I didn’t like it.

Q: This is a little off-topic but did you do music production at one point? Are you still doing that?

A: I toured the Royal Caribbean cruise line when I was younger. I toured with Jeremih and Flo Rida when I was really young. That’s how I got my intro to TMZ and I loved it, I didn’t really know what I was doing so now with the TobiasEats thing, I love the music game but it was just so tough. I feel like no one wants to help you out. We had a couple of different singles and I worked with Sony The Orchard. It was awesome, I just wanted to do other stuff. Moving forward now, I am working on some music. It’s a lot more for fun now but I’m trying to do a little bit of everything.

Q: What has been your favorite moment of your food guru career?

A: The number one moment was when I got to go to Las Vegas to talk to the crew of Hell’s Kitchen. The black jackets of Hell’s Kitchen were essentially the last 5 contestants.

Q: How does it feel to be on the cover of We Are Jersey Magazine?

A: I am pumped. You know when that comes out, I’m getting it framed. I am excited. You had some really cool people in the past already. Every day is a new step. I just try to keep killing it, keep sending it, have a great time with people, and be humble. And just keep working.

Author + Interviewer: Amber Le

Location: (Photos) Beach Haus Brewery + (Interview) Inlet Cafe Director + Photographer: LaQuan Scott

FRANKIE EDGAR "THE ANSWER"

BY: GAVIN SAXON

wajmagazine.com

“I never backed down from a challenge. When you see me fighting you know I’m fighting with my whole heart.”

Over the course of the UFC’s illustrious history, fans have been given the opportunity to witness a plethora of incredibly talented fighters who have helped shape the organization as we know it today. The list is endless as new faces constantly appear to fight in the octagon and go on to make their presence felt through electrifying performances that resonate with fans, to say the least. Some do this significantly better than others and take the opportunity to make their presence so seriously known that they achieve the equivalent of superstar status in the world of MMA, subsequently striking fear in their opponents' hearts when they are forced to step in the octagon against them. This is especially true in regards to the New Jersey native and esteemed UFC fighter Frankie Edgar, who we recently had the opportunity to sit down and speak with in the lead-up to what is confirmed to be his final UFC fight.

Born and raised in Toms River, New Jersey, Frankie Edgar began his career in combat sports in seventh grade as a wrestler and would go on to compete for the state championship three times in high school. From there, he would attend Clarion University of Pennsylvania and would qualify to compete at nationals all four years he was enrolled. A first-degree black belt as well, Frankie would then go on to try out for The Ultimate Fighter MMA competition hosted by none other than Dana White but ultimately was not selected. A month later, however, he received a much better offer arguably when the UFC called him personally and asked him to pick up a fight against the undefeated Tyson Griffin at UFC 67, to which Frankie said absolutely; making his official UFC debut in February 2007. Frankie would end up giving Griffin his first loss when he won the bout by unanimous decision in remarkable fashion. In the fifteen years that have passed since his fight against Griffin, Frankie has gone on to fight in the UFC 27 more times and would pick up 17 more impressive wins in the process.

One could quite easily argue that few fighters have amassed a resume quite like that of Frankie Edgar’s. At 24-10, he has faced some of the biggest names in the UFC today and delivered incredibly impressive performances in the process as well. Frankie made his UFC main-card debut when he took on Spencer Fisher at UFC 78 and defeated him by unanimous decision as well, and the list goes on from there. Take, for example, his rivalry with B.J. Penn, who Frankie first defeated by unanimous decision in April

2010 to earn the title of UFC Lightweight Champion then did so once again in the rematch held in August of the same year. Other opponents he has faced include Charles Oliviera, Urijah Faber, and Yair Rodriguez, all of whom are incredibly well respected and feared MMA fighters to this very day and all of whom Frankie would defeat-handedly. Frankie has earned fight of the year twice, once in 2011 by Sherdog and World MMA Awards and again in 2021 by ESPN, and as of last year was ranked #8 in the UFC bantamweight rankings. Now Frankie is ready to hang up his gloves and pursue other interests and opportunities.

While he made it clear that this certainly wasn’t an easy decision as he noted “it's the only thing I’ve dealt with for the past 17 years, but also added that he will remain close to the sport regardless: “I’ll always train, I’ll fight until the day I die… of course, I’ll stay involved in the sport, the next generation. My kids wrestle now so I’m kind of helping with that as well.”

Interestingly though, when WAJ Sports Editor Amber Le asked about how he would like to be remembered, Frankie responded that he wasn’t necessarily “concerned with how I’m remembered,” simply stating that all he really cares is that people know:

“I never backed down from a challenge. When you see me fighting you know I’m fighting with my whole heart.”

After such a long and remarkable career, Frankie had some very sound advice that is applicable to anybody in pursuit of a goal whether they are a fighter or not:

“You gotta want it more than the next guy, you gotta be willing to do what no one else is willing to do. I always say if people call you crazy that’s probably a good thing, you gotta get obsessed with it… if you’ve gotta dream go after it. If you obtain it, that's great but even if you don’t obtain it the fact that you put your all into something gives you a lot in return.”

If you’re an MMA fan then the name Frankie Edgar certainly isn’t new to you. The walking legend has delivered so many remarkable performances throughout the years, it is difficult to imagine him hanging it all up. WAJ Sports is incredibly thankful to have the opportunity to speak with Edgar and we wish him so much happiness in his future endeavors.

Author: Gavin Saxon

Interviewer + Coordinator: Amber Le Location: Beach Haus Brewery Director + Photographer: LaQuan Scott

KARL

"BABY K"

ROBERSON

BY: GAVIN SAXON

“Everything I went through, I chose to go through. The ups and downs are all a part of the game, it's something you [have to] live with and I loved all of the experiences.”

Since the UFC’s inception several decades ago, they have established themselves as the premier fighting organization in the world. Dana White and company have spent countless hours searching far and wide for budding talent that could help elevate the UFC’s status by bridging in talented fighters from all walks of life. The mission is to provide fans with an endless supply of entertaining fights that make the UFC what it is today. Regardless of their background, the fighters who have ascended the ranks high enough to make it to the UFC did so by leaving it all out on the octagon and delivering fight after fight with the utmost tenacity. WAJ Sports recently had the opportunity to speak to one of those incredibly talented fighters when Karl “Baby K” Roberson sat down with us to discuss his journey through the world of professional fighting.

Roberson began his fighting career at the age of 17 in his hometown of Neptune, New Jersey, a relatively small town smack in the center of the Garden State. His parents were understandably hesitant to see their son enter such a grueling profession, adding that his “dad really did not [mess] with it like that” and that his mother “just did the supportive mom thing”

when he was first beginning his career. Through a little trial and error, Karl would eventually end up joining the Killer B Combat Sports Academy located in Oakhurst, NJ where he would meet his coach Brian Wright and begin to shape himself into the fighter and athlete that he is notorious for being today. He would end up ascending the ranks rather quickly by beginning his career with six consecutive wins to kick off his career in remarkable fashion, and did so by remaining tenacious at every turn no matter how difficult it may have been: “Every time i tried to fight, I tried to fight the best names around so I can get to the top the quickest. It was kind of grueling though, you have to find yourself because it's all different types of things pulling you in all different directions.” It was the 5th win in that streak that would earn him the opportunity to make his presence felt in the UFC after putting his talents on full display on The Contender Series in 2017.

After winning his first four fights under several different promotions with considerable ease, Roberson would earn a spot in one of the biggest promotions in the world for budding talent upon being recruited to fight in Dana White’s Contender Series. He would end up fighting Ryan Spann in the final round of the competition and would defeat him with a knockout via elbows, a

moment that was understandably very special:

“It was like speaking something into existence because so many people said I couldn’t do it and when I did I was able to prove them wrong. I made so many people mad and I love doing that.”

He would go on to make his UFC debut a few months later when he would appear on another impressive fight card in UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Pettis, earning the aforementioned sixth consecutive win to begin his career after submitting Darren Stewart via rear-naked chokehold. Since earning his place in the UFC through sheer hard work and devotion to his craft Karl has established himself as a remarkable fighter who is prepared to fight tooth and nail for what he rightfully deserves, adding that:

“Everything I went through, I chose to go through. The ups and downs are all a part of the game, it's something you [have to] live with and I loved all of the experiences.”

When asked about the organization's impact on his career as a professional fighter, he made it clear that the UFC has done much more than shape him as a fighter: “It teaches you the business part of the game, not just the fighting part. It teaches you how to uphold your brand, how to represent yourself, how to present yourself as more than just a fighter.” Arguably the greatest example of this shift in his perspective comes in the form of his latest business venture Cream, a budding cannabis retailer that Karl and his team are working diligently to

bring to the market and compete with the biggest names in the cannabis industry much like he has done throughout his MMA career. It isn’t just a great business opportunity for Karl however, noting that cannabis has the potential to help with mental recovery just as much as it does physical recovery without posing much less risk than prescription medications.

Since his UFC fight this past summer, Roberson has additionally been using some of his newfound free time to support a multitude of charitable causes. In his home state of New Jersey, he works alongside the PAL to support low-income housing as well as contributing his time to the tree lighting ceremony held in Jersey City annually. He isn’t done with fighting either, expressing an interest in competing in both bareknuckle boxing and celebrity boxing. Everybody should keep an eye out for “Baby K” if he does decide to pursue other professional fighting opportunities. We at WAJ Sports are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to speak with Karl Roberson and hope to see his name everywhere in the coming future.

Author and Interviewer: Gavin Saxon Location: Chris Michael’s Steak House Jeweler: Lucy Leenet Diamonds Coordinator: Amber Le

+ Photographer: LaQuan Scott

The sport of professional wrestling is loud, intense, and in your face. But most importantly, it's entertaining as hell.

The same could be said for New Jersey native “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela. The self-proclaimed King of the Independents has been one of the most talked about stars in the business since debuting 18 years ago. He’s managed to entertain fans in various wrestling promotions from Combat Zone Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Guerilla to Major League Wrestling and All Elite Wrestling.

Joey’s brash persona and risk taking in-ring style has garnered both praise and criticism from fans and figures within the world of professional wrestling. Janela is more than aware of his divisiveness both in front of the crowd and on the internet. In fact, he revels in it.

We managed to have a chat with The Bad Boy ahead of his matches at Game Changer Wrestling’s 4 Cups Stuffed & The Art of War events.

Deascent: How does it feel at this point to still be young, but still an elder statesman of sorts when it comes to the world of professional wrestling?

Joey Janela: I've been wrestling for like 18 years now. So, it's been a while. Time flies. It's wild. I'm still young myself. I get to see all the younger guys coming that are way better at 17 and 18 than I ever was at their age. In fact, they’re better at 18 than I was at 28. The game

has changed when it comes to wrestling. The indies are blowing up again and I'm glad to just be, still kicking it, you know?

D: Yeah, absolutely! With you having this wealth of experience, do you find yourself in a position where the upcoming wrestlers are reaching out to you get opinions about characters, matches and things like that? Is that something that you're currently experiencing?

JJ: Oh, it's something I experienced over the last probably six, seven years or so. I've helped a lot of the new talent out. I have an eye for young talent. I usually have a chance now to wrestle the newer people on the independents.

When it's all said and done, I would've wrestled a who's who of professional wrestling in the next 20 years and the last 10. I get to give advice to a lot of young guys and girls coming up about what to do and what not to do because I've experienced it all.

D: You spoke about the boom that's currently happening in professional wrestling, mainly on the independent scene. Because for a while it was dominated by one specific entity. But with the emergence of another big North American promotion (All Elite Wrestling), it trickled down into the independents. Would you say that this is the healthiest it has been in quite some time?

JJ: Of course, COVID really derailed a lot of stuff which also derailed independent wrestling

for a little bit, but I think we're getting back there. The crowds are great everywhere and there are a lot of sellouts all over. My schedule is crazy right now wrestling all over the world. I'm wrestling in South Korea. There's wrestling in Italy. These are places that didn't really have independent wrestling 10 years ago.

It's cool to see it booming again, and I think it's just going to keep getting bigger. Who knows what will happen? Wrestling is very healthy right now. TV advertisers are looking at wrestling in a new light again. Whenever wrestling and the business are booming on TV, the independents are certainly going to thrive.

D: Let's talk about you working with a lot of veterans. Over the last few months, you've done stuff with the likes of X-Pac, The Hardys, and Gangrel. What's it like for you, I'm pretty sure, like most of us who watched these all-time greats when you find yourself occupying storylines and matches?

JJ: I've always looked up to a lot of these guys. I got to bring a lot of them back from the grave per se and give them some new faith in themselves even though their age is what it is. When I got work with X-Pac, he came back in phenomenal shape. Unfortunately, he tore his bicep, but he'll be back again. Of course, I got to wrestle the Hardys recently.

Those guys should be on every wrestler’s bucket list. Over the years I've wrestled so many guys, the Marty Jannetty of the world, the Ricky Mortons, and all these other guys. They do appreciate what I've done. A lot of wrestling fans think otherwise because of the way I've been perceived on the internet as if I'm murdering the business. But these guys appreciated me, and I appreciate them.

I have always loved the business. I always like to give back to the veterans.

D: That’s amazing because there is this overwhelming toxic approach that a lot of wrestling fans have now. The access to so much of the behind-the-scenes kind of sways perception, but it's good to see guys like you kind of putting their head charging through and being very dedicated to something that they love, and incredibly good at.

To kind of piggyback off that, Bully Ray is always obsessed about how a good heel isn't liked by the fans. But I feel like you and Matt Cardona are so entertaining that it's hard not to enjoy what it is that you're doing independent of the fact that you're supposed to be hated. How do you feel about that?

JJ: I don't really perceive myself as a heel though. Cardona is a heel. But

me, I don't perceive myself as one that I leave that up to the fans. Some buildings I'll be cheered, and some buildings I'll be booed. I'm just a polarizing character. Except for the end of my AEW run, I was a bit of a heel. But now that I'm back on the indies, it's what YOU think of me.

I'm either going to be a heel or babyface to some. Usually, the more mainstream crowds don't like me. The independent fans appreciate me so I'm always going to be cheered there. In certain

situations, I could be heelish. In certain situations I could be a face. The most polarizing wrestlers always make the most money. That's why I'm still kicking it after 18 years.

D: Are you still in that headspace of being a (wrestling) fan to the degree that you were prior to getting into the business? or has your fandom been altered because you've been involved with it for so long?

JJ: I’m not a fan of TV wrestling. I don't watch it. I didn't watch AEW when I was in AEW. I watch micro content. That's where it's right now. I tell everyone that.

I said on Twitter "I wrestle for the gifs. I wrestle for the clips". It's all about micro content. Not only in wrestling, but in every facet of entertainment. That's how I watch my wrestling. I watch it on Twitter. I know something is good because I see the tweets and I see the clips.

The independents are different. If I'm at a Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) show or whatnot and I'm not wrestling, I'll watch the whole show. If I'm on the card and I wrestle early, I'll go out there and watch the rest as a show. I guess I am still a fan, but not to the capacity I once was., but uh, you know, I think it's a, a lot of people perceive wrestling differently.

I will watch some old school WWF Superstars though or an old episode of Monday Night Raw from 1995.

D: Speaking of GCW, you talked about being a very polarizing figure when it comes to the world of professional wrestling. In some capacity, depending on what your taste is, You and GCW share that same spirit. Do you think that's why you and the company are a perfect match?

JJ: ECW was the same way (a polarizing company). There were different means of people saying it back because there wasn't a huge internet presence in pro wrestling at the time. People were screaming from the rooftops that ECW was killing the business. There have always been polarizing wrestling companies with hardcore

wrestling and the death matches. It seems like every week people are yelling about something about GCW and it seems every week someone's yelling about something about me.

I think we're a match made in heaven and that's why I do so well there. We have a track record in the business right now, and it's going to have more of an impact even than Ring of Honor I'd say. People will be looking back years from how many people came through GCW and got their start. That's my opinion. It's trickling into the mainstream. Obviously Ring of Honor had a crazy impact on the business with the names they produce.

But I think 20 years from now GCW will be way above that bar that ROH set.

D: With you approaching two decades of being in professional wrestling, What will the legacy and the legend of Joey Janela be when it comes to the world of professional wrestling?

JJ: I think it really won't be something that's established until I'm probably dead honestly . But I think I'm leaving a mark on wrestling. And it's just a polarizing image.

There are people that come around who stick to the game plan, and they stay on the straight and narrow path in the wrestling business, and they make some money. Then there are people like me who do what they do and have no regrets about what they've done so far.

I think a lot of people today appreciate me. I don't even know the impact I'm going to leave on the wrestling business. But a lot of memorable people tell me I've left a mark, so I'm going to believe them. There are younger people telling me that they grew up watching me on the indies and it inspired them, and now they're making a ton of money. To me that's so cool, man.

I'm not the troll I portray on the internet or social media. I’m humble. I live a normal life outside of wrestling. I just love going down to the (Jersey) Shore and drinking margaritas. And then I must go, put on a pair of tights on the weekend and drop myself on my head. So that's the only difference between my life and your life.

Why you need dental insurance in retirement.

Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage for their entire working life, through employer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to put off or even go without care.

Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.

When you’re comparing plans ...

Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1

Previous dental work can wear out.



Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only.

That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. That means if you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.

Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2



Look for coverage with no deductibles. Some plans may require you to pay hundreds out of pocket before benefits are paid.

Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.

Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.



Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.

The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.

Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $217 for a checkup ... $189 for a filling ... $1,219 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.

1 “Medicare & You,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2021. 2 “How might my oral and dental health change as I age?”, www. usnews.com, 11/30/2018. 3 American Dental Association, Health Policy Institute, 2018 Survey of Dental Fees, Copyright 2018, American Dental Association.

“I don’t worry”

“Now that I have your dental policy, I don’t worry about going to the dentist. I love your plan — you pay what you say!”

Colleen W., MO