By Joe Puccio

With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, the odds are even greater than usual that most adults will be, in addition to taking their children on a seemingly never-ending quest for candy, poised for some tricks or treats of their own. While it’s a given that All Hallows’ Eve will see its fair share of costume parties, haunted house visits, and horror movie marathons, a decidedly different agenda to celebrate the holiday will be taking place on the East Coast – and it’s one that Generation Xers can appreciate more than anybody.

80’s Wrestling Con returns to northern New Jersey on October 31 with an all-star lineup of some of the greatest professional wrestlers whose heyday occurred during the decade of decadence. The semi-regular events, organized by veteran promoter Tommy Fierro, provide fans of the popular sport with the rare opportunity to meet their favorite grapplers in person to receive autographs, take photographs, or simply express their gratitude for the countless hours of entertainment that these larger-than-life personalities delivered throughout their illustrious careers.

“Considering that I was such a huge wrestling fan growing up, during the ‘80s, being able to do this means a lot,” Fierro commented, during a recent chat with Generation X Wire. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to promote an event that is directly related to a massive part of my childhood. These are all performers who I had action figures, shirts, and posters of when I was a kid and now, we’re working together, celebrating ‘80s wrestling.”

In an admittedly crowded field of metro New York pop culture conventions that are all seeking the general public’s hard-earned money – between New York Comic Con (NYCC), a Jacob Javits Convention Center institution, Big Apple Comic Con, typically held at The New Yorker Hotel, and Long Island Tropic Con, a Suffolk County mainstay – 80’s Wrestling Con stands out as both a mainstream jubilee as well as a niche exhibition.

At press time, scheduled to appear are “Mr. USA” Tony Atlas (free photo with Tony and his Independent Superstars of Professional Wrestling, or ISPW, Tri-State championship belt for all VIP Admission ticket holders), Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Cheryl Roberts, “The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Jerry “The King” Lawler, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Tito Santana, Bill Eadie (The Masked Superstar/“Demolition” Ax), “Dangerous” Danny Davis, The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express (Robert Gibson and Ricky Morton), “Bushwhacker” Luke, Shane Douglas, Tony Garea, Madusa, Sean Mooney, Mike McGuirk, Harvey Whippleman, and James Ellsworth. And for those who would prefer to combine their wrestling fandom with the current spooky season, both Papa Shango (the haunting voodoo practitioner portrayed by Charles Wright) and villainous jester Doink the Clown (along with little person sidekick Dink) will also be in attendance.

As frequent attendees of Fierro’s functions are aware, the unique atmosphere is what primarily sets his affairs apart from the many other “squared circle” get-togethers across the country. While the vast majority of them concentrate solely on signatures and pictures, with little time for conversation and unconventional pursuits, the Lincoln Park, New Jersey native, playfully dubbed the “Con Father,” manages to make his undertakings quite distinctive. “It’s themed, of course, but what makes it stand out are all of the different planned activities,” Fierro explained. “Ultimately, it’s an experience and way more than a meet and greet.”

Visitors to the Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL) on the last day of October will not only get to speak with “Bushwhacker” Luke, but they’ll also get to take part in a giant conga line with him. Shaking hands with a mat legend like Duggan is exciting on its own. But add to that the opportunity to participate in a “Hooooooooo” contest, a supplement which takes it to another level. Getting to be face to face with Eadie, a member of one of the most devastating tag teams in history in Demolition, is a treat in itself. Yet having the chance to get your face painted as his Ax persona is not something that is likely to present itself again.   

Other rare happenings at the party commemorating wrestling’s decade of excess include a live episode of the Prime Time with Sean Mooney podcast, a question-and-answer session with Garea and Davis, and a $500 costume contest hosted by DiBiase. Pumpkin painting and the requisite merchandise tables round out the festivities in what is sure to be one of Fierro’s, the owner of ISPW, an independent wrestling league, and The Wrestling Collector, a collectibles store in Stockholm, New Jersey, most successful expos to date.

“It’ll be finished by 3pm, which was done intentionally to give people more than enough time for trick of treating plans and we’re providing free admission to all kids 12 and under,” Fierro confirmed. “But for a few hours on a Saturday, everyone will be able to become a kid again and relive the golden era of pro wrestling. That’s the best part.”  

80’s Wrestling Con takes place at the Parsippany PAL in Parsippany, New Jersey from 10am to 3pm (VIP admission gets in one hour early) on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

For more information and to order tickets to 80’s Wrestling Con, click here.