Wizard World's Chicago Comic-Con will take place in Rosemont from today to Sunday.

There is so much wrestling talent set to appear at the convention - which also includes comic and toy creators and television and movie stars - that one could joke that the event should be renamed.

And that is precisely what World Wrestling Entertainment legend the Honky Tonk Man said during a recent phone chat about his upcoming Chicago-area appearances.

"It looks like this year the wrestlers have taken over Comic-Con. They should change it to Wrestling-Con," he said from his Gilbert, Ariz., home.

"At one time there might be one wrestler at one of these things. WWE doesn't really book their guys on them. We have done conventions in the past, and they would book us on certain autograph signings.

"The conventions have really exploded. It's grown to huge events."

The Memphis, Tenn.-born Honky Tonk Man credited shows such as "TMZ" as helping to spark the frenzy.

"It's grown into a phenomenon that people are just obsessed, wanting to be around and near celebrities," he said.

For those who want to spend time with the Honky Tonk Man, they are in luck.

Not only will he be at Wizard World throughout the weekend, but he'll also do a meet-and-greet with fans tonight at Gallagher's Pub in Manhattan.

And Bushwhacker Luke, the Honky Tonk Man's friend and fellow World Wrestling Federation legend, also will be on hand to sign autographs and take photos for a fee at Gallagher's.

"It will be a smaller setting. It will be more personable," the Honky Tonk Man said.

For those who bristle at autographs and photos for a fee, the superstar said it's necessary due to the prevalence of online resale sites.

"Years ago, we didn't charge for autographs, but eBay changed that," the Honky Tonk Man said.

The Southland signing was arranged in part by Bryan Koltz, of Joliet, and Frank Reznik, of Posen, who are longtime wrestling fans who became friends with the Honky Tonk Man.

"Frank and I travel to many shows within 100 miles of here, and often advise Honky Tonk Man where he should work," Koltz said.

The Honky Tonk Man said he is amazed at how things have changed since he started in wrestling.

"I've seen this thing grow to Super Bowl status," he said of "WrestleMania," which is considered WWE's biggest show of the year.

"It's turned into a four-day event as opposed to a one-day event. Our business has been taken from small bingo halls and dirt-floor arenas and rodeo grounds to we've now been put on national television in these huge arenas and huge stadiums.

"The whole business has changed that much in the 30 years I've been in it."

When the Honky Tonk Man appears on the independent circuit these days, he is often a face (good guy) as opposed to the heel (bad guy) persona he was for much of his WWF/E career.

"Now the fans love me," he said.

"I like what I do now. I like when I'm entertaining and being nice, and not having to be snarly and angry and not shake hands with people and try to make people mad at me."

The Honky Tonk Man also gained a new generation of fans thanks to a 2008 program that saw WWE superstar Santino Marella claiming he could beat the Honky Tonk Man's 64-week reign as intercontinental champion.

"I thought it was a really great piece of television entertainment," the Honky Tonk Man said.

"He's done a wonderful job, period, on all the characters that they have thrown at him. I just wish (our program) had gone longer."

Still, just the small exposure of Honky Tonk Man in the ring with Marella translated to new fans.

"It helped me as far as my popularity again with the young crowd," the Honky Tonk Man said.

"I had been away for 10 years or so, so kids who are 10, 12 to 14 years old didn't know me before Santino Marella.

"It created a whole new audience for me. Their moms and dads knew me and grandmas and grandpas knew me. But the kids were like, 'I don't know him, Dad,' but now they do.

"I'm forever grateful for the company to give me at least that one more opportunity."