Insane Inflatable 5K

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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My family recently headed to Evansville, Indiana for the Insane Incredible 5K.  Instead of writing all about it, I figured I'd let the video show you the fun.  The area with the giant beach balls was my family's favorite and my sons waited for me to arrive there before ambushing me.  This event is a great time and very family friendly.  Enjoy the show.

Are You Listening?

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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For 29 weeks now I've been doing a wrestling podcast on the Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network.  The show is also on iTunes, Stitcher and Poddirectory.  Each week I've had a new show drop (one week there were two shows) and people still seem surprised when I tell them I have a show.  That tells me that social media isn't as social as I thought, because like this blog I share my podcasts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest and Reddit.

I'm slowly gaining listeners, but honestly the process is taking longer than I anticipated.  For example, I have a great interview up right now with WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling legend Mick Foley.  As of this post, less than 60 people have heard that show.  Maybe I shouldn't be admitting this, but I thought Episode 27: Mrs. Foley's Baby Boy would quickly outpace my most listened podcast featuring an interview with current WWE Superstar Sheamus.  That show by the way is just over 100 listens and is my most listened.  Indy star "Gentleman" Jervis Cottonbelly is a close second.

I'm writing about my podcast not to complain, but to hopefully drum up some interest.  I have several interviews available.  Besides Sheamus, Foley and Cottonbelly; I've done podcasts with Kamala, Jeff Jarrett and "Beautiful" Bobby Eaton.  Nigel McGuinness and other indy stars like Heath Hatton, Pokerface and "Golden Boy" Greg Anthony have all been on too.

I try to have an interview every week.  When I can't get a wrestler on the show, Chad and I provide some analysis.  We've talked about WWE Network shows, eulogized "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes and handed out our annual Centy Awards.  

If you haven't listened and are a fan of wrestling, give it a try.  If you have listened and don't like it, let me know what I can do differently.  I'll be honest, this is a hobby that I'm hoping to take to the next level.  I would love to do more blogging, vlogging and podcasting.  Thanks for the support as always.

Rest in Peace "Nature Boy" 3.0

Rest in peace Buddy Landel

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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The wrestling world is mourning once again this week, as "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel has died.  He was just 53 years old.  Reports indicate he had been involved in a car a few days earlier, and was found unresponsive Monday.  No other details have been released as of this writing.

I remember Landel from his days in the NWA under the management of JJ Dillion.  This was prior to the Four Horsemen and the other "Nature Boy" Ric Flair.  Both men used the moniker, but of course Buddy Rogers was the originator of the name.  Flair beat Landel, who was talented in my opinion, but stayed on the midcard for the most part.  I loved his corkscrew elbow drop.  He had the trademark bleach blond hair and fancy robes too.

Landel vs. Bob Holly during his brief WWF run
Photo courtesy: WWE

Landel bounced around to various independent promotions, including a pretty successful run with Jim Cornette's Smokey Mountain Wrestling.  That led to matches with WWF Superstars like Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart as the two companies worked together briefly.  Landel also wrestled for a short time for WWF and against Ahmed Johnson at In Your House: Seasons Beatings in December 1995.  That contest lasted under a minute with Johnson winning.  I'm pretty sure Landel faded away from the WWF at that point.  He did wrestle at least one other time in 1999 against Triple H in an enhancement match.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Landel's family, friends and fans.  Rest in peace, Nature Boy.

WWF Dream Matches for Dusty Rhodes

Dusty in the WWF
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I have been thinking a lot about Dusty Rhodes over the last few days.  By the time I had started watching wrestling, he was a well-established name in the business.  Dusty was the NWA's top baby face taking on everyone from Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard and Nikita Koloff.  Then in 1989 the unthinkable happened.  The American Dream moved north and took up residency in the WWF.  While Dusty battled big names like Randy Savage, Ted DiBiase and "Ravishing" Rick Rude; there are a few more WWF Superstars I wish he would have had a chance to wrestle in his short run there.  

Curt Hennig was coming into his own as Mr. Perfect about the same time Dusty arrived in the WWF during the summer of 1989.  Several months later, with the help of Bobby "The Brian" Heenan, Mr. Perfect won his first Intercontinental title.  Don't get me wrong, I'm glad Kerry Von Erich won the championship at SummerSlam '90, but I think Dusty would have been a great opponent too.  Perfect's ability to sell and Dusty's animated way of wrestling would have produced some great matches that also brought a high level of entertainment to the show.

At Wrestlemania 6 we got our first real taste of baby face vs. baby face when Hulk Hogan defended the WWF championship against IC champ The Ultimate Warrior.  In the months leading up to that showdown, I would have loved to seen Hogan defend against Dusty.  Arguably the two the most popular guys in the business at the time, the two faces could have made money.  But this was in an era before weekly live television and monthly pay-per-views.  Plus, Vince McMahon wasn't putting on a lot of these types of matches. 

We all know Dusty was a big guy.  But an even bigger guy was Andre the Giant.  The two did wrestle each other in 1980 in Japan.  They were 10 years younger and much more agile during that contest.  But the mark in me would have loved to seen the Dream deliver a couple of Bionic Elbows to the legendary giant.  By the time Dusty arrived in the WWF though, Andre was well past his prime and wrestling mostly in tag team matches with Haku or losing to the Ultimate Warrior in 30 seconds or less.

Who would you have liked to seen Dusty wrestle during his WWF days?  Others on my short list include Von Erich, Warrior and Roddy Piper.

Remembering the Dream

RIP Dusty 

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Just got the horrible news that "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes has died.  He was 69 years old.  Apparently he fell at home and  according to an article on TMZ, he had several complications that eventually claimed his life.

Bionic Elbow
Courtesy: WWE

Dusty is one of the first wrestlers I remember seeing on TV.  He graced the cover of numerous wrestling magazines, many times wearing a crimson mask or preparing to drop his famous Bionic Elbow.  His feuds with the likes of Ric Flair and the various forms of the Four Horsemen, and the Koloffs were legendary when I first started watching the NWA.  

Dusty vs. Flair
Courtesy: WWE

Dusty stood out for so many reasons.  He didn't look like a typical wrestler.  His forehead looked like a road map, scarred from years of bloody and brutal battles in the ring.  He tipped the scales at more than 300 pounds.  And his voice, so unique and probably the most imitated in the business.  Whenever anyone on a wrestling podcast tells a Dusty story, they do it in the Dream's voice.  

The champ!
Courtesy: WWE

I have so many memories of Dusty that I could write for days.  We all know he was special will leave behind a legacy of great matches, promos and of course his two sons Dustin and Cody.  I watched the Dream win the NWA World heavyweight title three times.  He was a tag team champ, U.S. champ, and multiple time winner of the Bunkhouse Stampede. His resume includes countless other title victories. Dusty was the king of promos too.  His "Hardtimes" one was recently replicated by Maria Menounos at the WWE Hall of Fame red carpet special.

Some of my favorite moments include the match between Flair and Nikita Koloff and Dusty came out to save The Nature Boy when the Russians attacked.  It was an unlikely partnership that ended quickly when the Horsemen hit the ring and broke Dusty's leg.  He'd eventually align with Koloff and form the Superpowers, winning the annual Crockett Cup tournament.  I also have a vivid memory of Ronnie Garvin sucker punching the Dream and turning heel and the Road Warriors planting a spike into his eye on the Superstation TBS.  

The Dream in the WWF
Courtesy: WWE

Because I was a WWF mark growing up, seeing him arrive in New York was a real dream (pun intended) come true.  I was too naive to realize the gimmick was a rib on Dusty.  He embraced those polka dots and cheesy vignettes like a pro.  Remember the butcher shop?  "You can't beat my prices, but you sure can beat my meat!"  

Dusty's time in WWF was short, but he had some classic matches against Big Bossman, Randy Savage and Ted DiBiase.  One of his biggest victories in the company came at Wrestlemania 6 when he and Sapphire teamed up and beat Savage and Sherri Martel.  Elizabeth was in the faces' corner.  Sadly now, all five people involved in that match are gone.

WWE Hall of Fame induction
Courtesy: WWE

Dusty helped groom both Dustin and Cody for the ring.  In 2007, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.  He worked to train the men and women at FCW/NXT.  In one of his last appearances on TV he delivered a Bionic Elbow to Dean Ambrose.  Earlier this year, he was on Raw trying to convince his sons to reconcile.  The storyline ended soon after.  

Long live the Dream.  He may be gone, but his legacy goes on forever.  He was definitely more than just a common man.

  

My Money Is On...

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Who I WANT to win Money in the Bank 2015 and who I THINK will win Money in the Bank 2015 are two different things.  But I will say this, I really don't have a problem with any of this year's competitors becoming "Mr. Money in the Bank."  Yes, even Randy Orton. I guess  I'm mellowing as I get older.  Be sure to let me know who you've got this year too.

THINK
1.  Roman Reigns - This is partially because of the Internet buzz, but also because I don't think the WWE has written off Roman Reigns.  I wouldn't mind seeing him repackaged somehow, but overall, I like the guy.  He's continuing to develop both in the ring and on the mic and I think he's going to eventually click with fans.  I don't feel like we're being force fed him anymore, plus the WWE has a year to convince us he deserves a title run.

2.  Sheamus - I like the heel version of Sheamus much more than his babyface character.  Buzz online had him winning the Intercontinental title at Elimination Chamber, so since that didn't happen, maybe a run at the top is coming for the Celtic Warrior.  

3.  Randy Orton - He's been then, done that with both the championship and a tenure as Mr. MITB.  While I'd rather see a fresh face in the title picture, I wouldn't hate it if Orton had another shot at glory.

4.  Dolph Ziggler (he's actually who I WANT to win this year) - I'm still bitter that Ziggler never got the proper title run a couple years ago when he cashed in against Alberto Del Rio.  Injuries played a factor in that, but I also think a lack of confidence and support from the suits contributed to Dolph's lackluster and way too brief run.  The guy has the skills, the work ethic and the popularity.  He just needs the opportunity.  Give Dolph the ball, he'll run with it forever.

5.  Kane - I put him here ONLY if creative has him become the Big Red Monster and quit the Authority.  Kane has been around consistently for nearly 18 years.  The character has evolved many times and I think he's ready to come full circle.  I know there aren't many years left for the big guy in the ring, so one last hurrah would not bother me.

6.  Neville - If you know me, you know I'm a Neville mark.  He's my favorite guy on the roster right now.  But I don't think he's going to win Sunday.  He will be impressive and provide some daring high spots, but I don't think he's ready for a WWE World championship run.  I know the winner has 12 months to get ready, but I like the idea of someone potentially cashing in immediately after clutching that case.  Neville will be there sooner rather than later.  I have no doubt about that.

7.  Kofi Kingston - Of everyone in this match, I'd say I'm the most surprised he's in it.  That's no disrespect to him.  I love the work he is doing now with Xavier Woods and Big E in The New Day.  I also like the buildup to MITB with the group saying if Kofi wins, they'll all have a crack at the title.  But let's face facts, WWE has pushed and pulled back Kofi so many times, he's the personification of a yo-yo.  I like him and respect his abilities in the ring.  I just don't think he's got a very good shot at winning this seven man ladder match.

Jittery Monkey Muffins

Jittery Monkey Muffins

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I've had the pleasure of participating in a fundraiser here in southern Illinois called 100 Men Who Cook for four of the last five years.  Each year I try to come up with something clever and this year I decided to do some shameless promotion of my podcast on the Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network.

I came across a recipe by Paula Deen on the Food Network's website, thanks to a friend of mine.  It was just called Michael's Banana Coffee Muffins.  I thought, why not tweak the recipe a tad and change the name to Jittery Monkey Muffins.  Coffee makes you jittery and monkeys love bananas.  It writes itself.  

So that's what I did.  The only big changes I made was swapping out the pecans for chocolate chips.  I wasn't sure if people at the event would have nut allergies, plus I love chocolate.  Because the event serves a huge number of people, I made them mini muffins by putting them in my daughter's cake pop maker.  They bake in about 3 minutes doing that and for mass production it just made more sense.  They aren't as pretty, but I thought they tasted pretty good, so did many of the people who sampled.  

My table

Since I was going with the wrestling theme, I decorated my table with some old LJN figures and coffee cups to get the "jittery" effect in place.  I also put out a few business cards and donned a lucha mask with my chef hat.  I know I looked goofy and it was impossible to eat without making a mess, but I had a good time and I think others did too.  Plus it was for a good cause as thousands of dollars was raised for the group This Able Veteran.

Yeah, I'm weird

Jittery Monkey Muffins or Michael's Banana Coffee Muffins

Ingredients

1/3 cup melted butter
4 ripe bananas, smashed
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 tablespoons strong coffee
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted or raw (instead I put in about a half bag of chocolate chips)


Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a 12 cup capacity muffin tin or use paper liners.

With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, coffee and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour, mix until it is just incorporated. Fold in the chopped pecans. Pour mixture into a prepared muffin tin. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes. Cool on a rack.

*Cook's note: To check to see if the muffins are done; with a toothpick insert into the center of a muffin, if it comes out clean, it's done.

Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen

Don't Fight Owens Don't Fight

Cena can't see Owens
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Chad Smart
@chadsmart & @my123cents on Twitter

Long time readers know my biggest pet peeve when it comes to professional wrestling storylines is the lack of logic. I can suspend my belief when it comes to the actual wrestling match. Why wouldn’t a wrestler bounce off the ropes and keep running? Due to his height, it’s “believable” only Rey Mysterio’s opponents would fall onto the second rope thus setting up the 619.  But when wrestlers do or say something that is illogical, I am taken out of the story and then use this forum to complain about the lack of logic. 

Will Cena win the rematch?
Photo courtesy: WWE

This brings me to the current Kevin Owens/John Cena feud. Don’t get me wrong;  I’m enjoying the feud. I’m glad to see Kevin Owens on the main roster and the fact that he did what Bray Wyatt and Rusev should have but didn’t do, makes him look more impressive. However, I have a feeling WWE’s patented protective 50-50 booking is going to negate Owens’ impact. 

Owens wins
Photo courtesy: WWE

While it was surprising for Owens to cleanly beat Cena in their match at Elimination Chamber, I was shaking my head in disbelief when before the show was over, Michael Cole was already promoting a rematch in two weeks at Money In The Bank. Take away my dislike of WWE Network Specials (are they still officially PPVs or is there an official new description?) usually being about 75% rematches from the previous show, there’s no logical reason for Kevin Owens to agree to a rematch. 

Since Kevin Owens beat Cena in their first match, what incentive does Owens have to fight Cena again? The first match was a non-title match so logically the rematch could be for John Cena’s United States Title. Kevin Owens, though, has already said he doesn’t care about the title and values his NXT title as a bigger prize than the US title. If Owens wanted to fight for a title, wouldn’t it logically make sense for him to go after Seth Rollins’ WWE Championship and claim that by beating the WWE standard bearer of the last decade, Owens has proved himself worthy of said title shot? 

War of words
Photo courtesy: WWE

During Kevin Owens’ promo on Monday night, John Cena interrupted and rambled on about Owens not being a man because a real man wouldn’t need to come out and brag about winning the match. Cena told a kid battling cancer to keep fighting and never give up.  Cena continued to ramble on in what was more an attempt to let the kids in the audience know John Cena was still a fighter and would keep fighting more than being about Kevin Owens.  Owens himself never addressed the reason for the rematch in two weeks before leaving the ring and walking away from Cena. 

So my question is, other than it’s easier to book a rematch than come up with and build a meaningful match in two weeks, WHY is Kevin Owens agreeing to fight John Cena? What’s the upside for Kevin Owens?

Rest in Peace Tommy Rogers

RIP

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I'm sad to hear of the passing of one of the most talented tag team wrestlers from my childhood, Tommy Rogers.  He and Bobby Fulton competed for years as The Fantastics.  The name suited the team to a tee, as they were impressive in the ring.  I don't know all the circumstances surrounding Tommy's death, but Dave Meltzer has more details here.

My memories of The Fantastics start in the mid-80's in World Class Championship Wrestling.  Rogers and Fulton had some of the best matches on the card against The Midnight Express (then Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey) That feud lasted the entire time both teams were with WCCW.  I believe the teams swapped the tag team titles while they were there.  

They also had a great run in Bill Watts' UWF, engaging in some bloody and violent battles with The Sheepherders (now known as the Bushwhackers)  The brutal heels took the babyface Fantastics to the limit, but Rogers and Fulton never failed to impress.  I know I'll probably get heat from some for this, but I always enjoyed the Fantastics ahead of other similar duos like The Fabulous Ones and The Rock 'n Roll Express.  I'm not taking anything away from anyone with that statement.

The two returned to WCCW and feuded with the Rock 'n Roll RPMs, which culminated in a scaffold match.  I know they had more matches against the Midnight Express (this time with Stan Lane in the duo) when they headed to World Championship Wrestling.  And I vaguely remember Rogers and Fulton actually being opponents in a WWF match in the late 90's.  

Fulton & Rogers

The two remained a team in the years that followed around the world and in the indies.  Chad and I got to see Rogers and Fulton, along with others at the Mid-South Legends reunion show in New Orleans during Wrestlemania XXX weekend. It was great seeing all the men and women from that nearly forgotten time in wrestling history.  He was also on an episode of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's podcast not too long ago.  I know that Tommy has had some personal problems, I just hope he is now at peace.  God speed.