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Monday, October 31, 2016

Boo Blog: A Stranger Halloween

Stranger Things 
By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Halloween 2016 is almost in the books and my wife and I made a last minute decision to be characters from the Netflix series Stranger Things. My wife was 11 and I was the monster in the show. I don't know its official name, so I'll leave it at that.

Her costume was pretty easy to replicate, but I thought it would be hard to become the creature. My wife and daughter went to Good Will Saturday afternoon and found a costume from Superman that looked similar to the creature. Then a few pieces of poster board, some hot glue and red paint and the mouth of the monster was created. My wife stapled the pieces to a piece of black fabric.

It was a lot of fun, but apparently, a lot of people in our community don't watch Stranger Things. Even standing together a lot of people asked what we were supposed to be. Finally, I just told them to Google Stranger Things and it'll make sense.

Terri with an I and Terry with a Y
On the other hand, my daughter and her friend were Terri with and I and Terry with a Y from Monsters University. Her friend's neighbor constructed the costume. For their efforts, the girls won the prize for Funniest Costume in their age group in our town's annual contest. Even the dog cooperated this year with her Squishy costume, also hand made by my wife.

Ken TromBONE
Our oldest son dressed like Ken Bone. Since he's in the high school marching band which is a part of the evening's events many dress up too. I dubbed him Ken Trombone for obvious reasons.

Squishy
I love Halloween and dressing up each year is something I look forward to. I know it won't be long before all the kids have outgrown the tradition, but for now, I'll just keep enjoying the holiday. 



Sunday, October 30, 2016

Retire the Hell in a Cell PPV this year


By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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If you've been keeping up with the blogs and podcasts here from My 1-2-3 Cents you've heard Chad and I both talk about the overuse of the Hell in a Cell matchup with the specialty pay per view. The 2016 show will feature three HIAC matches, plus the one from WrestleMania 32. 

At one time HIAC was a special match that fans anticipated. Now it's an expectation and no only do fans expect at least a couple of these matches in October each year, they also expect to be wowed each time the Superstars step into the cage. Don't get me wrong, I like the Hell in a Cell match. I was in the crowd at the very first one in 1997. 

But it's just not so special anymore. I have no doubt at this year's show all six competitors, including Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks (the first women to compete in the structure), will do an amazing job. I'm not sold that all three rivalries need to be settled in HIAC. I just hope no one gets hurt trying to one-up the other as the show goes on.

Chamber of Horrors
Courtesy: WWE
Here's what I'd like to see in October 2017: the return of Halloween Havoc (I blogged about it earlier this month). Include two HIAC matches there. One would be a "serious" match and one with more of a campy feel with the Chamber of Horrors theme. That match from Havoc '91 featured several "instruments of torture" the wrestlers used on one another during the battle. It was hokey as hell but lots of fun. 

Halloween Havoc 2017 can feature other ghosts and ghouls like the previous events did. Maybe Gangrel can return for a spot match. Kevin Throne, Ariel and the return of The Creatures (two masked wrestlers) could all be a part of the show. Just no Monster Truck matches. 

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Boo Blog: Who wore it better?


Pinocchio triple threat

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year. Even at age 43, I love dressing up. We've been dressing up since 2000. Some years a costume will get a second or even third life around here before donating them or using it as a decoration.

In 2010 we went to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. There were eight of us, so we split into four couples and each had a theme. My dad and oldest son were Geppetto and Pinocchio. A couple weeks later for a Halloween party we attended, I donned the little wooden boy costume. And just this year, my daughter attended a Halloween party and became Pinocchio. Her official costume this is still being completed for Halloween night. I should note my mom made the Pinocchio costume.

Alien becomes Grinch
Our middle son wanted one of those morph alien suits in 2012. After spending $50 on it, he literally put it on long enough for me to take one picture, deciding days before Halloween he was too old (and cool) to dress up and go trick-or-treating. Two years later I used the suit as a base for being The Grinch.

Mad Eye Moody ages backwards
Harry Potter was a popular choice for our oldest through the years. In 2008 I was Mad Eye Moody. He then repuropsed the costume three years later.

Eeyore is a double dose of cuteness
That first Halloween for our boy in 2000 he was Eeyore. We had done a Winnie the Pooh theme with his nursey and couldn't resist the cuteness of the costume. Seven years later his little sister strolled the streets in the same costume.

I just got a look at our costumes for this year. I wonder what they'll be recycled in to for Halloweens to come.  

Friday, October 28, 2016

Boo Blog: The Creatures



By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I'm watching Halloween Havoc '91 for a part of Monday's podcast (there's an interview guest too with Chikara Pro's Kobald). One of the matches I'd forgotten about was the second contest on the card, rapper PN News and Big Josh (later Doink the Clown) vs. The Creatures. 

The Creatures were two guys wearing green masks and green tights. It was the first and only time this team would be on WCW television. Until today I had no idea who the men under the masks were. Turns out the late "Jumpin'" Joey Maggs and Johnny Rich (Tommy Rich's cousin) were the Creatures. 

The Creatures


The match was clearly set up to put over the good guys and include a Halloween gimmick not a part of the regular roster. News scored the pin with Big Josh standing on his back. I don't recall this duo doing anything after Halloween Havoc either. News left in early 1992 and Josh eventually went to WWE and became Doink.

Maggs had bounced around different promotions through his career. I remember him best from reading about him in the Apter magazines. He retired from wrestling in 1998 and sadly died a decade ago at the age of 37. 

So the Creatures may not go down in wrestling history for anything other than a quick hit (if even) at Halloween Havoc. But I felt the need to recognize this spooky duo in time for the holiday.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

The night I stalked WWE Superstars

Searching for Superstars (circa 1996)
By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I've been a wrestling fan for more than 30 years. Twenty years ago this week I was back in my college town of Cape Girardeau, Missouri for Homecoming weekend festivities. I also had tickets for the WWF house show the next day at the Show Me Center. Back then, none of my friends were wrestling fans, so I was dragging my fiance (now wife) to the show.

But the night before we were all hanging out at the Outback Steakhouse in town having dinner before the Homecoming social was set to begin. A couple of my fraternity brothers walked into the restaurant and asked me if I knew about the WWF semi parked in the hotel parking lot next door. I had no idea but instantly became interested. We hadn't been seated yet and I looked Lisa who simply nodded and said go.

Goldust at the Show Me Center (1996)
Remember this was 1996 so there were no smartphones or social media. I did have a regular old camera loaded with film in my pocket. I quickly entered the hotel lobby and headed for the elevator. I was dressed in a shirt and tie so I figured I didn't look like a crazed wrestling fan. The hotel only had three or four floors, so I started at the top, walking down the halls hoping to run into a Superstar or two. Shawn Michaels, Hunter Hearst Helmsley, Mankind, Goldust, Sid, Owen Hart and the British Bulldog were all scheduled to wrestle so I really didn't want to miss a chance to meet one of them.

Shawn Michaels wins (1996)
I walked the halls of each floor with hope fading. I never did run into any Superstars or even anyone who resembled a WWF employee. Little did I know the wrestlers were still in St. Louis for a show up there before making the two-hour drive to Cape Girardeau. I did get my picture taken in front of that semi and I thought it would be the closest I'd ever get to such a thing. But if you read this blog you know in the 20 years that have passed I've enjoyed some amazing opportunities. Here's to another 20 years of wrestling fandom and hopefully no more stalking.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

SURVIVOR SERIES: The champion should be captain

Captain Nikki
Courtesy: WWE
By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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In recent months I've tried to be more positive in my posts. This one, however, is going to take a negative tone. I'm not just letting my lack of excitement of Nikki Bella dictate my feelings here as I would be writing this same post had Natalya won the captain's spot for the SmackDown Live Survivor Series women's team.

Alexa Bliss & Becky Lynch
Courtesy: WWE
The original challenge made by Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan said "our five best vs. Raw's five best..." That being said the Women's Champion, whether it's still Becky Lynch or Alexa Bliss, should captain the team. It should be that way across the board. It's my understanding Heath Slater and Rhyno are the SmackDown Live tag team elimination match. 


The other issue I have is that Natalya isn't even on the team now, or at least for the time being. To imply she isn't one of the best on the SmackDown Live roster is ridiculous. Once again Nattie gets the shaft. I'm reminding myself to not judge these latest developments until the story plays out, but from the way things look now, I respectfully disagree with the choice in captain and the lack of Nattie in this match.

I hope this doesn't mean Kevin Owens, New Day and Sasha Banks won't be captains of their teams should they still be the champs by Survivor Series...


Bored as Hell


By Chad Smart
@chadsmart & @my123cents on Twitter
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Kevin touched on Mick Foley’s passionate anti-Hell In A Cell promo from RAW.  While I agree Foley showed passion in his speech, I had a different take away on the segment. After listening to Mick rant for ten minutes, I was thinking he’s even more crazy than I thought. 

Mick brought up his injuries from wrestling inside (or more accurately, on top of) Hell In a Cell. If there’s any wrestler who can blame injuries on the “demonic cage” it is most certainly Mick Foley. Being thrown off the top as well was falling through the top of the cage (twice), Mick can definitely make the claim the Cell shortens the careers of those who step through it’s menacing door. Except history would refute those claims. 


The first HIAC
Courtesy: WWE
Prior to this year’s Hell In A Cell show which features a TRIPLE MAIN EVENT OF THREE HELL IN A CELL MATCHES, there have been 30 HIAC matches since its debut on October 5, 1997. Of the wrestlers who have competed in HIAC matches, only CM Punk hasn’t had some sort of physical activity inside a wrestling ring in the past two years. For a match that is so dangerous none of the other participants seem to have any long term negative effects. 

Also, if HIAC is so dangerous, why does WWE trot it out every year for a pay per view and treat it as any other gimmick match instead of the feud ending necessity which was it’s original purpose? As Kevin and I discussed on episode 101 of the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast, on this year’s show none of the TRIPLE MAIN EVENT  matches NEED to be inside the cage. The matches are taking place inside HIAC because it would be pointless to have a show called Hell In A Cell and not feature any HIAC matches. 


Courtesy: WWE
While Foley tried to express how dangerous a match that’s treated with as much danger by the participants as any normal squash match, the other aspect of the segment that took me out of the story being told was the look of boredom on both Charlotte and Sasha’s faces. Not only did they appear to not be listening to Foley, when they spoke, they rattled off what sounded like emotionless overly scripted promos. At the end when Sasha told Charlotte, “I’ll see you in hell!” it came off with as much impact as Tommy Wiseau screaming, “You’re tearing me apart Lisa” in The Room. 

While I have no doubt the match between Charlotte and Sasha has the potential to steal the show (and I think it should be the main event), the go home segment did very little to sell me on the intensity or danger of the match itself.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

When words speak louder than actions

Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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The go-home Raw for Hell in a Cell Monday night was full of more talk than wrestling. All participants in the triple main event had time to talk, plus the antics with Chris Jericho pursuing his list, Curtis Axel's promo and the Brock Lesnar-Paul Heyman response to Goldberg meant a lot less in-ring action. While I wasn't a huge fan of all the talk, there was one segment that stood out to me- the contract signing for the Raw Women's Championship.

Not only did Sasha Banks and Charlotte deliver passionate arguments about why they'll win Sunday, but also Mick Foley's call for concern put the segment over the top. Other than the Undertaker and maybe Triple H, no other WWE Superstar has been more associated with Hell in a Cell than Foley. His typically easy going demeanor quickly changed as he warned both women about the insanity they're about to face.

Courtesy: WWE
Mick's emotional recount of all the health problems he's faced through his career resonated with me. It was the best Foley segment I've seen in years. Both women were impacted but remained confident in their resolve. The other thing that made this segment so special was neither woman laid a hand on the other. The contract signing didn't end in the predictable chaos that most signings do. Well done Mick, Sasha and Charlotte. This segment made me even more excited about what I hope will be the HIAC main event. Wooo!

Monday, October 24, 2016

Running on empty

The Shawnee Marathon
October 24, 2015


By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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One year ago today I celebrated one of the greatest successes of my life. I completed my first marathon. I still say first (and not only) because my hope is to one day do it again. In the days that followed that epic moment of my life I wrote about my struggles of getting back to running long distances. Now, 366 days later I still haven't found my motivation to go the distance.

The River to River Relay 2016
I am still running and I enjoy doing it. But I'm not pushing the limits. Members of the running group I'm in, the Yellow Donkeys, have started run streaks. I started mine May 1 and am still going strong, despite the occasional aches and pains that come with the daily running. I'm free styling right not, but I don't think I've hit a double digit run since October 24, 2015. 

R2R training
I've passed up a couple of chances to run a half and even full marathon over the course of the past year, in part because of scheduling conflicts, but also because I still don't feel ready to do it again. I posed this question last year, are there any runners out there who have experienced this and how long does it last? 

Thumbs up to running
I still have my eye on the prize of one day running the Disney Marathon. I know I can do it, it's just a matter of finding that motivation to start the training again and go the distance. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Remember the Titans

Old friends making new friends
By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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If you've read this blog before or know me in real life, you realize I am not a sports guy by any means. Twenty-one years ago I attended my first NFL game when the Rams moved to St. Louis. My wife (fiance back then) and I attended a couple of games that opening season, just to say we went. Fast forward a couple of decades and I found myself at another NFL game, this time in Nashville to cheer on the Tennesee Titans.

It all started a couple of months ago when my friend of 40 years (it blows my mind to say that) Kevin texted me and asked if I liked football. My response was "I like watching my son play high school ball" which was about all I'd seen in terms of football in recent years. Even that level of competition I don't understand what's going on. But being lifelong friends I'm never going to turn down the chance to spend time with a buddy. Since moving away from St. Louis in 1997 I don't have the chance to visit with my friends from that area very often.

Kevin and I hit Nashville Saturday night and took in some of the local bars and listened to some great music. Because we're both old, we were back in the hotel and asleep before the opening monolog on Saturday Night Live was over. But we woke up refreshed and ready for some football.


Rubiks Groove
We arrived at Nissan Stadium ready to watch the Titans battle the Indianapolis Colts. Before going in to find our seats we enjoyed some live music from an 80s tribute band called Rubiks Groove. Each member was dressed like an icon from that decade, including Teen Wolf, Edward Scissorhands and Johnny (the douchebag from Karate Kid).  We played a game of modified cornhole where if you sunk the bag in the hole you won a shirt. We each won. Oh and there was the photo op with the cheerleaders. Then it was off to our seats and time for the game.


Here come the Titans!
I was pleasantly surprised to see former WWE Superstar The Road Dog pop up on the jumbotron welcoming fans to the stadium. Then it wasn't long before the Titans made their way to the field, using a mix of The New Age Outlaws' theme song along with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's. There were pyro and fanfare reminding us both of a WWE event. 



Even though I didn't really know what was happening on the field, it was a fun time watching the game and seeing the action in person. The environment was great as we sat with a mixture of both Titans and Colts fans. I even got lei'd by a stadium employee. It was a great day for football, the weather was awesome and I loved the stadium. Hopefully, it won't be another 21 years before my next NFL experience.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

One More Match: AJ Styles vs. Shawn Michaels





By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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The internet is buzzing after an interview with WWE World Champion AJ Styles and his desire to wrestle former champion and Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels. It would definitely be a dream match, even six-and-a-half years after Michaels' retirement from wrestling. But will it happen? More importantly, SHOULD it happen?

Here is my 1-2-3 cents on the subject. I would not be opposed to a Shawn Michaels one off with AJ Styles. I don't necessarily like the idea of it being for the championship, and I supposed if it's booked right it wouldn't have to be for the gold. Shawn still appears to be in good shape and there's plenty of time to knock off ring rust between now and the Royal Rumble at the end of January. 

AJ Styles
Courtesy: WWE
The important things to remember is booking this match and making it relevant to the current plans for AJ. Also, don't take away his momentum if he's going to be defending the championship at WrestleMania in Orlando. It would be a huge let down for AJ to come up short against a guy who has been on the shelf for nearly seven years, even if that guy is Shawn Michaels.

Shawn Michaels in action
Courtesy: WWE
Often I complain about part-timers coming in and taking an opportunity from current roster talent. But like I said if it's booked right (and by right I mean the way I want it *insert smiley face*) I don't see the harm in a one-time match. Others have complained about guys retiring and returning to the ring. The only time I really had an issue with it was with Ric Flair and that's just because I was there for what was billed as his last match and since I consider him the greatest of all time, I didn't want to see him work for another company. 

Bottom line, I think this could be a great opportunity to elevate the continuing rising star of AJ and give fans a chance to see their hometown hero HBK make his triumph return to the ring. 

Friday, October 21, 2016

REJECTED: The podcast guests that could have been



Ric Flair has an invitation here
Courtesy: WWE
By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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For nearly two years I've been doing a wrestling podcast on iTunes and the Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network. It's given me an opportunity to interview a variety of wrestling legends, current Superstars and indy talents around the world.


Here are just a few of the greats I've had the chance to interview: WWE Hall of Famers like Mick Foley, Bushwhacker Luke, "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan and "Cowboy" Bob Orton. The legends including Honky Tonk Man, Jeff Jarrett, Kamala, Terri Runnels and "Beautiful" Bobby Eaton. Current Superstars like Sheamus, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have all be on too. Indy favorites Heath Hatton, Farmer Billy Hills and "Golden Boy" Greg Anthony are friends of the show as well. It's an impressive lineup if I do say so myself. 

But for all the luck I've had securing guests (and I can thank a variety of friends in the business for hooking me up), there have been plenty of rejections. I typically email or tweet potential guests and ask if they're up for doing a show. Here's a few that either declined or never responded. I hold out hope that these men and women will one day be a part of 
My 1-2-3 Cents The Podcast.

Roddy Piper (prior to his death obviously) - No response
Victoria - Not doing interviews at this time.
Elvira (she was a WrestleMania celebrity I wanted for the Halloween show) - Booked through the rest of the year.
Mr. Pectacular - When busy schedule slows down.
Eric Bischoff - No response
Dutch Mantell (aka Zeb Colter) - No response
Vader - No response
Bruce Prichard - No response 
Ric Flair - I aimed really high with this one. Holding out hope he'll join me one day. Woo!



Thursday, October 20, 2016

Boo Blog: 3 Halloween costumes I want to wear one day


By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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When I was a kid I dressed up every year for Halloween through seventh grade. I took a break until my senior year in high school and then dressed up sporadically in college. Then in 2007, years after having children old enough to trick or treat I started dressing up again and have had a costume every year since. I love dressing up and being creative with my choices. Here are a few things on my Halloween bucket list. 


Daniel in disguise
Karate Kid
Remember when Daniel went to the Halloween dance at his new school in the Karate Kid? He dressed up like a shower curtain. Since that moment in 1984 I've always wanted to wear the same costume, making it the longest standing on my list. At one time you could even buy the kit already made. 


Epic win
Courtesy: Clint Case
The kid dressed like Luke Skywalker while riding a Tauntaun from The Empire Strikes Back, is what actually inspired this blog. This is such a neat costume and homemade. The boy's father put it together. I have great ideas and a vision of what the end product SHOULD look like, but actually executing those plans is another story. If and when I do this one, I'll have to have someone else make it for me or buy one online. 


"I got THE Rock."
Charlie Brown attempts to be like his friends in It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and wear a ghost costume. Somehow, his eye holes end up all over the sheet and the lovable loser gets rock after rock during his attempt at seeking treats. This would be the easiest and cheapest costume to make. This could be the year of Charlie Brown. 

What's on your list? Do you still dress up? Time is running out to decide what to be this year. But I always wait until the last minute...


Wednesday, October 19, 2016

James Ellsworth is more over than Braun Strowman

Braun Strowman beat James Ellsworth
Courtesy: WWE
By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Until July of this year, few wrestling fans knew who the heck James Ellsworth was. He seemingly drew the short straw and was the first of many enhancement talents to face the monstrous Braun Strowman. The former Wyatt Family member destroyed Ellsworth in a matter of moments. But there was something about Ellsworth that resonated with fans.

The indy wrestler and promoter faded away as quickly as he arrived on the scene in WWE. But then in September, Ellsworth reappeared on SmackDown Live to team up with AJ Styles. But the Miz pounced and took out Ellsworth and I figured he would fade away again.

Ellsworth wins!
Courtesy: WWE
Then last week on SmackDown Live, Ellsworth PINNED Styles in a non-title match. Sure Dean Ambrose was the ref and made a fast count, but the win reignited the WWE Universe's admiration for the lovable loser. This week he competed for the championship. Not surprising, he did not win the belt but did win the match by disqualification. In the process, Ellsworth gained a whole new level of superstardom as a result. 

Buy the shirt


Now consider this. Strowman destroyed Ellsworth three months ago. In that time he has received 0 championship matches. In fact, Strowman hasn't even had a non-title match. Something else to consider, Ellsworth has a new t-shirt in WWE Shop. Guess who doesn't? Yep Strowman. And as Ambrose pointed out, Ellsworth has more victories over AJ Styles than John Cena. It's mind boggling, but cool at the same time.

Ellsworth's hard work in the indies and being able to capitalize on that early popularity in WWE has changed his life. Congrats to him. Oh, and if you'd like to see Ellsworth in person, (and you live in the southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, western Kentucky area) head to Cape Championship Wrestling on Saturday, Oct. 29.