Stride guests ca$hing in

Daniel Eads (in the suit)
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I know the title is a bit of a stretch, but I'm glad you're checking out today's blog. I'll be focusing on indy wrestlers making appearances on WWE television. 

Aaron Relic & Jay Hatton
Courtesy: WWE

In 2012, I saw this happen for the first time when both Heath Hatton and Ace Hawkins (now both members of the Stride Pro Wrestling roster) had gone from All American Pro Wrestling to WWE Extreme Rules. The duo famously faced Ryback in a match where "2 is greater than one!" was coined. 

Later that same year both Adrian Neville and Sami Zayn signed with NXT after wrestling each other at AAPW's Main Event show. I still pinch myself knowing that I called that epic match that night. 

Myles Murphy on 205 Live
Courtesy: WWE

In recent months, some of the talent on Stride's roster has had a look from WWE. In March, former Stride Pro Wrestling tag team champion Joey O'Riley battled Jack Gallagher in a highly competitive match on 205 Live. O'Riley went into battle that night as Murphy Myers and as far as I'm concerned showed his value as a professional wrestler that night on the worldwide stage.

Daniel Eads at NXT Takeover

Over this past weekend, a less regular member of the Stride roster popped up on WWE TV. Daniel Eads, who has wrestled a few times for Stride (most recently at Stride Goes Steel) appeared on camera during the main event of NXT Takeover: Chicago II. He was in a suit and came out after Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. Eads has a ton of talent and I have no doubt he'll be signed by WWE at some point. I don't know any particulars about his visit over the weekend, but I'm sure he also had a chance to wrestle in front of the decision makers. He's a great guy and I'd love for him to get an opportunity on that worldwide stage too.

What a difference two months can make...

The last mention for this post is James Ellsworth. Granted, he's not a "Stride Guy", he did a guest spot with us in April. He's also been on a Cape Championship Wrestling show too. Yes, it was because he'd already worked with WWE, but I still find it cool that someone that was on a fundraiser show with Stride two months ago was back in a WWE ring and playing a huge role in a championship storyline. A few of us went out to dinner with Ellsworth after the Stride show and we all had a chance to just sit and talk (even longer than expected because the service was so slow). 

I love that indy guys are getting a chance to shine in front of more people. Not everyone has an end game of being a part of WWE. But to those who do, keep fighting to make it there. Who will be next to appear? You never know. I don't want to turn this on me, but most of you know I'm hopeful to one day be a part of a kickoff show panel discussion on WWE Network. My hope is renewed. 

Click the pic for this week's podcast

The Jester confronts the King

The Jester confronts the King
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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At SummerSlam, Neville proved to the world why he's the King of the Cruiserweights by beating Akira Tozawa to reclaim the Cruiserweight Championship. He had lost the belt six nights earlier, ending the longest reign to date of that title. Neville got another decisive win over Tozawa on 205 Live. 

While cutting a promo, that familiar music from Monday Night Raw hit and Enzo Amore came dancing to the ring in a Bill Cosby style sweater. He proceeded to cut a promo on the champ, much to the support of the crowd. Enzo dropped the mic after a few words to which Neville responded by doing the same thing, but then leaving the ring. Enzo and the crowd spelled out the fact that the champ is S-A-W-F-T and the Certified G did his chicken dance around the ring.

Enzo is pumped
Courtesy: WWE

I'm not surprised to see Enzo on 205 Live. In my 1-2-3 cents, the show could use some personality. I guess I am a bit taken aback that he instantly came out and confronted Neville. But let's face it, he's been through just about everyone on the roster so setting up a feud with Enzo will freshen up the product and add a new character to a show many fans are apparently tuning out.

It'll be interesting to see how he's booked on 205 Live. Enzo and Big Cass worked well as a tag team, but I could see him getting lost in the shuffle since the feud against his former partner has settled down (especially because Cass is now hurt). With the rumors of heat on Enzo in the back, which are just that, rumors I wonder what the plans are for the long term. It seems debuting him on a new show in the main event isn't a bad thing.

You all know I'm a Neville loyalist. I can't wait to see the King stretch the Jester that just showed up in the 205 Live kingdom. I don't call Enzo a jester as an insult, but the reality is his character is pretty goofy.

Enzo's big task

Enzo vs. Big Cass
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The last few months have been anything but good for Enzo Amore. The WWE Superstar was the victim of two separate attacks backstage before the world found out it was his best friend and tag team partner Big Cass. I'll admit the duo's act was starting to wear thin, but I would have rather seen them take a small break from TV than having them break up. Their split comes on the heels of DYI's implosion on NXT and now the dividing of American Alpha too. It's too many tag team breaking up for my liking.

However, it's happened and there's no sense looking back. When Big Cass laid out Enzo a few weeks ago on Raw it was apparent who was going to be the dominant one in this feud. The two had their first match at Great Balls of Fire, Cass destroyed his former partner. A rematch this past Monday on Raw and it was another ass kicking for Enzo. 

Big Cass wins
Courtesy: WWE

I feel bad for the guy. He's not the biggest dog in the fight and yeah, he's kind of annoying, but I never expected him to be crushed so convincingly. Enzo is clearly getting the Jannetty treatment here. It'll be interesting to see what's next for each man. Presumably, Cass will go on to SummerSlam in a few weeks and beat the Big Show as he continues to climb the ranks of the Raw roster. 

He's got personality
Courtesy: WWE

In my 1-2-3 cents, Enzo should be paired up with another big man, but to fill the role as a mouth piece. He's got the gift of gab and could recruit help in getting revenge against Cass. It just has to be someone other than the Big Show. Or better yet, he could continue his in ring career and head to 205 Live. The show could use a shot of personality and Enzo would no doubt provide that. Besides, Cruiserweight Champion Neville needs someone else to whip in the ring. 

Neville rules WWE Cruiserweights

Neville
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Late last year when Neville returned from an injury with a new look and a new attitude I was all in. I've been a fan of the WWE Cruiserweight Champion since meeting him in January 2012. I've written many times about that and other encounters through the years. It's been pointed out though that Neville recently hit a milestone.

Courtesy: WWE

He is now the second longest reigning WWE Cruiserweight Champion, although the latest incarnation of the title does not have the same lineage as the championship WCW established in 1991 and WWE brought in after the purchase of World Championship Wrestling in 2001. That title remained active until 2007. Anyway, Neville has held the belt for 163 days (as of this posting). That's more than the three other previous champions combined. 

Gregory Helms
Courtesy: WWE

That milestone has also surpassed Tajiri, who held the old championship for 162 days. Neville still has a way to go until he beats the record which is held by Gregory Helms. The former Hurricane held the championship for 385 days. Neville still has a long way to go, but the way WWE has booked him as a dominant force in the ring, I won't be surprised if he sets a new record. WWE has a huge void to fill now that Austin Aries has left the company. But I'm confident with the roster on 205 Live a new batch of top competitors will be challenging Neville soon.