Former WWE PPV wrestlers battle in Stride Pro Wrestling

2 is Greater than 1
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The headline is true. Two former WWE pay per view guests will be doing battle this Saturday night at Stride Pro Wrestling. In 2012 Jay (Heath) Hatton and Aaron Relic (Ace Hawkins) teamed up and took on Ryback at Extreme Rules. The duo didn't fare well, but having known both men from their time in All American Pro Wrestling, I couldn't have been prouder.

Hatton & Hawkins team with Jay Spade
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Fast forward to present day, the '2 is Greater than 1' duo is part of Stride Pro Wrestling. Hawkins' appearances have been more sporadic, but he's always a welcomed guest here as the fans in southern Illinois have grown to love his work in the ring. Hatton, of course, has been a staple in Stride and a former heavyweight and Legacy champion. The two have teamed up here and have similar foes. However, the two are about to find themselves on opposite sides of the ring.

That's right, Hatton and Hawkins are signed for the opening round of the Stride Cup Tournament. Eight men are battling for the first-ever Stride Cup. In addition to the abovementioned stars, you'll also see Ax Allwardt, JD Wilk, El Magnifico, Brian Richards, Shane Lauder and a yet to be announced wrestler in the tournament. 

Hawkins and Hatton wrestling overseas

Hatton and Hawkins have a wealth of experience in the ring. Not only have they torn things up on the indy scene here in the Midwest, they've also had big opportunities to wrestle overseas. Those experiences in Europe along with the short time with WWE peppered with their years on the indies, it's going to be an exciting match and will likely steal the show.

Come check out the Stride Cup opening round and all the other action this Saturday night. Bell time is 6:30 p.m. at the Illinois Star Centre Mall in Marion. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

Promo code: MY123CENTS

2 is Greater Than 1

Ace Hawkins & Heath Hatton on WWE (WWE)

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

For the last few weeks the artist formerly known as Skip Sheffield has been mowing down the competition in the ring.  Ryback has been competing against "local talent" on SmackDown! and on Sunday night at Extreme Rules, his opponents including two wrestlers I personally know.

Billed as Aaron Relic and Jay Hatton on the WWE pay per view, All American Pro Wrestling fans know them better as Ace Hawkins and Heath Hatton.  Readers of My 1-2-3 Cents may remember Heath being included in my Stars of 2012 post earlier this year.

Ace vs. Ryback (WWE)

Even though their prematch promo lasted about as long as the match, it was great to see a couple of our guys in the WWE spotlight.  They may have been demolished by the "terminator" but I can't tell you how proud I am of Ace and Heath.  These two guys have worked hard on the indy scene for the last few years.  It's great to see them getting a little time in the national spotlight.

This may very well be the tip of the iceberg for both Ace and Heath.  I want to again congratulate them and let them know how proud I am of their accomplishments and what they did Sunday at Extreme Rules.  Way to go guys.  I wonder if we can get Heath's "2 is greater than 1" trending.

You can catch both Ace and Heath at the May 19 Collision TV in Marion, IL.  Go to AAPW's website for more details or to watch the two in action.