My 1-2-3 Cents : Ace Hawkins

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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.

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Sunday, April 8, 2018

Stride Pro Wrestling gets chaotic

Lane Austin and me

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Wow, what a night. I still have that 'wrestling buzz' this morning as I write this blog post. Saturday night was an absolute thrill and for a number of reasons. The biggest being that so many people came together for a common cause, to help our friend Lane Austin. The benefit show in his honor was a huge success with fans, wrestlers and just folks from the community coming out to support Lane and indy wrestling.

We're on the road to Stride Goes Steel in the Ville on May 26. It's an all steel cage show in Pinckneyville on May 26. It's a fundraiser for Pinckneyville High School. So mark your calendars now.

The new DR Party?

The DR Party got mocked early in the night by Stride Pro Wrestling tag team champions Ax Allwardt, Heath Hatton, Barry Karafa from CCW, Redneck Mania and the great Lane Austin himself. That all lead to a tag team title rematch later in the night between Ax and Heath and Dexter Roswell and Scott Phoenix. The champs won by disqualification in a match that was high paced and very intense. I honestly thought Hatton broke Dexter in half with a spear. It was a great match, to say the least. After the DQ nearly every wrestler on the roster showed up in pairs, taking out the two in the ring before them. That all ended with Ace Hawkins flying high and performing a waterfall splash on most of the guys outside the ring.

New champ

Tony Flood finally fulfilled his destiny but cheated to win the Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title. After the ref got knocked down, Flood clocked Spade with a metal pipe and slapped another Sharpshooter on the champ. Despite protests from some of the other good guys in the locker room who came out to help Spade, it looks like the decision will stand.

Wraith
Photo courtesy: Tom Harness

Farmer Billy Hills was assaulted by Wraith and Ryzer as the Farmer challenged for the Legacy Championship. In the end, Wraith was disqualified. Arron Brooks had a good outing with Ryzer earlier in the show, with the rookie Ryzer getting an impressive win. Jason Tiller made his debut against Jose Magnifico. And Bo Sawyer was on the losing effort against Hawkins. Brooks ended up distracting the Midwest Monster Hunter in that match.

Chairshot!
Photo courtesy: Tom Harness

Things got personal between me and Roger Matheus again. He shoved me out of my chair during his match against the returning Cash Borden. This is the third or fourth time Roger has put his hands on me and I had enough. So before he could assault Cash, I took the chair and nailed him in the head with it. It honestly felt good to give this bully a taste of his own medicine, but I fear I've awoken an even more dangerous monster. This Saturday night, I've now been assigned to be the special guest referee between Matheus and Cash at our show in Mt. Vernon.

That event will also feature Wraith vs. James Ellsworth (yes, that James Ellsworth). More matches will be announced this week. The show is a fundraiser for YouthBuild and is being held at Roadhouse Harley Davidson in Mt. Vernon. Check out Stride's social media for tickets.

Monday, March 5, 2018

He's back: Farmer returns to Stride

He's back...
Courtesy: Asa Gray

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The last time fans saw Farmer Billy Hills in a Stride Pro Wrestling ring it was October 2017. Shortly after that Farmer injured his back and was required to take some time off to recuperate from the injury. After months of rehab and physical therapy, Farmer made his return to the benefit show in Christopher, Illinois.

A fatal four-way match had been announced to name the number one contender for the Legacy Championship. Former champion 'T-Dog' Jerry Travelstead, Ace Hawkins and JD Wilk found out Saturday night that the big man from Mud Lick, Kentucky would be their opponent. The fans cheered loudly as Farmer's familiar theme music filled the school gymnasium.

The action spills to the floor

The action was intense as all four men want to cement their 'legacy' in Stride Pro Wrestling. But in the end, it was a refreshed and energetic Farmer who prevailed. He pinned Hawkins, despite some chaos at the end involving the new Legacy Champion Anonymous and his newly picked 'disciple'. Even after the shenanigans, Farmer, Ace and T-Dog ran the bad guys off and Farmer soaked in the ovation from the adoring crowd. Farmer will no doubt be on hand at this Saturday's 'Anniversary Show'. Stay tuned for more details.

JD Wilk (previous match)
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

As we celebrate Farmer's return though, I did want to mention that JD Wilk was injured in that match. He's had ongoing shoulder issues and has re-aggravated the problem. As of this writing, Wilk says he's hanging up his boots for the final time. My thoughts are with him as he makes this challenging decision and I wish him well in everything in his future.

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Looking for their Legacy

Legacy contenders
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

In yesterday's blog post I talked about the winner of the Stride Cup Tournament being crowned the new Legacy Champion this Saturday night at Christopher Grade School. Whether it's Jose Magnifico or Anonymous, there won't be much time to celebrate the victory. That's because Saturday night there is a fatal four-way to determine the number one contender for the belt. So who's in the match?

Jerry Travelstead: T-Dog is the very first Legacy Champion. He's taken Stride Pro Wrestling by storm since joining the company shortly after it was created. Jerry is an educator by day. He put 110% into everything he does, including in the ring. He fights hard and the night he won the Legacy Title in a grueling ladder match, I believe he proved his doubters wrong. Jerry is the real deal and has a solid chance of winning this match and going on to regaining the Legacy Title.

JD Wilk: Wilk has consistently improved his game since debuting in Stride Pro Wrestling in December 2016. He's taken some time off due to injuries and has come back with a completely new style. Once a high flyer, Wilk has bulked up and has used that extra weight and strength to his advantage. But with that new look has come a new attitude. While I didn't like seeing him turn down young fans who wanted to slap his hand as he walked to the ring earlier this month, I do think he rededication to getting on the winning track is refreshing. He's young, he's hungry and he's more dangerous than before.

Ace Hawkins: Ace is the most experienced of anyone in this match (I think, you'll see why in a moment). He is the current Missouri Wrestling Heavyweight Champion (that belt is not defended in Illinois obviously) and has wrestled around the country and the world. I've seen Ace win gold in other companies, including All-American Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Collision. Winning this match Saturday night will set him up to get a crack at gold in Stride.

???: That's right, a mystery opponent will be filling that fourth spot. Stay tuned Saturday night to see who rounds out this foursome. Again, we're at Christopher Grade School. Bell time is 7 p.m.

Saturday, February 3, 2018

Four moving on in Stride Cup Tournament

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Last month, the opening round of the Stride Cup Tournament started. Eight competitors took part in the inaugural event. Ace Hawkins, Jose Magnifico, JD Wilk and a mystery man have all advanced. This evening (Feb. 3) they'll compete in two different matches. Hawkins will clash with the masked man who appeared out of the darkness in January, while Magnifico battles Wilk.

Ace Hawkins vs. Anoyomous
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

It's really hard to predict a winner in this situation. Three of these four men have been a big part of Stride in recent months and have shown they're among the best on the roster. The masked competitor (I've been given no information on his identity or even his name) was impressive in his debut, beating Shane Lauder in just over three seconds and carrying his foe back to the locker room.

I don't think he'll have as easy of a night against Hawkins, who beat former Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion (and Legacy Champ) Heath Hatton to advance. Yes, I know Hatton had been attacked by the DR Party, but a victory is a victory. Hawkins is well-seasoned on the indy scene, holding the MWR Championship right now and competing for companies around the country and even parts of Europe.

Wilk vs. Magnifico
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Speaking of international experience, Magnifico is a product of Mexico... Missouri. He's the finest luchador from the Midwest, that's for sure. But he'll be in there with a hungry and more aggressive JD Wilk. I'm not sure what's up with JD's attitude lately, but something has changed in this young man's life. I'm not saying I dislike it, I think the new attitude has resulted in more prospects for the Poplar Bluff native.

Find out who advances to the finals of the Stride Cup Tournament. Bell time is 6:30 p.m. at the Multipurpose Gym on the campus of John A. Logan College in Carterville.

Friday, January 12, 2018

Fun Fact Friday: Ace Hawkins

Ace Hawkins
Courtesy: MegaSlam Wrestling

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Several years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Ace Hawkins. He was a part of All American Pro Wrestling and eventually Pro Wrestling Collision. He and Brandon Espinso were a successful tag team, winning the championships in both companies. Despite having known him for years, I don't feel like I "know" Ace. So I asked him to participate in this week's Fun Fact Friday.

Cartoon Ace

1. Ace is an avid Marvel comics fan. He grew up reading the comic books and watching the cartoons and now he watches the Marvel movies. In his words, he's losing his mind waiting for Infinity War to be released in May. Ace suggests that fandom is what led him into the world of professional wrestling
as it's the closest thing to being a real-life comic book character.

2. Ace wants to write a book one day. He has already written a handful of short stories. This is a hobby that started in childhood when he stumbled upon the idea that WWE was hiring creative writers. It was then that he came up with a backup plan in case wrestling didn't work out. But so far, things are going well for the high flyer. Ace also went to college for creative writing.

3. Looking for a partner for trivia night? Call Ace. He fancies himself a random trivia buff. He knows "stupid" info on everything from history to vocabulary to pop culture. For example, did you know in Ireland they have a festival where they marry a local girl to a goat for three days? His friends call these things #Acefacts

If you want to keep up with Ace on social media, he's everywhere. His Facebook page is here. Look for @Acesaywhat on both Twitter and Instagram too. And look for Ace tomorrow night as he battles Heath Hatton in the Stride Cup Tournament. The venue has changed to the Carterville Community Center (120 N. Greenbriar Road in Carterville). We'll see you there!

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Stride's cup runneth over

The Stride Cup (date will change)
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Stride Pro Wrestling's talent pool is deep. From established veterans (and by no mean do I mean old guys) like Heath Hatton, Ax Allwardt, Ace Hawkins and El Magnifico to upcoming talent like JD Wilk, Brian Richards and Shane Lauder the roster is stacked. All seven of these men have a common goal in 2018. They're competing to be the first ever Stride Cup tournament winner.

General manager Sam Hunter announced this concept a few months ago. This single elimination eight-man tournament kicks off this Saturday night at the Illinois Star Centre Mall. Notice I said eight men are involved but only listed seven competitors. That's because the remaining contestant has not been revealed yet. But we do know the opening round will be exciting and the honor of winning the cup could go to anyone involved.

The scheduled matches include Allwardt facing off against Wilk. It's a classic old school vs. new school matchup. WWE pay per view alumni Hatton and Hawkins square off. El Magnifico goes at it again against Richards. And Lauder drew the short straw facing an opponent no one is certain of.

I know it hasn't even been a month yet and we had two shows in December, but I've missed my friends in Stride. I can't wait to be a part of the show and all the upcoming events planned in 2018. It's going to be an exciting year for Stride Pro Wrestling. Thanks for being a part and if you haven't checked it out yet, what are you waiting for?

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Monday, January 8, 2018

Former WWE PPV wrestlers battle in Stride Pro Wrestling

2 is Greater than 1
Courtesy: WWE

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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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.

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Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Brandon Espinosa returns to Stride Pro Wrestling

Espy vs. AT Brooks
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

It's been more than a year, but after some late night negotiations, Stride Pro Wrestling General Manager Sam Hunter has inked a deal to bring back Brandon "Espy" Espinosa. The former MWR Missouri Champion will be in Marion this Saturday night. He will face another St. Louis wrestler in Justin D'air.

Justin D'air

I'm eager to learn more about D'air as this will be the first opportunity I'll have to see him in action. The Neon Icon has quite a pedigree though, wrestling for several promotions in Missouri and Illinois. However, I'm also excited that Espy is coming back. I had to miss the show he wrestled on for Stride in June 2016. But I did get to see him battle "Farmer" Billy Hills in Cape Championship Wrestling last summer.

My first experience with Espy came in All-American Pro Wrestling. He and Ace Hawkins were one of the best tag teams on the indy scene at that time. The duo was extremely popular and had some of the most epic matches in AAPW history against Team Overkill of Matt Cage and Christan Rose. One of my favorite matches remains the ladder match between the two teams at AAPW Zero Hour. The battle lasted nearly 20 minutes and Espy and Ace came out as champions. Even though their team name was Minor Threat, they were major players and top-tier talent.

My AAPW birthday bash in 2012
Courtesy: Jason Wilkey Photography

Another one of my favorite memories from AAPW didn't involve a match at all. Executive Producer and Promoter Chris Hagstrom surprised me on my birthday (we had a taping that night) with a birthday cake. The babyfaces on the roster all joined me and Chris in the ring and sang happy birthday. Espy was front and center for that celebration too. It made this aging commentator feel special for sure.

Don't forget, bell time Saturday night is 6:30 at the Illinois Star Centre Mall in Marion. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Come dressed in a Halloween costume as we celebrate the holiday too.

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Hawkins' chance to ace Red

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter