Why Cash, why?

Cash Borden, Legacy Champion 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Because Stride Pro Wrestling Legacy Champion Arron Brooks wasn't able to defend the title at Christmas Break over the weekend, General Manager Sam Hunter stripped the champ of the title. That made way for the main event that included Wraith, Ryzer, Cash Borden and Jay Spade competing for the vacated title. Spade and Borden have teamed up in recent months and there's been a hint of dissension between the two.

That all came to a head Saturday night. Cash didn't show up for the match, despite winning the right to be in the main event earlier in the night in a tag team match with Spade. Then about halfway through a mysterious man, covered from head to toe and carrying a lead pipe returned to ringside. We saw this man earlier hit Heath Hatton with the same pipe to help "King" Chris Hargis and Tony Flood win a tag team match.

Borden wins
Courtesy: Jamie Woodworth-Myers

The mystery man made his way into the ring after Wraith and Ryzer were dumped to the floor and Spade had his back turned. The lead pipe was used and the man unmasked himself to be Cash Borden. Borden proceeded to beat Spade severely and pin him to claim the title.

He cut a scathing promo and demanded I announce him as the new champion more than once. He proceeded to beat the crap out of Spade, bringing true meaning to the term 'Christmas break'. Fans were stunned as we helped Spade back to the locker room. 

Courtesy: Jamie Woodworth-Myers

I appreciate Borden's help earlier in the year in my battles with Roger Matheus. Cash proved that just because he's not the biggest dog in the fight he's among the toughest. Add in the hardcore matches he's competed in for other companies and you'll understand Cash is the real deal.

I worry what his new attitude is going to look like. 2019 may very well be the year of Cash Borden here in Stride Pro Wrestling. But don't count Spade out just yet. I'm sure he's resolving to straighten out Borden's bad attitude in the New Year.

Don't cry, order today

BREAKING NEWS: Legacy Championship announcement planned

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Stride Pro Wrestling fans, I just got off the phone with General Manager Sam Hunter. He has informed me that Legacy Champion Arron Brooks will not be able to defend the title Saturday night. He was set to do battle with Ryzer.

Sam wanted me to let fans know that he will be making an announcement Saturday night about the future of the Legacy Title. He is keeping details close to the chest. I pressed him several times and he repeated, "You'll find out Saturday night when the fans do." I respect that and it certainly will add another level of interest to this weekend's show. 

Again, Christmas Break happens Saturday night at 6:30 at the Stride Pro Wrestling Arena (1130 N. Division St.). We hope to see you there with a new pro wrestling action figure for the Stride Pro Wrestling/My 1-2-3 Cents Toy Drive. You could win a prize for your generosity. 

Will Wraith rise again?

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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At the October Stride Pro Wrestling show, Locker Room Melee, Wraith lost the Legacy Title to Arron Brooks. It was part of a fatal four-way ladder match. Not only did Wraith lose the championship but his disciple and seemingly only friend in Ryzer. The two brawled during the course of the match and at press time do not plan to be together this weekend.

As we've established, Wraith doesn't have much to say. In fact, we've never heard the man from beyond the grave speak. However, his actions speak clearly. He's been one of Stride's most dominant wrestlers in the nearly three-year history of the company. He won the Stride Cup tournament and the Legacy Title on the same night and had numerous successful defenses before dropping the gold.

That being said, you can't underestimate Brooks. He'll go into Saturday's title defense prepared to retain. He's said before he wants to be a fighting champion and this will mark his second defense since winning the belt less than a month ago. He retained against Joey O'Riley a couple of weeks ago. 

You won't want to miss any of the action. We're at the new Stride Pro Wrestling Arena at 1130 N. Division Street in Carterville. It's an intimate set up with no bad seat in the house. Bell time is 6:30 p.m. We'll see you there.

 

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Brother vs. brother happening this weekend

O'Riley vs. Brooks
Courtesy: United Wrestling Coalition

 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Stride Pro Wrestling's Legacy Champion Arron Brooks is getting into the promoting business. He is hosting a fundraiser show in Rockport, Indiana. It's set for Sunday afternoon at 4 and is raising money for the family of one of Brooks' close friends Jakob Lester. The young father of two died in a car crash last month. He was just 25 years old.

The show features many of Stride Pro Wrestling's top stars. In the main event, Brooks will defend the Legacy title for the first time against his brother and former tag team partner Joey O'Riley. It's also a falls count anywhere match. This will be a great way to cap off the show, which will undoubtedly showcase the talents of everyone who steps into the ring that day.

Happier times

O'Riley and Brooks formed a team in Stride after O'Riley's regular partner Jay Spade started pursuing a singles run. It paid off for Spade as he became a two-time Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. O'Riley and Brooks gelled well together as you might imagine brothers would. However, O'Riley for some reason snapped back in April at a Stride event in Mt. Vernon. The brothers brawled their way from the ring but O'Riley dropped below the radar for months before recently making his return to Stride. The two have faced each other before but not in Stride.

Courtesy: United Wrestling Coalition

Joey has had a great year. Not only has he had success in Stride along with other independent companies, but he also made an appearance on WWE's 205 Live. On that show, he wrestled as Murphy Myers and faced Jack Gallagher. Brooks too has had a great 2018. He won a huge five-man steel cage match in May to become the number one contender to the Legacy Title. A couple months later he beat Wraith, Ryzer and Spade in a ladder match to claim the prize.

Could Sunday's defense be the first and only for Brooks or can he beat his brother and return to Carterville and defend the belt at Stride's new location on Saturday, November 10. More details are coming soon.

AUDIO: Arron Brooks on his character, haters and more

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Arron Brooks recently won the Stride Pro Wrestling Legacy Championship. Almost immediately, some haters started taking to the internet to criticize the new champ's look. We talk about that and much more in this week's My 1-2-3 Cents podcast.

Arron is promoting his first show too. It's happening on Sunday, Oct. 28 in Rockport, Indiana. Bell time is 4 p.m. and it's a benefit show.  

Listen here and don't forget to rate and review the show on whichever listening platform you use. Thanks!

Climbing to success

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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The very first time the Legacy Title was on the line it was in a ladder match. It happened in Pinckneyville, Illinois when Jerry Travelstead beat Tony Flood in the tournament finals. Now, nearly two years later the belt is on the line again, in a ladder match and in the same exact place, Community Consolidated School District 204.

This time, Wraith faces three men; Arron Brooks, Jay Spade and Wraith's sidekick Ryzer. All four men have had issues with one another all summer long. It all started after Brooks won the number one contendership for the belt at Stride Goes Steel. Spade and Ryzer started an issue not long after that. In fact, Ryzer prevented Spade from regaining the Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title from Tony Flood. So now, GM Sam Hunter is forcing all four guys to work out their differences in a match that has the potential to steal the show Saturday night.

I don't think I'm speaking out of turn, but I believe this is the first ladder match for all four men, at least here in Stride. That I know for sure. We've seen Ryzer, Brooks and Spade all climb that top rope and even scale the cage at Stride Goes Steel. There's no fear factor among anyone involved here. Plus, each man wants a piece of the championship pie. Ryzer and Brooks have never held gold here while Spade has been a tag team champion in addition to the Heavyweight champion.

What I'm looking forward to seeing is how Ryzer and Wraith work together. Ryzer has been a flunkie of sorts for Wraith since they paired up in March. He's a huge factor as to why Wraith still holds the Legacy Title. Case in point, the video above. Will Ryzer still help Wraith win no matter what, or could he have an appetite for gold? And what personality will Brooks bring to the ring with him that night?

Find out this Saturday night. CCSD 204 in Pinckneyville is the place to be. Bell time is 6:30 (come early for a meet and greet with Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee Abyss) Learn more here. 

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TerroRYZERING Arron Brooks

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Yeah, I know the title is a bit lame, but it's to illustrate a point. Since Arron Brooks became the number one contender to the Stride Pro Wrestling Legacy Title in May, champion Wraith and his main man Ryzer have done everything possible to make Brooks' life a nightmare. I'd go so far as to say Ryzer has done most of the heavy lifting here, which is understandable since for some reason he's under the control of Wraith.

Wraith and Ryzer
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Brooks has been beaten up and attacked by Ryzer a couple of times, including taking a shot to the head from Ryzer with the Legacy Title. This lead to Wraith successfully defending the belt. Most recently, Wraith and Ryzer joined forces in tag team competition. Again, the duo from beyond the grave overcame Spade and Brooks. 

Brooks vs. Ryzer
Courtesy: John Cramner and Dewayne Daniels

Now, this Friday night (Sept. 21) Brooks gets his hands one on one against Ryzer. I know there's a lot of pent-up rage and anger that will come Ryzer's way. Brooks will likely deploy a ground assault with a flurry of kicks before heading to the top rope. However, Ryzer is no slouch. His first year in Stride has been impressive so far. Simply put, he won't take any abuse from Brooks without returning it in extreme amounts. The two have met in singles competition before so this rematch will be an interesting one to watch.

Wraith could, of course, be a factor in this match. Will he return the favors he owes his charge? Or will he be too busy worrying about Cash Borden who gets a title shot Friday night too? My advice to Brooks, have an ally nearby. You never know what tactics a desperate man or spirit will use to win. Be there Friday night at Gallatin County High School for all the action.

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Haunted: Jay Spade's ghostly encounter

Ryzer confronts Jay Spade
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Jay Spade has been pegged an underdog for his entire career. However, he proved a lot of people wrong by winning the Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Championship twice. He became the first man in the company to do that, beating the dominant Roger Matheus the first time. 

Wraith & Ryzer

Spade's latest pursuit of regaining the championship was derailed by a man who bills himself as being from beyond the grave. Ryzer has been raising hell along with Legacy Champion Wraith for six months now in Stride. The duo has attacked several on the roster including Farmer Billy Hills, Jerry Travelstead and Jose Magnificio. In fact, the Luchador suffered a broken ankle at the hands of the dastardly duo.

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

As Spade was on the verge of regaining the Stride title from Tony Flood recently, Ryzer showed up to interfere. With the referee distracted, Ryzer made an impression on Spade the former champ won't soon forget. Wraith's disciple whacked Spade in the face with the championship belt. That left the challenger vulnerable and easy prey for Flood to get the victory. 

Wraith chokeslams Brooks
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

The duo cheated to win earlier in the night as well when Wraith defended the Legacy Title against Arron Brooks. Now Spade and Brooks have found a common enemy and will join forces to take on Wraith and Ryzer. This huge tag team match happens this Saturday night. We're joining forces with the Carterville Lions Club for the Free Fair Faceoff. Bell time is 6:30 p.m.

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TatTuesday: Arron Brooks

New ink for Arron Brooks

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Earlier in the month, I shared a blog about some of the Stride Pro Wrestling roster's tattoos. It got a great response and so I've decided for the foreseeable future to make it a weekly feature here. There are plenty of wrestlers with ink and this blog will share the pics and the backstory on each design.

The first installment features Arron Brooks. I wrote more about his tattoos here. But over the weekend, Brooks added more ink to his collection. We've talked on the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast and in previous blogs about Arron's love for comic books. The new tattoo is the Marvel character, Venom.

Brooks' original plan for this tattoo was to get Venom's spider logo on his hand with the black symbiote crawling up the forearm. But when the tattoo artist did his thing, he came up with Venom and the symbiote around the character and trailing down Brooks' forearm to the top of his hand. Brooks is pleased with how this tattoo turned out and has fashioned himself more of a Venom fan over Spiderman. 

Brookspool

Stand by though, Brooks has more tattoos planned. He will be getting his favorite comic book character Deadpool next. You may remember seeing Brookspool at the Stride Goes Steel event back in May. The new tattoo will be a half sleeve. We'll update you here. You can also check out Brooks' Facebook page and keep up with him. 

                                                 

Come to see Brooks' new tattoo as he goes face to face with Stride Pro Wrestling Legacy Champion Wraith this Saturday night. The two meet on August 4 at John A. Logan College in Carterville. Bell time is 6:30 p.m.

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"Triumph over Tragedy"

 

New number one contender to be named soon

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Stride Pro Wrestling returns on Aug. 4 to John A. Logan College in Carterville. I've mentioned in a previous blog that all three championships are on the line. Tony Flood defends the Heavyweight title against Jay Spade, Wraith puts the Legacy Title up against Arron Brooks and Ax Allwardt and Heath Hatton will defend the tag titles against the Midwest Monster Hunters.

I'm excited to announce another match has been set for the evening. There will be a battle royal to establish a new number one contender for the heavyweight title. Spade and Flood have been going back and forth, trading the title a few times along the way since March. The battle royal Saturday night will put someone else new in the title picture.

Like most Stride battle royals, the competitors on the undercard will all be a part of it. I'd expect to see the likes of the above-mentioned wrestlers along with Chris Hargas, Cash Borden, Farmer Billy Hills, Roger Matheus and the DR Party as part of the action.

Again, bell time is 6:30 p.m. in the Auxilary Gym at John A. Logan College in Carterville. Keep up with what's happening in Stride Pro Wrestling right here.

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Finn Balor vs. Stride Pro Wrestling

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Please note: Finn Balor is NOT coming to Stride Pro Wrestling. This is a fantasy booking blog post.

July 25 is Finn Balor's birthday and I decided to put the first WWE Universal Champion in matches against a few of Stride Pro Wrestling's brightest upcoming stars. It wasn't that long ago Balor himself was wrestling in the independents. Never say never when it comes to talent getting their shot at WWE or the national stage.

Brookspool

Arron Brooks is currently the number one contender to the Legacy Championship. He's also the wrestler on the Stride roster who reminds me the most of Balor. The two have taken on different personas in the ring, Balor of course as the Demon and Brookspool has made his presence known in the ring. Brooks has promised more characters to fit his comic book-loving personality. He's worked on cards with Balor back when Prince Devitt was in the ring. (Hear more on that here.) Brooks uses the Coup De Gras in his matches too. Venompool is rumored to be coming to John A. Logan College as Brooks faces Wraith for the Legacy Title on Aug. 4. 

Ryzer in action
Courtesy: Pete Spitler

Speaking of the Demon, Ryzer is quite a demonic figure on the Stride Pro Wrestling roster. The disciple for Wraith has come a long way in a short amount of time. Ryzer has the speed, power and agility to hang with Balor in the ring. Plus with big Wraith in his corner, he'd have an added advantage in there. Give Ryzer some more time and seasoning inside and out of the ring and he's going to be a contender on the national scene. 

Flood vs. Jay Spade
Courtesy: Pete Spitler

I've got to put the current Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Tony Flood in there too. Like Brooks, Flood has about a decade or so worth of experience. He is one of the smartest wrestlers on the Stride roster. He's a ring general and would make an excellent opponent for Balor. Flood has put his body on the line and taken high risks on more than one occasion in the two+ years Stride has been around. It's those risks that can lead to big rewards. 

 

Who on the Stride roster would you put in there against Balor? Weigh in here or on the Stride Pro Wrestling Facebook page.

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