VIDEO: Strideiversary Main Event

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Last week Stride Pro Wrestling celebrated four years of business with the annul Strideiversary Show. Because of COVID-19 and some other circumstances, we ended up having to make some big changes to the show. One of them was to live stream the event.

Then at the last minute, I was asked to do commentary while the stream was up. Because we didn't have a wireless mic that night, I was tethered to the table where the sound system was set up anyway so I wasn't getting in and out of the ring. This made a perfect scenario to stay put and call the matches.

I happened to luck out and the second half of the show ended up recording onto my phone so the glitchiness of the live stream doesn't show on this video. I think my best calls that night happened during this match too. I took my phone and tripod and followed the action as it spilled to the floor. 

So please, check out Ax Allwardt (c) vs. Cash vs. Red Daniels. I would love your honest feedback on my commentary as well. If you'd rather message me your thoughts, please email kevinhunsperger@gmail.com. 

Thanks, and enjoy it! 

Stride Pro Wrestling presents Fright Night

Created by Sam Hunter

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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WWE has Hell in a Cell. WCW had Halloween Havoc. Stride Pro Wrestling has Fright Night. The October show is always a fun one to get into the Halloween spirit.  This year's event will be no exception as I find myself for the first time ever being an in-ring performer.

On Saturday night (Oct. 12) the men and women of Stride Pro Wrestling hit the ring at the Stride Arena (1130 N. Division St., Carterville). I'm excited because I'll be involved in the Boo Bash Battle Royal. This is great because I've never been involved in a battle royal before AND the winner will be a part of the main event later in the night. It'll be a fatal four-way for the Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title. Red Daniels defends against Ax Allwardt, Ryzer and the winner of the Boo Bash. 

There are several other matches already announced for the show. El Magnifico defends the Legacy Title against Bud Gallows. The No Limits Title will be on the line as Bo Sawyer takes on Dexter Roswell. Also, the Sin City Saints (Jay Spade and Tony Flood) battle B-Rad and Will Power. 

I've been told some wrestlers will be in costume that night. So fans, I encourage you to get dressed up too. Bell time is 6:30 p.m. We'll see you there. 

STRIDE PRO WRESTLING: Old school vs. new school

Created by Sam Hunter

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Another big match signed for Thursday night's Bash at the Ballpark features Ax Allwardt vs. Ryzer. This is a grudge match that's been months in the making. Ax is Stride Pro Wrestling's first-ever heavyweight champion. Ryzer, as his name might suggest is, in my opinion, the fastest rising star in Stride. 

The bad blood originates from the Battle Bowl tournament where Ax and Ryzer found themselves on the same team. Things seemed to be fine until the unlikely duo lost. Ax flipped out and attacked the youngster. Now Ax has embraced his 'old school warrior' mindset even more. He's dubbed himself the Millenial Nightmare and from the 'Decade of Decadence circa 1984.

As much as I respect Ax and what he's done for the local indy wrestling scene, I worry that he's shortsighted with his views on Ryzer. The kid has a lot of talent and I predict by this time next year he will have won gold here in Stride. He's a hard worker and a natural athlete. Perhaps it's that one-two punch that gets under Ax's skin.

The brawl between these two will not be pretty. But it will be one you won't want to miss. Come out to Rent One Park, Thursday, August 29. Tickets are just $7 and include five wrestling matches and a baseball game (the Southern Illinois Miners take on the Lake Erie Crushers). Bell time is at 5:35 p.m. We'll see you there! 

Scott Phoenix could top Scott Phoenix

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I've written before about the record Stride Pro Wrestling's Scott Phoenix set in the world of tag team wrestling. He is the only Stride star to win the gold with three different partners. He and Ax Allwardt, known as Maximum Overdrive won the belts in 2017. Then he screwed over Ax and won the titles with Dexter Roswell. Then after becoming a good guy, Phoenix had two championship runs with Farmer Billy Hills.

Now Phoenix is in the unique position to beat his own record. On Saturday night (Aug. 3) at Hot Augst Night, Phoenix and Heath Hatton will team up to take on the Sin City Saints, Jay Spade and Tony Flood. Phoenix and Hatton were part of the Battle Bowl Tournament and finished second, making them the number one contenders to the tag team titles. The winning team, Chris Hargas and Savveon Ayers will battle each other to determine the number one contender for the Stride Heavyweight Title (more on that later this week). 

Phoenix is a graduate of the Stride Pro Wrestling School. He's one of the first to come through the program. The training he received from Hatton and others in the lockerroom has served him well. And with Hatton by his side, I'd have to say the chances of a four-peat for this young star are pretty impressive. Not that I shouldn't be biased in my thoughts, but I'd love for Flood and Spade to get their comeuppance after being shoved by the champs earlier this month. But I digress... 

It's a great opportunity for Phoenix and the fans of Stride Pro Wrestling. Hot August Night is one of FOUR shows scheduled for August. We'll see you at the Stride facility, 1130 N. Division Street in Carterville. 

It's not always lonely at the top

Red Daniels & Ryzer
Courtesy: Jamie Myers 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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There's an old saying "It's lonely at the top." That expression has been notably true in the world of professional wrestling. You see, when you're the champ, there's a huge target on your back. But in some cases, we see other stars eyeing a prize other than the 10 pounds of gold.

That was very much true this past weekend at the Scars 'n Stripes show by Stride Pro Wrestling. In the main event, the heavyweight champion, Red Daniels defended against Ax Allwardt. But before we get to that, there's this...

Ax pummels Ryzer
Courtesy: Jamie Myers

Earlier in the night though, Ax, who recently went back his more vicious attitude, interrupted the ceremony for Ryzer. Ryzer has been training at the Stride school and Saturday night was his night to become an official graduate. Ax blamed Ryzer and other youngsters like him for ruining 80s wrestling with today's product. Ax took the certificate Ryzer was to receive and ripped it to shreds. He then attacked the rising star until instructor Heath Hatton pulled Ax off. 

Now, back to the main event. Ax was taking liberties with the rules and finally snapped and punched referee Lane Austin in the face. Then as he went for his chain, Ryzer emerged from the locker room, grabbing the loose end and preventing the villain from injuring the champion. 

Ax was disqualified and what looks like a new relationship between Red and Ryzer became apparent. The two celebrated in the ring, sending the fans home happy. However, I'm sure Ax will be back with a vengeance as he wants the gold still and to prove a point against Ryzer. Stay tuned, Stride returns on Saturday, Aug. 3 and a big event planned on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Rent One Park in Marion. 

AUDIO: Wrestling Under the Influence: Rowdy & Proud

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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This week on the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast I'm joined by Stride Pro Wrestling's Ax Allwardt for 'Wrestling Under the Influence'. We drink 'Rowdy & Proud' by Three Taverns Craft Brewery near Atlanta, Georgia.

Besides reviewing this fine beverage, we share our memories of the late, great 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper. Be sure to listen and subscribe to the podcast and leave a review!

Listen here.

BattleBowl final set

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Stride Pro Wrestling General Manager Sam Hunter has come up with a new concept for the company. It's a bit like the 1991 BattleBowl: Lethal Lottery event, but with an update. Eight team captains were chosen and each of those captains picked a name at random. 

Those teams did battle Saturday night for rounds one and two of the tournament. The winning team will then face off against each other for a future Stride Heavyweight Championship match. The runner-up team will get a title match against the tag team champions. 

Roger Matheus returns
Courtesy: Jamie Myers

I enjoyed the matchups as we had a chance to see guys on the Stride roster in the ring against each other for the first time. For example, Cash Borden was in there against Ax Allwardt. The other big news of the night was the return of Roger Matheus. In October we thought his career was over after an injury suffered in the ring. But with therapy and training, he's back and bigger, badder and better than ever. 

We now know how that final match is going to shape up. "King" Chris Hargas and Cash Borden will face Heath Hatton and Scott Phoenix on Saturday, July 6 back at the Stride Building (1130 N. Division Street).

Results from the show:

Blaine Black pinned Saveyon Ayers.

The Sin City Saints (Tony Flood & Jay Spade) (c) beat Team Frat Fitness (B-Rad & Will Power).

Battle Bowl: Ax Allward & Ryzer beat Jose Magnifico & Brian Richards.

Battle Bowl: King Hargas & Cash Borden beat Bo Sawyer & Bud Gallows after Jason Tiller interfered.

Battle Bowl: Mr. Anthony & Roger Matheus beat Farmer Billy Hills & Dexter Roswell.

Battle Bowl: Heath Hatton & Scott Phoenix beat Hollywood Redneck & Jason Tiller after Bo Sawyer interfered.

Battle Bowl: Hargas & Cash beat Ax & Ryzer. Ax then turned on Ryzer and gave him a piledriver.

Battle Bowl: Hatton & Phoenix beat Anthony & Matheus.

Red Daniels (c) pinned Wraith to defend the Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title.

Scott Phoenix sets a record

New champs

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I mentioned it briefly on a recent My 1-2-3 Cents podcast, but I figured it deserved a bit more attention than a quick statement. Scott Phoenix recently made history in Stride Pro Wrestling. He has become the company's first four-time tag team champion. That's quite a feat for a young man who is not even three years into the business. 

It all started for Phoenix when he paired up with indy wrestling veteran Ax Allwardt. Under the guidance of J. Wellington Beauregard, the two captured the Stride Pro Wrestling tag team titles in a fatal four-way match in April 2017. The duo became an icon pairing, with Phoenix adopting some of Ax's old school ways. I found his character refreshing as each month he'd share his digits with a lucky female fan in the audience. The long flowing hair and 80s band look went a long way in the development of Phoenix's character.

In November of that same year J. Wells and Phoenix orchestrated an attack on Allwardt which lead to Maximum Overdrive's loss of the titles. But Phoenix insured he would still remain a champion. He and Dexter Roswell became the champions as Phoenix joined forces with the DR Party. The two lost the belts and over time grew apart before finally splitting up.

Phoenix's singles run was short-lived as Farmer Billy Hills found himself in need of a tag team partner after he and String Bean won the belts. The masked man was injured and Phoenix stepped in to help. Stride Pro Wrestling General Manager Sam Hunter officially granted Phoenix's request to be Farmer's permanent partner and the two were off to the races, defending the titles against all challengers. In February their run came to an end when old partner and rival Dexter Roswell and Mr. Anthony won the belts. The new duo's efforts were less than honorable and it didn't take long for Phoenix and Farmer to regain their gold.

That victory earlier this month put Phoenix in the record books. He is now four times the champ as he and Farmer prepare for future title defenses. Phoenix will be in action this Saturday night in Norris City. Be sure to join us for the action.

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Striking his fancy, striking his face

Old friends...

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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J. Wellington Beauregard and Ax Allwardt used to go together like peanut butter and jelly. The duo first connected in 2012 in All American Pro Wrestling. It all started when J. Wells bought Ax's contract from Gaylord Stephens.

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Beauregard and Allwardt stayed together through AAPW's ups and downs and stayed together for Pro Wrestling Collision and when Stride Pro Wrestling started in 2016. In fact, J. Wells was instrumental in Ax's early success, leading him to become the very first Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. 

Maximum Overdrive

Even after Ax dropped that title the two remained focused on success. And once again it was found when Scott Phoenix joined the duo and Maximum Overdrive was born. The team won tag team gold and quickly become one of my favorite tandems. However, J. Wells had his eyes on another prize, the DR Party.

The DR Party
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

In late 2017 he made those intentions known as Beauregard and Phoenix screwed Ax out of the tag team titles. Since then, Ax was been exacting revenge. He and Heath Hatton won and lost the tag team titles, in part because of J. Wells' interference. The former champs even lost a tag team match against Tony Flood and J. Wells in September and Ax was dumped from a battle royal by Beauregard; further fueling the flames of disgust.

Now, thanks to a victory over J. Wells' latest charge, "The King" Chris Hargas, Ax gets his hands in a one-on-one match against Beauregard. The two will lock horns Saturday night at Strideiversary. If I were J. Wells, I'd make sure next of kin is nearby to help identify the parts left behind. Ax's frustration has been building for more than a year. We'll see you on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. (600 N. Carbon Street in Marion, Illinois)

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He just can't wait to be King

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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As I mentioned earlier this week, Stride Pro Wrestling returns to Carterville tonight (Jan. 5). In addition to several great matchups, fans will also witness the coronation of Stride's new King, Chris Hargas. J. Wellington Beauregard made the declaration last month that Hargas would a royal force here.

Hargas isn't just getting his crown Saturday night. He's also going to be in action in a grudge match with Ax Allwardt. The two have been at odds since September when Hargas smashed Ax with his own chain and allowed J. Wells to score the pin in a tag team match.

I am looking forward to the coronation as I'm sure Beauregard has spared no expense for the ceremony. I loved the old days of WWF when Harley Race, Haku and Randy Savage all held the King moniker. I even enjoyed "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan's ceremony. Hargas and 

I have talked and he will be the guest on next week's My 1-2-3 Cents podcast so tune in for that (it drops Monday morning). 

Bell time tonight is 6:30 at the Stride Pro Wrestling building at 1130 N. Division Street in Carterville. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Doors will open at 6 p.m. See you there!

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Flood & Hargas top Santa's naughty list

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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What a difference a year makes. It was this time last year that Tony Flood was preparing to defend his Legacy Title against Chris Hargas. Flood lost the belt and Hargas celebrated two hard-fought, back to back victories. However this year the two are allies as Hargas has turned his back on the fans of Stride Pro Wrestling and aligned with J. Wellington Beauregard.

Hargas and Flood have found common enemies in Heavyweight Champion Heath Hatton and his partner Ax Allwardt. The four will go toe to toe at next week's Christmas Break show (Dec. 8). The new Stride Arena at 1130 N. Division Street in Carterville plays host to the event. (By the way, bring a new, unwrapped wrestling action figure for Toys for Tots too).

Flood has been pretty ruthless his entire tenure in Stride. He's used underhanded tactics to get what he wants, including a well-hidden lead pipe that earned him the Heavyweight Title too. He deceived Jerry Travelstead and Stride fans with an alter-ego, El Fabuloso. He's been a four-time champion here and has done whatever it takes to win and retain those championships.

Hargas, as I mentioned, was loved by fans. His recent attack on Allwardt with a chain is inexcusable. He's battled Hatton for the title too and that's when Flood once again got involved. No doubt Santa has been making his list and Flood and Hargas are on top of the naughty side. Gentlemen, I'd say you have some coal in your future. 

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WWE Hall of Famer heading to IWA-Productions

Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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One of the greatest tag teams of all time is without a doubt the Road Warriors. I remember at an early age seeing Hawk and Animal in action in the AWA. The duo was like no other at the time. Face paint, crazy haircuts, spikes and lots of muscle. The Legion of Doom rolled through everyone they faced eventually winning the gold in the AWA, NWA and WWF. 

Courtesy: WWE 

Sadly, half of the team, Hawk, died in 2003. Animal has continued on and had a brief run in WWE in 2006. I saw him at the Bacon, Bagels and Biceps Brunch at WrestleMania 22. Then in 2011, I was in the crowd as the Warriors and their longtime manager "Precious" Paul Ellering were inducted into WWE's Hall of Fame.

Now the Legend is headed to southern Illinois. Animal will be at IWA Productions this Saturday night (Nov. 17) at the Mt. Vernon Elks Lodge. Tickets for the evening, just ten bucks and proceeds go to the Team Cuff Youth Wrestling program. Many of you read my blogs about Stride Pro Wrestling and you'll see many members from that roster Saturday including Ax Allwardt, Dexter Roswell, Heath Hatton, El Magnifico, Jay Spade, Farmer Billy Hills and Hollywood Redneck.

I'm looking forward to this show as it'll be my first opportunity to meet Animal. It's also been more than a month since I've announced an entire show. Last weekend I did the Impact Wrestling tryout but it's not quite the same as announcing in front of a live crowd of fans. Be sure to join us. Bell time is 7 p.m.

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Former champions set to collide

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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When Stride Pro Wrestling hosts its first show at its new location (1130 N. Division St. in Carterville, IL), a first-time matchup will happen. At least a first for Stride. Ax Allwardt will battle Tony Flood. The two have never met in singles competition here in Stride and this contest promises to be a highly competitive one.

I say that for a number of reasons. The winner of this contest will be named number one contender to the Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title. Each man has held that championship before and lay special claims to it. Ax remains Stride's longest reigning champ (he's also the first) and Tony held the belt on two separate occasions (Jay Spade and Heath Hatton are also in that class). 

Credit: John Cramner and Dewayne Daniels

Ax and Tony competed in a fatal four-way match against Frank Wyatt and Hatton at the first Stride show in March 2016 to crown the first champ. As mentioned, Ax won that battle and went on to have several successful defenses including against Hatton, Farmer Billy Hills and Chris Hargas. Since losing the belt, he's become Stride's first (and I believe only) three-time tag team champion. 

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Flood meanwhile has held the Legacy Championship twice in addition to his two reigns as Heavyweight Champion. He's had highly competitive defenses as well, taking on the likes of Hargas, Jerry Travelstead and Spade.  

In addition to their talent in the ring and on the mic, both men are tougher than a two dollar steak. We saw that toughness when Flood split his head open last month on a ladder during his match against T-Dog. Ax has shown us he's afraid of no man and has delivered countless piledrivers on anyone who has crossed him, including referees.

Be sure to join us this Saturday night (Nov. 10) at 6:30 p.m. The Stride Pro Wrestling Arena is located at 1130 N. Division St. in Carterville. Google it if you can't find us! 

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