The Conrad Effect

Conrad, Kevin, Bruce

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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If you're a wrestling fan there's a very good chance you've heard of Conrad Thompson. I first heard of Conrad when he served as co-host of Wooooo! Nation with Ric Flair. I enjoyed his role on the show, asking questions of some of wrestling's greatest legends. I flash back to October 2015 when I ran my first marathon and had Ric and Conrad along with me as they chatted with Kevin Von Erich. 

Created by Dave Silva

When it was announced Conrad would be starting a new show with Bruce Prichard I was intrigued. As I mentioned, I liked Conrad's style on the Flair shows and Brother Love was one of my favorite pro wrestling talk show hosts of all-time (second only to Roddy Piper). After the first show about Dusty Rhodes' run in WWE, I was hooked. My only critique of the show was it wasn't long enough. But that problem was soon solved as Conrad and Bruce started digging deeper into subjects on Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard. 

Not to discredit what Bruce adds to the show. But Conrad does the heavy lifting, conducting research on the topic at hand and providing a detailed timeline leading up to said event. That dedication and attention to detail paid off as a spinoff podcast was created with What Happened When with former NWA and WCW commentator Tony Schiavone. 

Created by Dave Silva

With that show, I've enjoyed the humor and the progression Tony has made. When things started in January 2017, I think it's safe to say Tony lacked confidence. I credit Conrad with bringing Tony out of his shell and making him a hot commodity in the wrestling world. That to me is the best part about what Conrad does. He gets shit done and I believe helped reinvent one of the greatest voices in pro wrestling. Tony had given up on himself, but Conrad believed and so do millions of listeners.

Conrad is working his magic again, this time with Eric Bischoff. I've been a lifelong pro wrestling fan, but a WWE loyalist. So the Monday Night Wars left a bitter taste in my mouth during the 83 weeks WCW dominated. However, the new show, 83 Weeks, has been very interesting. I've enjoyed getting to know more about the decisions and what was going on behind the scenes as it comes straight from the horse's mouth. I have a new found respect Bischoff that I didn't have 20+ years ago.

St. Louis live show

I've had the pleasure of meeting Conrad and Bruce last summer at a live show prior to Money in the Bank in St. Louis. Conrad was also a guest on the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast weeks after Something to Wrestle With Bruce Prichard started. I value both of the opportunities. 

The Mortage Guy and Brother Love
Courtesy: WWE

I spend hours each week enjoying the works of Conrad Thompson. His name may not be 'attached' to the title of each show, but he is the heart and soul. I love his hustle and strive to be more like him. That hard work has landed him a gig on WWE Network with Bruce. He's a wrestling fan providing entertainment for fellow fans. And he's created a fan base of his own along with some amazing brands. Kudos, Conrad.

Click here to hear from Conrad

3 Things I want in WWE in 2018

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Despite the freezing temperatures, snow and ice, I like the month of January for a number of reasons. It's a fresh start to the year. People seem to put their differences aside for one day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. And WWE presents the Royal Rumble and the official countdown to WrestleMania. Since this is a pro wrestling blog, that'll be the topic of discussion and specifically for WWE. There are three things (off the top of my head) that I want to see happen in the world's largest Sports Entertainment company (and in no particular order).

The Hulkster
Courtesy: WWE

1. Make amends with Hulk Hogan. The former WWE Champion and the biggest star of the 1980s was removed from the company's Hall of Fame section online in 2015. It stems from racist comments the Hulkster made years ago on a private recording. I don't want to turn this into a huge debate, but Hogan has served his time. Firing him and essentially kicking him out of the Hall of Fame were extreme measures. 

There had been buzz that perhaps Hogan would return at Raw25 next week and maybe he will. But he has tweeted that he'll be watching the show from home Monday night. It could all be a swerve but in case it's not, Hogan should be a part of WWE in some form. No, I don't want to see him wrestle again, however occasional appearances like other Legends is more than acceptable. 

Vince McMahon has a history of letting bygones be bygones when it comes to doing business. Bruno Sammartino, Ultimate Warrior and Kurt Angle are all recent examples of that. And without sounding like a jerk, no one is getting any younger, in this case, so let's move on and bring back the yellow and red.

Hanging with Neville

2. Bring back Neville. Yes, I am a fanboy for Neville. I know he walked out and is likely not coming back. However, I would pop like Orville Redenbacher (yes, my go to) if he came back. He's a great talent and was helping breath some new life in the Cruiserweight Division. And I'd love to see him kick in Enzo's head... 

I love Bruce Prichard & Conrad

3. Induct Brother Love into the WWE Hall of Fame. Like I mentioned above with the mending fences comment, Bruce Prichard has been invited back after nearly a decade. Brother Love is scheduled to be a part of Raw25. I know I'm jumping the gun, but Brother Love certainly deserves a spot in the HOF. I loved the character from day one and simply enjoy listening to his podcast Something to Wrestle With.

I'm hopeful with the invite there's at least a chance Bruce ends up back in the company. Again, it doesn't have to be a full-time gig, but I would love to see a handful of Brother Love segments in 2018. He still has a great mind for the business too and could be an asset behind the scenes.

These are just a few of the things I'm hoping for this year. What are some things you want to see happen in 2018?

Foreign Object Friday: Rick Martel's Arrogance

The Model
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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In the early and mid-80s, Rick Martel was the personification of 'white meat babyface.' He was the AWA World Heavyweight Champion around the time I started my wrestling fandom. In late 1986 or early 87, he and Tom Zenk headed to the WWF. The duo was known as the Can-Am Connection. They were wildly popular, but Zenk left abruptly and Tito Santana filled the void and the tandem was known as Strike Force.

Strike Force
Courtesy: WWE

They worked well together and even beat the Hart Foundation for the WWF Tag Team Championships. But it was villainous actions of Mr. Fuji that cost the team their titles to Demolition at WrestleMania IV. Then Ax and Smash injured Martel and he ended up on the shelf for quite a while.

By WrestleMania V, Martel and Santana were back together and facing the Brain Busters. There was a miscommunication during the match and Martel left in a huff, leaving Tito to face a two-on-one challenge. He couldn't overcome it and Strike Force lost in their much-anticipated return.

Martel & Slick
Courtesy: WWE

That's when Martel dropped the ultra good guy persona and became an arrogant jerk. He adopted the moniker The Model and picked up Slick as his manager. I still find that to be a strange pairing, but I digress...

The Model
Courtesy: WWE

The Model gimmick included Martel toting around a cologne atomizer filled with his specially created fragrance Arrogance. He would use the cologne to gain the upper hand and win a variety of matches. The most famous incident involving Arrogance was when Martel sprayed it in the eyes of Jake "The Snake" Roberts.

The blinding
Courtesy: WWE

The Snake was blinded for what seemed like months and the two had their pay off match at WrestleMania VII. They wore blindfolds and fumbled around the ring until Jake finally hit the DDT and picked up the win. The Model continued to carry around arrogance and use it on others, but nothing will top the feud with Jake Roberts in my 1-2-3 cents. 

The 'Something to Wrestle with...' experience

Not a rib...

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Last summer when I heard Bruce Prichard, who I knew and loved as Brother Love on classic WWF programming, was starting a podcast, I was intrigued. I had listened to Wooooo! Nation with Ric Flair and his co-host Conrad Thompson. Conrad brought the fan perspective to the show and asked the questions we all wanted to know. So knowing Conrad was going to be joining Bruce on his show made this a must-listen deal for me.

"Spend my days..."

The format of Something to Wrestle with, Bruce Prichard was like no other at the time. Bruce would tell the story of a Superstar, event or angle as Conrad would ask questions along the way. I loved the show so much I invited Conrad on the My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast last August and he was gracious enough to grant that request. 

"Double cheese, extra onions."

The duo announced they'd be doing a live show in Orlando the night before WrestleMania. I bought tickets for it before securing Mania tickets because I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity. Unfortunately, our Mania plans changed and I had to sell our tickets. But I was ecstatic after hearing Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard was coming to St. Louis prior to Money in the Bank. I already had my ticket for that WWE event, and quickly snatched up a VIP ticket. 

I arrived at the South Broadway Athletic Club right on time for the VIP meet and greet. I stood in line with other fans, but kept to myself, overhearing their stories about past wrestling experiences. I was a little sad none of my friends going to MITB wanted to attend the podcast too. Once inside, I did see some familiar faces and ended up sitting in the front of the room with my friend Jeremy. I also met long time My 1-2-3 Cents supporter Adam at the table.

Swag!

The set up was great. VIPs could grab a can koozie and then hit the line for the photo op and autograph. The encounter was brief, but I got to thank both Bruce and Conrad for the work they do and extend my gratitude in person to Conrad for being on my show last year. Bruce signed a photo and then I got a pic with the dynamic duo. 

RIP George

There were hundreds of people in attendance. Bruce did lots of impressions and told plenty of stories, focusing on St. Louis history, ladder matches, Money in the Bank and of course a few tales that have never been shared on the recorded podcast. I'm not going to give any of that away, as it would defeat the purpose of Bruce and Conrad doing the live shows. I will say this, I will never view chicken salad the same again and if I ever have a chance to have some of Jerry Jarrett's I'd likely decline. Those of you who were there, well you know, why that is...

Bro

Overall the experience was well worth the $50 VIP ticket. They had plenty of tables set up at the venue, so thanks to 590 The Fan and SBAC for that. VIPs were placed in the front, which I appreciate and had a great view of everything, including Bruce's karate demo, the funeral for Jim Cornette's rat George and the calling out of Vince Russo. Bro, I still can't believe he didn't show up.

I never knew... Bobby Heenan, Jr. nearly happened

Brother Love, Bobby Heenan & The Brooklyn Brawler
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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A couple weeks ago I started a new feature, writing about things in the wrestling industry I didn't know about. As a fan for more than 30 years, I thought I knew just about everything. But there are some things that have happened that I missed or were never brought to the public. This entry is an example of that. The info for this blog comes from the Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard podcast.

Almost a Heenan jacket
Courtesy: dWn

On the Mr. Perfect episode, Prichard told listeners the story about how he nearly became known as Bobby Heenan, Junior. We all know Prichard donned a white suit, red makeup and larger than life glasses to play Brother Love. The character hosted his own talk show and even did some managing, including bringing in the Undertaker. But at some point, there was serious consideration to a complete gimmick change. 

Heenan vs. Hulk Hogan
Courtesy: WWE

The idea was for Prichard to bleach his hair blond and dress in the sparkly jackets, just like "The Brain."  Heenan was hurting after years of taking bumps from guys like Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. It was time to rest and stay behind the mic. But somewhere along the way, Vince McMahon nixed the idea and the character change never happened.

Brother Love vs. Dusty Rhodes
Courtesy: WWE

I love Bobby Heenan. I love Brother Love (and Bruce Prichard). I'm glad the idea never took root. I understand wanting to capitalize on the popularity of Heenan. I don't know if fans would have bought into the idea. We know Prichard could take the bumps like Heenan did as he got tossed around and beat up by the top babyface Superstars in the company.

Channeling my inner Brother Love

Me & Brother Love
Courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents & WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Editor's note: I just sold the tickets. But keep reading.

I've talked plenty before here and on the My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast about my deep respect and admiration for the hosts of the Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard podcast. Several months ago, Bruce and co-host Conrad Thompson announced plans to do a live version of the show in Orlando the night before WrestleMania 33. I waited to buy tickets to make sure Chad and I were for sure going to go Mania.

We decided late in the game that we would make our nearly annual trek. Before we had the tickets for the big show, I secured two seats for the live podcast as they were selling out fast. Then my luck at home started to crumble. In the span of 16 hours my family was hit with two bigly (yes I said it) expenses. Both were unexpected and topped the $3,000 mark.

Conrad and Bruce
Courtesy: MLW Radio

Then after chatting with Chad and our lack of interest in the current rumored WrestleMania card, we decided to skip Mania this year. I'm not going to lie, I was really looking forward to going and I was more stoked about the Something to Wrestle With show. However, adulting is hard and being a responsible husband and father trumps being a die-hard wrestling fan, blogger and podcaster. 

So I contacted Bruce and Conrad and let them know I'd be putting my tickets to the now sold-out show up for sale. I didn't want them to think I was trying to capitalize or profit on the success of their hard work. The above video is my attempt to attract attention to the sale. (My hair it too short to slick back and my red makeup attempt pales in comparison to the real deal.) I'm just asking for the face value and the fees I paid. I believe the total is in the neighborhood of $75. If you're interested let me know and I am already making plans to be at the live podcast in New Orleans next year.

Things I've learned from Bruce Prichard

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I've been a wrestling fan for more than 30 years. I like to think of myself as a wrestling encyclopedia, especially from the 80s and 90s stuff. But through the years 'rumors and innuendo' have gotten in the way tampered with the reality of wrestling. That's where Bruce Prichard and Conrad Thompson come in. They're the hosts of my favorite podcast, Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard on MLW Radio. 

Conrad Thompson & Bruce Prichard
Courtesy: MLW Radio

Each episode listeners learn the behind the scenes details of wrestlers, managers, bookers and angles. After 23 episodes I've gained new insight into things I've often wondered. Check out episode 22 #LoveToKnow where Bruce answers questions from listeners (mine included) for 2 hours and 24 minutes. Here are a few things this self-proclaimed wrestling expert has learned listening to Bruce & Conrad's show.

"The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels was supposed to be the Higher Power during the Ministry of Darkness angle with The Undertaker, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Stephanie McMahon. Prichard said Vince McMahon thought Daniels was too small and nixed the idea only to reveal that he was the higher power.

Prichard was supposed to play a character called Bobby Heenan, Jr. and replace Bobby as a manager who could travel and take bumps. Heenan was ready to get off the road and focus on commentary duties. This was another idea McMahon apparently poo-pooed before it was executed. I would have LOVED to have seen this happen. But I always enjoyed the Brother Love character too.

Sid turned down the opportunity to be "the next Hulk Hogan" because he preferred working as a heel. I liked Sid in his early days of his career in both WCW and WWF. I can't imagine him replacing the Hulkster, but apparently, he was someone who WWF was considering for the spot.

Vince McMahon once paid another passenger on an airplane $500 and the price of the ticket to put out his cigarette. (This was when smoking was allowed on planes.) Such a move surely inspired the Million Dollar Man gimmick.

The Mystery Man
Courtesy: WWE

WWF was working on a special mask to help Brutus Beefcake return to the ring after his near fatal parasailing accident in 1990. In the summer of '91 you may remember The Mystery Man attacking a couple of bad guys after their matches. I knew it was Beefcake, but I never realized the character was going to have a specially made mask for the gimmick.

Tugboat
Courtesy: WWE

Sheik Tugboat was originally going to face off against Hulk Hogan in the main event of WrestleMania VII. Sgt. Slaughter was soon tapped for the role after joining the company in 1990.

When wrestlers hide under the ring there is food, water, a mat or pad to lay on, a bottle to pee in and earplugs to deal the pyro during the show. 

Jerry Jarrett

And finally, Jerry Jarrett has a great chicken salad recipe (you know).

Again, these are a few things I've learned. To hear more great stories from the past, listen to Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard. It drops each Friday. And Bruce if you happen to be reading this, I'd love to have you on my podcast and learn more about the Brother Love gimmick. I know Conrad said it'll lose every poll.  :) 

Black Friday for wrestling fans

Brother Love

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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The holiday shopping season is in full swing and even wrestling fans can cash in and find bargains or just get some ideas of what to add to their wish list. Not only are wrestling companies grappling for your Christmas shopping money this year, so are innovative entrepreneurs and wrestling legends and stars with online stores.

Pro Wrestling Tees has a week long Black Friday shopping event going on right now. Shoppers get a 20 percent discount off orders until Tuesday, November 29. Purchases of $100 or more get a free "Macho Man" Randy Savage t-shirt. Pro Wrestling Tees allows wrestlers, personalities and podcasters set up shop. My goal is to get enough followers on Instagram (@kevin_hunsperger) and Twitter (@kevinhunsperger) to set up my own store. I have design ideas in mind and believe by Black Friday 2017 you'll be able to get some My 1-2-3 Cents swag.

Box of Gimmicks

But this year, I highly recommend selecting from the Bruce Prichard collection. He's podcast, Something to Wrestle With... Bruce Prichard has spawned some amazing designs. I will be shopping his store this weekend to add to my collection. By the way, you can listen to the show each Friday on iTunes. He and Conrad Thompson do amazing work.

Matt Cage

There are plenty of indy wrestlers offering deals on Pro Wrestling Tees too. From Matt Cage to "Farmer" Billy Hills to "Hitman" Jake Capone fans can support indy wrestlers in a whole new way. Prices aren't bad either, most starting at about 20 bucks, but remember you can save some cash until Tuesday. Just search for wrestlers or personalities by name to find their store.

My WrassleRoos

WrassleRoos is a great place to stock up on wrestling themed underwear and boxer shorts. There's also a collection of unique t-shirts available. Right now the site is revamping, but you can still shop and pick up underwear that looks like your favorite Superstar's tights.

From the WTF collection

WWE Shop, of course, is big business. The site is offering some deep discounts for Black Friday. In addition to t-shirts, championship belts and toys, WWE has some other interesting novelties. There's a wide selection of Christmas themed items, including ugly Christmas sweaters and stockings. But it's the gingerbread man ornaments that really got a chuckle. The Finn Balor one is the oddest of them all.

There's plenty of other shopping opportunities and ways to support the wrestling industry. Be sure to search your favorite company's site and complete your wish list.

Boo Blog: The Brain, The Genius & Brother Hate

"The Genius" & "Brother Hate"

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Until listening to a recent episode of the podcast Something To Wrestle with Bruce Prichard, I had forgotten about this gem. It's the Halloween episode of Prime Time Wrestling hosted by Gorilla Monsoon, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Each host dressed in costume for the holiday and hilarity ensued.

Heenan dressed as "The Genius" Lanny Poffo, Monsoon was Brother Hate but dressed like Brother Love and Piper did his best "Brain" impression. Heenan and Monsoon argue back and forth as their alter egos as Piper added some flamboyance to his portrayal of Heenan.  At one point Heenan calls Piper's costume a "roughed up Phyliss Diller."

"The Brain" knocked out Brother Love

The real Brother Love interrupts the show with a shouting tirade on Brother Hate, professing his love for all, including his benefactor "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. Piper returns to knock out Love with a small pumpkin, not quite as extreme as the coconut incident with "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka. But it was enough to render the Brother unconscious as Piper had a good time with him.

Rewatching this clip makes me miss the good old days of WWF programming. I was in high school during this era and working a part-time job at the time so in all likelihood I recorded this show and watched it when I got home. The duo of Monsoon and Heenan may very well be the best in the history of wrestling. Add Piper's insanity and the antics of Brother Love and you've got the perfect storm for entertainment. 

Throwback Thursday: Sisterly Love

The Sisters of Love or The Flying Nuns
Shotgun Saturday Night
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Just before the Monday Night Wars really got hot, the WWF added a new show to its lineup. Something a little edgier than Raw at the time.  Shotgun Saturday Night made its debut on January 4, 1997.  The syndicated program ended up running for more than a year and a half, but it was that first show I want to talk about today.

While I didn't catch the actual airing of the show,  I've seen clips of it.  Marlena exposed herself to the Sultan during his match with Goldust and a new tag team made its debut and exit on the same night.  The Flying Nuns made their way to the ring with talk show host-turned manager Brother Love.  After the duo beat the Godwins, Love dubbed the team The Sister of Love.  It was a silly and short lived gimmick and soon Mosh and Thrasher were born.  (Although they had been using the gimmick on the house show circuit prior to going on TV)

Meeting the Headbangers
WrestleReunion 2012
Photo by: My 1-2-3 Cents

If my memory serves me correct that was a time when the WWF was throwing all kinds of outlandish gimmicks at the wall and seeing what would stick.  I think in this case, changing the gimmick back to the Headbangers was a wise choice.  I don't know that the fans would have gotten behind Sister Angelica and Mother Smucker the same way they did Mosh and Thrasher.

Chad and I had a chance to meet the Headbangers at WrestleReunion 2012.  They were a lot of fun. Probably the most engaging of the wrestlers and managers on hand that day.  You can see by the picture they were having as much fun as the fans.  They also did some YouTube recordings as well, we even made the cut.