Scariest of All-Time Part 29: Jacksyn Crowley

 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I'll be the first to admit that I don't know a whole lot about indy wrestler Jacksyn Crowley. But I can tell you I like what I've seen of him in Cape Championship Wrestling. He is the company's current heavyweight champion, having beaten his brother Otis and Cash Borden in a triple threat match over the summer.

I have seen Jacksyn in action a couple times in my trips over to CCW. Most notable was an amazing contest between him and Ace Hawkins. The action was intense that night and the two stole the show. I'm pretty sure he's been spotted at the AEW Arena (I know that's not the right name for it) and I wouldn't be surprised to see him get some TV time in the ring somewhere someday. 

Just take a look at Jacksyn. He presents himself in a way that sends a chill down the spine. However, the fans love him. While his look is scary, his ability is far from it. He's clashed with other greats including Marko Stunt, Austin Lane, and Dexter Roswell. I encourage you to watch his work and see for yourself. 

AUDIO: The Interview with Dalton Anthony

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I’ve known Dalton Anthony for a few years now, first hearing him on the Podzilla 1985 Pro Wrestling Unscripted podcast. Then he and some of his co-hosts came to a Stride Pro Wrestling show as fans. But it wasn’t long before that fandom turned into Dalton stepping through the ropes.

This week on The Interview, Dalton shares his story. You can listen to the podcast here. 

No ring on this diamond

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Stride Pro Wrestling and Cape Championship Wrestling both got their starts in 2016. Stride began in March of that year in Marion, Illinois. CCW's start happened shortly after with shows primarily in Cape Girardeau. Both companies continue to grow and showcase some of the best independent talents in the country.

If you're a fan of both companies, you've likely seen some of the same talents on both rosters. Farmer Billy Hills, Roger Matheus, Sarah Summers and Joey O'Riley have competed in rings on both sides of the river. Dexter Roswell, Ace Hawkins and the late, great Red Daniels have also wrestled in both Cape and Marion.

But on Saturday (Aug. 18) there will be no wrestling, at least none planned as both companies go head to head on the softball diamond. Each promotion will have a team for a fundraiser softball game. All the proceeds that day will go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.

Farmer is behind the effort. He tells me the day is packed with activities that fans can be involved in as well. The day starts at 10 a.m. with a family and friends home run derby. Then at 11, eight representatives from Stride and CCW will participate in a home run derby.

There's a lunch break from noon until one. Hotdogs and hamburgers will be sold at that time. A 90 minute, five-inning softball game will follow between family and friends and the main event for the day is scheduled to start around 2:30. That's the softball game pitting Stride against CCW.

Entry to watch the activities is free. To participate in the home run derby it'll cost a dollars. Three bucks get you on the family and friends team. To do both, it's five dollars. You can learn more about the day here. Remember it's a fundraiser and all being done in fun. The park is located at 413 N. Appleknocker Street in Cobden, Illinois.

Matheus and his new title

Roger Matheus
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Cape Championship Wrestling returns to the AC Brase Arena tonight (Saturday, June 30). Bell time for the show is 7 p.m. and there are lots of great matches on the card. I really wish I could be there, especially to see the triple threat match for the CCW Championship as Austin Lane defends against both Marko Stunt and Jacksyn Crowley.

O'Riley vs. the late Red Daniels
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

The men and women in this company will hit the ring hard and do a great job. One other match I am particularly interested in is Matheus (known as Roger Matheus over here in Stride Pro Wrestling) taking on Joey O'Riley, another alumnus of Stride. I don't believe these two have ever crossed paths before, so it should be a great match, the classic David v. Goliath scenario.

But don't overlook O'Riley. He's had an amazing streak going recently. Just a couple of months ago he wrestled on WWE's 205 Live. He's also picked up some key wins and has had a championship run in other indy companies. Joey is on the rise and a hot commodity in the wrestling world right now. 

Matheus vs. Hunsperger
Courtesy: Tom Harness

As JR would say, Matheus is tougher than a two dollar steak. He's ground assault along with an MMA background and an 'I don't give an eff' mentality makes him a dangerous competitor. If he pounces first and uses his size and strength on Joey, it could be a short night.

Matheus is also going into this match (which was announced recently by CCW GM Lane Austin) defending his Pure Openweight World Championship. I know virtually nothing about this title, but it's my understanding Matheus created it out of frustration over not being able to capture CCW's heavyweight title. 

It's going to be a great night in Cape. I always leave entertained and satisfied, knowing I've gotten my money's worth. 

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CCW gives back

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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If I've said it once, I've said it dozens of times (maybe more) one of the things I love about independent wrestling is the willingness for the men and women involved in it to give back. Stride Pro Wrestling and Cape Championship Wrestling both have big fundraisers coming up this month. Today, we're focusing on CCW as the company's annual benefit for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis is coming up Saturday, May 19.

Ashlynn McClure

The Ashlynn McClure Memorial Cup is an eight wrestler tournament put together in memory of the girl who died of cancer in 2013. She was just two years old. Proceeds from this event go to St. Jude's, a hospital that works to help families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. I've been to the hospital before for a news story and can't say enough about the work happening there.

Scheduled to appear: 

Ashlynn McClure Memorial Cup

Marko Stunt vs. CCW Champion "Best of the Best" Austin Lane
Brandon Barbwire vs. Justin "The Juice" Smart
"Farmer" Billy Hills vs. Van "The Man" Van Horn
Jacksyn Crowley vs. Hollis Giroux

CCW Women's Championship

"#Summertime" Sarah Summers
vs.
Marni Gras

Grudge Match

"Sexy" Sarge O'Riley
vs.
Blaster

The show is at the Delta Center in Delta, Missouri. You can get your tickets here. Doors open at 6 p.m. and bell time is 7 p.m. If you're able to make it to the show, please do and support indy wrestling and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

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CCW's new GM

Hanging with CCW's new GM, Lane Austin 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Saturday marked my fourth live indy wrestling show of the month, but the first that I just got to sit back and be a fan. My buddy Tom Harness and I headed to Cape Comic Con Saturday afternoon and then made our way to Cape Championship Wrestling. You can hear our thoughts on the show on Monday's My 1-2-3 Cents podcast (Episode 179).

Of course, there were plenty of great highlights from Supershow II, including Ace Hawkins and Jackson Crowley's match. The year-long feud ended in a blood and a high spot to top all high spots. Manager Jeff O'Dell lost his hair. Sarah Summers captured the CCW Women's Championship. Marco Stunt and Mikey won the CCW Tag Team Championships. And Austin Lane retained the CCW Heavyweight Title against ECW Legend Tommy Dreamer. Be sure to check out Pro Wrestling Unscripted this week and the crew there will highlight each match. 

Barry Karafa welcomes Lane as GM
Courtesy: Tom Harness

For me though, the best moment of the night was the announcement of a new general manager for CCW. Because of a prematch stipulation, Osby Tomlin is out as GM, which opened the door for a new authority figure. The powers that be at CCW picked a great man in my friend Lane Austin. The crowd popped at the news as Lane made his way to the ring. He promised changes are coming, I look forward to seeing what he has in store for the roster.

Me & Lane at CCW Supershow 1
Courtesy: Tom Harness

Regular readers here know Lane has had some ups and downs in recent weeks. Last month he was hospitalized with complications from his type 2 diabetes. The physicality of being a referee for both CCW and Stride Pro Wrestling has taken him out of the wrestling game until now. In my 1-2-3 cents, Lane will fulfill his duties as GM very well and I'm proud to see he's going to be able to continue to be a part of something he loves so dearly.

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Tommy's dreaming of a championship win

Tommy Dreamer to battle Austin Lane

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Former ECW great and House of Hardcore founder Tommy Dreamer is headed to Cape Girardeau this weekend. He'll be facing the CCW (Cape Championship Wrestling) Heavyweight Champion Austin Lane. It's all a part of CCW's Super Show II event at the AC Brase Arena.

I love Super Show. It's the indy company's WrestleMania weekend and part of the annual Cape Comic Con. There will be CCW wrestlers and other guests on hand at Cape Con all weekend too. Tommy Dreamer will be on hand Saturday prior to his championship opportunity. 

Tommy Dreamer

The match poses an interesting scenario for CCW. If Dreamer wins the belt, he would likely take it out of the area and defend it in other areas, including his House of Hardcore show. That would give CCW nationwide exposure. It would also ensure future appearances by Dreamer who would have to come back to Cape and defend against the wrestlers on the current roster. But will the recent attitude change from 'The Best of the Best' Austin Lane translate to a victory in this high profile title defense? Personally, I wouldn't bet against him.

Delirious

CCW has also been working with Ring of Honor on some projects, including training sessions with the company's lead booker, Delirious. He's from the region originally and is coming back to help train men and women who want to pursue a career in the ring. 

MMA star turned pro wrestler Dan "The Beast" Severn will be on hand too. He is part of a special six-man tag team match and hopefully gives Roger Matheus a taste of his own medicine, but I digress. Severn will be sticking around and doing a dinner event called 'Feast with the Beast' at the Isle of Capri Casino Sunday night. 

This is just a sample of what you'll see this weekend with Cape Con and CCW. Click here for all the action.

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Ricocheting from the indies to WWE

Ricochet battles Will Ospreay

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Earlier this week WWE announced indy star Ricochet has signed a deal to start work at the Performance Center in Orlando. He'll be a part of the NXT brand as he continues to develop and hone his craft. It'll be a nice boost into the NXT system with fresh faces coming in. Additionally, it's been reported the tag team War Machine and women's star Candice LeRae are also NXT-bound.

Ricochet, whose real name is Trevor Mann, is actually not far from where I live now. For those who know, I'm a morning news anchor in southern Illinois. Mann grew up in Paducah, Kentucky which is about 45 minutes away. So after learning of his signing, I ran a story on the news about "local wrestler headed to WWE." It's a great excuse to get some wrestling stories on the newscast.

Ricochet vs. Austin Lane

I've had a chance to watch Ricochet wrestle in person a couple of times. The stand out occasion for me was when he faced Austin Lane in the main event of a Cape Championship Wrestling show in August 2016. You can see a portion of that match here (I can't figure out how to post an Instagram video on this blog.)The two put on a clinic in the ring which exceeded my expectations. Not only was I impressed with the guest star on the show, but Lane also. 

Ricochet's signing is welcomed by me and in my 1-2-3 cents, he could also help breath some new life into the Cruiserweight division. I don't know what the future holds for Neville (I'm still hoping he returns) but the man formerly known as Prince Puma would certainly add some sizzle to 205 Live. I can't imagine he'll be on NXT long, but even if he is, it'll be a benefit for both sides. 

Even though I don't know him personally, I'm excited someone from my neck of the woods is getting a break in the largest wrestling (sports entertainment) company in the world. Ricochet's signing should be enough to encourage men and women toiling in the independents to keep pushing. Also, youngsters should see this as a reminder to NEVER give up on their dreams. Heck, it's something even us old timers could use too.

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Fun Fact Friday: Austin Lane

Austin Lane
Courtesy: Dreadhead Kev Photography

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Austin Lane is the reigning Cape Championship Wrestling champion. I've had a couple of chances to see him in action at CCW and he lives up to his nickname "The Best of the Best." After getting some info from him for this week's Fun Fact Friday, it makes sense how Lane earned that moniker.

The champ

Lane says he mirrors his wrestling philosophy from "Nature Boy" Ric Flair. "I make every opponent look like a star and could beat me," Lane recently told me.

Lane and Kurt Angle (yes, that Kurt Angle) are the only two wrestlers to win the Power Pro Championship while being undefeated.

Jerry Lynn is Lane's mentor. He calls the former WWF Light Heavyweight Champion his "wrestling dad" and the two remain close today. 

Lane holds a victory over former WWE Champion Kevin Nash. It came during an event in 2004. 

And not only is Lane "the best of the best" in the ring but in the writing world too. In high school, he won several literary awards and has many of his work published.

Remember you can check out Austin Lane Saturday, Nov. 25 at the final CCW show of 2017. He'll team with former rival Brandon Barbwire as they take on Justin Smart and Osby Tomlin. That show is happening at the Delta Community Center. 

Halloween gets hardcore

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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WCW had the market in October when it came to big events. Halloween Havoc is the one pay per view I wish WWE would bring back and make its own. I loved the cheesier side of the event. Southern Fried Abdullah the Butcher is still probably my favorite Havoc memory. 

Tonight (Oct. 21) wrestling fans in southeast Missouri, southern Illinois and western Kentucky can get a taste of the holiday with CCW Hardcore Halloween. Cape Championship Wrestling is headed to the National Guard Armory in Sikeston, Missouri. The usual favorites will be on hand, with Austin Lane defending the CCW Championship against Farmer Billy Hills, Marni Gras defends the CCW Women's Championship against Sarah Summers and Marko Stunt. The tag titles are on the line too as The Pinnacle battles The LA Hustlers. Plus Sexy Sarge will get a "sexy" surprise fro Pinnacle manager Jeff O'Dell. 

But what makes this Halloween a hardcore one is the fact that TNA Impact Wrestling's Monster Abyss is being unleashed on CCW. The big man is coming to town and facing Roger Matheus in a Monster's Ball Match. This will be everything you'd expect. I know Matheus from being in Stride Pro Wrestling. He's tougher than a two dollar steak. I can't imagine him being intimidated or backing down from anyone. However, Abyss lives up to that moniker of "The Monster". 

It's going to be a great night of action. I'm sorry I won't be there, but I'll look forward to the recap on Pro Wrestling Unscripted on the Podzilla 1985 podcast network.  

An invitation to WWE fans

WWE Carbondale event
Courtesy: Sam Banks

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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WWE came to my area recently. My Facebook feed was filled with pictures of WWE Superstars in action at the SIU Arena in Carbondale. Selfies featuring fans inside the arena were also posted. The usual fans and indy wrestlers from Stride Pro Wrestling and Cape Championship Wrestling were behind these posts. But so were what I'd call casual fans.

In fact, there were several people posting from SIU Friday night that I didn't even know were wrestling fans. Some were there with their kids who are the fan of the family. So I want to take the opportunity right now to invite all these folks to come out and give Stride Pro Wrestling and CCW a chance.

Jose Magnifico meets the fans
Courtesy: Steve Belcher 

The next Stride show is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Illinois Star Centre Mall in Marion. Tickets are affordable, it's just $10 for adults and five bucks for kids 12 and under. It's all in a family friendly environment with great athletes and storytelling going on. It's a similar situation in Cape Girardeau. Their next show is actually happening tonight (Saturday, Aug. 26). Like Stride, CCW tickets are quite affordable too. 

Heath Hatton & Fans

Unlike WWE shows, the wrestlers, managers, referees, and announcers take time to meet with the fans before, during and after the show. You never know which of these wrestlers will end up on TV one day. Come on out and give indy wrestling a chance.

Wrestling fans: Make some noise!

Rah! Rah!

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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When I attended my first WrestleMania in 2006 I did so dressed as a member of the Spirit Squad. The cheerleaders turned wrestlers (sports entertainers) were a part of the Mr. McMahon-Shawn Michaels street fight. I'd never cosplayed for a wrestling event before nor had I gone and cheered as loudly as I did that night. Well, actually the Friday before Mania we got pretty loud at the Ring of Honor show, but I digress...

The point of this blog is to encourage wrestling fans to make some noise when attending live events. Don't be annoying with your fandom, like doing cat calls during a Hall of Fame speech or chanting "What?!?" continuously as someone is trying to cut a promo.

Jerry Travelstead meets Stride Pro Wrestling fans
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

I'm mostly talking about indy wrestling shows. Previous My 1-2-3 Cents podcast guests Dalton Anthony and Asa Gray have talked about this before on their show Pro Wrestling Unscripted on Podzilla 1985. I wholeheartedly agree with that squad. I've been to Stride Pro Wrestling shows and Cape Championship Wrestling shows where you can hear a pin drop. But fear not, it's okay to boo wrestlers you don't like and cheer your favorites. It's the voice of the fan that often helps dictate the journey for those in the ring.

Fans like Cape Championship Wrestling's Sexy Sarge
Courtesy: Tom Harness

The comments made can also have a stronger impact on those men and women in and outside the ring. Don't be a jerk (like launching personal attacks), but definitely make some noise. Stand up and cheer (don't block those behind you) and bring signs (again, don't block those behind you). There's nothing better as a fan (and ring announcer) than to hear the crowd getting into the action. Clap, chant and stomp your feet. We want to hear you because for most of those stepping through the ropes, it's the best way to get energized and ready to perform.

Heath Hatton fan (yes he has one)
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Speaking of the before mentioned indy companies, both are back in action in the coming days. Cape Championship Wrestling's Homecoming 2 is Saturday, Aug. 26 at the Arena Building. Bell time is 7 p.m. And Stride Pro Wrestling's September Fallout is happening on Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Illinois Star Centre Mall. That action starts at 6:30 p.m.