Brandon Espinosa returns to Stride Pro Wrestling

Espy vs. AT Brooks
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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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.

Global Force Wrestling: Our Roster

By Kevin Hunsperger (with Chad Smart & Chris Hagstrom)
@kevinhunsperger, @chadsmart, & @chrishagstrom on Twitter

Some of the old gang over at Rafters Radio reunited online for a quick discussion about the newly formed Global Force Wrestling.  Jeff and Karen Jarrett are behind the effort.  You can read all the details right here.  The company recently announced on social media that they want fans to do a Fantasy Draft, picking four men and one woman to join the force.  The other rule, they must all be independent wrestlers.

I'll admit I still have a pretty limited area of experience in the world of independent wrestling, and when I put together my original list, I shared picks with Chris Hagstrom and Chad Smart.  But in an effort to have some variety, I expanded my horizons and updated my picks.  These are all great stars on the Indy scene, and because the rules state five, it was tough narrowing it down.  I based some of my picks on the men and women I've worked with over the last few of years in All American Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Collision.  Others, I have watched and enjoyed as a fan.  So here we go.

Matt Cross

Kevin's Picks:

Matt Cross: I first met "M-Dogg 20" at AAPW Main Event in January 2012, but had seen his work on the previous season of WWE's Tough Enough.  Cross was cut from the show early on, but I think there was a disconnect with the judges and host "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.  I'd put him in GFW because I believe many fans know who he is.  He's got a great attitude (at least what I observed on the two occasions we worked with him) and he can do some pretty amazing things in the ring.  Even though he's been growing out the beard for a long time, I'd probably have him shave it as to not look like he's competing with Daniel Bryan and Eric Young.

Pokerface
Photo courtesy: Jason Wilkey

Pokerface:  During the first season of AAPW Collision, Pokerface was one of my favorite guys on the roster.  He was pretty quiet backstage and I didn't get a chance to talk much with him, but he was a hard worker and a professional every time he was at a show.  I remember at a non-TV taping event I did an interview segment in the ring with him where he threatened to beat me up.  Due to some unfortunate events, Poker wasn't able to stick around with us, but I think his future was pretty bright within the company.  He is doing great things in Tennessee right now and by the way, he beat M-Dogg 20 at that Main Event show.

Golden Boy in action
Photo courtesy: Jason Wilkey 

"Golden Boy" Greg Anthony:  Like Pokerface, Golden Boy eats, sleeps, and breaths wrestling.  He doesn't look like your typical Superstar, but his promos and his work in the ring are outstanding.  I always enjoyed talking with him at AAPW shows and pick his brain about the business.  Anthony has an old school mentality, which I respect and think still has a place in modern day wrestling.

Jervis Cottonbelly
Photo courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents

Jervis Cottonbelly: I've only seen Jervis wrestle in person one time, and that was at a Wrestling is Intense show.  In fact, it was the last show the company had.  Jervis is a unique character who I think not only wrestles very well, but also has that marketing appeal to children that is valuable in the business.  I see a line of "Gentle" Jervis Cottonbelly merchandise ranging from masks, to toy moncels and fake mustaches.  I once did an interview with him through Google Plus and he's always got a great attitude.

The Great Cheyenne
Courtesy: Jason Wilkey

The Great Cheyenne: While working with AAPW, The Great Cheyenne came in and did several shows with us.  Fans wanted more ladies wrestling, and Cheyenne was able to deliver.  She could easily be booked as a monster heel and run over both the women and men on the roster.  I loved calling her matches and her blood curdling scream still rings in my ears from time to time.

And folks at GFW, if you're looking for a commentator who is willing to get in the ring and take a beating, call me...

Chris's Picks: 

DISCLAIMER: There are so many great wrestlers out there today that are under utilized and it is difficult to pick only four guys and one girl. I would like to add more to the list but I am staying within the parameters of the Draft. This list is also not meant to hurt anyone's feelings that I have worked with in the past. And finally… keep in mind that my picks do not include anyone associated with WWE, TNA, or ROH. 

Heath Hatton
Photo courtesy: Sarah Gardner

Heath Hatton:  The obvious first pick for me. Hatton has not been wrestling as long as some people may think, but he has a great look, skill in the ring (not to mention the best dropkick in the Midwest), and is on the radar of the three organizations mentioned above. If GFW is looking for a star, they will find it in Hatton. The biggest drawback for Hatton is his limited travel area. They say to make it, you have to travel the world and hone your skills. Hatton has the ability and a wealth of knowledge from legends and Hall of Famers, now he needs the chance to showcase it in front of new audiences.

Team Overkill
Photo courtesy: Jason Wilkey

Team Overkill:  Ok I'm stretching the rules with this choice but at least its ONE tag team. Matt Cage and Christian Rose are accomplished singles competitors, (Cage racking up gold in many midwest promotions and Rose with victories over majors guest stars brought in to Dreamwave Pro Wrestling), but in my eyes, they are without a doubt THE top tag team in the Midwest. They can have a great match with anyone and an amazing match with the best. The emotion they display can rile a crowd into a frenzy in 0.5 seconds. Both also do extensive tape study from past matches. These gentlemen truly eat, sleep, and breath Pro Wrestling. Not to mention extremely entertaining on twitter @BitterLunatic and @proudcaucasian.

Mr. Touchdown
Photo courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents

Mr. Touchdown Mark Angelosetti:  Anyone who knows me well will giggle (And it's good…) but Mr. Touchdown has the complete package. Athletic, the look, charisma, an over the top character, and can back it up in the ring. A product of Mike Quackenbush's Wrestle Factory, Angelosetti has trained with the best and had matches all over North America. His athleticism allows him to wrestle any kind of match (technical, high flying, power, etc) and it's easy to "hate the jock." With the Rise of Chikara, we may see more of Angelosetti soon… At least one would hop

Danny Cannon

Dynamite Danny Cannon:  The one person I wanted to work with in AAPW and never got the chance to was Danny Cannon (or DC Dynamite if you watch AAW). He is the most acrobatic wrestler I have ever seen and done things even Adrian Neville would say… Wow. He is innovative,  explosive, and reminds me of a pit bull at times. Small in stature but powerful and fast. He had disappeared from the indies for a while but recently has resurfaced and am extremely happy for that. YouTube some of his work in IWAU and AAW to see what I mean. 

Angelus Layne

Angelus Penny Layne: I may not follow women's wrestling as much as I should. And this was a very tough category to pick as The Great Cheyenne, Stacey O'Brien, and MsChif are all at the top of the women's ranks and MsChif may very well be the best on the indies today. But my vote goes to Layne as I have seen a lot of her work and know what a fierce competitor she is. She is not afraid to take calculated risks in the ring and with her hair. Anyone who has followed her career knows that she went from a bubbly young upstart, to the disturbed and calculated competitor we see today. She will have continued success in Shimmer and hope to see her in more matches soon.

Honorable mentions:

Colt Cabana as a commentator (because comedy)

Archibald Peck, Mixed Martial Archie, The Mysterious and Handsome Stranger, R.D. Evans and the rest of the Faces of Evans

Adam Pearce

Chad's Picks:

Mr. Touchdown

Chris Hero

Uhaa Nation

Chuck Taylor

Candace LaRae

Wrestling Is...Worth Watching

The chaos at the end of the show

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Over the weekend I had a chance to attend my first ever Wrestling Is Intense show.  It was actually the first of the "Wrestling Is" groups I've seen in person.  I've watched Wrestling Is Fun on iPPV and I've attended a few Chikara shows in the past.

I'll be honest, I don't know a whole lot about Wrestling Is Intense or the Wrestling Is movement.  After Sunday's show, I have no idea where the company is headed, if there is a future at all.  I do know it's entertaining and has quality men and women who work hard to keep the crowd happy.  I've got to tell you, I am really disappointed with the turnout in terms of crowd support at Sunday's show.  At one point, I counted 21 fans in the crowd.  I know this show was heavily promoted with posters being plastered in several different communities near the venue in Carbondale, Illinois.  There was a write up in the local newspaper and a one minute news story that ran on the morning news broadcast two days prior to the event.

Pre show Limbo contest was cool

I don't know if it's because the show was on a Sunday afternoon at the same time people are enjoying an afternoon of football, or if it's that people in this neck of the woods just don't get Wrestling Is or independent wrestling in general.  I've seen a sharp decline in fan support over the last year of local independent wrestling.  It makes me sad quite honestly.  While the fans who aren't coming out to these shows disappoint me, I do have positive things to say.

The wrestlers on the card at the Wrestling Is Intense show came out and performed as if the house was packed.  They didn't let the small crowd dampen their spirits.  I was at the MetLife Stadium this year for Wrestlemania 29.  There were more than 80,000 of us there.  Of course it was a good time.  But so was Wrestling Is Intense.  I honestly felt like we, the fans, were able to make connections with the wrestlers as they headed to the ring and during their matches.  The wrestlers all the way from the opening match to what ended up being the main event came out to the ring with enthusiasm and professionalism.  I think some might have been discouraged, but they didn't let that show as they came out and tore the house down.

Cottonbelly vs. Crabtree

My seven year old daughter attended the show with me.  While she's only really seen the likes of John Cena, CM Punk, and AJ Lee (and only on TV), I can honestly tell you she had a great time seeing the Estonian Thunderfrog, "Gentleman" Jervis Cottonbelly, and Darkness Crabtree work their magic in the ring.  Early in the show, she was reluctant to put up her hand and give the wrestlers high fives as they walked by.  But before the day was through, she had her hand in position when a wrestler's music hit.

Meeting the Thunderfrog

There's also that chance at indy shows to get some time to talk with the wrestlers, either during intermission or after the show.  Thunderfrog was kind enough to take a picture with us and give my daughter a tshirt.  These are memories that will last a lifetime for both of us. You can't get that kind of feeling at a big ticket show.  It's impossible.

Daywalkers making a wish

I have worked in other promotions with The Daywalkers (Alexandre Barnabus Castle and Mathis Cage) and Christian Rose.   I know how hard they work training and traveling the country going from show to show.  Their schedule, I would imagine, is similar to that of the others on the show.  They spend a lot of time driving and   while I don't know for sure, I would imagine for very little pay.  But I know they're doing this to earn a big payday.  They wrestle each week, several times a weekend, because they love it too.

Rose kicks Sue Jackson

Independent wrestling is the foundation of wrestling, or dare we say it, sports entertainment.  I know it sounds cliche, but I firmly believe that.  CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, and Antonio Cesaro are just a few of the guys on the main roster now who spent years trying to make a name for themselves.

I've said it before, I'll say it again.  If you have independent wrestling in your community, support it.  If there's a show within driving distance, attend.  You will not be disappointed.  As fans, we need to be supportive of all levels of wrestling, not just when the flash and glamour makes that once a year (or even less) stop in our hometown.

A Sweet Deal for Tag Team Wrestling

KOA, Aaron Epic & Sugar Dunkerton
Photo courtesy: Lewis Marien

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

Regular readers of this blog or those who watch My 1-2-3 Cents on YouTube, know that I complain a lot about the tag team scene on the national level.  I am however, impressed with the way things are looking on the independent scene.  Chikara continues to impress me, but today I want to focus on Pro Wrestling Collision.

For the purposes of full disclosure, I am on the commentary team for PWC, and bottom line the point of this blog is to promote our next show, which is Saturday, April 27 at the Boys & Girls Club of Carbondale.  Bell time is 7 p.m.

Ace & Espy vs. the Submission Squad
Photo courtesy: Lewis Marien

I feel like tag team wrestling means something in Pro Wrestling Collision.  Champions Ace Hawkins and Brandon Espinosa have defended their titles more than any other champions in the company.  They've faced the inter gender duo of Alex Castle and Angelus Lane, the Submission Squad, and King Entertainment.  Each one of these matches has resulted in a victory for Ace and Espy.  KOA, the Kings of Armory, will return to face the champions Saturday night.

Sugar Dunkerton and Aaron Epic make up this duo.  They're .500 in Pro Wrestling Collision and favorites among the fans.  The two made an excellent impression on the fans and with those in the locker room.  I'd seen Sugar work before in Chikara as both a member of FIST and The Throwbacks, and I like his style.  He's a great person outside the ring as well.  I don't know a whole lot about Epic, but I was impressed with his work and attitude at the show KOA was on.

Espy & Ace climb the ladder of success
Photo courtesy: Missouri Wrestling Revival

I can't say enough about Ace and Espy either.  This team has been in some of the best matches on the card.  Their battle against Matt Cage and Christian Rose last fall took ladder matches to a new level for me.  It ranks among the best matches I saw in 2012 and I'm honored to have had the privilege to call it.

If you live in the tri state region, I highly recommend the drive to Carbondale.  For $10 you're going to get a great night of wrestling action, not just from these two exciting tag team, but also Collision champion Heath Hatton will defend his gold.  Joey O'Riley's No Limits title is up for grabs against Zakk Sawyer.  Plus, in what may be the grudge match of the year so far, Shane Rich looks to gain revenge on the behemoth Bull Bronson.  This rivalry has been intense to say the least.  Plus Matt Cage will tangle with Farmer Billy Hills.  More matches will be announced Saturday, so if you make it out, please stop by and say hello.

AAPW Presents: Zero Hour

Zero Hour is coming October 20

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Once again, I have to say how proud I am to be a part of All American Pro Wrestling.  AAPW is preparing for its 6th anniversary and the front office has been working hard to put on one heck of a celebration.  Since 2008, the anniversary show has also had the distinction of being a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  Money raised from tickets, concessions, and several silent auctions and raffles will be given to the charity.

From top to bottom "Zero Hour" is stacked.  This will no doubt be the biggest anniversary show in company history and will no doubt be the best show we've ever done.  Like "Main Event" and "Summer Chaos", "Zero Hour" will be a DVD exclusive.

Mike Masters takes on Edmund "Livewire" McGuire

AAPW champion Mike Masters won the title in controversial fashion at "Summer Chaos", now he defends the title against former champ Edmund "Livewire" McGuire in AAPW's first ever steel cage match.  There is more than just the championship on the line.  There's a lot of raw emotion involved in this match, from Masters stalking Edmund and his young son, to the menacing words he's used against the father and son on social media.  Factor in the volatile nature of their contract signing, this will be nothing less than war.

Climbing to new heights
Team Overkill vs. Brandon Espinosa & Ace Hawkins

In another highly anticipated grudge match, Team Overkill will defend their tag team titles in a ladder match.  Brandon Espinosa and Ace Hawkins have been screwed out of the titles the last couple of times they've competed.  Espy recently won a match against Christian Rose to determine the type of match at Zero Hour.  Since Rose and his partner Matt Cage have used the belts as weapons in recent defenses, Espy and Ace decided to take the match to new heights.

"Boom Boom" returns to AAPW to team with Hatton
Gaylord steps into the ring

"Boom Boom" Colt Cabana makes his AAPW return.  Back in January, Cabana was on the losing end to "3G" Eric Wayne.  This time, he teams up with AAPW hero Heath Hatton to take on the "Old School Warrior" Ax Allwardt and his manager Gaylord Stephens. That's write, the Prince of Polyster will step into the ring against these two great stars.  Hatton has been robbed out of two title opportunities thanks to Stephens, Allwardt, and newcomer J. Wellington Beauregard.  First Ax smashed Heath with a chain helping Masters retain his title.  Then Beauregard and Stephens caused a distraction and helped Adam Pearce pin Heath in their NWA World's Heavyweight title match.

The Reward is in the Risk
KC Jackson takes on Joey O'Riley

"The Main Attraction" KC Jackson has ventured into the singles ranks and is doing quite well for himself as he prepares to take on Joey O'Riley in the finals of the newly established "No Limits Division."  I'm excited about this because the first ever NLD champion will be crowned on the 20th.  Both men have been strong in the tournament.  KC added some momentum by beating Joey and two other No Limits stars, Jay Spade and Sean Vincent in a fatal four way at "Summer Chaos."  Regardless of who wins this one, I'm glad to see guys in a cruise weight category getting to show the fans what they can do together.

Worlds collide
Ultimate battle of the big men

The immovable force meets the irresistible object in the ultimate battle of the big men.  The undefeated Bull Bronson (weighing in at 375 pounds) takes on his biggest challenge in AAPW, and maybe of all time in the Mississippi Madman.  Madman is a former AAPW heavyweight champion and co holder of the tag team titles.  Oh yeah, and he weighs in at more than 450 pounds.  But will he be able to end the streak of Bull?  Should be an interesting contest to say the least.

Will lady luck help Alex Castle?

Kyle Sykes is an up-and-comer in AAPW and he'll meet a relative newcomer to the company, Alex Castle.  When Castle has his good luck charm Angelus Layne by his side, he's been unstoppable.  Can the rising star overcome "the Monster" Castle and his beautiful valet?  We'll find out.

Past meets present in the anniversary Battle Royal

There's also an Anniversary Battle Royal planned for the evening. Ten men will compete in this Royal Rumble style matchup.  You'll see favorites like Chocolate Thunder, "Farmer" Billy Hills, and Justice.  The powerhouse Truk Thompson and the Convoy will also be in the battle royal.  So who will be the four remaining entrants?  We do know a philanthropist has secured a couple of those spots, so no telling who will enter this event.  Be at the show on the 20th and find out.

We'll also find out what the future holds for former AAPW champion "Serial Thriller" Shane Rich.  We hope to see you there.  Get your tickets by clicking here.

The Wrestling Buzz

Heath Hatton vs. Adam Pearce
Photo courtesy: Chris Zoeller
Daily Egyptian

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Since getting involved with All American Pro Wrestling about a year and a half ago I have witnessed some really great independent wrestling.  Up until then, I hadn't seen a whole lot of indy stuff, but I want to know more about it not just here locally, but other promotions as well.

At the end of an AAPW show, I always feel good.  I'm tired, but there's always a sense of pride that comes along with this labor of love.  And on occasion I have what I like to call "the wrestling buzz."  It's the high I feel after a particularly good show.  Saturday, September 22 is one of those shows.  Top to bottom there was plenty of great action and everyone who was there gave their all in the ring.  The buzz lasted through the evening Saturday and through Sunday.  It made for a great weekend.

I don't want to sit here and pick favorites because it's not fair to everyone on the roster.  There are clearly those who stand out and I praise them for their hard work and dedication.  But I also think each and everyone person on the show whether they're a wrestler, ring announcer, camera operator, or other volunteer or worker, should be applauded.  Saturday night was simply stellar.

One of my childhood dreams was realized again getting to call the action of an NWA World's Heavyweight title match.  Reigning champion Adam Pearce came to Marion, Illinois to defend the ten pounds of gold and leather against hometown hero Heath Hatton.  These two did not disappoint.  I'm not exaggerating when I say that the majority of the crowd was on its feet the entire match.  Speaking of the crowd, this had to have been the second largest audience since AAPW Collision started in April 2011.

Not only was there excellent wrestling from many of our stars and guests, but getting the opportunity to meet Adam Pearce was another personal highlight.  He is a class act all the way.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed speaking briefly with him. I am kicking myself today for not taking the opportunity to ask for a photo with the champ.  I'm never quite sure how to handle those situations, I'm trying to be professional, but I'm a fan too.  I just don't want to cross any lines.

One more chance...

The plot is thickening as we head into our 6th anniversary show, which will be taped for DVD.  Zero Hour happens Saturday, October 20 at the Black Diamond Harley Davidson Warehouse in Marion, Illinois.  Colt Cabana makes his AAPW return.  Edmund "Livewire" McGuire gets one last shot at AAPW champ Mike Masters inside a steel cage (a first for AAPW).  Tag team champions Team Overkill (Matt Cage & Christian Rose) will defend their titles against Brandon Espinosa and Ace Hawkins in a ladder match! And for the first time, a No Limits Division champion will be crowned as KC Jackson takes on Joey O'Riley in the tournament finals.  If you're within driving distance, make the trip.  I'll write more about that in the coming weeks, and I have a feeling that the "buzz" will return that night too.

I also want to wish my friend, broadcast colleague, and AAPW executive producer Chris Hagstrom a speedy recovery.  He took a nasty super kick Saturday night and not only suffered a concussion, but also re-aggravated a past orbital bone injury.  Take care buddy!

AAPW Summer Chaos

Photo courtesy: AAPW

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

I'm officially on vacation and since I'm in the great outdoors with my sons and I'm not sure how much of an Internet connection I'll have, so I'm going to try to have a few blogs that will autopost in my absence.  But this is an important one and I wanted to make sure I got it personally online before leaving town.  I'm not 100% sure how the autopost will work, and it's never to early to do a little promotion...

All American Pro Wrestling has been flying high since the record crowd that attended Main Event back in January.  The company seems to be headed in the right direction.  There's a new "No Limits" division that's been added very soon a new champion will be crowned.  More fans are attending live the TV tapings for AAPW Collision and folks are watching the show both on local television and on YouTube.  Now things are heating up as the company heads to Summer Chaos on June 30 (6:45 p.m. bell time in Marion, Illinois)

But all that momentum was nearly derailed after Mike Masters punched a fan on a recent edition of Collision.  Masters was immediately fired for his actions.  It seems he was upset after having lost to AAPW champion Edmund "Livewire" McGuire in a title match.  And Masters has a point, his foot was on the bottom rope before the referee made the three count.  His temper got the best of him, and despite being fired, Masters was rehired by AAPW owner Sean Chambers.  It was a questionable move, but Chambers insists that if Masters loses the match on June 30th, he'll be fired.  Livewire has been a fighting champion since regaining the AAPW title more than a year ago.  This will be a tough challenge, but the champ has beaten guys like Ax Allwardt and "Golden Boy" Greg Anthony, and even Masters himself.  Lately too some creepy videos have been appearing on AAPW Collision, McGuire wants answers and will likely get what he's looking for at Summer Chaos.

Not only will the AAPW title be defended on June 30th, but so will the AAPW tag team titles.  Matt Cage and Christian Rose, collectively known as Team Overkill will face two very talented indy stars in Brandon Espinosa and Ace Hawkins.  Minor Threat has been a major threat in the tag team ranks.  These four men will take it to the limit, I have no doubt about that.

And speaking of limits, there is a fatal four way involving the semi-finalists in the No Limits tournament.  Joey O'Riley, Jay Spade, KC Jackson, and Sean Vincent will all do battle in this match.  While the match itself has no bearings on the tournament, one would assume that the winner will have some momentum moving forward to the finals.

AAPW welcomes a couple guests to Summer Chaos, including "M-Dogg 20" Matt Cross who was on the most recent season of WWE's Tough Enough.  Cross made his AAPW debut at Main Event, but will join us again on June 30th to team with "The Handicap Hero" Gregory Iron, and AAPW's own Kyle Sykes.  That trio will take on Sir Bradley Charles, Chase King, and Mark Sterling.  I'm not sure what to expect out of this one, but Sykes has been impressive in recent weeks and will certainly be in good company in this match.

"The Old School Warrior" Ax Allwardt and Heath Hatton are gearing up for one heck of a grudge match at Summer Chaos.  These two have been at each other since the season premier of Collision in April during the battle royal to determine a number one contender to the AAPW championship.  There have been sneak attacks, distractions, and other head games leading up to what is sure to be a brawl.

Women's wrestling returns with the Great Cheyenne taking on Serenity.  This will be Serenity's AAPW debut and I'm looking forward to this match.  We've seen Cheyenne rumble with Stacey O'Brien in the past on Collision.  Women's wrestling is something fans have told us they want, so at Summer Chaos, that's exactly what they'll get.

Truk Thompson is a relative newcomer to AAPW, but so far he has rolled over all the competition.  He hopes to keep that momentum going as he clashes with Benjamin Boone.

I hope to see you all there at Summer Chaos.  If you can't make it, be sure to stay tuned for details on ordering the DVD.  You can also check out AAPW online.

Indy Stars Rise to the Top

By Kevin Hunsperger @kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

All American Pro Wrestling returns to the Black Diamond Harley Davidson Warehouse in Marion, Illinois for another taping of Collision.  The May 19th show (no Kane will not be there) has several great local and regional indy talent already booked.

Hatton (who we saw on WWE Extreme Rules against Ryback) will be on the card.  He takes on Mike Sydal (the younger brother of WWE star Evan Bourne).  These two have been tag team partners before and now will go one on one.  It's fair to say each man is quickly climbing the ladder of success in the independent ranks.  Hatton of course recently made his WWE pay per view debut.  Sydal has made appearances in Ring of Honor and other promotions around the country.

Indy star Ricochet makes his debut with the company.  He's made quite a name for himself around the country and the world.  "The Future of Flight" has been wrestling for Dragon Gate USA and has agreed to team with Mark Sterling (his regular partner Jeremy Wyatt is on the mend after suffering a broken leg).  That duo will face Minor Threat, Ace Hawkins (who also wrestled at WWE Extreme Rules as "Aaron Relic") and Brandon Espinosa.  This match will determine the number one contenders to the tag team championship, which is currently held by Team Overkill (Matt Cage & Christian Rose).

But that's not all, and we may actually have new champs for the winner of that match to face.  Team Overkill will defend against Team Triple X.  Jay Spade and Joey O'Riley are best friends and two of AAPW's best high flyers.  Can their aerial assault trump the mind games of Cage and Rose?  Should be an outstanding match.

All your other AAPW favorites will be a part of the action too.  So join us.  Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids.  Veterans get in free.  See you there Saturday night.  Doors open at 6, belltime is 7 p.m.  Be there!  If you don't live in the area, watch Collision and All Access on the AAPW YouTube channel.

We're Back!!!

AAPW tag team champs Team Overkill

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

All American Pro Wrestling, the premiere independent wrestling company in southern Illinois, returns to television this weekend.  It's exciting to be a part of something like AAPW.  I've had the pleasure of calling the action during season one.  Executive Producer Chris Hagstrom and I reprise our roles for season 2.

The first episode airs Saturday, April 14 at 11 a.m.  Fans in the southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, western Kentucky, and northwest Tennessee area can watch on the local ABC affiliate WSIL TV.  (It's KPOB for our fans in Poplar Bluff, Missouri)  If you don't live in the region, don't worry.  Collision will be available online after each episode airs on TV.  Just head to AAPW's website for all the details.

I don't want to give away too many details, but episode one features a clarification of the AAPW title picture.  There's a battle royal to determine the number one contender to the heavyweight title, a tag team championship match, and an announcement about the new "No Limits" Division.  When season 2 ends, there will be a new No Limits champion crowned.

After you watch Collision Saturday (April 14), head out to Harrisburg for the Hands Across Harrisburg benefit show.  AAPW stars will take the ring at 2 p.m. at the Saline County Fairgrounds.  This is a fundraiser for the victims of the Leap Day tornado that killed seven people, injured more than a hundred others, and destroyed a number of homes and businesses in the region.  Hometown hero Heath Hatton challenges Edmund "Livewire" McGuire for the AAPW heavyweight title.  Should be a great match, plus there will be a couple of first round matches in the No Limits tournament.

Expect more big things to come as the season progresses.  I'm excited and can't wait to see how things are going to go.  Also, be sure to tune in to From the Rafters Radio each Thursday night at 7 o'clock CST.  You can tune in by clicking on this link and listen live or catch the replay anytime.

Black History Month: Matt Cage

Matt Cage in AAPW (Adam Testa)

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

With a Twitter handle like @proudcaucasian, you've got to assume that Matt Cage has a sense of humor.  For those who don't know who Matt is, he's an up and comer in the world of independent wrestling.  I've only recently come to see his work, but so far I'm impressed.

Matt and Christian Rose (known as Team Overkill) recently won the AAPW tag team titles.  The two work together very well as a team.  Right now, I think the world of wrestling needs more tag teams in it, and Team Overkill comes off as a unit, not as two great singles wrestlers put together to make a team.  I look forward to seeing them defend those newly won titles in the near future.

Team Overkill on the verge of winning the belts

Matt has also been the IWA-Unlimited heavyweight champion.  IWA-U is another independent wrestling company in southern Illinois.  Like many local indy stars, Matt works for multiple companies.  I've only seen the clips on YouTube, but he's had some great matches with current champion Joey O'Reilly as well.

As I mentioned, I've just started watching Matt Cage.  So far he's got what it takes to be a serious threat in the world of professional wrestling.  I look forward to his continued success both in singles and tag team competition.

AAPW Main Event: Good as Gold

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

As All American Pro Wrestling prepares for its biggest night ever (Main Event, January 14), I'm going to take a closer look at the matches set for the evening.  I recently blogged about Colt Cabana and his match with AAPW star "3G" Eric Wayne.  The two will put on one heck of a match.

Another great match booked for the 14th features one of AAPW's most ruthless competitors (and I say that in a good way) "Golden Boy" Greg Anthony and the fast rising, ever popular Heath Hatton.  To say this is a grudge match is an understatement.  Quick back story here, Heath and Curly were the AAPW tag team champions and feuding with Golden Boy and his partner "Serial Thriller" Shane Rich.  Just as Rich and Anthony were on a roll, Rich was hurt in a serious motorcycle accident.  That left Golden Boy without a partner, and a huge chip on his shoulder.

Heath vs. the Convoy (from Adam Testa)

Somewhere along the way Heath also found himself without a partner, and even though he was approached by others in the AAPW locker  room, he decided to go it alone and defend the tag team titles without Curly.  I think Heath hoped Curly would make his way back to the company, but it wasn't meant to be.  However, Heath did defend the titles in a handicap match against the much larger team of the Convoy.  It was an impressive outing by Heath, proving to AAPW fans that he is indeed the real deal.

Sweet revenge Golden Boy gets pied

On that same card, the Golden Boy came up on the losing end of a match in which he got pied.  And not just once, but dozens of times by AAPW fans who got the sweet taste of revenge against the villainous competitor.  But that outing may have sparked a fire deep within Golden Boy, as he would have another trick up his sleeve.

Spoiler alert:  On an upcoming episode of Collision, Heath defends the tag team titles against Matt Cage and Christian Rose.  Again, Heath held his own and it appeared he was going to have another successful defense of the tag team titles.  But that's when the underhanded tactics of the Golden Boy came into play.  Long story short, he cost Heath and Curly the titles.

Because of the underhanded tactics, AAPW Executive Producer Chris Hagstorm has now decided these two need to work out their differences in the squared circle.  The two of them come into Main Event with a lot to prove.  A victory for Heath put him on the path to singles stardom.  But if Golden Boy gets the win, it'll give him unlimited bragging rights that he beat AAPW's fast rising star (and OVW newcomer).

Join us at AAPW Main Event.  Special bell time of 6:45 at the Black Diamond Harley Davidson Warehouse.  Go to AAPW's website for ticket information.  More match previews to come!