My 1-2-3 Cents : Christmas

Merry Christmas!!! On the My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast this week we decided to do a Wrestling Under the Influence. Chad Smart from Positive Cynicism joins me for a bottle or two of Dark Horse Brewing's '4 Elf Winter Warmer Ale.'

As we drink we cue the nostalgia and remember some of our favorite pro wrestling/Christmas memories. Spoiler alert, the Ultimate Warrior manhandling Santa Claus in comic book form is brought up.

Listen here and Merry Christmas.

Friday, November 30, 2018

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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Wednesday, November 28, 2018

I'm ripping off Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins, please help me

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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It's the most wonderful time of year, right? Well, not for everyone. I think a lot of times we take for granted because we woke up Christmas morning with toys to unwrap. That's simply not the case. But together, we can make sure a few more kids in southern Illinois do.

Many years I had LJN action figures under the tree waiting for me. Those action figures are still on display in my house some 30+ years later. Yes, they're ring worn after having battles and being stored in an attic for years. Now I want other kids to have that same experience.

So here's the plan. Just like Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins are doing on their podcast, the Major Wrestling Figure Podcast, Stride Pro Wrestling will be collecting NEW pro wrestling related toys. Everything collected Saturday, Dec. 8 will be donated to the Toys for Tots here in southern Illinois. Any kind of toys will be accepted, but since we're a pro wrestling company, I thought it would be fun to pass along our love for the business to young fans.

For each toy donated, you'll be entered into a contest to win a My1-2-3 Cents/Stride Pro Wrestling prize pack. If you can't make it to the show on Saturday, Dec. 8 reach out to me beforehand. The giveaway will happen that night. Thanks and Merry Christmas.

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Black Friday for wrestling fans

Shop now!

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Thanksgiving and Black Friday have become a hot time to shop for Christmas. While millions will stand in line outside brick and mortar stores in the cold; you don't have to do that for the pro wrestling fan in your life. The best part about it is when shopping at any of these sites I'm about to mention you're supporting local and indy wrestling talent.

Pro Wrestling Tees: Black Friday sale goes until Monday, Nov. 26. I'd love it if you shopped the My 1-2-3 Cents store. You can do so here. But also check out the other stores and deals. You can save between 20 and 40 percent on your purchases.

Promo code: MY123CENTS

COLLARxELBOW: I'm a sponsored athlete (their term, not mine) for this company. They have a great variety of pro wrestling t-shirts, hats and other merchandise. You can save up to 30 percent on your purchase. Use promo code MY123CENTS at check out.

Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network: Co-founder Greg Mehocko has opened a store with Jittery Monkey merch. You can shop online and support the shows. Also be sure to rate & review on your podcast listening platform. Shop here.

Billy Club: 'Farmer' Billy Hills is a long time friend of mine. We met years ago in All American Pro Wrestling. Billy is a co-holder of the Stride Pro Wrestling tag team titles. He's also got his own store with tons of great merchandise. As a proud owner of a pair of Farmer socks, I can tell you his products are great. Check everything out here.

Other stars in Stride have merch available at shows. So bring some cash to the next event on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 1130 N. Division Street in Carterville. It's just one of the ways to support indy wrestling.

Monday, December 25, 2017

Centy Claus is coming to Stride

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Centy Claus is one of the many characters I came up with when doing regular videos on the My 1-2-3 Cents YouTube channel. He shows up every year around Christmas. This year, he's left some gifts for the men and women of Stride Pro Wrestling.

For new Stride Pro Wrestling Champion Jay Spade: An injury-free run as champion. You've worked hard to get to where you are and prove that the size of a person's heart is just as important as their stature.

For former Champion Roger Matheus: A rematch for the heavyweight title. You were the most dominant champ in Stride's history. Don't let one loss judge the reign of this wrestler.

For Legacy Champion Chris Hargas: Continued momentum after winning both Buried Alive and the Legacy title within a week of each other. You are ending the year on a high note after surviving one of the most physical matches we've seen in Stride.

For former Legacy Champion Tony Flood: A bigger pair of brass knuckles. If you're going to resort to cheating, you're going to need a bigger pair against Hargas.

For Dexter Roswell: An endless supply of hand sanitizer. You're going to be shaking a lot more hands as Stride continues to grow in popularity.

For Scott Phoenix: A lifetime supply of whatever shampoo it is that makes your hair the envy of the Stride Pro Wrestling locker room. And one lucky lady to actually accept your digits.

For J. Wellington Beauregard: Protective gear. You continue to make men like Ax Allwardt, Heath Hatton and Jerry Travelstead angry. You're going to need something to protect yourself.

For Ax Allwardt: Five minutes alone in the ring with J. Wellington Beauregard, without the abovementioned protective gear. Also, a tag team partner who can appreciate a cold beer, loud 80s music and a thick steak from time to time.

For Heath Hatton: Baby oil and someone with warm hands to apply it. But on a serious note, the continued respect and admiration from fans and colleagues for bringing indy wrestling back to southern Illinois.

For Frank Wyatt: More money from J. Wellington Beauregard to make up for the beating you took at the hands of Heath Hatton in Woodlawn.

For Arron Brooks & Joey O'Riley: A shot at the Stride Pro Wrestling tag team championships.

For Brian Richards: A face mask to keep your beardless face warm since losing to El Magnifico.

For El Magnifico: A pinata that won't break.

For Aaron Edwards & Nathan Brag: More respect from the leader of your "party".

For Bull Bronson: A welcomed return and a championship opportunity.

For Jerry Travelstead: Continued success with the fundraising efforts you get behind with the Stride shows. Your efforts are appreciated more than you know.

For the fans of Red Daniels: Peace and understanding in the wake of this month's Buried Alive match that led to Red's demise.

For "Farmer" Billy Hills: A clean bill of health from the doctor and the wisdom to mend some broken fences.

For Sarah Summers: More opportunities.

For JD Wilk: A healthy 2018 and a shot at the Legacy title.

For Shane Lauder: Determination. You've been trained by some of the best in Stride Pro Wrestling, keep working hard and aiming high.

For Sam Hunter: A lifetime supply of fish sticks and the ability to enjoy them without the ridicule of J. Wellington Beauregard.

For referee Lane Austin: Those pecs you've been pumping so hard for and a night without Hunter yelling "Lane sucks".

For Jim Kelton (the sound guy): A new laptop.

For Stride Pro Wrestling fans: A happy and healthy 2018 and more appearances by past guests like Ace Hawkins, Brandon Espinosa and Daniel Eads.

Promo code: MY123CENTS

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Black Friday Beatdown

A COLLARxELBOW Christmas Story
Use promo code: MY123CENTS

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Soon many of us will sit down to Thanksgiving dinner. After that meal, some of you will head to the store in search of Black Friday bargains. But there's no need to leave the house (unless you're trying to get away from family members) this year. My friends at COLLARxELBOW brand is offering up a great deal for online shoppers.

Promo code: MY123CENTS

Earlier this year I became a sponsored athlete for the brand created by former WWE Superstar Al Snow. Anytime you shop and use the code MY123CENTS you'll save 10 percent. But on Black Friday from 6 a.m. until Midnight (EST) you'll save 25 percent with that code. And anyone who spends $75 or more gets that CxE Ugly Christmas t-shirt. I personally wish those shirts were available for purchase too.

The first 100 people to place an order will get a free CxE towel as well. Ordering is easy, use this link and it'll take you to the online store. There are a variety of shirts (both t-shirts and baseball shirts), ball caps and stickers. Remember, use the code MY123CENTS and you'll save 25 percent on your order this Friday (Nov. 24). Beyond that time you'll get a 10 percent discount. Thanks for the support.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Vince McMahon is NOT the Grinch

Santa & John Cena
Courtesy: WWE

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

My original intent for this post was to actually be a vlog. I recorded it twice and for an unknown reason, the video cut out halfway through. So I'm sticking to my original roots and writing a blog. I will return to YouTube in the near future though, so don't fret. The topic today, the WWE/USA Network's decision to broadcast a live version of Monday Night Raw on Christmas night.

It's the first time in the nearly 25 year history of the program that it's aired live on Christmas. Many fans got quite vocal about the decision on social media following the announcement. I feel like I'm in the minority when it comes to supporting WWE/USA Network in this decision. Here are a few of the reasons why.

When I first started watching wrestling in the mid-1980s, Christmas day and Christmas night shows were commonplace. The WWF, Jim Crockett Promotions and World Class Championship Wrestling held shows on Christmas day. Some years there were double shots or as many as three shows on that one day. And it wasn't just the mid-card guys performing. Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, The Road Warriors, Dusty Rhodes and countless other men and women were out on the road.

Courtesy: ESPN

Other forms of entertainment perform on Christmas and other holidays. Most Broadway shows have a performance. Christmas day is huge for the NBA. There are games all day and evening on ABC and other networks. The movie theaters are open. Disney World and Disney Land are hopping with visitors. In fact, my friend Chad told me the busiest time he was ever at Disney Land was on Christmas. After spending the day cooped up with family, people want to get out and be entertained or distracted with programming on TV that's not a rerun of a Christmas movie.

My sympathy is also low on this subject because I work in an industry where there are no holidays. The news business doesn't take off for Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years or Easter. Granted, I don't work all of these holidays, but there have been years and years where I did.

Christmas unicorns
Courtesy: WWE

Let's not forget it's not just the WWE Superstars who will be away from their fans as critics have pointed out. The production team, commentators, referees, stylists, music and sound operations, etc. will all be on the road this Christmas. It's fair to say there are likely thousands of other people (wrestlers and other talents) who would kill to be a part of that Christmas night Raw.

I'll wrap up with this challenge. If you are truly appalled and upset by this decision by WWE and USA Network, I challenge you to turn off the TV Christmas night. Don't watch the show live and don't record it either. Refrain from watching the recap on YouTube on WWE.com down the road. To truly make a point and hit both companies where it hurts, don't watch. I, however, will be watching. My hope is our Superstars and those putting the show on air will be compensated appropriately for this first-time adventure in the modern era of professional wrestling.

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas

Hunsperger family Christmas 2016

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Regular readers of this blog know that earlier this year I started a blogging streak. Christmas Day marks day 214. Since it is Christmas I decided to share a little holiday spirit.

Skiing in Michigan

I am grateful that I got to spend the past week with my family and not have to worry about getting up at 1:30 a.m. The break has been amazing and I got to knock two things off my bucket list: visiting Michigan and going downhill skiing.

Christmas Tsum Tsums

My mom's health has been a big concern this year as she is battling cancer for the second time. Last month we learned that the chemotherapy has contained the disease to the bladder and next month surgeons will remove the infected organ. Spending the last few days at home with my family has been very important to me. For me to be able to do that my friends and coworkers had to hold down the fort. So thanks, guys.

A dip for the Ugly Christmas Suit

I can't go without recognizing my buddy Tom Harness, the Ugly Christmas Suit Guy. This year he raised more than $5,000 in his suit for a group called The Promise. They provide for those in need in southern Illinois. Tom worked tirelessly since Giving Tuesday to raise money, food and awareness for The Promise. Mission accomplished. Thanks to all who gave and to Tom for putting himself out there once again and reminding people what the spirit of the season is all about.

From My 1-2-3 Cents and the Hunsperger family, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Thanks for your friendship and support.

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Ho! Ho! Ho!

My first Christmas (1973)

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Our family is like most others in this country. We have always celebrated Christmas with the tradition of going to visit Santa. Just over a year ago our youngest stopped believing. We may not make it see Santa at the store anymore, but here are some memories through the years. Merry Christmas.

1978 (I think)

1992

1998

2000

2001

2003

2004

2005

2006

2008

2010

2012

Friday, December 23, 2016

Centy Claus is coming to town

Centy Claus is checking in

By Centy Claus