King of Trios Preview

By Chad Smart
@chadsmart & @my123cents on Twitter
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Chikara’s 8th Annual King of Trios takes place this weekend (September 4-6, 2015). This will be my first time attending the event live. While unforeseen circumstances have me attending the shows alone, this should still be an amazing weekend. This blog looks at the first round matches. There are a few minor predictions involved but not many since the full brackets for the tournament haven’t been released.  Let’s not waste any more time and jump right into the first announced match. 

UNITED NATIONS VS TEAM ATTACK

United Nations is a Chikara trio made up of team captain, Juan Francisco de Coronado, Mr. Azerbaijan and The Proletariat Boar of Moldova. In the series long Challenge of the Immortals, United Nations are currently one point ahead of last place.  

Team ATTACK is a British team comprised of Mark Andrews, Morgan Webster and Pete Dunne. The only member of this team I’m familiar with is Mark Andrews. Andrews won TNA British Bootcamp 2 and appeared on a few episodes of Impact this year helping Rockstar Spud in his feud with EC3. 

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Team ATTACK win this match given the lack of success United Nations has had this season. 

BDK vs. TEAM FIGHT CLUB PRO 

Jakob Hammermeier revealed himself the man under the disguise of Dr. Cube on September 19, 2014 and reformed Bruderschaft des Kreuzes. After using the Eye of Tyr to oust BDK leader Ares, Jakob took control of the BDK. Jakob’s two other members in the King of Trios are Nokken and Soldier Ant who is under the influence of the Eye of Tyr. 

Team Fight Club Pro is the other British trio competing this year. MK McKinnan, Trent Seven and Tyler Bate travel across the pond to compete in their first King of Trios. 

CROWN & COURT VS ARCANE HORDE

Crown & Court currently reside in the basement of the Challenge of the Immortal standings. Captain Princess Kimber Lee didn’t draft wisely when choosing her team. Her partners in the King of Trios are El Hijo del Ice Cream and Ice Cream Jr., collectively known as Los Ice Cream. Los Ice Cream has probably the worst win-loss record of anyone who’s competed in Chikara. 

The Arcane Horde is Ultramantis Black’s team members in the Challenge of the Immortals. The Batiri (Kodama and Obariyon) join Oleg the Usurper. Oleg is having a breakout year in Chikara. Fans have accepted the Viking brute, which surprises me. Oleg is responsible for the death of Dragon Dragon. That is an act I don’t think I can ever full forgive nor forget. 

BATTLEBORN VS DASHER’S DUGOUT

Kid Cyclone removed his mask last year revealing his identity as Kevin Condron. Condron was upset at the fans acceptance of Eddie Kingston after Kingston turned on The Flood and rejoined the Chikara locker room. Kingston had taken part in ending the careers of Condron’s colleagues Private Eye Jr. and Create A Wrestler. Kevin Condron then took masked wrestler Volgar under his wing with the condition that Volgar remove his mask as well. Once the mask was off, “Juke Joint” Lucas Calhoun was born. I’m not sure how Missile Assault Ant joined the trio.  At a show in Indianapolis, Kevin Condron tried to recruit Missile Assault Ant with MAA refusing. Sometime between that show and now, MAA had a change of mind and is now Missile Assault Man. If I were a betting man, I would put money on Battleborn either winning the tournament or at least making the finals. 

Last year, the Golden Trio made the finals, losing to the Devastation Corporation. This year, Dasher Hatfield, Mr. Touchdown and Icarus don’t have their titles or their moniker. Instead, they’re part of the Challenge of the Immortals with Dasher Hatfield being the team captain. Since I picked Battleborn to advance to the finals, I’m going to speculate a loss in the first round for Dasher’s Dugout will lead to Dasher and Mr. Touchdown being part of the tag team scramble match on Night 3. 

NIGHTMARE WARRIORS VS SNAKE PIT

Chikara Grand Champion Hallowicked leads his trio mates Frightmare and Silver Ant into battle.  All three members are former King of Trios winners.  Silver Ant, back when he was Green Ant, won the 2011 tournament as part of the Colony. Hallowicked and Frightmare were victorious in 2012 alongside Ultramantis Black. 

The Snake Pit boasts one of the more eclectic trios. Team captain Ophidian teams with former Grand Champion, Eddie Kingston and the highflying Shynron. It will be interesting to see if these three can work together well enough to advance in the tournament. 

GENTLEMAN’S CLUB VS TEAM AAA

Did I say the Snake Pit was one of the most eclectic trios? The Gentleman’s Club may give them a run for their money in that department. Captain Chuck Taylor has enlisted two of his good friends to fill out his trio. Pure wrestler, Drew Gulak and the, I don’t know what adjectives to use, Swamp Monster. 

Team AAA could also be called Team Lucha Underground. Aero Star, Drago and Fenix bring their high flying style to the Easton Funplex While I’m looking forward to seeing this trio in person, a part of me wishes if I am going to see a dragon that it would be Dragon Dragon. 

BATTLE HIVE VS BULLET CLUB

The Funky Pharaoh, Amasis dances into competition alongside 2011 co-winners Fire Ant and Worker Ant. While Amasis may be looking for a dance party to start up during King of Trios, he will probably end up walking into a different kind of party: a superkick party. 

Former Campeonatos de Parejas The Young Bucks return to Chikara with a debuting AJ Styles. While the Bullet Club is a faction in New Japan Pro Wrestling, their popularity crosses the ocean. To me, I’m interested in seeing if any anti-TNA comments are made while Styles is in the ring. 

DEVASTATION CORPORATION VS bWo

This is the match I’m most looking forward to out of all the first round matches. The current King of Trios, Devastation Corporation (Blaster McMassive, Flex Rumblecrunch and Max Smashmaster) are also the current Campeonatos de Parejas. On paper it looks like Dev Corp may have the easiest draw of the first round. (Cheap plug: listen to Kevin’s interview with Max Smashmaster on episode 40 of the My 123 Cents podcast)

For the first time since a brief reunion in 2005 as part of the new ECW, the Blue World Order reunites. Big Stevie Cool, Da Blue Guy and Hollywood Nova will be looking to take over the Funplex. Do they have what it takes to knock off the reigning King of Trios? I’m picking the bWo to pull the biggest upset of the tournament. 

In addition to the King of Trios, Nights 2 and 3 feature the Rey de Voladores tournament. As of this writing the only two names announced are Matt Cross and 2 Cold Scorpio.   Day 3 will include the tag team gauntlet. 

While this year’s tournament may not have the emotional storytelling that 2011 had, the line up is pretty impressive and should make for an exciting three days of action. I will have a full recap in the days after the tournament and will try to line up a few more interviews for the podcast.

Throwback Thursday: To a Tee

Yes, this happened.
"Real men don't wear skirts!"

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

When I was a kid I had a few WWF t-shirts.  One was of the Junkyard Dog.  I'm guessing I was probably about 11 or 12 at the time.  Then I got an anti-Roddy Piper shirt. It was the height of his heel run and says "Real Men Don't Wear Skirts!" My parents brought it down to my house from storage and just for kicks I tried it on.  As you can tell from the pic, it's definitely working overtime.

The one shirt that has stood the test of time for me is my Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff one.  I got it for my 14th birthday in 8th grade. It was a little big on me then, and to this day it still fits.  It's been 25 years and I still wear it on occasion, usually just for videos as it is so thin now you can read the newspaper through it.

A fool for Old School

When my wife and I were dating, she took the shirt and said she threw it away.  Like I said, it is thin and full of holes and at that point was about 10 years old.  She didn't really trash it and was only hiding it to make me go on a wild goose chase for it.  So as a bit of revenge, I wore the shirt under my tuxedo shirt at our wedding.  I don't think she was too impressed with it though.

I don't really buy wrestling shirts anymore.  I do have a couple of hand-me downs from Chad and I bought a Wrestlemania 22 jersey to commemorate my first trip to the biggest show of them all.  Last year Chad gave me a "Will You Stop?" shirt from Barbershop Window.  I wear it quite often and people ask me about it all the time.  I will say that many of their designs are funny and I would love to add more to my collection, but as you've read in previous posts, I'm paying for a return trip to Wrestlemania and of course WrestleCon.

Nerd alert

I do wear the two different versions of the My 1-2-3 Cents t-shirt too.  That's done mostly as a marketing tool.  When trying to sell them failed, we started giving them away.  At the April Chikara show in Lafayette, Indiana Dasher Hatfield, Tim Donst, and Arik Cannon were all recipients.  During a recent interview on From the Rafters Radio, Donst said he wears his to the gym.  That impressed me.

Do you have any wrestling t-shirts?  Do you wear them in public?  What's your favorite?  Post here or on Facebook.

It's Good, It's All Good!

Mr. Touchdown & Kevin
April 2012
Photo by My 1-2-3 Cents

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

I'm a couple of days late, but I wanted to congratulate Mr. Touchdown on his Young Lions Cup victory in Chikara over the weekend.  I got a chance to see Mr. Touchdown wrestle live a couple of times with his partner Dasher Hatfield at Chikara shows in Indiana and Illinois.  The Throwbacks were victorious in both outings.

After the show in Chicago Ridge, I had a chance to get a pic with Mr. Touchdown.  I always appreciate it when wrestlers take a moment to give fans a chance like this.  Many of the Chikara guys (and women) are like that though.

It appears Mr. Touchdown is on the fast track to big things in the company.  I'd like to see how things go with Veronica and Archie too.  It's been an engaging storyline.  Good luck to him and I hope to catch more Chikara shows in person next year.  (Come to southern Illinois, we'd love to have you here)

We're All a Little Like Archie

Veronica & Archie
Courtesy: Chikara Pro

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

I know I'm a bit late with this post, but earlier this month the #SummerofLove kicked off between Veronica Ticklefeather and "Mr. Touchdown" Mark Angelosetti at the Chikarasaurus Rex: How to Hatch a Dinosaur iPayPerView.  I'm not the Chikara expert here, but allow me to explain as best I can. 

Basically, flag girl Veronica arrived on the scene in Chikara with "Marchie Archie"Archibald Peck the drum major last year.  The two appeared to be a match made in heaven.  The band geek finally got his girl.  Or so we thought.  You see, as a geek, I can identify with Archie even though he was a rudo (heel) at the time.  He went on a losing streak and eventually that lead to tension between he and Veronica.  (You can hear more of her thoughts on From the Rafters Radio in the archive section, it's episode 10)  Factor in the new kid on the block and member of the Throwbacks, Mr. Touchdown.

Mr. Touchdown & me

Angelosetti personifies that football jock we all loved to hate in high school.  By we, I mean my fellow geeks.  I wasn't in the band, but instead ran cross country.  You see how dorky I am today, just imagine how I was back then...  Anyway, Touchdown took a liking to the flag girl, and of course Veronica seemed to fall for him too.  She was giddy around him, coming out during his matches to cheer for him.

Like most of us who have loved and lost, Archie made some serious changes.  In fact, he dropped the band major gimmick and became a badass.  Well as much of a bad ass as he could.  No more silly drum major hat and matching costume.  Instead Marchie Archie became MMA: Mixed Marital Archie.  He wore gloves and a mouth guard and other fighting gear.  He threw fists of furry when he stepped in the ring.  His heart was ripped out and he didn't care who he hurt in the process.  Again, I think it's a place many of us have been in our lives, only Archie had a chance to channel his aggression.  

Me & Archie: Geeks unite!

So after months of build on June 2, Veronica promised to make a choice.  Who would she chose?  Her high school sweet, Archie or the charming Mr. Touchdown?  The loser (of the tag team match featuring Dasher Hatfield & Mr. Touchdown against Archie and Colt Cabana) would not only watch Veronica walk off in the sunset with the opponent, but they'd have to leave Philadelphia as well.  Despite a heartfelt blog about her grandparents meeting and falling in love, Veronica pulled a fast one on many people.  Touchdown used his football helmet to knockout everyone's now favorite band geek/MMA fighter.  Hatfield, not knowing the dirty play happened, pinned Peck and scored the win.  Then Veronica further damaged an already broken Archie by making out with Mr. Touchdown after the win.

Now on Twitter Veronica has proclaimed it the #SummerofLove.  I feel bad for Archie as he not only lost in love, but is now banned from wrestling in Chikara's hometown of Philly.  I like the way this storyline has progressed and even though the geek lost this time, I have a feeling this isn't the last of this feud.

My First Chikara Experience

First in line!

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

For years, I've listened to Chad hype the independent wrestling company Chikara.  Years I tell you.  He even drove 15 hours once to watch a series of shows in Pennsylvania.  I'll be honest, having watched just a bit of it on DVD, I didn't understand the appeal of driving all that way.  The shows were a bit campy in my estimation and while entertaining, lacked a wrestling company feel that I had been accustomed to.

But fast forward 6 years and my exposure to indy wrestling has exploded.  Besides working with All American Pro Wrestling for the last year, I've also been to several other shows, including ROH and Dragon Gate.  Then on Saturday, April 28 I attended my first Chikara show.  A day later, I was at my second show.  And what an experience.

My fellow AAPW comrades Adam Testa and Drew Robbins loaded up in my Prius (hopefully Daniel Bryan reads this) and headed to Chicago Ridge.  It was an estimated 5 and half to six hour drive, but we made it in about 4 and half.  We met AAPW Executive Producer Chris Hagstrom and Chad outside the building, ready to embark on two days of wrestling bliss.  Three shows, two towns, many countless memories.

Mr. Touchdown and me

Chikara opened the weekend up with "Hot Off the Griddle."  I must tell you I was really impressed not just with the talent in the ring, but the way they all interacted with the fans outside the ring.  I posed for pictures with the Colony (a group of wrestling ants), Mr. Touchdown (a wrestling football player), and Chuck Taylor (one half of the new campeones de parejas).  Not one of them asked for any money or for fans to buy their merchandise.  They were there and took the time to thank the fans for being a part of the show.

Without bashing ROH too much, I can't say the same about them.  Photos with their stars were $10 each. After the price of admission for three shows, travel, hotel, food, and other merchandise; I decided that was not a good deal.

The wrestling from both companies was solid.  This was booked as a Synergy event, and talent from both companies appeared on each other's cards.  El Generico for example wrestled on both shows, in the main event of Hot Off the Griddle he was pinned by the Queen of Wrestling, Sara Del Rey.  What an amazing contest that ended up being.  I will write and vlog more in the near future about that match and the topic of men vs. women in the ring.  Kevin Steen took Chikara Grand Champion Eddie Kingston to the limit in a match that the champ won by disqualification.  Steen definitely knows who to work the crowd, as many of the Rudos (heels) do.  Chuck Taylor for instance hurled Chad's cousin's bottle of Gatorade across the arena.  The kid was devastated.   A couple of other highlights from first day: Mixed Marital Archie, the Throwbacks, and the Colony.  All very entertaining and not too campy or over the top like I thought Chikara might be.

After the double shot Saturday afternoon and evening we headed about 40 minutes away to Indiana where we booked a hotel.  After a few hours sleep we headed south to Lafayette for day two of Chikara and the Contaminated Cowl event.  Because Lafayette is a much smaller town than Chicago Ridge, this show was in an old movie theater.  It was quite an intimate feel to it as well as we were so close to the ring that when guys were on the floor brawling we could reach out and touch them.

Chuck Taylor & me

It was another solid day of wrestling action, this time just by the men and women of Chikara though.  I got to get a pic with Mixed Martial Archie and watch FIST members (Chuck Taylor & Johnny Gargano) become two time campeones de parejas (a first for Chikara).  Chris got his hat tossed into the crowd, Chad's show was stolen and elbow dropped in the main event, and Adam had his shoe thrown across the room too.  Adam also tried to show respect to his team, 3.0 and offer up some Red Bull and Slim Jims, only to see the beverage dumped in the ring.  We interacted after the show again with the likes of Dasher Hatfield, who did 10 Questions with us a while back, Arik Cannon, and Chuck Taylor.

I'm so very glad I made this trip.  Not only did I get to witness Chikara live and in person for the first time ever, I had a great time with my friends. The saying getting there is half the fun is an understatement.  This is only the tip of the iceberg, there were so many memorable moments.  My hope now is that Chikara will head a bit further south in the future, maybe St. Louis or even southern Illinois.  How about it Quack?  Also, I hope that Darkness Crabtree and Dragon Dragon make a comeback too.

Don't forget to like us on Facebook and tune in to From the Rafters Radio each Thursday at 7 p.m. CST.  Click here for details.

Looking at Chikara's 11th Season

By Chad Smart
@chadsmart on Twitter

This is a week overdue. Good thing we don’t have deadlines here at the my123cents offices. Anyway.  If you’re been reading the blog for at least the last four months, you’re probably well aware that I am a huge Chikara mark. I don’t deny it or try to hide it. Even to non-wrestling fans, if they find out I enjoy wrestling I am much more likely to talk freely about Chikara while downplaying enjoying WWE or TNA. There’s just something magical about Chikara.

Four weeks ago Chikara kicked off Season 11 with a show entitled The Thirteenth Hat. I’d read some reviews of the show that said while it was entertaining it wasn’t a home run show. After seeing the show for myself, I would agree it may not be a home run, but then Chikara didn’t need to hit a home run with the show. Unlike their first Ippv last November, which was a home run, which wrapped up season 10 and served as an introductory show for new fans, The Thirteenth Hat’s job was to set up the new storylines for Season 11. In that regard, I think Chikara did a fantastic job.  Several stories were set up and I am excited to see how they all play out over the next 10 months.

The show opened with Green Ant finally getting the better of his trainer, Mike Quackenbush.  After defeating Tursas as the Season 10 finale, High Noon, Green Ant continued his ascension up the Chikara ranks with this match. Quack’s reputation isn’t hindered by ending up on the losing end of a back and forth contest while Green Ant shows he is a force to not be taken lightly. Solid opener.

The new Throwbacks

Following the opening match was the introduction by Dasher Hatfield of the newest member of the Throwbacks, Mr. Touchdown. Dasher is a fan favorite and is thankful for the fans supporting the Throwbacks. Mr. Touchdown on the other hand refers to the fans as, NERDS, and doesn’t seem too concerned with their cheers. With the third member of the Throwbacks, Sugar Dunkerton, taking a sabbatical from Chikara, it will be interesting to see how Dasher and Touchdown work as a team. Will Mr. Touchdown come around to respecting the fans the way Dasher does, or could Mr. Touchdown’s attitude rub off on Dasher forcing a rudo turn for the popular technico? 

After a 14-month hiatus, Gran Akuma made his return to a Chikara ring to face his former teammate, Icarus. I thought it was too soon for these two to meet in a one on one match, so the double count out ending made sense. What did surprise me was the involvement of Greg Iron. Iron had feuded with Icarus over the course of last season and was Icarus’ opponent at High Noon. After Icarus defeated Iron, Akuma made a surprise appearance and while trying to get to Icarus, Akuma accidentally kicked Iron.  Apparently Iron took offense at Akuma’s accident because instead of going after Icarus, Iron got in Akuma’s face at The Thirteenth Hat. Now Icarus has gotten Chikara Director of Fun, Wink Vavasseur to make Akuma go through a trial series of matches in order to get another shot at Icarus.  At the same time Greg Iron wants a piece of Akuma. By the end of the season, Akuma may be dreading his decision to make his Chikara return.

While 3.0 started their quest for three points with a victory of former BDK teammates Tim Donst and Jakob Hammermeier, the real story is the dissension between team HammerTim(e). During a pre-match promo Jakob talked about BDK leader Ares coming back. After making the comment, Donst slapped Jakob then said Ares was gone and Tim was the leader of BDK 2.0. After losing the match, Tim attacked Jakob blaming him for the loss. I’m going to make a prediction and say by the end of the season Jakob Hammermeier will be one of the most popular technicos on the Chikara roster.

Archibald Peck had another victory stolen from him by an unscrupulous opponent.  The loss caused his lovely valet, Veronica to leave ringside without Marchie Archie in disgust. The heartbroken lothario is none too pleased about his misfortune. What will it take for the leader of the band to get back on the winning bandwagon?

Ophidian debuted a new look and vowed to collect more “souls” (masks) on his way to redemption. I felt the match with Hieracon went about twice as long as it should have given the pretty predictable outcome. But I am intrigued on where Ophidian goes now that he has taken the “souls” of his Osirian Portal teammates. I also feel like we haven’t seen the last of Amasis.

Before the main event, Vin Gerard ran in unannounced leading to a pull apart brawl with Chikara Grand Champion Eddie Kingston.  Once security got Vin Gerard out of the venue, Eddie demanded Wink reinstate Vin into Chikara so Eddie could dish out a beating.  Since the show, Vin has been reinstated and this Sunday, Eddie and Vin will meet in a Title vs. Career match up. This intrigues me since it is Eddie’s first defense so I can’t see him losing. At the same time, I can’t see Vin coming back for just one match. I have faith in the Chikara brain trust to have something awesome planned for the match. 

In addition to these stories that were told during the show, the DVD of The Thirteenth Hat included an opening where Ultramantis Black and Hallowicked went looking for Delirious. Delirious stole the Eye of Tyr from Ultramantis then proceeded to destroy it before running off screaming, “I remember everything.”  What implications will that have on Ultramantis’ quest of power or Mantis and Hallowicked’s shot at the Campeonatos de Parejas this weekend? 

 

In one show, Chikara set up or advanced eight stories. Not too bad for a kick off show. Plus the show didn’t have Sara Del Rey, Chuck Taylor and Johnny Gargano, Brodie Lee or Frightmare. As well, the Colony, The Batiri and Jigsaw were involved in matches with no immediate meaning on the foreseeable future.

 

As I said in the opening paragraph, I know I’m a Chikara mark. With that said, I can’t wait for future Chikara shows. I am excited for what Season 11 has in store and am counting the days until April 28 and 29 when I will get to see my first live Chikara shows in seven years.

 

Normally I would shill smartmarkvideo.com and tell you to order this show either on DVD or as an .mp4 download. But Chikara does pay me to shill for them so I won’t do that. I will however tell you if you aren’t following my123cents on Twitter or haven’t “liked” us on Facebook, you’re missing out on some fun interactions.

Chikara: Outside Looking In

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

Chad has done a great job over the last several days sharing his thoughts and opinions on Chikara Pro.  He is a huge fan of the company, so much so that he once traveled 13 hours (I believe) by car to watch a show live in person.  He's extremely busy today and asked me if I'd fill in for today as we continue to countdown to the big Internet Pay Per View High Noon (Sunday, November 13).

But here's the deal, I'm a novice fan when it comes to Chikara.  Most of what I know is from what Chad has told me.  He's loaned me a few DVDs over the years, so I am familiar with some of the wrestlers.  So I consider myself an outsider looking in when it comes to Chikara.  I will say that from what I've seen, I do enjoy.

Archibald vs. Colt Cabunny

After years of watching WWF, WCW, NWA, UWF, AWA I got used to the larger than life characters on the TV.  The big arenas.  The pyro.  The promos.  But since moving to southern Illinois, I've had more of a taste of the indy scene.  I've been to a few ROH shows.  I currently work for All American Pro Wrestling.  I love the fact that the fans, every single one of them in most cases, can interact with the wrestlers.  Watch some Chikara clips on their YouTube channel, and you can hear the fans respond when a wrestler does something in the ring good or bad.  The fans respond to the promos.  It's not the sheepish "What?" chants that you hear in WWE.  Fans are listening and responding to what they hear.

Sweet 'n Sour

Probably the best on the mic and getting the crowd riled up was the late, great "Sweet 'n Sour" Larry Sweeney.  I've gone back and watched some of his stuff, and I've got to say he's without a doubt my favorite on any of the Chikara stuff I've seen.  He was so great on the mic. I loved the gimmick, the flamboyance.  I also really dig the old school "Macho Man" Randy Savage t-shirt variation he made. He reminded me of Eddie Gilbert.  Sweeney had that ability to be both a wrestler and a manager.  He was great in the ring and even better on the mic.  Sadly he died in April 2011.  Who knows where Sweeney's career would have gone.  He was only 30 years old.  So much potential.

Darkness!

There are plenty of other talented guys and gals on the Chikara roster.  They're great athletes.  Then there are some of the silly characters, which I also enjoy.  Darkness Crabtree is one of my favorites.  While I don't know a whole lot about him, basically, he's a decrypted old man.  He takes forever to climb into the ring, and once he's there he moves around live molasses going uphill on a January morning.  But there's something about the character I like.

Dragon Dragon

The variations of guys like Colt Cabana and CM Punk are also enjoyable.  Who couldn't love Colt Cabunny and CP Munk?  It's classic.  Then there's guys like Dragon Dragon, the greatest dragon wrestler of all time and the ever patriotic US Ape.  I went bananas the first time I saw him.  (get it?)  While somewhat silly, okay, very silly, these characters are still fun to watch.  I have to give credit to the men under the mask.  That can't be easy taking bumps and trying to keep your head intact.

Of course on the serious side there's stars like Mike Quackenbush, Eddie Kingston, Sara Del Rey, and the Kings of Wrestling (I know Claudio has moved on)  These guys (and gals) are poetry in motion in the ring.  Can't say enough good things about the work they do.

Tag teams are also emphasized in Chikara.  I have ranted and raved since starting this blog more than a year ago about the need for more tag team wrestling in the WWE and even TNA.  Chikara meets that objective with special tournaments focused on tag team wrestling, including the King of Trios tournament. I also like the fact that Chikara has invited some of the WWE old timers back.  Like I've said before, I'm a fool for old school and enjoyed seeing Demolition team up with the One Man Gang at the King of Trios a few years ago.  These legends didn't win, which they shouldn't, but it was still great to see them back for one night.  Sean Waltman also returned to his 1-2-3 Kid roots recently at a Chikara show, and I hear Marty Jannetty is a trainer at the school.  Awesomeness!

Dasher (from Chikara)

Another aspect about Chikara that I like is the fact that some of their guys take the time to answer emails and tweets.  Chad did a 10 Questions piece with Dasher Hatfield.  I appreciate the fact that Dasher took the time to do it, and I love the fact that members of the roster are reposting these entries.  That's yet to happen with anyone from WWE or TNA.  Thanks guys, because I do know you're reading this.

So here's the part where I plug the websites, check out Chikara Pro.  And if you want to order the High Noon PPV, click on this link.  Thanks for reading, and since you're here, check out My 1-2-3 Cents on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

10 Questions with Dasher Hatfield



Photo from Dasher Hatfield


By Chad Smart

Today is the first in what we hope to be a new ongoing segment here at my123cents, 10 Questions with Independent Wrestlers.  One of our goals is to promote wrestling organizations and wrestlers the average fan may not be aware of or know that much about. Depending on how quickly we get answers turnaround this will either be a weekly or bi-weekly segment.

Our first wrestler is Chikara wrestler, “The Old Timey King of Swing” Dasher Hatfield. Dasher, along with tag team partner Sugar Dunkerton, form The Throwbacks, one of the most popular teams on the Chikara roster. Here are some introductory videos: Dasher’s Debut , Throwbacks Promo , a baseball game breaks out during a match .



1)Start off by giving us information about Dasher Hatfield. (this is your chance for self-promotion and plug where fans can see you wrestle in the upcoming weeks)
I wrestle for Chikara Pro, which is based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The call me the "Old Timey King of Swing" for obvious reasons, I hope. Very soon myself, along with the entire Chikara family will be embarking on a tour of the mid west. We will be stopping by the Cleveland, Detroit, and Chicago areas during our trip.

2)After your first season in Chikara, the fans started a "Save Dasher" campaign. What do you think it was that made fans have such a connection with you that they made sure Chikara management knew they didn't want to see you leave?I think it all had to do with fun! Every single time the fans of Chikara Pro and I get together, we have a good time.

3)Do you ever hear from Mos Cow or Ultimo Breakfast?
It is very funny you should ask these two questions in a row. Because every so often one or the other will manage to get a hold of me. And the more the fans and I are getting along, the grumpier they sound. I can not figure out why they sound so bitter some times. Oh well, mustn't lose any sleep over it.

Photo from Chikara Pro

4)Besides the number of masked wrestlers, what do you feel separates Chikara from rest of the major American wrestling promotions? Why should wrestling fans who aren't familiar with Chikara go to a live show or buy a DVD?
I always like to say, our fans do not come to Chikara to see a great wrestling show. They come to be apart of a great wrestling show. As a fan at one of our shows you are just as important as any wrestler, referee, or ring announcer. Our shows have been known to change ones entire perception of the words "Professional Wrestling"



5)What is your response to people who say wrestling is fake?
Next your going to try and tell me that  (my123cents note: I think Dasher must have got called to pinch hit and didn’t get the rest of the answer typed.)

6)Who's the better baseball player?
Cal Ripken Jr or Alex Rodriguez- Ripken -2632, Enough Said
Don Miattingly or Albert Pujols- Much like the HOF committee I am going to have to snub Mattingly. Pujols. Babe Ruth or Barry Bonds- In the battle of Hot Dogs vs Steroids, I Vote hot dogs. The BabeOzzie Smith or Derek Jeter- i find this selection the toughest of all. Ill say Ozzie based on the extra 8 gold gloves he owns. (my123cents: as life long Cardinals fans, Dasher’s picks of Pujols and Ozzie earned him major props. If he wasn’t cool enough already, that sealed it.)

7)Who is your pick to win the 12 Large Summit?
Hallowicked, he has already beaten my first choice.

8)Were you trained at the Chikara Wrestle Factory? Even if you weren't would you recommend it as a good school for aspiring wrestlers?
In my opinions The Wrestle Factory is the best training center in the world. If you look at the level of performers that it continually produces, you will agree.

9)What has been your biggest moment and your lowest moment as a wrestler?Lowest has happened twice. Twice we have been eliminated from King of Trios in the very first round. I don't like to talk about it.

Highest- Would have to be the time I spent wrestling for Osaka Pro. The experience I had while in Osaka is irreplaceable.

10)Do you think Charlie Sheen should make another Major League movie?
Major League is hands down my favorite movie of all time. Major League II was good, but not as good as the first one. Major League III has horrific! If you catch on to the pattern here then you should be able to figure out my answer.

From Chikara Pro

There you have it.  The first 10 Questions in my123cents history. Thanks to Dasher Hatfield.  For more on Chikara, including tour dates, videos, and blogs, head over to www.chikarapro.com  Of course, after you check that out, stop by the my123cents Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages.