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.

Master of His Domain

The new champion, Mike Masters
Photo by Jason Wikley Photography

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

June 30, 2012 may go down as the biggest upset in All American Pro Wrestling history.  At the first ever Summer Chaos event, "The Masterpiece" Mike Masters became the AAPW heavyweight champion.  And the win may be the most controversial in the company's history as well.

Masters won the title after locking champ Edmund "Livewire" McGuire in a painful submission hold.  Ed struggled to make it to the ropes, but couldn't get there.  AAPW owner Sean Chambers was in Livewire's corner, and decided to throw in the champ's towel to end the match and presumably protect the McGuire from further injury.

But here's the thing, Livewire never tapped out, so understandably, he's upset.  Masters, a crafty veteran, immediately grabbed the title and began gloating over the win.  He's even created a Facebook fan page.

Painful leg lock
Photo by JWP

Masters has done a 180 in the ring since last season of AAPW Collison.  He was on a losing streak of sorts throughout season one, blaming it on me after I whacked him with a chair during an interview at the TV station I work for.  Masters and I actually had a match back in January, in which I scored the pinfall (thanks to a Jay Spade chairshot).  It may be that chairshot that woke Masters up though as he returned for Season 2 of Collision he was more focused and determined to win.

That combination helped him picked up a huge victory on the season premiere, winning a number one contenders battle royal.  He was then granted a title match, and unlike past efforts in the ring, he hung with McGuire, eventually getting pinned.  However, his foot was on the bottom rope.  The referee just didn't see it.  Masters demanded a rematch, but the champ moved on to other competition in AAPW.

It was during a title defense against Jeremy Wyatt that we saw just how sadistic Mike Masters can be.  He attempted to attack Livewire, who knocked him off the ring apron.  Masters, already flustered, was distracted by a fan who had been taunting him all night.  That's when Masters snapped and punched the young man in the face, dropping him to the floor.

AAPW Executive Producer immediately fired Masters for his actions, but that decision was quickly overturned by Chambers, who reinstated the villain and granted him his rematch with McGuire.  But there was a caveat.  Masters had to win the match or Hagstrom's original firing would stand.  The match was also made into a no disqualification affair.

Trash can tactics
Photo by JWP

I had the pleasure of calling the action, and it was an intense battle. The two hit each other with everything from a motorcycle tire (we tape in at Black Diamond Harley Davidson's warehouse), to a metal garbage can, and even that infamous chair that was used against Masters in January.

As soon as the bell sounded to end the match, fans and AAPW officials were overcome with emotion.  I saw children crying in the audience.  Their hero was robbed of the championship.  The company's biggest bully is now representing AAPW as its champion.

The big question now is what's next for AAPW?  No doubt some of those questions will get answered on Saturday, July 21 at the next Collision taping.  Join us at the Black Diamond Harley Davidson Warehouse in Marion, Illinois.  Bell time is 7 p.m.  Keep up to date with AAPW on it's YouTube channel as well.

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.

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 All Links

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger

February is Black History Month, and we here at My 1-2-3 Cents are paying tribute with blogs on some of our favorite black wrestlers.

Many of the stories written are based on memories from my childhood, but I've also recruited help from other fans to share their thoughts too.  You'll also hear about several up and coming stars on the independent scene.  Check back daily, as I'll link all of our tributes to this page.

Thanks for reading My 1-2-3 Cents.  Be sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to the YouTube channel.

Junkyard Dog
Tony Atlas
Rocky Johnson
Sugar Dunkerton
Ron Simmons
Kharma
D'Lo Brown
Iceman King Parsons
Edmund "Livewire" McGuire
Booker T 
The Money Makin' Jam Boys
Kamala
Butch Reed
Slick
Mark Henry
The Rock
MVP
R-Truth
Shelton Benjamin
Kofi Kingston
Teddy Long
Koko B. Ware
Bad News Brown
Virgil
Jacqueline
SD Jones
Jazz
Men on a Mission/Viscera
Jay Lethal
Ernie Ladd

Black History Month: Edmund "Livewire" McGuire

Edmund McGuire backstage at Collision w/Sam Smith

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger

Time now to look at those toiling in the independents of professional wrestling.  So I've decided to start with AAPW champion Edmund "Livewire" McGuire.  I've known Ed for a couple of years now, meeting him first on MySpace (remember that?) and then eventually working with him on AAPW Collision.

Livewire has been the AAPW champion three different times.  He currently holds the title after a rough season facing the challenge of the brutal Ax Allwardt.  Ed persevered in the feud and will start season two of Collision with the championship.

Photo by Jason Wilkey

Inside the ring, Ed is a hard worker.  The fans love him and he has a never give up kind of attitude.  Based on his performance at Main Event, he's not afraid to take risks either.  Ed went airborne to take out Ax and his manager, Gaylord Stevens all in an effort to defend his title.  He's a real person, and I think the fans find that refreshing in a wrestler.  Backstage, Ed is a great guy too.  I've had a chance to talk with him outside the walls of the AAPW Arena (aka Black Diamond Harley Davidson) and learn a thing or two about him.  He's dedicated to the business and making himself and everyone he works with better in the process.  Ed has quite the following too.  And he takes time before, during, and after each show to shake the hands of his fans.  He poses for pictures and signs a lot of autographs too.

Heath, me, and Ed at Fan Fest

On another personal note, which I guess most of this post is at this point, Ed really helped me out as I prepared for my in ring debut.  The work we did in the ring helped me get ready for what was the experience of a lifetime.  I worked with him and Heath Hatton on running the ropes and taking bumps.  Ed taught me how to do a chop (wooo!) as well.  It's something that I will never forget and appreciate him taking the time to teach a guy like me a thing or two about his craft.

If you live in the Collision viewing area, I highly recommend you checking out a live event.  We begin taping season two on Saturday, March 17th.  You can see your favorite AAPW stars in person and most likely have a chance to get an autograph or two.

AAPW Main Event: An Ax to Grind

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

The main event of AAPW Main Event features a clash between the champion Edmund "Livewire" McGuire and "the Old School Warrior" Ax Allwardt. To call this a grudge match is a huge understatement.

Ed and Ax do not like one another. Early in the season of Collision, Ax attacked Ed backstage. The vicious assault hurt the champ physically, but mentally I think it woke him up. The two battled it out midseason with Ed getting the win. But Ax wasn't satisfied with that and earned the right to a rematch with a win over former champ, the Mississippi Madman.

The attacks and fighting continued, so AAPW Executive Producer Chris Hagstrom told the two they couldn't touch each other prior to Main Event or Ed would be stripped of his title or Ax would lose his title match if he was the aggressor.

Ax vs. Livewire: Part 1 (photo: Adam Testa)

Ax took it upon himself to pile drive Ed's best friend KC Jackson three times on a recent Collision. Despite wanting to rip off Ax's head, the champ kept his cool. But devious manager Gaylord Stevens suffered the wrath of the angry champion.

Now it will finally come to a head. No disqualification. Can Ed get revenge from the attacks and mind games Ax and Gaylord have been playing? Or has Ax found a way to permanently unplug the Livewire? Join us Saturday, January 14 to find out.

Colt & PAC & Generico; Oh My!

Colt Cabana, PAC, & El Generico

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

All American Pro Wrestling in southern Illinois is gearing up for its biggest show ever.  And I'm proud to say that I am a part of it.  For those who don't know or remember, I do color commentary for our biweekly AAPW Collision.  Click here to watch on line.

Anyway, on January 14, 2012 it's AAPW Main Event.  And the company has sought out three of indy wrestling's biggest names.  Colt Cabana, PAC, and El Generico will all be featured on the card.  It should be an epic evening of fast paced, high energy, family friendly, and fun wrestling.

Of course these three stars will supplement the roster of talented young men (and a couple of women, it's one of AAPW's first ladies matches) in the new year.  I'm looking forward to being able to call the action.  It's my hope that the three big name guys coming in, along with our current stars will help make for a memorable evening in Marion.  The show by the way is at 6:45 p.m. at Black Diamond Harley Davidson.  Tickets are cheap too, so you can bring the whole family.

My broadcast colleague and AAPW Executive Producer Chris Hagstrom had this to say about the announcement, "We know our fans love seeing our local performers, but bringing in stars like Cabana, El Generico, and PAC, who are recognized not only nationally, but internationally, as well, will only enhance the caliber of our show and the experience of the fans."

I'll be honest with you, up until about a month ago, I had no idea who PAC was.  Adam Testa, AAPW marketing director, sent me a link to some of his matches.  You can check that out by clicking here.  PAC is an amazing talent in the ring.  His high intensity moves should keep fans on the edge of their seats throughout the night.

I know a little bit more about El Generico.  Chad has talked about him and shared a few DVDs with me featuring Generico.  Most recently he was the Ring of Honor TV Champion.  Although he never had a chance to successfully defend that title (he lost it to Jay Lethal in his first defense), I like his style.  He should add something special to the evening on the 14th of January.

Chad & Colt in 2008

Then there's Boom Boom Colt Cabana.  I'm a fan of his having listened to his podcast "The Art of Wrestling" for the last few months and of course looking up some of his matches on line.  Colt had a very brief run in the WWE as Scotty Goldman a couple of years ago.  But with the recent rebellion by CM Punk on Raw, we've heard Colt's name dropped a couple of times on air.  It would be great to see him come back to the E without some lame ass gimmick, but for the time being, I'm enjoying his work in the indies and listening to his always entertaining podcast.

Me & the champ!

 The evening will also feature AAPW champion, Edmund "Livewire" McGuire defending his title against whoever is deemed the number one contender on the December 10th episode of Collision.  It'll either be the 450 pound Mississippi Madman or "The Old School Warrior" Ax Allwardt.  That'll be a great match too.

Mike Masters has been on a big losing streak and has been pointing the finger of blame at me.  Find out on the 10th why exactly he thinks it's my fault that he's losing, and what he intends to do about it.

Again, I appreciate those of you who read the blog and support us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Please check out AAPW on Facebook as well and like the page.  They'll be giving away prizes when they reach benchmarks too.

Decide My Fate

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

Since Chad has been doing a Chikara preview of High Noon (coming to Internet pay per view on November 13), I decided it was prudent for me to plug the wrestling show I'll be a part of that day.  This will affect fans in southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, western Kentucky, and northwestern Tennessee mostly, but anyone can watch All American Pro Wrestling "Collision" online anytime.  Just click this link for past episodes.

Championship match!

Coming up on Sunday, November 13, we are putting together a Fan Fest.  It's a truly interactive event and the fans will decide the matches we do that afternoon (2 p.m. at Black Diamond Harley Davidson in Marion, IL)  AAPW Champion Edmund "Livewire" McGuire will defend his title against one of five opponents.  Fans can choose from "Old School Warrior" Ax Alwardt,  "3G" Eric Wayne, KC Jackson, the Mississippi Madman, and the undefeated Pokerface.  No matter who the fans pick, this will be a great contest.

Tag team titles

The AAPW tag team champions Curly and Heath Hatton will defend the belts and fans will decide against which team.  The Convoy, Team XXX, "Playboy" Paul Rose & Christian Rose (no relation), Memphis Heat, and Rage/The Furries.   There's also a match between the masked villan Carnage and the popular underdog Jay Spade.  Fans will decide if these two face off in an arm wrestling contest, an over the top rope challenge, a submission match, a bodyslam contest, or a one arm match.

Someone's going to get a pie in the face as "The Golden Boy" Greg Anthony takes on the opponent of the fans choosing.  They include: Chris O'Neal, "Dynamite" Seth Knight, Mike Masters, Christian Rose, and the All American.  Again, whoever loses this contest will take a pie to the face.

Vote for pie!

And finally, the "match" my broadcast colleague Chris Hagstrom (who's also the new promoter and Executive producer of the show).  Fans will decide if Chris and I will have a dance off, a pose down, a pie eating contest, a hotdog eating contest, or best imitation.  I'm looking forward to this, as it's meant to be a fun part of the Fan Fest experience.

Here's the catch though, you only have until Sunday night, November 6 to make a decision.  Voting ends at 6 p.m. CST, so again, head to AAPW's website and vote.  If you live in the area, head out on November 13, doors open at 1 p.m., belltime is 2 p.m. at Black Diamond Harley Davidson in Marion.  Also, check out other upcoming events.  The first season on WSIL TV 3 is going well, and we hope that you will continue to support All American Pro Wrestling!