Foreign Object Friday: Dexter Roswell's tie

Dexter Roswell in the house
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Since making his debut in Stride Pro Wrestling in December, Dexter Roswell has wrestled every match in dress pants, a dress shirt and tie. It's reminiscent of IRS in the early 90s in WWF. While Roswell and his fellow DR Party members have used some dirty tactics in the past (ie. the campaign sign), I'd never seen Roswell use his tie as a weapon.

Choking out Cash Borden

That all changed at the most recent Stride show. During his match against Cash Borden, Roswell wrapped his tie around the neck of the Undead Outlaw. Referee Lane Austin was distracted by Roswell's new manager, J. Wellington Beauregard at the time so that perhaps explains these new actions. I'm also assuming J. Wells and his other charges, Ax Allwardt and Scott Phoenix encouraged these actions prior to the match.

While I don't condone the breaking of the rules, I have wondered for seven months when the man who wants to make Stride great again would use his ties as a weapon. Now I have to wonder if General Manager Sam Hunter will enforce a dress code for wrestlers to ensure no one is seriously injured by an opponent's wardrobe. 

Roswell in control
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Will the tie come into play Saturday night? Roswell leads his supporters Nathan Brag and Brian Richards into battle against T-Dog Jerry Travelstead, Eugene Drip and Jose Magnifico. The action starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Illinois Star Centre Mall in Marion. 

Nerds rule! Eugene Drip gets a shot at glory

Here comes Eugene Drip
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Eugene Drip is a relative newcomer to Stride Pro Wrestling. He doesn't look like your typical wrestling Superstar. He wears thick glasses to the ring along with a bow tie and suspenders. He's usually so excited after slapping hands with the fans, he's winded and needs a hit or two from his inhaler. You might say he's a bit of a nerd, but I mean that with all the love and respect in the world. You don't make it as a wrestling fan for 35 years without being a bit nerdy yourself.

So close to the tag titles
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Despite his stature, Eugene has a heart the size of Andre the Giant. His determination and will to continue stepping through the ropes is nothing short of inspiring. Eugene put himself out there recently saying he wants to be considered for championship opportunities. At that time, then-number one contender (and now Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion) ate Eugene alive in the ring. But he came back. He fought hard in a six-man tag team match in June and even earned a shot at the Stride Pro Wrestling tag team champions Ax Allwardt and Scott Phoenix (Maximum Overdrive). He and Jose Magnifico came up short that night, but again I saw a fire in Eugene that can't be extinguished.

Tony Flood
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Now when Stride Pro Wrestling returns to the Illinois Star Centre Mall on Saturday, July 8, Eugene will face off against the "Northern Saint" Tony Flood. Flood, of course, is the current Legacy Champion and I've been told by Stride General Manager Sam Hunter that the belt will be on the line. So despite having more Ls than Ws to his name, Eugene has impressed the front office with his work in the ring. Fans love him and it's apparent that has contributed to his string of luck in getting championship matches.

 

Flood is far from a fan favorite, but he is one of the most seasoned and accomplished wrestlers on the Stride roster. His manipulation of the Hunter along with "T-Dog" Jerry Travelstead put him in the spot he's in now as Legacy champ. One has to wonder what diabolical measures Flood will use when he meets the up and coming Eugene. We know Flood will do whatever it takes to win and keep his gold.

It's (DR) Party time!

The DR Party
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The DR Party is at it again. Lead by Dexter Roswell, the group claims they're trying to make Stride Pro Wrestling great again. Brian Richards and Nathan Brag, along with their leader failed to do that at the most recent Stride show, Return. Roswell came up short in his quest for the Legacy Championship. To be fair, he did not get pinned in the fatal four-way matchup. But his cohorts each came up short in their matches against Cash Borden and Farmer Billy Hills respectively.

Dexter Roswell helps Eugene Drip freshen up
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Now the trio will come together in six man tag team competition at Saturday night's Summer Showdown event. They'll face Borden along with Eugene Drip and Jose Magnifico at Summersville Grade School in Mt. Vernon. Drip and Magnifico came together to face Stride tag team champions Maximum Overdrive recently. The duo didn't win the gold but put up a valiant fight against Ax Allwardt and Scott Phoenix. 

Cash Borden
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Borden has always been a solid performer and will likely take the lead role in this trio. I would suspect he is the exact opposite of what the DR Party considers to be "great." Roswell has no doubt been boosting the morale of his teammates this week and will pick apart the weaknesses of their opponents. Despite his smug attitude, Roswell is an intelligent performer. Will the brains of the DR Party overcome the determination and spirit of Borden, Magnifico and Eugene? Join us Saturday night and find out. Bell time is 6:30 p.m. but come at 5 o'clock for a meet and greet with WWE Hall of Famer "Cowboy" Bob Orton.