April is My Wrestling Month

Interviewing Billy Gunn on live TV

By Kevin Hunsperger @kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter Listen to the podcast  Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I have been thinking about returning to the blogging world for some time now. I started this blog in 2010 but haven't written anything since August 2023. My main content creation focus has been the My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast and video formats like TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. But I had a bright idea driving to work today, so here goes.

It wasn't until that car ride this morning that I realized what the month of April means to me in terms of pro wrestling. Of course, on the surface, it's the time of year for WrestleMania. The event usually falls in late March or early April. Most of the ten Manias that I've attended were in April. 

But thinking further, I discovered a couple of other ties to this month. On April 1, 2005, I had my first ring announcing gig. It was hours after interviewing Billy Gunn and Ian Rotten on the morning news about an IWA: Midsouth show happening in Herrin, Illinois. To be fair, my friend Chad and I helped (mainly Chad) Ian find the venue and bring his promotion to southern Illinois.

As Ian and Billy left the studio where I was the morning anchor, Ian casually asked, "Do you want to be the ring announcer tonight?" Of course, I said yes, even though I had no idea what to expect. The gig went as well as expected, and I announced another show when IWA returned later that summer. 

Fast-forward six years, I had my first commentary job in April 2011. This time, it was for All-American Pro Wrestling. Chris Hagstrom, whom I only knew on Facebook, had asked me to do commentary for the show, as he was the executive producer and trying to get the newly created AAPW Collison on WSIL-TV (again, the station I worked at). 

I missed the first show at Southern Illinois University as I was in Atlanta for WrestleMania that weekend. However, the following week, Chris and I sat at the dining room table in his townhouse and recorded commentary for the first two episodes of Collison. It was a blast and eventually led to my first-ever match (and the night I met PAC). 

While those are two fun memories of wrestling in April, the final is a bit more somber. I stepped away from wrestling in April of last year. I have been the ring announcer for Stride Pro Wrestling since March 2016. But in March 2023, after my friend and mentor Tyler 'Heath' Hatton stepped away from the company he created, I knew my time was limited. It was different, and I decided to follow suit the next month. (Storyline-wise, I got fired by new GM Sam Hunter.) 

I have no regrets about the decision. I miss the comradery and the action, but it's best for now to stay on the sidelines and admire the indie scene from afar. I wish everyone on the local scene the best and believe I'll call another match one day, one time only. But until then, I'm happy for the young talent getting a chance to chase their dreams. 

Showing My Stride Pride

By Kevin Hunsperger @kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter Listen to the podcast  Follow my blog with Bloglovin  

Five years ago this month, Stride Pro Wrestling was born. Well, the idea for Stride is a little older than that, but the very first live event for Stride was held on March 5, 2016, in front of a packed crowd at the Illinois Star Centre Mall. In those early days, it was known as CMA Pro Wrestling but shortly changed to Stride.  I've blogged, YouTubed, and podcasted a lot about Stride over the past five years. This post will be no different than those previous ones.

I'm extremely proud of what Stride Pro Wrestling has accomplished over the past half-decade. Now that the recent 'Strideiversary' show is behind us, the company has held 83 (I think that's right) shows. I've been there for most of them, missing a handful due to other commitments. No matter the location, I've always had a blast, whether at the mall, our current location in Carterville, or on the road in places like Pinckneyville, West Frankfort, or Rent One Park in Marion.

Stride isn't just about doing a wrestling show. Over the past five years, Stride fundraisers have netted more than $100,000 for various causes. Whether it's an event to help someone with their medical bills, a school fundraiser, or a sports team, Stride has been there. Add to that the toys we've collected over the past three years for the My 1-2-3 Cents/Stride Pro Wrestling Figure Drive, and it's safe to say we're making a positive impression in southern Illinois.

I want to thank Tyler Hatton, the man behind this company's creation, for allowing me to be the ring announcer for Stride Pro Wrestling over the past five years. Not only have I had a chance to ring announce more than once, but I've also been able to get into the ring and wrestle. Facing Roger Matheus in Stride Goes Steel's main event in Pinckneyville was amazing, but winning the tag team titles with Tyler is something I never, ever dreamed would happen.

I'm so looking forward to what 2021 has to hold for Stride. It's been a struggle over the past year, but I believe we will be back in front of large crowds and raising money for non-profit groups in our area sooner rather than later. Thank you to everyone who has bought a ticket or a t-shirt to support our mission. (Speaking of shirts, get yours here on Pro Wrestling Tees.) And if you'd like to train to wrestle with Stride Pro Wrestling, contact us on our Facebook page.

AUDIO: WrestleMania Redo

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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WrestleMania has been a staple not just in pro wrestling but pop culture for 35 years now. I’m proud to say I was around for the first one and have enjoyed the event each year since 1985. That includes the very unique version of WrestleMania 36, held over two nights and in an empty arena.

However, there are some moments in WrestleMania history that fans like to rewrite. That’s the inspiration for an annual tradition I’ve got going here, called WrestleMania Redo. This week Tyler ‘Heath’ Hatton of Stride Pro Wrestling and I talk about a couple of WrestleMania matches that we would rebook.

You can listen here! 

Raw is Stride

Tyler helps 'The Man' 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The most recent episodes of Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown are both in the books and I wanted to take a moment to recognize a few familiar faces who showed up on those shows recently. Several weeks ago my friend (and former tag team partner) Tyler 'Heath' Hatton told me he'd been invited to be an extra for the Jan. 10 SmackDown and the Jan. 13 Raw. He mentioned Joey O'Riley and Brandon 'Espy' Espinosa were also invited. 

Espy is on the right

Jay Spade and I made the drive over to Evansville Friday night for SmackDown. Tyler and Joey didn't appear on that show, but Espy did as he was one of the men carrying out King Corbin to the ring. 

Hatton knows the Truth

Fast forward to Monday night. Tyler ended up appearing in two segments as a 'WWE Medic', helping R-Truth to the back after being attacked by Brock Lesnar. Tyler got out of the way as Mojo Rawley charged the 24/7 champ and pinned R-Truth to win the gold.

Wipe those tears

Tyler and his medical expertise were needed again after Becky Lynch got sprayed in the eyes with Asuka's mysterious mist. He helped the Raw Women's Champion back to her feet and walked her backstage too.

Rowan vs. O'Riley 

Then Joey O'Riley did battle with Erick Rowan. We still don't know what's in that cage, but it seemed that Joey was going to get an up-close look at one point. 

I'm proud of all three of these guys. They've all toiled for years on the indy wrestling scene. Their appearances on WWE television has created quite a bit of local buzz. They deserve a big round of applause. Congrats guys. 

AUDIO: 2 is Greater Than 1

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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We are continuing our countdown to Stride Pro Wrestling Presents AAPW Resurrection. It's happening this Saturday night. The stars of Stride and All American Pro Wrestling are coming together for one common cause: helping former wrestler Curly.

You can listen as Heath Hatton and I discuss more details about the show and share more stories about Curly. Listen here. 

AUDIO: AAPW Resurrection

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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About seven years ago, All American Pro Wrestling had its final show. It seemed the company had faded away forever. But that's not the case. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Stride Pro Wrestling presents AAPW Resurrection. It's all for a good cause, as our friend Dan 'Curly' Summers is battling medical issues right now. 

Several blasts from the AAPW past will be on hand. You can listen to the details in this week's My 1-2-3 Cents podcast right here. You can get tickets for the show here.

AUDIO: 2 is Greater Than 1

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The first Monday of the month means it's time to catch up with Heath Hatton of Stride Pro Wrestling. This month we decided to talk about a few of our favorite moments in all of pro wrestling, along with fond memories of Stride Pro Wrestling. 

You can listen to this week's show here. And don't forget to give us your picks too. 

Borden cashed out

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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At the start of Saturday night's Cashing In fundraiser for YouthBuild, Cash Borden had all three of Stride Pro Wrestling's singles championships. He won the Legacy title in late 2018 after the championship was vacated. He recently climbed the ladder and claimed the No Limits Championship, even though he wasn't in the match. Then after losing the Heavyweight title back to Red Daniels, he stole the belt and assaulted General Manager Sam Hunter in the process. 

'Warbound' Bo Sawyer

However, that punch may be what lead to Cash's demise as a champion in Stride. He had to defend all three belts at the fundraiser. First, he lost the No Limits title to 'Warbound' Bo Sawyer in a fatal four-way with Dalton Anthony and Dexter Roswell. 

Jose Magnifico 

A bit later, Jose Magnifico picked up the Legacy title. And in a hard-hitting, action-packed main event, Daniels beat Borden in the middle of the ring and got his hands back on the Heavyweight championship. 

Daniels vs. Borden
Courtesy: Tyler Adams

It was an incredible night of wrestling action and I do tip my hat to Cash who wrestled five men in three different matches that night. While his actions are far from a champion, he proved he's a true competitor here in Stride.

Other match results: 

'Stone Cold' Redneck beat 'Squire' Savveon Aryes.

Mike Masters beat B-Rad.

Ax Allwardt beat Ryzer in a chain match when the referee determined Ryzer couldn't continue.

Heath Hatton and Kevin Hunsperger retained the Stride Pro Wrestling tag team titles by beating Bud Gallows & the Masked Man and Roger Matheus & Chris Hargas (the Kings of Destiny). 

Perhaps the best part of the night, Stride raised about $3,000 for the YouthBuild program. Thanks to everyone who attended the show.

AUDIO: My 1-2-3 Cents: 2 is Greater Than 1

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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It's been quite a week. On Thursday night, my buddy Heath Hatton and I captured the Stride Pro Wrestling tag team titles. Yes, you read that right. 

We talk more about the experience and all of Stride's roster on the latest edition of 2 is Greater Than 1. You can listen here.

Revenge is coming...

Created by Sam Hunter

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Thursday night was a big one for Stride Pro Wrestling. New champions were crowned at Rent One Park as Stride presented Bash at the Ballpark. Cash Borden won the newly created No Limits Championship. Keri Gold is the first-ever Women's Champion. Heath Hatton and I picked up the tag team titles. And Red Daniels is once again the heavyweight champion. 

I'll go into more detail on the tag team title win on the next episode of My 1-2-3 Cents the podcast. Episode 250 (2 is Greater Than 1) drops Monday morning. However, I can tell you this may end up being one of the shortest championship reigns in company history. Heath and I are defending in a rematch against Tony Flood and Jay Spade on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Created by Sam Hunter

Our match is among a handful matches already signed for Stride Pro Wrestling's Revenge show. It's at the Stride building, 1130 N. Division Street in Carterville. 

Red defends against Cash. There's a grudge match featuring Dexter Roswell against his former assistant Dalton Anthony. And we'll see for the first time ever Mike Masters battle 'Warbound' Bo Sawyer.

It's going to be fun. I'm hoping the aches and pains subside by Saturday night. I'm also hopeful we are successful in our first title defense. At age 46, well actually, never in my life would I have thought I'd be writing such a blog. Thanks to all who supported and made this possible.

STRIDE PRO WRESTLING: Tag team turmoil

Created by Sam Hunter

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Just over a year ago I stepped into the wrestling ring for what I thought was going to be the last time. That cage match was like nothing I ever experienced. 

Then a few weeks ago I stepped up and helped my friend Heath Hatton as he struggled against Stride Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champions Jay Spade and Tony Flood. The Sin City Saints were double-teaming my buddy who was fighting alone after his partner, Scott Phoenix was attacked prior to the match. I should add that the Saints shoved me the previous month during a presentation of the new tag team belts.

Despite my efforts to help Heath win the match, I was low blowed by Flood and the champs were disqualified. General manager Sam Hunter instantly booked the match for Bash at the Ballpark. We're hours away for that event at Rent One Park. I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous as hell about this but looking forward to having one more match and an opportunity at the gold. 

Come out to Rent One Park tonight. Tickets are just $7 and include five wrestling matches and a baseball game (the Southern Illinois Miners take on the Lake Erie Crushers). Bell time is at 5:35 p.m. We'll see you there! 

Bash at the Ballpark

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Pro wrestling and baseball don't seem like they'd go hand in hand, but believe it or not they do. Baseball stadiums make a great venue to see the men and women of the squared circle do their thing. There is, of course, the infamous Showdown at Shea in 1980 that featured Bruno Sammartino vs. Larry Zbyszko cage match and Hulk Hogan against Andre the Giant long before WrestleMania III. 

Managing Velvet Sky 

The summer before my freshmen year of college WWF ran a house show at Busch Stadium. However, we were on vacation and I didn't get to attend. However, I've been to a few independent shows at ballparks and even had a chance to 'manage' Velvet Sky at TNA's Basebrawl event and announce a match for GWF's show at Rent One Park in 2016. 

I'm excited to say that Stride Pro Wrestling is venturing into the baseball concept too. On Thursday, August 29 Bash at the Ballpark happens at a Southern Illinois Miners' game. The team is taking on the Lake Erie Crushers. Fans will see two matches prior to the game and three matches once the game ends. 

Announced for the show, the new Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Ca$h Borden will defend against the former champ Red Daniels. The first-ever Stride Pro Wrestling Women's Champion and first-ever No Limits Champion will be crowned that night (in separate matches). The No Limits Title will be determined in a 10 man ladder match.

Heath Hatton & me
Courtesy: Jamie Myers 

Also, The Sin City Saint, Tony Flood and Jay Spade, are defending the Stride Pro Wrestling Tag Team Titles against Heath Hatton and me. Yes, I'm stepping into the ring again, this time for a title opportunity. I know I don't belong in the ring with these three, but I felt I had to stand up and help my friend Heath who was being double teamed by the champs. Ax Allwardt and Ryzer will meet in a grudge match too. 

So join us Thursday, Aug. 29. Your ticket covers the ball game and the wrestling. And it's DOLLAR BEER (AND SODA) NIGHT. Bring a chair and enjoy the wrestling BEFORE and AFTER the game. We'll see you there.  

A fair fight

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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August has been a busy month already for Stride Pro Wrestling and will be the busiest time the company has ever experienced. Hot August Night III was a great success as was the show we co-hosted with IWA Productions a week later. This Friday night, we head to the Pulaski County Fair for Pulaski Punchout and then we're off to Rent One Park on Aug. 29. More on that to come.

Pulaski Punchout is shaping up to be a great card and will feature all your favorites on the Stride roster, including a grudge match between Roger Matheus and Scott Phoenix. Heath Hatton, Jerry Travelstead, Chris Hargas, Ax Allwardt, Ryzer, Dexter Roswell, Mr. Anthony, Farmer Billy Hills and many more will compete that night. 

Photo courtesy: Jamie Woodworth Myers

Red Daniels will also be defending the Stride Pro Wrestling heavyweight title against Cash Borden. Borden, of course, is the Legacy Champion and despite this being held at the fair, I highly doubt we'll see a fair fight. Borden showed his ruthless side once again by attacking Daniels during his title defense against Mike Masters at Hot August Night III. The brutality involved there resulted in a trip to the ER for the champ. 

Cash has shown us time and time again he'll do whatever it takes to retain his Legacy Title. Remember the amazing dog collar match he had with Jay Spade back in March? Now Cash will go as far as he can for the biggest prize in all of Stride. However, Red has been one of the most defending champions since winning the gold unexpectedly at Strideiversary. Heath Hatton, Ax Allwardt, Chris Hargas and Wraith have all fallen to the champ.

It's going to be a great match and a great night in general. Come to the Pulaski County Fair to see this show. Bell time is 7 p.m.