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.

Scariest of All-Time: Cash Borden

 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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What can I say about Cash Borden? First, the disclaimer, he's a friend of mine in Stride Pro Wrestling. Cash isn't the biggest guy in the fight, but he is definitely the most fearless. The things I've seen him do have been pretty incredible. He's scary because he doesn't care what he does to his opponents or HIMSELF. He inflicts just as much pain on himself when he's in the ring. 

He went toe-to-toe with Roger Matheus (a previous entry for this blog). Cash even came to the ring when Roger and I battled inside a steel cage and helped me get the win. He had some help from his trusty taser. And that's the other thing about Cash; he's not afraid to grab an object or two to get the upper hand. Barbed wire bats, tasers, and light tubes are just a few of his weapons of choice. 

Cash continues to carve a niche for himself here in southern Illinois and southeast Missouri as one of the all-time greats. I appreciate what he brings to the ring each time he gets in there for a fight. He and others are also working to establish Anna Fight Underground on the local indy scene. Give them a look as well. 

The Evolution of Dexter

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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In March 2016, Stride Pro Wrestling was born. The company not only provided pro wrestling once again for this region but also a training school for aspiring wrestlers. In the first several months, several young men and women enrolled. A handful emerged, including someone I only knew as Luke Chambers.

Luke Chambers vs. Scott Phoenix

Luke was as Bill Demott used to say, greener than goose shit. But really, all the trainers were. I mean, they literally had five or six months of training under their collective belts before climbing through the ropes in front of a paying crowd. The first match I remember with Luke might have been his only. It was November 2016, the first Redbird Rumble. He was involved in a fatal four-way that his future tag team partner and fellow classmate Scott Phoenix won.

Dexter Roswell's debut with Brian Richards

A month later, Chambers had traded in his oversized pants and headband for a shirt, tie and suit coat. He also changed his name to Dexter Roswell. The character came on the heels of the Presidential election. Between that and the unsettling political environment in Springfield, Roswell was the perfect heel. 

Phoenix and Roswell win gold!

Through the years, Roswell's work in the ring improved. But so did his character development. I'm not going to give a year by year report on him but it's been quite a metamorphosis. In the past several months we've seen shades of Roswell's persona in Cape Championship Wrestling shine through. Finally on Saturday night at Strideiversary, Dexter emerged in a bloody white suit and his face half painted.

The new-look worked as Dexter (he's dropped Roswell), beat Bo Sawyer for the Stride Pro Wrestling No Limits Championship. Sure, he cheated but the victory marks Dexter's first singles championship run. I'm excited to see what the future holds for this still growing and emerging performer.

By the way, if you'd like to learn more about the man behind the Dexter character, give this episode of the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast a listen. He speaks very candidly about being a gay man in the world of pro wrestling. 

You can support Stride Pro Wrestling and the My 1-2-3 Cents brand by shopping on Pro Wrestling Tees! Shop here for your swag!

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: 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.

STRIDE PRO WRESTLING: Ca$h is King

Created by Sam Hunter

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Well, the title on this might make Stride Pro Wrestling's 'King' Chris Hargas upset, but let me explain. Cash Borden is now the king of championships. He is currently the Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight AND Legacy Champions. For the first time in the company's history, one man holds both singles titles. 

It all came to be nearly two weeks ago at the Pulaski County Fair. Borden beat Red Daniels for the heavyweight title in a brutal match on the fairgrounds. The action spilled to the outside of the ring. Bales of hay were involved in the course of the match, which you can strike up to another first in Stride.

However, Cash's luck may be running out. The champ has to defend the title against Daniels who is hellbent on recapturing the gold. Red was arguably Stride's most defending champion beating the likes of Ax Allwardt, King Hargas and Heath Hatton. 

Both men are coming for a fight. The action will be intense once again. Come out to Rent One Park, Thursday, August 29. 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! 

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.

AUDIO: 2 is Greater Than 1

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I recently blogged about changes coming to the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast. The first of those changes is officially complete. 2 is Greater Than 1 is a new monthly feature with Tyler 'Heath' Hatton of Stride Pro Wrestling. 

In the first installment, we talk about the late, great Harley Race, the importance of storytelling in pro wrestling and what's next for Stride. Listen here.

Scott Phoenix could top Scott Phoenix

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I've written before about the record Stride Pro Wrestling's Scott Phoenix set in the world of tag team wrestling. He is the only Stride star to win the gold with three different partners. He and Ax Allwardt, known as Maximum Overdrive won the belts in 2017. Then he screwed over Ax and won the titles with Dexter Roswell. Then after becoming a good guy, Phoenix had two championship runs with Farmer Billy Hills.

Now Phoenix is in the unique position to beat his own record. On Saturday night (Aug. 3) at Hot Augst Night, Phoenix and Heath Hatton will team up to take on the Sin City Saints, Jay Spade and Tony Flood. Phoenix and Hatton were part of the Battle Bowl Tournament and finished second, making them the number one contenders to the tag team titles. The winning team, Chris Hargas and Savveon Ayers will battle each other to determine the number one contender for the Stride Heavyweight Title (more on that later this week). 

Phoenix is a graduate of the Stride Pro Wrestling School. He's one of the first to come through the program. The training he received from Hatton and others in the lockerroom has served him well. And with Hatton by his side, I'd have to say the chances of a four-peat for this young star are pretty impressive. Not that I shouldn't be biased in my thoughts, but I'd love for Flood and Spade to get their comeuppance after being shoved by the champs earlier this month. But I digress... 

It's a great opportunity for Phoenix and the fans of Stride Pro Wrestling. Hot August Night is one of FOUR shows scheduled for August. We'll see you at the Stride facility, 1130 N. Division Street in Carterville. 

AUDIO: From fan to pro

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By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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This week on the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast I'm joined by Tony Flood. He's the second 'triple-crown' champion in Stride Pro Wrestling. We discuss going from fan to pro. Let me know what you think. Rate and review on your favorite listening platform, screenshot that review and send it to me. 

Listen here!

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AUDIO: Wrestling identities

Dexter Roswell in Stride & CCW

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Pro wrestling has had its share of identity change. Goldust, Kane and the Undertaker are three of the biggest. But don't forget about "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, the Rock and Mick Foley. Who are your favorites? Who are your least favorites?

We get into that discussion this week on the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast. You can listen to guest co-host Garrett Turner and I talk about our favorites. Plus, Garrett sheds some light on his own wrestling persona, Dexter Roswell and the fact that he plays two different personalities for the character (one in southern Illinois for Stride Pro Wrestling and the other in Missouri for Cape Championship Wrestling.)

Listen here! 

AUDIO: Somebody Call My Momma

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Mother's Day has come and gone. But I didn't want the day to go by without showing some love for all the moms out there, especially those involved in the wacky world of pro wrestling. So this week, I give a shoutout to those ladies. Thanks for all you do! 

Listen here.

AUDIO: Referee Lane Austin

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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This week my friend Lane Austin opens up about his recent pancreas and kidney transplant. Since the birth of Stride Pro Wrestling, he has been a part of the show, refereeing multiple matches each time. But things changed for him last Spring and he was forced to slow down.

Hear his story and other thoughts on the pro wrestling business in this week's episode. Listen here. 

AUDIO: Cape Comic Con Connection

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By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Once again, I made my way to Cape Comic Con in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. But this year was different. I wasn't just there as a fan. The other hosts on the Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network had a table at this year's con.

We connected with many people, some who already listen and others we hope will start tuning in. If you stopped by the table, we appreciate it. Let us know what you want to hear on the Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network.

Something else as part of the weekend, Cape Championship Wrestling. Chad Smart (Positive Cynicism) and I attended the show along with Greg Mehochko (Nerds United, 5 Heart Podcast) and Mike Luther (Nerds United Co-Host of the Year).

Listen to the My 1-2-3 Cents recap of the weekend right here.

An unlikely duo

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Last year at this time, Jay Spade and Tony Flood were embroiled in a classic feud for the Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight title. Now, the two are allies and partners and will have a shot at the tag team championships this Saturday night. Say what?!?

I've yet to hear an exact explanation from Spade, who has been a fan favorite since I first met him in 2011. Somewhere along the way, something changed. For the past few months, he'd been living a double life. Not only was he fighting intense battles with Cash Borden and getting cheered by the crowd, but he was also disguising himself in a pair of coveralls and a mask and wielding a lead pipe. He whacked Heath Hatton more than once with it.

Why Spade, why? 

Hatton and Flood had been battling for the heavyweight title when Spade's interference started. When he was eventually unmasked, Hatton, along with the fans were shocked. Even more shocking now, Spade and Flood will relive their rookie year and work together as a tag team.

This duo has been granted a championship match in their first outing. I have no doubt they'll do whatever it takes to beat Farmer Billy Hills and Scott Phoenix. However, I know the champs. They just regained the gold and will fight tooth and nail to keep those belts. 

It's going to be a great battle. Come see the action Saturday (April 6) at Johnston City High School. Bell time is  7 p.m.