Scott Phoenix sets a record

New champs

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I mentioned it briefly on a recent My 1-2-3 Cents podcast, but I figured it deserved a bit more attention than a quick statement. Scott Phoenix recently made history in Stride Pro Wrestling. He has become the company's first four-time tag team champion. That's quite a feat for a young man who is not even three years into the business. 

It all started for Phoenix when he paired up with indy wrestling veteran Ax Allwardt. Under the guidance of J. Wellington Beauregard, the two captured the Stride Pro Wrestling tag team titles in a fatal four-way match in April 2017. The duo became an icon pairing, with Phoenix adopting some of Ax's old school ways. I found his character refreshing as each month he'd share his digits with a lucky female fan in the audience. The long flowing hair and 80s band look went a long way in the development of Phoenix's character.

In November of that same year J. Wells and Phoenix orchestrated an attack on Allwardt which lead to Maximum Overdrive's loss of the titles. But Phoenix insured he would still remain a champion. He and Dexter Roswell became the champions as Phoenix joined forces with the DR Party. The two lost the belts and over time grew apart before finally splitting up.

Phoenix's singles run was short-lived as Farmer Billy Hills found himself in need of a tag team partner after he and String Bean won the belts. The masked man was injured and Phoenix stepped in to help. Stride Pro Wrestling General Manager Sam Hunter officially granted Phoenix's request to be Farmer's permanent partner and the two were off to the races, defending the titles against all challengers. In February their run came to an end when old partner and rival Dexter Roswell and Mr. Anthony won the belts. The new duo's efforts were less than honorable and it didn't take long for Phoenix and Farmer to regain their gold.

That victory earlier this month put Phoenix in the record books. He is now four times the champ as he and Farmer prepare for future title defenses. Phoenix will be in action this Saturday night in Norris City. Be sure to join us for the action.

New shirt alertClick to buy 

Striking his fancy, striking his face

Old friends...

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

J. Wellington Beauregard and Ax Allwardt used to go together like peanut butter and jelly. The duo first connected in 2012 in All American Pro Wrestling. It all started when J. Wells bought Ax's contract from Gaylord Stephens.

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Beauregard and Allwardt stayed together through AAPW's ups and downs and stayed together for Pro Wrestling Collision and when Stride Pro Wrestling started in 2016. In fact, J. Wells was instrumental in Ax's early success, leading him to become the very first Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. 

Maximum Overdrive

Even after Ax dropped that title the two remained focused on success. And once again it was found when Scott Phoenix joined the duo and Maximum Overdrive was born. The team won tag team gold and quickly become one of my favorite tandems. However, J. Wells had his eyes on another prize, the DR Party.

The DR Party
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

In late 2017 he made those intentions known as Beauregard and Phoenix screwed Ax out of the tag team titles. Since then, Ax was been exacting revenge. He and Heath Hatton won and lost the tag team titles, in part because of J. Wells' interference. The former champs even lost a tag team match against Tony Flood and J. Wells in September and Ax was dumped from a battle royal by Beauregard; further fueling the flames of disgust.

Now, thanks to a victory over J. Wells' latest charge, "The King" Chris Hargas, Ax gets his hands in a one-on-one match against Beauregard. The two will lock horns Saturday night at Strideiversary. If I were J. Wells, I'd make sure next of kin is nearby to help identify the parts left behind. Ax's frustration has been building for more than a year. We'll see you on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. (600 N. Carbon Street in Marion, Illinois)

Click to shop

He just can't wait to be King

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

As I mentioned earlier this week, Stride Pro Wrestling returns to Carterville tonight (Jan. 5). In addition to several great matchups, fans will also witness the coronation of Stride's new King, Chris Hargas. J. Wellington Beauregard made the declaration last month that Hargas would a royal force here.

Hargas isn't just getting his crown Saturday night. He's also going to be in action in a grudge match with Ax Allwardt. The two have been at odds since September when Hargas smashed Ax with his own chain and allowed J. Wells to score the pin in a tag team match.

I am looking forward to the coronation as I'm sure Beauregard has spared no expense for the ceremony. I loved the old days of WWF when Harley Race, Haku and Randy Savage all held the King moniker. I even enjoyed "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan's ceremony. Hargas and 

I have talked and he will be the guest on next week's My 1-2-3 Cents podcast so tune in for that (it drops Monday morning). 

Bell time tonight is 6:30 at the Stride Pro Wrestling building at 1130 N. Division Street in Carterville. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Doors will open at 6 p.m. See you there!

Click to shop

Harvesting the gold

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Many farmers have been in their fields harvesting their crops for the last month or so. Farmer Billy Hills has also been doing some harvesting, but you won't find his crop of choice growing in the field. Instead, Farmer harvested gold in the form of the Stride Pro Wrestling tag team titles.

Farmer Billy Hills
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

He and Stringbean won the belts back in September. But Farmer's homegrown partner suffered an injury was no longer able to defend, so now Scott Phoenix has been named the new co-holder of the belts. Phoenix recently found himself at a crossroads, having been kicked out of the DR Party by its founder Dexter Roswell. He also lost the managerial services of J. Wellington Beauregard, so the opportunity to team with Farmer came at the perfect time for Phoenix.

Phoenix & Allwardt

He's been tag team champion with Ax Allwardt, Roswell and now of course Farmer. Phoenix is the only man on the Stride roster to hold the titles with three different partners. He and Farmer work well together and it's good to see Billy take Phoenix under his wing and give him a shot (as they've had a history of not always getting along).

This Saturday night at Christmas Break the champs defend against form champs the Redneck World Order. Hollywood Redneck and Cole James hope to repeat as champs. It'll be a great contest that you can witness live and in person at 1130 N. Division Street in Carterville. Don't forget to bring a pro wrestling action figure for the Stride Pro Wrestling/My 1-2-3 Cents Toy Drive. You could win a prize too! 

Shop here

Three men, one belt

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Heath Hatton is the new Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. He started his second reign after beating Tony Flood. And he's not wasting any time defending the belt. He'll take on two men he's teamed with and feuded with over the years.

Ax becomes champion

Ax Allwardt is the first man to lay claim to the Stride Championship, winning a fatal four-way match at the very first show. He and Hatton have a storied history that dates back many years, long before Stride was even a thought. Earlier this year, the two put their bitterness to the side and formed a tag team. The duo won the Stride Pro Wrestling Tag Team Titles twice. Even though they're not teaming up anymore the two are still friendly with each other.

Hargas vs. Red Daniels (RIP)
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Chris Hargas rounds out the match. He has had classic battles with Hatton in SICW. The big man recently had a change of attitude and is now managed by Ax's former manager J. Wellington Beauregard. He picked up a win over Allwardt at the last show. That victory gives Beauregard extra momentum in his feud with Ax as he's eliminated his former charge in a battle royal and pinned him in a recent tag team match. Can that luck carry on next week and result in a championship win for Hargas?

Hatton on his way to gold

Hatton will no doubt be ready for each man and as you know from past triple threat matches, the champ is always at the disadvantage. Whoever scores the first pin becomes the champion, whether Hatton is the one pinned. The show is a fundraiser at Community Consolidated School District 204 in Pinckneyville. Be there!

Click to shop

Prepare to have your fancies struck

J. Wellington Beauregard's 'Striking Your Fancy'
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Striking Your Fancy, hosted by Stride Pro Wrestling manager J. Wellington Beauregard, has become an entertaining way to kick off most of our shows. This Friday night will be no exception. The scheduled guest is the reigning Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Tony Flood. You may remember, Flood and J. Wells teamed up at the last show and beat Heath Hatton and Ax Allwardt. 

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

I'm sure Flood and Mr. Beauregard will use the forum as an opportunity to gloat over that victory. Flood will also likely take the opportunity to run down his challenger for the evening, Heath Hatton. Remember it was one year ago Hatton beat Flood for the Legacy Title and lost it right back eight days later. These two have a special chemistry in the ring against each other and it'll be a special night for sure.

J. Wells also has something special. Even though he disrespects the fans and the good guys on the Stride roster with his words, he at least does so in an entertaining way. He has become one of Stride's top 'guys you love to hate.' I mean that as a compliment. 

Eliminating Ax
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

His nearly year long war with Allwardt shows no signs of stopping either. After a demoralizing experience on Billy Hills' farm over the summer, J. Wells picked up a little revenge by eliminating Ax from the Stride Rumble and pinning his former charge. That victory came with some help from Chris Hargas and I'll be interested to see what the relationship is now between the former Legacy Champ and the manager.

You can find out what's up this Friday night (Sept. 21). Stride Pro Wrestling will be on hand for a fundraiser at Gallatin County School. Bell time is 7 p.m. We'll see you there. 

Click to shop

Is two really better than one?

When you realize you're facing Roger Matheus next...
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

In 2012, Heath Hatton famously used the line "Two is greater than one." as he and Ace Hawkins prepared to face Ryback in a handicap match on WWE Extreme Rules. Hatton and Hawkins found themselves on the losing end of that effort, proving on that night two was NOT greater than one. 

Roger Matheus
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

This Friday night at Gallatin County School, that theory will be put to the test again. This time, the combatants are much different. Former Stride Pro Wrestling heavyweight champion Roger Matheus is taking on DR Party enforcer Brian Richards and Mr. Anthony. Anthony is new to Stride, serving as J. Wellington Beauregard's personal assistant.

It's unclear what the issue is between Matheus and the DR Party. My guess is the big man has been hungry for competition. He's manhandled the likes of Cash Borden, Cole James and Joey O'Riley. So we'll see what he can do in a situation where he's outnumbered. This will also be a good chance to see Matheus in action as he gears up for a big match against former Impact Wrestling champion Abyss. That match is set for Oct. 6 in Pinckneyville.

Matheus kicks me while I'm down
Courtesy: Tom Harness

Matheus will bring it to the DR Party. He has no friends, no alliances. He seems happier that way. I know first hand just how tough and mean Matheus is. Richards and Anthony need to notify their next of kin...

Click to shop

Hargas picked the wrong ax to grind

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

In recent weeks, Stride Pro Wrestling fans have seen subtle changes in Chris Hargas' attitude. He's always been a tough, dominant and confident competitor in the ring. But he's also played by the rules. Hargas had classic battles with the likes of Roger Matheus, Tony Flood and the late, great Red Daniels. 

Farmer and Hargas argue
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

But a recent six-man tag team match saw Hargas argue with one of his partners, Farmer Billy Hills pretty intensely. This lead to a match the next month between the two. Hargas started off sincere and fans thought they'd see a competitive match between friends. Instead, Hargas broke the rules and ended up getting disqualified. 

J. Wells eliminates Ax from a recent battle royal
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

What was even more shocking though was what Hargas did at the end of the night. During the main event, Hargas emerged and clobbered Ax Allwardt with his own chain. That move resulted in a victory for manager J. Wellington Beauregard and Tony Flood. Now a match has been set between Ax and Hargas. The two will meet in Gallatin County this Friday night.

This will be a battle between two seasoned veterans. I reached out to Hargas for an explanation for his actions. My request for answers was ignored. Here's what I do know, Beauregard once managed once managed Ax Allwardt. He's been hellbent on destroying his former protege for nearly a year. Could Hargas be the hired gun that does the trick? Don't count on it. Ax is tougher than a two dollar steak and will not go down with a fight. 

Click to shop

J. Wellington Beauregard steps back into the ring

Should he be worried?
Photo by Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin 

I've known J. Wellington Beauregard for a number of years. We first met in 2012 when he bought the contract of Ax Allwardt from Gaylord Stephens in All American Pro Wrestling. Then when Stride Pro Wrestling came to be some four years later, J. Wells lead Ax to championship glory as the very first Stride Heavyweight Champion. 

Over the course of 18 months, a divide came between the duo. Despite managing Ax and Scott Phoenix to the Stride Tag Team Championships, his focus turned to the DR Party. That resulted in the 2017 screw job where Phoenix and J. Wells helped the DR Party win the gold. Since that time, Ax has made it his mission to destroy his former manager.

J. Wells eliminates Ax with some help

There's been a constant back and forth between the two, including J. Wells and his assistant Mr. Anthony costing Ax and Heath Hatton the tag team titles for the second time. There was some revenge gained when the manager had to appear in a battle royal later that night. Again, thanks to Mr. Anthony, Ax was distracted and J. Wells was able to eliminate his former charge. Hatton ended up being the last man standing and the new number one contender to the heavyweight title.

Protected

However, this Saturday night, Ax and Hatton will each get another shot at revenge. Stride general manager Sam Hunter has announced the former tag champs will face J. Wells and his partner Tony Flood in the main event of the Carterville Free Fair Faceoff. This will be interesting because in the battle royal there were others to protect Beauregard. Flood is the champ, but he's just one man. Ax and Heath have been chomping at the bit to get revenge so I predict Mr. Beauregard will be sporting a neck brace, much like his new assistant does. 

Come out for a great night of action. It's a fundraiser for the Carterville Lions Club. Remember, bell time is 6:30 p.m. at the Carterville Community Center. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. We'll see you there.

Click to buy

The Monster Hunters get gold again

New tag team champs
Courtesy: Tom Harness

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

After a two-month summer break, Stride Pro Wrestling has returned in full force. On this week's My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast, which drops Monday, August 6, there's a full recap of what happened on the show and a look ahead to this Saturday's fundraiser show at Eldorado High School.

Bo and his Zubaz
Courtesy: Tom Harness

New tag team champions were crowned over the weekend. Bo Sawyer coyly led the champions, Ax Allwardt and Heath Hatton to the ring. Bo told the audience his partner for the night, Blaine Black was not going to be there and he had an idea. He was sporting a pair of Zubaz (anyone who grew up in the 80s and early 90s knows that those are all about.) Bo tried to convince Hatton and Allwardt to let him joins forces with the champs and create a trio of sorts. 

The champs listened intently only to be distracted long enough for Jason Tiller, another member of the Midwest Monster Hunters, to hit the ring and jump Hatton and Allwardt. This created an early advantage, but as we've seen before Hatton and Allwardt are far from being pushovers. The champs fought back hard and had a highly competitive match. 

J. Wellington Beauregard gets involved
Courtesy: Tom Harness

Just when it looked like the titles would stay with the good guys, J. Wellington Beauregard, who helped the Monster Hunters win the tag team titles for the first time in April, caused more distractions along with his new assistant, Mr. Anthony. As Hatton chased the two outsiders away, Tiller and Sawyer double teamed Ax and choke slammed him to the mat. It was enough for the titles to change hands.

Now for the second time in Stride history, there are two-time tag team champions in the Midwest Monster Hunters. Their next challenge happens Saturday, August 11 at the fundraiser for Sarah Miles-Keltner. The duo defends against Daniel Eads and Arron Brooks. This new team will be a formidable challenge for sure. We'll see you at  7 p.m. at the gym at Eldorado High School.

A super six man tag team

A Super team

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Stride Pro Wrestling returns Saturday night to John A. Logan College. Several great matches have been announced, including a six-man tag team match featuring some pretty super individuals.

The DR Party

'The Man of Tomorrow' Daniel Eads makes his return to Stride. He'll be teaming up with Chris Hargas, who is a huge Superman fan. They'll hit the ring with Farmer Billy Hills who is a super competitor here in Stride Pro Wrestling. This newly formed trio takes on members of the DR Party. At press time, it's expected that Dexter Roswell will lead Brian Richards and Scott Phoenix into this match. They, of course, will be seconded to the ring by J. Wellington Bereaugard. 

I enjoy all six men announced for this match. It'll be interesting to see how Eads works with Farmer and Hargas. Those two have teamed before and opposed each other inside a Stride ring. But with the underhanded tactics the DR Party has displayed in the past, Hargas, Farmer and Eads must all be on the same page during this match. 

Bell time is 6:30 p.m. at John A. Logan College. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Be a part of Stride Pro Wrestling and come cheer for your favorites.