Scariest of All-Time Part 25: The Midwest Monster Hunters

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I first came to know the Midwest Monster Hunters when Bo Sawyer and Jason Tiller showed up in Stride Pro Wrestling in early 2018. The two worked as a tag team along with Blaine Black in southern Indiana and parts of southern Illinois. Tiller and Sawyer quickly rose in the tag team ranks and had two runs as the tag team champions in Stride.

The trio has been known to hunt werewolves, vampires, and other things that go bump in the night. Sawyer and Tiller even went head-to-head in Stride against Abyss and the Viking King Roger Matheus. What a battle that was in October 2018. 

Bo has also evolved his own character work and wrestles now as Graven. Head back to the My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast archives on Jittery Monkey and hear more about that. It's Episode 308. I'm looking forward to COVID being over and seeing more of these guys in action in person. I have a lot of respect for what they're doing inside the ring and out with the brand they're building. 

The Hunters become the hunted

Roger Matheus vs. Abyss

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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On Saturday night, Impact Wrestling's Abyss made an appearance at Stride Pro Wrestling's Lockerroom Melee show. It was a successful fundraiser for Community Consolidated School District 204 in Pinckneyville, Illinois. The 6'7'' monster met with fans prior to the show for a meet and greet. Then it was time to face his challenger, former Stride Pro Wrestling champion, Roger Matheus.

Known as the Mad Viking, Matheus has been on the path of destruction in recent months, taking out any and all who get in his way. He was briefly stopped in his tracks Saturday night as Abyss took Matheus to task. The two brawled for a few minutes (something they've done before) until the Midwest Monster Hunters hit the ring and attacked both men. It makes perfect sense, Abyss and Matheus were the two biggest monsters on the card.

Bo Sawyer and Jason Tiller were confident this was a one and done attack as they fled back to the locker room. That's when Abyss invited the former Stride Pro Wrestling tag team champions back into the ring for a fight. The Monster Hunters balked and declined the challenge. General Manager Sam Hunter had other ideas and offered Sawyer and Tiller two solutions; 1) get in the ring and fight or 2) be fired. The MWMH love money almost as much as hunting, so they reluctantly got back into the ring.

Abyss and Matheus, despite beating the hell out of each other minutes earlier, came together and fought the former champs. The brawling came to an end when Matheus scored the pin and he and Abyss celebrated to the cheers of hundreds of fans in attendance. To my recollection, it's the first time Matheus has had the entire audience on his side. Would the Mad Viking be changing his ways?

I'll have more thoughts on the show on this week's My 1-2-3 Cents podcast. Be sure to listen. 

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TatTuesday: Jason Tiller

Jason Tiller's tattoo 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The Midwest Monster Hunters burst onto the scene in Stride Pro Wrestling earlier this year. In that time, Jason Tiller and Bo Sawyer have won the tag team titles twice. Each man has some body ink. I've blogged about Bo's tattoo before, today the focus is on Jason.

He has a 'Jesus fish' on his arm. Jason admits he's not overly religious but enjoys the history of the Ichthus in the Christian community. He first learned about it when the chaplain on his college campus explained how in ancient Rome, Christians were persecuted, similar to the way they are in the east today. The Romans would punish people for worshiping Christ by impaling them on these huge poles, covering them in tar and using them as torches for the Coliseum. It was a brutal death sentence to be caught being a Christian.

So Christians were well underground at this point in history, understandably. They would generally hold worship services in the catacombs in Rome. The fish was an arrow. The point of the fish pointed Christians secretly to their secret worship service. It also served as an ID card of sorts. If you were a Christian and thought you may be talking to another Christian in public, you would draw half of the fish in the dirt. If the other person drew the other half, you knew you were talking to someone you could trust with your faith. The Roman government never caught on. Jason says his tattoo serves as a reminder to keep pushing. He tells himself in hard times "just draw the fish" as a joke.

The Monster Hunters get gold again

New tag team champs
Courtesy: Tom Harness

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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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.

Stride stars show off ink

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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July 17 is National Tattoo Day. Tattoos and wrestling go hand in hand. The Undertaker, The Rock and Randy Orton immediately come to mind when thinking about inked Superstars. Several on the Stride Pro Wrestling roster have spent time with the tattoo artist through the years. I reached out to them to get the story behind the body art.

Arron Brooks has five tattoos. Starting from the top left; the sparrow on his neck is flying over the ocean. It's Jack Sparrow's tattoo from Pirates of the Caribbean. That film is one of Brooks' all-time favorite film franchises. He says it's a symbol of freedom and taking your own path, which he tries to do all the time. 

The dove on his left hand is a memorial to his brother, Ricky, who died of cancer right before his birthday. The green arrow on the forearm symbolizes Green Arrow, who is one of Brooks' favorite comic book characters. The Cantonese symbol on his chest stands for 'survive'. Brooks says he had difficulties growing up as his parents divorced. It's also the same tattoo Green Arrow has on the TV series Arrow.

The phrase 'It can't rain all the time' is from one of Brooks' other favorite films, The Crow. It means no matter how bad times are, it'll be okay. 

Cash Borden has a few tats, he told me about 'Made in China' on his neck. The story is pretty simple. His mother's name is China and he always told her before she passed away that that would be his first tattoo.

There are a couple of stories behind Midwest Monster Hunter member Bo Sawyer's tattoo. He's a huge Incredible Hulk fan. Secondly, the brick going around the Hulk will eventually go down the rest of his arm. It will be a tribute to Jesse Meredith who wrestled as Drake Graven. Jesse had a full brick sleeve down his left arm. He died in 2014 and was one of Sawyer's best friends. He says when he sees his tattoo it reminds him no matter what comes his way, nothing will get through the brick.

Bo's current tag team partner and fellow Monster Hunter 

Jason Tiller got his ink shortly after his wife left. He says he wouldn't have gotten it otherwise. He has the 10 Count Blog and it (along with wrestling) has served as a coping mechanism. The tattoo celebrates that. 

Farmer Billy Hills has several tattoos as well. I've often wondered about his, so I'm glad he answered the question. The 'Jesus' tattoo has an interesting story. One summer Farmer's car broke down and as he walked for miles in the triple-digit heat he stumbled upon one of those Jesus fish you see on cars. It was just lying on the road. He picked it up, put it in his pocket and was able to continue the eight-mile walk. He later took it to a tattoo artist who added the design.

"Only God can judge me" is a quote Farmer says he's lived by for years. He admits he was a big, weir kid and stood out amongst others. It took time, but he realized that other people's opinions didn't matter. He's also a big Tupac fan. The praying hands are an homage to the man who raised Farmer, his great-grandfather. He says he was the greatest man who ever lived.

The skull you see was Farmer's first tattoo. He says he was young and stupid when he got it and after he had his daughter he wanted to find a way to commemorate her and always have her with him while on the road. That's where the bow and the name Kaylin came in.

The wrestling turnbuckle logo with PMA means a lot to Farmer too. He explains why a positive mental attitude is important. "I am very hot-headed. I can anger quickly. This tattoo helps to try and bring me center in the world when I am angered."

The turnbuckle helps to hold the wrestling ring together. So putting the letters PMA together helps keep anything together that comes up in Farmer's life.

Roger Matheus has Jormungandr tattoo. He is one of Loki's children and was thrown into the great ocean in Midgard. He grew up so large he could wrap around Earth and grip his tail. He is also known as the Midgard Serpent or World Serpent. When he releases the tail, Ragnarok will begin. Roger's wife, Jenn is the artist.

Do you have any ink? What about something that pays tribute to pro wrestling? I eventually want to get a tattoo. If I went to get one today, it would be the My 1-2-3 Cents monkey (who still needs a name).

Jason vs. Stride Pro Wrestling

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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It's Friday the 13th and of course, my first thought goes to the hockey mask wearing, machete wielding, teen killing movie monster Jason Voorhees. I grew up in the 80s and remember all too well going to the video store and renting the various Friday the 13th films. (Fun fact: part 3 is my favorite.)

Jason was a legit badass. But how would this iconic killer fare against the roster of Stride Pro Wrestling? Imagine the guys spending a weekend at Camp Crystal Lake for a benefit wrestling show. Things get out of hand and Jason is looking for blood. These men are who I'd want around me to keep me (and the rest of us alive). 

Cash Borden
Courtesy: Cash Borden

Until recently I never gave much thought to how tough Cash Borden is. I should have known that, but he's brought it more to my attention his battles in a variety of hardcore matches. Cash would be the first in line, armed with a barbed wire baseball bat, his taser tucked away in his back pocket and a cigarette dangling from his mouth. Cash would be fists of fury and would certainly give Jason a run for his money. 

Roger Matheus
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Cash's most recent rival in Stride Pro Wrestling, Roger Matheus is another competitor who would give Jason a run for his money. Roger's size and look is the most intimidating of anyone on the roster. Not to beat a dead horse, but I still get goosebumps thinking about the night I wrestled Roger and he made his way to the ring in the dark with the spotlight on him and the live band playing his theme music. It was bold enough to make Jason put down his machete and head for the hills.

Midwest Monster Hunters
Courtesy: Tom Harness

The Midwest Monster Hunters make their money ridding the world of things that go bump in the night. It only makes sense that Bo Sawyer and Jason Tiller would step up and take out the killer. The former Stride Pro Wrestling tag team champions would use the numbers game to their advantage as well as their size and strength. Jason wouldn't stand a chance.

Chris Slammer
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Finally, Chris Slammer. He's not on the Stride Pro Wrestling roster, but he is training to be a wrestler. I have never met Chris in person, but we talk online a lot. This pic he posted today reminded me to include him in this post. Not only does he have a machete to take on Jason but a couple of guns also. 

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Who would you pit against Jason Voorhees? Post here and don't forget to keep up with Stride Pro Wrestling here.

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Stride Pro Wrestling returns May 5

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Stride Pro Wrestling returns to Carterville, Illinois on Saturday, May 5. Tickets are on sale now for the show, which is a fundraiser for Marion Youth Softball. This event is being held at Carterville Junior High (816 S. Division Street). It's the 'go-home show' prior to our big event, Stride Goes Steel in the 'Ville on May 26. 

Midwest Monster Hunters

Right now it's been confirmed there will be a tag team championship rematch. The Midwest Monster Hunters, Bo Sawyer & Jason Tiller upset Ax Allwardt and Heath Hatton during a fatal four-way match April 14 in Mt. Vernon. The interesting factor of that match was J. Wellington Beauregard helping the Monster Hunters win even after his team (the DR Party) was eliminated.

You can beat Ax and Heath will have nothing but revenge on their minds. The bad blood between the team and Beauregard is no doubt worse than it's ever been. I have no clue if J. Wells is hitching his wagon to the Monster Hunters, but with their obvious size and strength, he'd be well protected. 

There's no telling what other matches will happen on May 5. If you've been to any Stride Pro Wrestling shows lately or been following along here or on the podcast, you know chaos has ensued at most of those events. I'm excited to see what's next for everyone as we gear up for the all steel cage show Memorial Day weekend (again it's Saturday, May 26 at Pinckneyville High School.) 

If you want tickets for the May 5 show, be sure to check out the Stride Pro Wrestling Facebook page. You do not want to miss a show.

Meet the Midwest Monster Hunters

New tag team champions

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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In February, a rough and tumble figure showed up at the Stride Pro Wrestling show at John A. Logan College. Bo Sawyer made his debut that night, hailing from Shotgun City. He called himself the Midwest Monster Hunter and fashioned himself mostly as a loner here. 

Jason Tiller
John Cramner and Dewayne Daniels

Earlier this month, Sawyer brought in a fellow Monster Hunter, this time Jason Tiller. The two weigh in at more than 600 pounds, making them the biggest team on the Stride Pro Wrestling roster. We discovered Saturday night that size does matter as the new team to Stride fans won the tag team titles in a fatal four-way. We should note though that J. Wellington Beauregard handed Sawyer Ax Allwardt's chain. Sawyer put it to good use and scored the victory for his team.

Sawyer chokes out Jose Magnifico
Courtesy: Tom Harness

I wanted to know more about the new champs, so I reached out to Bo Sawyer. Here's what I found out.

"Bo Sawyer and Jason Tiller came to Roadhouse Harley-Davidson April 14 hunting for gold. They prevailed and walked away from a 4-way tag team match with the Stride tag team titles," said Sawyer.

He is the president and founder of the Midwest Monster Hunters. He's also the president of the Indiana chapter. Tiller leads the Illinois chapter of the group. Now with the tag titles in the trophy case, they can focus back on hunting werewolves, vampires, leprechauns and any other creature that has the ability to cause chaos.

Sawyer went on to say, "The reason the Midwest Monster Hunters association was formed is simply that Monsters are in fact, Monsters! They have become accepted into society through video games, TV, movies and action figures! At any time any one of these Monsters could lose control and wreak havoc. Thus the MWMHA was formed. Wherever there is a werewolf trying to buy shampoo, or a vampire looking for sunscreen, Sawyer & Tiller vow to keep a close eye and monitor these potential threats."

The MWMHA is looking to expand and is taking applications. It is not easy to become a Monster Hunter. The training is both mentally and physically challenging. But if you think you could contribute to the cause and keep these monsters in check. Then please check out the Facebook fan page for the Midwest Monster Hunters. Good luck and always watch your back!

We'll have to see if the Monster Hunters can hold on to those newly won belts. But until their first defense, they'll keep the Midwest free of monsters and other things that go bump in the night

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