My 1-2-3 Cents : Jerry Travelstead

One thing I love about Stride Pro Wrestling is being able to be a part of the community and help others in need. That's been the case countless times as the men and women who work in the ring and behind the scenes at Stride have helped raise tens of thousands of dollars since 2016. We have done benefit shows for storm victims, cancer patients and schools. Lots and lots of schools.

Training time
Courtesy: Beth Roberts

This Saturday night we take the show to Johnston City High School. A handful of educators will step through the ropes that night to put their bodies on the line to help the children in their district. But these teachers and school employees aren't just going in blindly. They've been going through some intense training at the Stride Pro Wrestling school.

It's become a hallmark of Stride fundraisers. It gets the crowd pumped up to see their favorite teacher or community member get in the ring and mix it up with some of the best on the Stride Pro Wrestling roster. I'm excited to see what happens this Saturday night as ten staff members in the Johnston City school district will rumble. In addition to the teachers clashing, you'll be able to catch your favorites in action too.

So come on out Saturday night to Johnston City High School. Bell time is 7 p.m. The championship is on the line in a fatal four-way match and the tag team titles will also be decided that night. Plus you'll get to see Dexter Roswell and Mr. Anthony get their mouths shut. See you there!

Monday, October 8, 2018

"Tough" Tony Flood

After the match
Courtesy: Jamie Woodworth-Myers

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

I'm not going to write much about Saturday night's Stride Pro Wrestling show. Instead, I would encourage you to listen to the audio recap on this week's My 1-2-3 Cents podcast. Please check out the show here (and don't forget to rate and review as well).

Flood can't answer the count
Courtesy: Jamie Woodworth-Myers

Tony Flood, former Stride Pro Wrestling Champion, wrestled Jerry Travelstead in a Last Man Standing match. During the course of the said match, Flood did a moonsault, but whacked his head on a ladder that was laying in the ring. The move split his head open and a pool of blood quickly formed.

This is where some fans become critical. Tony and Jerry continued the match for a few minutes, ending it with Tony getting backflipped off a ladder and through the stage. Unable to answer the referee's 10 count, T-Dog was declared the winner. It was a chaotic scene and the EMT on hand quickly escorted Tony to the locker room for an evaluation. He later went to the hospital and was treated and released that night. He's going to be okay.

After the match
Courtesy: Jamie Woodworth-Myers

Tony never lost consciousness and was aware of his surroundings the entire time. He wanted to continue the match. I understand why some fans would have wanted the match stopped immediately. But that's not how 99 percent of the men and women in this business operate. Between Jerry and referee Lane Austin assessing the situation and Tony knew what he was capable of, the decision to move forward was made.

I appreciate the efforts by everyone involved and Jerry raising Tony's hand at the end of this classic battle was a true sign of sportsmanship between two rivals in the ring.

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Saturday, September 22, 2018

New champions crowned in Stride Pro Wrestling

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to the podcast

Wow, I picked the wrong Stride Pro Wrestling show to miss. There were three title defenses Friday night and two-thirds of them resulted in new champions. It may be the first day of fall, but things are certainly heating up for the company.

New champ

First, Heath Hatton has regained the Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title. He beat Tony Flood for the belt with Jerry Travelstead as the special guest referee. Hatton first won the Stride Championship in November 2016, beating his former tag team partner Ax Allwardt. He held the gold until Roger Matheus won Stride's first ever TLC match. You can see the history of the championship below.

Hatton and Flood have a storied history. Just a year ago they exchanged the Legacy Title twice over the course of eight days. Flood will no doubt want a rematch. However, it seems he has taken issue with T-Dog once again as well. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out. Stay tuned as Stride heads to T-Dog's home turf of Pinckneyville on Oct. 6.

Beauty & The Bean

The brand new team of "Farmer" Billy Hills and Stringbean are the Stride Pro Wrestling Tag Team Champions. 'Beauty and the Bean' as some are calling them formed for the very first time Friday night. The duo outlasted three other teams, including the defending champions, the rWo (Redneck World Order), The DR Party and K2 Brothers in an elimination style match. The DR Party first eliminated the Kellis Brothers. Farmer and Bean beat the rWo and then the DR Party after a miscommunication between Dexter Roswell and Scott Phoenix. That lead to their breakup.

The new champs will have a list of contenders looking for a shot. Between the abovementioned teams (except Roswell & Phoenix) and others like the Midwest Monster Hunters and new variations of the DR Party; Farmer and Bean will have a full plate of defenses. I'm looking forward to the upcoming months. It's always a great time to be a fan of Stride Pro Wrestling, but right now things are getting intense.

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Friday, July 20, 2018

Stride Pro Wrestling adds second Aug. event

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Stride Pro Wrestling has been on a bit of a hiatus. But in 15 days, your favorite indy wrestling company returns to John A. Logan College in Carterville. The show is Saturday, Aug. 4. Bell time is 6:30. You can learn more about the card here.

You now have another chance to catch the action a week later. Stride heads to Duff-Kingston Gymnasium at Eldorado High School in Saline County for a very special fundraiser show. Every penny raised that night goes to the family of Sarah Miles-Keltner. The young mother of three is battling cancer. This fundraiser will help with mounting medical expenses. By the way, newcomer Kaleigh Miles makes her pro wrestling debut that night as well.

Bell time is 7 p.m. on Aug. 11. Not only are the men and women of the Stride roster donating their time and talent to this event, but several area businesses are donating to the fundraiser too. Nancy Braddock-State Farm, Tison Financial Group, Brannock Insurance and Legence Bank are all helping the cause. If you'd like to get involved send us a message on our Facebook page. That's where you'll also find updates for the show. Please consider attending and supporting Sarah's family and Stride Pro Wrestling.

Monday, March 5, 2018

He's back: Farmer returns to Stride

He's back...
Courtesy: Asa Gray

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The last time fans saw Farmer Billy Hills in a Stride Pro Wrestling ring it was October 2017. Shortly after that Farmer injured his back and was required to take some time off to recuperate from the injury. After months of rehab and physical therapy, Farmer made his return to the benefit show in Christopher, Illinois.

A fatal four-way match had been announced to name the number one contender for the Legacy Championship. Former champion 'T-Dog' Jerry Travelstead, Ace Hawkins and JD Wilk found out Saturday night that the big man from Mud Lick, Kentucky would be their opponent. The fans cheered loudly as Farmer's familiar theme music filled the school gymnasium.

The action spills to the floor

The action was intense as all four men want to cement their 'legacy' in Stride Pro Wrestling. But in the end, it was a refreshed and energetic Farmer who prevailed. He pinned Hawkins, despite some chaos at the end involving the new Legacy Champion Anonymous and his newly picked 'disciple'. Even after the shenanigans, Farmer, Ace and T-Dog ran the bad guys off and Farmer soaked in the ovation from the adoring crowd. Farmer will no doubt be on hand at this Saturday's 'Anniversary Show'. Stay tuned for more details.

JD Wilk (previous match)
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

As we celebrate Farmer's return though, I did want to mention that JD Wilk was injured in that match. He's had ongoing shoulder issues and has re-aggravated the problem. As of this writing, Wilk says he's hanging up his boots for the final time. My thoughts are with him as he makes this challenging decision and I wish him well in everything in his future.

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Looking for their Legacy

Legacy contenders
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

In yesterday's blog post I talked about the winner of the Stride Cup Tournament being crowned the new Legacy Champion this Saturday night at Christopher Grade School. Whether it's Jose Magnifico or Anonymous, there won't be much time to celebrate the victory. That's because Saturday night there is a fatal four-way to determine the number one contender for the belt. So who's in the match?

Jerry Travelstead: T-Dog is the very first Legacy Champion. He's taken Stride Pro Wrestling by storm since joining the company shortly after it was created. Jerry is an educator by day. He put 110% into everything he does, including in the ring. He fights hard and the night he won the Legacy Title in a grueling ladder match, I believe he proved his doubters wrong. Jerry is the real deal and has a solid chance of winning this match and going on to regaining the Legacy Title.

JD Wilk: Wilk has consistently improved his game since debuting in Stride Pro Wrestling in December 2016. He's taken some time off due to injuries and has come back with a completely new style. Once a high flyer, Wilk has bulked up and has used that extra weight and strength to his advantage. But with that new look has come a new attitude. While I didn't like seeing him turn down young fans who wanted to slap his hand as he walked to the ring earlier this month, I do think he rededication to getting on the winning track is refreshing. He's young, he's hungry and he's more dangerous than before.

Ace Hawkins: Ace is the most experienced of anyone in this match (I think, you'll see why in a moment). He is the current Missouri Wrestling Heavyweight Champion (that belt is not defended in Illinois obviously) and has wrestled around the country and the world. I've seen Ace win gold in other companies, including All-American Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Collision. Winning this match Saturday night will set him up to get a crack at gold in Stride.

???: That's right, a mystery opponent will be filling that fourth spot. Stay tuned Saturday night to see who rounds out this foursome. Again, we're at Christopher Grade School. Bell time is 7 p.m.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Fun Fact Friday:The Legacy Championship

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Stride Pro Wrestling has three championships. The heavyweight and tag team titles were established in the early days of the company. The first Legacy Champion was crowned in November 2016. Sometimes so-called secondary championships are overlooked, but the Legacy Title is a valued and well-defended championship here in Stride. Here are a few facts about the title.

Jerry Travelstead gets the gold

1. The first person to hold the Legacy Championship was Jerry Travelstead. He won a tournament and beat Tony Flood in the finals at Community Consolidated 204 School in Pinckneyville. This was Stride Pro Wrestling's first ladder match as well.

A fabulous win for Flood

2. Even though Tony Flood is technically the second man to win the Legacy Title, it was El Fabuloso who pinned Travelstead for the victory. Moments after the win, Fabuloso unmasked and revealed himself as Flood.

Hatton with the title
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

3. Flood has been Legacy champ most of 2017. He lost it for a week to Heath Hatton but regained it after some help from Dexter Roswell. Now he faces a big challenge from Chris Hargas. On the heels of winning Buried Alive against Red Daniels, he's getting a shot at cementing his 'legacy'.

Bell time is 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Woodlawn Grade School. We'll see you there.

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Friday, September 22, 2017

Fun Fact Friday: Tony Flood

Legacy Champion Tony Flood
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Tony Flood talks the talk, but he also walks the walk. Flood has been a part of Stride Pro Wrestling since day one. The Northern Saint has also been annoying (most) fans with his cocky attitude. But it works for him, as Flood duped Stride General Manager Sam Hunter, Jerry Travelstead and the fans as he captured the Legacy Championship.

I wanted to learn more about Flood, so I asked him for three fun facts. I also hope to follow up with him in the future for a podcast episode of My 1-2-3 Cents. But for now, enjoy these nuggets of info about everyone's favorite wrestler from Christopher, Alberta, Canada.

1. When most 16-year-olds are getting their first job flipping burgers or stocking grocery store shelves, Tony was taking bumps in a wrestling ring. He started his wrestling career as a teenager, ten years ago.

2. Stride Pro Wrestling fans are familiar with Team Triple X; Jay Spade and Joey O'Riley. But before Spade and O'Riley wowed local wrestling fans, Flood was Spade's partner. The two worked as a team in 2007.

Ladder match
Courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents

3. Despite being the reigning Legacy Champion and one of the best overall performers on the Stride Pro Wrestling roster, Flood is 0 and 5 in ladder matches. I witnessed one of them, the night Travelstead won the Legacy Championship in Pinckneyville. I also saw the aftermath. Both men looked like they'd just survived a car wreck.

Created by Sam Hamblin

I respected Flood's ability as a performer long before that night. But the match made me a true believer. Tony has the skills both in the ring and on the mic. However, sometimes those mic skills get him in trouble. In fact, his title is on the line Friday, Oct. 6 against Heath Hatton. If Heath loses, he and Sam will leave Stride. Be sure to join us.

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Friday, August 4, 2017

Foreign Object Friday: Dexter Roswell's tie

Dexter Roswell in the house
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

@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.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Nerds rule! Eugene Drip gets a shot at glory

Here comes Eugene Drip
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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.

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Stride Pro Wrestling 'Return' could be Flood's downfall

GM Hunter & Flood
Courtesy: Jamie Myers

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter