These ain't your grandma's dolls

New buddies

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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From time to time I come across some cool wrestling related products. When a fan is behind the creation it's, even better. I've talked before about Wrassle Roos and Pro Wrestling Tees. Today, it's all about a new line of toys that are sure to catch on with indy fans.

"Gentleman" Jervis Cottonbelly

A few years ago I met a guy named Corey Rae Jepsen. He's a huge wrestling fan from the St. Louis area. He'd come to some of the All American Pro Wrestling shows back when I was doing commentary in 2011 and '12. We've chatted in person a few times but have mostly stayed in touch through social media. He recently shared a pic on his Instagram page (@coreyraejepsen) of a Jervis Cottonbelly Fainting Buddy. It's a throwback to the old Wrestling Buddies but features the Chikara Pro legend. 

Corey & Christopher

Corey tells me he taught himself how to sew and makes each of the buddies himself. The Gentleman has signed off on the idea too. Corey is a unique guy with a lot of cool ideas. You can also get a Blue Tobias Bud (from Arrested Development) and an 808S Ye Bud (Kanye West). Check out his site and show him some love on social media. He says more characters are on the way. Oh, he also has a bud in his likeness along with his friend Christopher. 

The buddies come in two sizes. Lil' buddies are 8.25 inches, the BIG BUD is twice the size. Each is made with cotton fabric and polyester stuffing. Perhaps I can convince Corey to make a My 1-2-3 Cents Monkey (still, needs a name) Buddy!

Are You Listening?

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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For 29 weeks now I've been doing a wrestling podcast on the Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network.  The show is also on iTunes, Stitcher and Poddirectory.  Each week I've had a new show drop (one week there were two shows) and people still seem surprised when I tell them I have a show.  That tells me that social media isn't as social as I thought, because like this blog I share my podcasts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest and Reddit.

I'm slowly gaining listeners, but honestly the process is taking longer than I anticipated.  For example, I have a great interview up right now with WWE Hall of Famer and wrestling legend Mick Foley.  As of this post, less than 60 people have heard that show.  Maybe I shouldn't be admitting this, but I thought Episode 27: Mrs. Foley's Baby Boy would quickly outpace my most listened podcast featuring an interview with current WWE Superstar Sheamus.  That show by the way is just over 100 listens and is my most listened.  Indy star "Gentleman" Jervis Cottonbelly is a close second.

I'm writing about my podcast not to complain, but to hopefully drum up some interest.  I have several interviews available.  Besides Sheamus, Foley and Cottonbelly; I've done podcasts with Kamala, Jeff Jarrett and "Beautiful" Bobby Eaton.  Nigel McGuinness and other indy stars like Heath Hatton, Pokerface and "Golden Boy" Greg Anthony have all been on too.

I try to have an interview every week.  When I can't get a wrestler on the show, Chad and I provide some analysis.  We've talked about WWE Network shows, eulogized "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes and handed out our annual Centy Awards.  

If you haven't listened and are a fan of wrestling, give it a try.  If you have listened and don't like it, let me know what I can do differently.  I'll be honest, this is a hobby that I'm hoping to take to the next level.  I would love to do more blogging, vlogging and podcasting.  Thanks for the support as always.

Global Force Wrestling: Our Roster

By Kevin Hunsperger (with Chad Smart & Chris Hagstrom)
@kevinhunsperger, @chadsmart, & @chrishagstrom on Twitter

Some of the old gang over at Rafters Radio reunited online for a quick discussion about the newly formed Global Force Wrestling.  Jeff and Karen Jarrett are behind the effort.  You can read all the details right here.  The company recently announced on social media that they want fans to do a Fantasy Draft, picking four men and one woman to join the force.  The other rule, they must all be independent wrestlers.

I'll admit I still have a pretty limited area of experience in the world of independent wrestling, and when I put together my original list, I shared picks with Chris Hagstrom and Chad Smart.  But in an effort to have some variety, I expanded my horizons and updated my picks.  These are all great stars on the Indy scene, and because the rules state five, it was tough narrowing it down.  I based some of my picks on the men and women I've worked with over the last few of years in All American Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Collision.  Others, I have watched and enjoyed as a fan.  So here we go.

Matt Cross

Kevin's Picks:

Matt Cross: I first met "M-Dogg 20" at AAPW Main Event in January 2012, but had seen his work on the previous season of WWE's Tough Enough.  Cross was cut from the show early on, but I think there was a disconnect with the judges and host "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.  I'd put him in GFW because I believe many fans know who he is.  He's got a great attitude (at least what I observed on the two occasions we worked with him) and he can do some pretty amazing things in the ring.  Even though he's been growing out the beard for a long time, I'd probably have him shave it as to not look like he's competing with Daniel Bryan and Eric Young.

Pokerface
Photo courtesy: Jason Wilkey

Pokerface:  During the first season of AAPW Collision, Pokerface was one of my favorite guys on the roster.  He was pretty quiet backstage and I didn't get a chance to talk much with him, but he was a hard worker and a professional every time he was at a show.  I remember at a non-TV taping event I did an interview segment in the ring with him where he threatened to beat me up.  Due to some unfortunate events, Poker wasn't able to stick around with us, but I think his future was pretty bright within the company.  He is doing great things in Tennessee right now and by the way, he beat M-Dogg 20 at that Main Event show.

Golden Boy in action
Photo courtesy: Jason Wilkey 

"Golden Boy" Greg Anthony:  Like Pokerface, Golden Boy eats, sleeps, and breaths wrestling.  He doesn't look like your typical Superstar, but his promos and his work in the ring are outstanding.  I always enjoyed talking with him at AAPW shows and pick his brain about the business.  Anthony has an old school mentality, which I respect and think still has a place in modern day wrestling.

Jervis Cottonbelly
Photo courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents

Jervis Cottonbelly: I've only seen Jervis wrestle in person one time, and that was at a Wrestling is Intense show.  In fact, it was the last show the company had.  Jervis is a unique character who I think not only wrestles very well, but also has that marketing appeal to children that is valuable in the business.  I see a line of "Gentle" Jervis Cottonbelly merchandise ranging from masks, to toy moncels and fake mustaches.  I once did an interview with him through Google Plus and he's always got a great attitude.

The Great Cheyenne
Courtesy: Jason Wilkey

The Great Cheyenne: While working with AAPW, The Great Cheyenne came in and did several shows with us.  Fans wanted more ladies wrestling, and Cheyenne was able to deliver.  She could easily be booked as a monster heel and run over both the women and men on the roster.  I loved calling her matches and her blood curdling scream still rings in my ears from time to time.

And folks at GFW, if you're looking for a commentator who is willing to get in the ring and take a beating, call me...

Chris's Picks: 

DISCLAIMER: There are so many great wrestlers out there today that are under utilized and it is difficult to pick only four guys and one girl. I would like to add more to the list but I am staying within the parameters of the Draft. This list is also not meant to hurt anyone's feelings that I have worked with in the past. And finally… keep in mind that my picks do not include anyone associated with WWE, TNA, or ROH. 

Heath Hatton
Photo courtesy: Sarah Gardner

Heath Hatton:  The obvious first pick for me. Hatton has not been wrestling as long as some people may think, but he has a great look, skill in the ring (not to mention the best dropkick in the Midwest), and is on the radar of the three organizations mentioned above. If GFW is looking for a star, they will find it in Hatton. The biggest drawback for Hatton is his limited travel area. They say to make it, you have to travel the world and hone your skills. Hatton has the ability and a wealth of knowledge from legends and Hall of Famers, now he needs the chance to showcase it in front of new audiences.

Team Overkill
Photo courtesy: Jason Wilkey

Team Overkill:  Ok I'm stretching the rules with this choice but at least its ONE tag team. Matt Cage and Christian Rose are accomplished singles competitors, (Cage racking up gold in many midwest promotions and Rose with victories over majors guest stars brought in to Dreamwave Pro Wrestling), but in my eyes, they are without a doubt THE top tag team in the Midwest. They can have a great match with anyone and an amazing match with the best. The emotion they display can rile a crowd into a frenzy in 0.5 seconds. Both also do extensive tape study from past matches. These gentlemen truly eat, sleep, and breath Pro Wrestling. Not to mention extremely entertaining on twitter @BitterLunatic and @proudcaucasian.

Mr. Touchdown
Photo courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents

Mr. Touchdown Mark Angelosetti:  Anyone who knows me well will giggle (And it's good…) but Mr. Touchdown has the complete package. Athletic, the look, charisma, an over the top character, and can back it up in the ring. A product of Mike Quackenbush's Wrestle Factory, Angelosetti has trained with the best and had matches all over North America. His athleticism allows him to wrestle any kind of match (technical, high flying, power, etc) and it's easy to "hate the jock." With the Rise of Chikara, we may see more of Angelosetti soon… At least one would hop

Danny Cannon

Dynamite Danny Cannon:  The one person I wanted to work with in AAPW and never got the chance to was Danny Cannon (or DC Dynamite if you watch AAW). He is the most acrobatic wrestler I have ever seen and done things even Adrian Neville would say… Wow. He is innovative,  explosive, and reminds me of a pit bull at times. Small in stature but powerful and fast. He had disappeared from the indies for a while but recently has resurfaced and am extremely happy for that. YouTube some of his work in IWAU and AAW to see what I mean. 

Angelus Layne

Angelus Penny Layne: I may not follow women's wrestling as much as I should. And this was a very tough category to pick as The Great Cheyenne, Stacey O'Brien, and MsChif are all at the top of the women's ranks and MsChif may very well be the best on the indies today. But my vote goes to Layne as I have seen a lot of her work and know what a fierce competitor she is. She is not afraid to take calculated risks in the ring and with her hair. Anyone who has followed her career knows that she went from a bubbly young upstart, to the disturbed and calculated competitor we see today. She will have continued success in Shimmer and hope to see her in more matches soon.

Honorable mentions:

Colt Cabana as a commentator (because comedy)

Archibald Peck, Mixed Martial Archie, The Mysterious and Handsome Stranger, R.D. Evans and the rest of the Faces of Evans

Adam Pearce

Chad's Picks:

Mr. Touchdown

Chris Hero

Uhaa Nation

Chuck Taylor

Candace LaRae

2013 Centy Awards

By Kevin Hunsperger & Chad Smart
@my123cents on Twitter

Every year, we here at My 1-2-3 Cents sit down and do our own little end-of-the-year awards show.  Sometimes we agree on the winners, but most of the time we don't.  One thing we both agreed on, 2013 was a rather blah year in the world of wrestling.  Chad and I explain all of our choices toward the end of this From the Rafters Radio Podcast. Click here to listen. Without further ado, here are Kevin and Chad's picks for the 2013 Centy Awards.



Wrestler of the Year:
Kevin: Daniel Bryan
Chad: Daniel Bryan

Most Hated:
Kevin: Stephanie McMahon (the character)
Chad: Randy Orton

Most Underappreciated:
Kevin: "Gentleman" Jervis Cottonbelly
Chad:  Logic

Most Overrated:
Kevin: Big Show
Chad: CM Punk
 
Breakout Star of the Year:
Kevin: Summer Rae
Chad: Goldust 

Show of the Year:
Kevin: Raw after Wrestlemania
Chad: SummerSlam

Star on the Horizon:
Kevin: Adrian Neville
Chad: Enzo Amore 

Female of the Year:
Kevin: AJ Lee
Chad: AJ Lee

Best Use of Social Media:
Kevin: Chuck Taylor (@SexyChuckieT on Twitter)
Chad: Chuck Taylor (Chu

Biggest Fall From Grace:
Kevin:Dolph Ziggler
Chad: TNA 

Wrestling Is...Worth Watching

The chaos at the end of the show

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Over the weekend I had a chance to attend my first ever Wrestling Is Intense show.  It was actually the first of the "Wrestling Is" groups I've seen in person.  I've watched Wrestling Is Fun on iPPV and I've attended a few Chikara shows in the past.

I'll be honest, I don't know a whole lot about Wrestling Is Intense or the Wrestling Is movement.  After Sunday's show, I have no idea where the company is headed, if there is a future at all.  I do know it's entertaining and has quality men and women who work hard to keep the crowd happy.  I've got to tell you, I am really disappointed with the turnout in terms of crowd support at Sunday's show.  At one point, I counted 21 fans in the crowd.  I know this show was heavily promoted with posters being plastered in several different communities near the venue in Carbondale, Illinois.  There was a write up in the local newspaper and a one minute news story that ran on the morning news broadcast two days prior to the event.

Pre show Limbo contest was cool

I don't know if it's because the show was on a Sunday afternoon at the same time people are enjoying an afternoon of football, or if it's that people in this neck of the woods just don't get Wrestling Is or independent wrestling in general.  I've seen a sharp decline in fan support over the last year of local independent wrestling.  It makes me sad quite honestly.  While the fans who aren't coming out to these shows disappoint me, I do have positive things to say.

The wrestlers on the card at the Wrestling Is Intense show came out and performed as if the house was packed.  They didn't let the small crowd dampen their spirits.  I was at the MetLife Stadium this year for Wrestlemania 29.  There were more than 80,000 of us there.  Of course it was a good time.  But so was Wrestling Is Intense.  I honestly felt like we, the fans, were able to make connections with the wrestlers as they headed to the ring and during their matches.  The wrestlers all the way from the opening match to what ended up being the main event came out to the ring with enthusiasm and professionalism.  I think some might have been discouraged, but they didn't let that show as they came out and tore the house down.

Cottonbelly vs. Crabtree

My seven year old daughter attended the show with me.  While she's only really seen the likes of John Cena, CM Punk, and AJ Lee (and only on TV), I can honestly tell you she had a great time seeing the Estonian Thunderfrog, "Gentleman" Jervis Cottonbelly, and Darkness Crabtree work their magic in the ring.  Early in the show, she was reluctant to put up her hand and give the wrestlers high fives as they walked by.  But before the day was through, she had her hand in position when a wrestler's music hit.

Meeting the Thunderfrog

There's also that chance at indy shows to get some time to talk with the wrestlers, either during intermission or after the show.  Thunderfrog was kind enough to take a picture with us and give my daughter a tshirt.  These are memories that will last a lifetime for both of us. You can't get that kind of feeling at a big ticket show.  It's impossible.

Daywalkers making a wish

I have worked in other promotions with The Daywalkers (Alexandre Barnabus Castle and Mathis Cage) and Christian Rose.   I know how hard they work training and traveling the country going from show to show.  Their schedule, I would imagine, is similar to that of the others on the show.  They spend a lot of time driving and   while I don't know for sure, I would imagine for very little pay.  But I know they're doing this to earn a big payday.  They wrestle each week, several times a weekend, because they love it too.

Rose kicks Sue Jackson

Independent wrestling is the foundation of wrestling, or dare we say it, sports entertainment.  I know it sounds cliche, but I firmly believe that.  CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, and Antonio Cesaro are just a few of the guys on the main roster now who spent years trying to make a name for themselves.

I've said it before, I'll say it again.  If you have independent wrestling in your community, support it.  If there's a show within driving distance, attend.  You will not be disappointed.  As fans, we need to be supportive of all levels of wrestling, not just when the flash and glamour makes that once a year (or even less) stop in our hometown.

It's Not Easy Being Green: The Estonian Thunderfrog

The Estonian Thunderfrog
Photo from Wrestling is Heart

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

I have done some interesting wrestling related interviews through the years.  I've talked with legends like "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, and Lex Luger.  (You can go here to see all of my interviews)  I've done interviews with current stars like The Miz, Antonio Cesaro, and Mickie James.  Recently, I had the pleasure of talkingon the phone with The Estonian Thunderfrog.

Unless you're a big fan of independent wrestling, you're probably asking, "Who the hell is the Estonian Thunderfrog?" Well, he's one of the most entertaining wrestlers on the Wrestling Is roster.  I'll admit, I don't know much about Wrestling Is, I know there are several different groups, many use the same wrestlers on there shows though.  I've seen Wrestling Is Fun on iPPV with the Frog, as well as members of the Batiri, Mr. Touchdown, and Dasher Hatfield.  There's also Wrestling Is Heart among the promotions involved.

The Estonian Thunderfrog
Photo from Chaos Pro Wrestling

The Thunderfrog as you might have guessed hails from Estonia.  He is the country's pride and joy, or so he tells me.  He's been wrestling for about a year now and is still searching for his princess.  I hope he finds her one of these days, but in the mean time, I'll enjoy this character.  My favorite quote from the interview I did with him was "Wrestling Is Fun, Intense, Heart, it is all one big juicy pancake.  I love it.  Is very good."  Great stuff.

This Sunday I will see my first Wrestling Is Intense show in Carbondale, Illinois.  The show is at the SIU Student Center in Ballroom D at 3 pm.  I can't wait.  Some of the wrestlers I worked with in All American Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Collision will be at this show and I haven't seen them in months.  It'll be fun catching up with The Daywalkers, Angelus Layne, and Christian Rose.  My dream is to have a photo taken with the Estonian Thunderfrog, Jervis Cottonbelly, and Darkness Crabtree.

Wrestling Is provides entertainment for the entire family.  I hope the show in our area is successful, because I want them to come back.  Get out there and support independent wrestling when it comes to your area.