My 1-2-3 Cents : Joey O'Riley

The most recent episodes of Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown are both in the books and I wanted to take a moment to recognize a few familiar faces who showed up on those shows recently. Several weeks ago my friend (and former tag team partner) Tyler 'Heath' Hatton told me he'd been invited to be an extra for the Jan. 10 SmackDown and the Jan. 13 Raw. He mentioned Joey O'Riley and Brandon 'Espy' Espinosa were also invited.

Espy is on the right

Jay Spade and I made the drive over to Evansville Friday night for SmackDown. Tyler and Joey didn't appear on that show, but Espy did as he was one of the men carrying out King Corbin to the ring.

Hatton knows the Truth

Fast forward to Monday night. Tyler ended up appearing in two segments as a 'WWE Medic', helping R-Truth to the back after being attacked by Brock Lesnar. Tyler got out of the way as Mojo Rawley charged the 24/7 champ and pinned R-Truth to win the gold.

Wipe those tears

Tyler and his medical expertise were needed again after Becky Lynch got sprayed in the eyes with Asuka's mysterious mist. He helped the Raw Women's Champion back to her feet and walked her backstage too.

Rowan vs. O'Riley

Then Joey O'Riley did battle with Erick Rowan. We still don't know what's in that cage, but it seemed that Joey was going to get an up-close look at one point.

I'm proud of all three of these guys. They've all toiled for years on the indy wrestling scene. Their appearances on WWE television has created quite a bit of local buzz. They deserve a big round of applause. Congrats guys.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Monster Hunters on separate hunts

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The Stride Cup Tournament finals will be a part of this Saturday's Strideiversary show. 'Warbound' Bo Sawyer returned for the tournament after being sidelined for months with an injury. He'll take on the nearly crowned King of Stride Pro Wrestling, Chris Hargas. Both men have been able to use their size and strength to make a huge impact in Stride.

Hargas is not only King, but he's also the former Legacy Champion and has had several heavyweight title matches against the likes of Heath Hatton, Roger Matheus and Ax Allwardt. Sawyer has been a tag team wrestler for most of his yearlong stint in Stride. He and Jason Tiller are two-time Stride Pro Wrestling tag team champions. But the Midwest Monster Hunters seemingly have different goals now.

Joey O'Riley

In fact, Tiller will face Joey O'Riley for the number one contendership for the Legacy Title. The winner of the Stride Cup will have a free ticket to challenge for the heavyweight title. So we could see the Monster Hunters are singles champions in the coming months.

However, Hargas and his manager J. Wellington Beauregard will stop at nothing to add more bling. But Sawyer has a lot to prove as a singles star. And never count out O'Riley as he has yet to win singles gold in Stride. He's clearly the smaller man in this battle with Tiller but will no doubt fight for everything he has.

Find out if the Midwest Monster Hunters can make it as a solo act this Saturday night. Strideiversary is at 600 N. Carbon Street in Marion, Illinois. Bell time is 6:30 p.m.

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Friday, October 26, 2018

Brother vs. brother happening this weekend

O'Riley vs. Brooks
Courtesy: United Wrestling Coalition

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Stride Pro Wrestling's Legacy Champion Arron Brooks is getting into the promoting business. He is hosting a fundraiser show in Rockport, Indiana. It's set for Sunday afternoon at 4 and is raising money for the family of one of Brooks' close friends Jakob Lester. The young father of two died in a car crash last month. He was just 25 years old.

The show features many of Stride Pro Wrestling's top stars. In the main event, Brooks will defend the Legacy title for the first time against his brother and former tag team partner Joey O'Riley. It's also a falls count anywhere match. This will be a great way to cap off the show, which will undoubtedly showcase the talents of everyone who steps into the ring that day.

Happier times

O'Riley and Brooks formed a team in Stride after O'Riley's regular partner Jay Spade started pursuing a singles run. It paid off for Spade as he became a two-time Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. O'Riley and Brooks gelled well together as you might imagine brothers would. However, O'Riley for some reason snapped back in April at a Stride event in Mt. Vernon. The brothers brawled their way from the ring but O'Riley dropped below the radar for months before recently making his return to Stride. The two have faced each other before but not in Stride.

Courtesy: United Wrestling Coalition

Joey has had a great year. Not only has he had success in Stride along with other independent companies, but he also made an appearance on WWE's 205 Live. On that show, he wrestled as Murphy Myers and faced Jack Gallagher. Brooks too has had a great 2018. He won a huge five-man steel cage match in May to become the number one contender to the Legacy Title. A couple months later he beat Wraith, Ryzer and Spade in a ladder match to claim the prize.

Could Sunday's defense be the first and only for Brooks or can he beat his brother and return to Carterville and defend the belt at Stride's new location on Saturday, November 10. More details are coming soon.

Monday, June 18, 2018

Stride guests ca$hing in

Daniel Eads (in the suit)
Courtesy: WWE

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

I know the title is a bit of a stretch, but I'm glad you're checking out today's blog. I'll be focusing on indy wrestlers making appearances on WWE television.

Aaron Relic & Jay Hatton
Courtesy: WWE

In 2012, I saw this happen for the first time when both Heath Hatton and Ace Hawkins (now both members of the Stride Pro Wrestling roster) had gone from All American Pro Wrestling to WWE Extreme Rules. The duo famously faced Ryback in a match where "2 is greater than one!" was coined.

Later that same year both Adrian Neville and Sami Zayn signed with NXT after wrestling each other at AAPW's Main Event show. I still pinch myself knowing that I called that epic match that night.

Myles Murphy on 205 Live
Courtesy: WWE

In recent months, some of the talent on Stride's roster has had a look from WWE. In March, former Stride Pro Wrestling tag team champion Joey O'Riley battled Jack Gallagher in a highly competitive match on 205 Live. O'Riley went into battle that night as Murphy Myers and as far as I'm concerned showed his value as a professional wrestler that night on the worldwide stage.

Daniel Eads at NXT Takeover

Over this past weekend, a less regular member of the Stride roster popped up on WWE TV. Daniel Eads, who has wrestled a few times for Stride (most recently at Stride Goes Steel) appeared on camera during the main event of NXT Takeover: Chicago II. He was in a suit and came out after Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. Eads has a ton of talent and I have no doubt he'll be signed by WWE at some point. I don't know any particulars about his visit over the weekend, but I'm sure he also had a chance to wrestle in front of the decision makers. He's a great guy and I'd love for him to get an opportunity on that worldwide stage too.

What a difference two months can make...

The last mention for this post is James Ellsworth. Granted, he's not a "Stride Guy", he did a guest spot with us in April. He's also been on a Cape Championship Wrestling show too. Yes, it was because he'd already worked with WWE, but I still find it cool that someone that was on a fundraiser show with Stride two months ago was back in a WWE ring and playing a huge role in a championship storyline. A few of us went out to dinner with Ellsworth after the Stride show and we all had a chance to just sit and talk (even longer than expected because the service was so slow).

I love that indy guys are getting a chance to shine in front of more people. Not everyone has an end game of being a part of WWE. But to those who do, keep fighting to make it there. Who will be next to appear? You never know. I don't want to turn this on me, but most of you know I'm hopeful to one day be a part of a kickoff show panel discussion on WWE Network. My hope is renewed.

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Saturday, March 3, 2018

Bo knows pain

Sawyer kicks Brooks
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Bo Sawyer is a newcomer to Stride Pro Wrestling, making his debut with the company in a tag team match last month. He and Frank Wyatt took on the popular duo of Arron Brooks and Joey O'Riley. Despite more than doubling the size of their opponents, Sawyer and Wyatt found themselves on the losing end. However, they walked away from the ring; O'Riley wasn't so lucky.

O'Riley hurt
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

In what can only be described as a fit of frustration, the monstrous duo battered both Brooks and O'Riley after the match. O'Riley took the brunt of the beat down. It was so bad, he wasn't able to walk back to the locker room without assistance. Brooks scooped his partner onto his shoulders and carried him. The sign of a true friend and partner no doubt.

Bear hug
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

So that attack has rendered O'Riley unable to return to tonight's fundraiser event at Christopher Elementary School. A one on one match has been signed between Sawyer and Brooks. Can the smaller man prevail once again? Sawyer says no way and a war is coming to Stride. He also mocked Brooks fandom of superheroes. In a promo on the Stride Pro Wrestling Facebook page, Sawyer wraps things up by warning Brooks he's going to "welcome you to Shotgun City."

Brooks fights back
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Sawyer is new to Stride but has been around for years. I'm impressed with what I've seen so far. But don't underestimate the ability of Brooks. He is a hard worker and like he and Joey have proven before, it's not always the biggest that is the best. This match will be a great clash of styles. Remember, bell time is 7 p.m.

Sunday, January 7, 2018

Brooks, O'Riley go for the gold

Arron Brooks & Joey O'Riley
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Tag team wrestling has been a huge part of Stride Pro Wrestling. We've had some great teams come through the company; including Team XXX, the Midwest Mafia and Maximum Overdrive. Now, Joey O'Riley and Arron Brooks have entered those ranks and are making waves in the process. The duo has earned a tag team championship match as a result.

O'Riley and Brooks have a great history in independent wrestling in this region. Both have had success with other partners as O'Riley and Jay Spade were one-time tag champions here. Brooks' return in the fall came at the right time as O'Riley's new partner Cash Borden had parted ways with Stride Pro Wrestling.

The DR Party
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

This relatively new duo has had impressive wins in the months leading up to this Saturday night's championship contest. They'll face the current champs The DR Party, but the caveat as always is which members of the DR Party will be in the ring that night. They've instituted the Freebird Rules when it comes to defenses. My best guess is that Dexter Roswell himself will be one of the defenders that night. I doubt Brian Richards is in the match because he's in the opening round of the Stride Cup Tournament against Jose Magnifico.

No matter who Roswell picks as a partner, the match will be exciting. He's been in the ring against O'Riley and Brooks before in six-man competition. But I'm sure Roswell would rather forget that. If the challengers keep their usual fast pace, quick hits in this match, it'll be a short night and a short reign for the DR Party. However, the DR Party has the numbers and the great mind of J. Wellington Beauregard who I'm sure has something up his sleeve. Come out for the action. Bell time is 6:30 p.m. at the Illinois Star Centre Mall in Marion.

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Friday, December 22, 2017

Fun Fact Friday: Arron Brooks

Arron Brooks
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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In October, Arron Brooks made his return to Stride Pro Wrestling. Fans around the region probably best remember him as AT Brooks. But with his reemergence, he's undergone a bit of name change. He and Joey O'Riley have formed a successful tag team and will soon be earning a chance to win the Stride Pro Wrestling tag team championships. I wanted to learn more about Arron and share those fun facts with you.

Brooks vs. JD Wilk
Photo by Steve Belcher

1. Arron has done martial arts since the age of eight. He got started with his uncle who owned a martial arts academy. Not only did it help with his athletic skills, but Arron says martial arts also taught him discipline and manners. He holds a third-degree black belt in Jiu Jutsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, karate and some Aikido. You can see some of these techniques in the ring.

Joey O'Riley, me and Arron Brooks

2. He's collected comic books since the age of five. Deadpool, the Green Arrow and Power Rangers are his favorites. That's why he has a green arrow tattoo on his right forearm and the Cantonese symbol for ‘survive’ on his chest. (Both references are from the Green Arrow.) He loves Power Rangers because of the martial arts they perform. The White Dino Thunder ranger is his favorite. Mighty Morphin' is always a favorite, too.

Cosplaying as White Dino Thunder Ranger

3. A visit to Disney World and Universal Studios inspired Arron to get into cosplay. He enjoys visiting comic con events around the country in costume. His top cosplays right now are the White Dino Thunder Ranger, Deadpool and Kylo Ren.

Keep up with Arron's cosplay and wrestling on social media. Follow @brookskickedme on Twitter and @arrowbrooks on Instagram.

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Brass knucks vs. brass ring

Tony Flood vs. Joey O'Riley
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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In one week, Tony Flood prepares to once again defend the Stride Pro Wrestling Legacy Championship. This time it's former tag team champion Joey O'Riley getting the nod. These two have been involved in multi-man matches against each other before, but I believe this is their first scheduled one on one encounter in Stride.

It should be one for the ages. Flood is one of the most gifted wrestlers on the Stride Pro Wrestling roster. He has the biggest mouth too. But in his case, most of the time he can back up his words, even if it is often by nefarious means. Just when opponents think they have the answer, Tony Flood changes the question.

The brass knucks
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

This, of course, can be traced to earlier this year when he pulled the wool over our eyes and wrestled as El Fabuloso, despite having been fired by general manager Sam Hunter. Flood not only won the Legacy Title for the first time that night, but he went on to defend it successfully through the summer and in many cases against much bigger opponents. He dropped the belt for about a week to Heath Hatton before winning it back with the help of Dexter Roswell and went on to outsmart Hatton in a rematch with some conveniently hidden brass knucks.

Joey O'Riley in action
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

But Joey O'Riley can't be undersold. He is one of the most dynamic wrestlers on the roster. He takes to the air with ease and wows the fans every step of the way. Primarily he's been a tag team competitor in Stride, having won gold with Jay Spade and teaming successfully with both Cash Borden and Arron Brooks. But in my 1-2-3 cents, Joey has all the tools to be a top singles star.

He dedicates a lot of time in the gym and in the ring training to get better. The brass ring is on his sites, Joey just needs to grab it. On Saturday, December 9 there's a very good chance he'll do just that. I just hope that brass ring isn't Flood's brass knucks. Bell time for the show is 6:30 p.m. at the Illinois Star Centre Mall in Marion. We'll see you there.

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Monday, October 16, 2017

Decisions, decisions

Maximum Overdrive & Deter Roswell w/J. Wellington Beauregard

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Professional wrestling fans can be fickle, but so can those involved in the business. Managers can change their preference in the blink of an eye, even within their own stables. Remember in 1989 when "King" Harley Race battled King Haku at the Royal Rumble. Both men were in the Heenan Family and when Haku emerged the victor, he left with Bobby Heenan and Race was soon gone from the company. Heenan pulled a similar stunt with years earlier between Rick Rude and Paul Orndorff.

But this blog is about J. Wellington Beauregard. He's the current manager of the Stride Pro Wrestling tag team champions Ax Allwardt and Scott Phoenix. In addition to managing Maximum Overdrive, J. Wells also managers the DR Party. Since this arrangement happened, there's been hints of dissension coming from Allwardt.

During Saturday night's Stride show at the Illinois Star Centre Mall, tempers flared. Roswell was teaming with Maximum Overdrive. To start things off Phoenix offered his digits to Roswell's mother. This didn't sit well with Dexter or his parents. And through the course of the match, the champs kept Roswell from tagging in. Clearly frustrated, Dexter tagged himself in. This set off Ax who argued with J. Wells outside the ring. Roswell found himself getting pinned by all three members of the opposing team (Joey O'Riley, Aaron Brooks and JD Wilk). An interesting note, when Phoenix tried to break up that pin, he was stopped by Ax. This lead to more arguing between the champions. I must admit I got so caught up in the war of words and nearly missed announcing the winners.

Piledriver
Courtesy: Dalton Kennerly

Moments later, Dexter slapped Ax who was set to piledrive the DR Party leader. That's when Brian Richards, the enforcer of the party, attacked Ax. But it didn't take long for Richards to find himself on the receiving end of Ax's finisher.

Clearly, Beauregard has some serious fence-mending to do amongst his team members. Not only is Allwardt at odds with the DR Party, but he is not quite on the same page with Phoenix either. Maximum Overdrive continues to reign as tag team champions. Now they'll defend against the DR Party on Saturday, November 4. My advice to J. Wells is to leave with the one who brought you to the dance.

Saturday, September 30, 2017

Cashing in on tag team gold

By Sam Hunter

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter