The Wrestling Buzz

Heath Hatton vs. Adam Pearce
Photo courtesy: Chris Zoeller
Daily Egyptian

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Since getting involved with All American Pro Wrestling about a year and a half ago I have witnessed some really great independent wrestling.  Up until then, I hadn't seen a whole lot of indy stuff, but I want to know more about it not just here locally, but other promotions as well.

At the end of an AAPW show, I always feel good.  I'm tired, but there's always a sense of pride that comes along with this labor of love.  And on occasion I have what I like to call "the wrestling buzz."  It's the high I feel after a particularly good show.  Saturday, September 22 is one of those shows.  Top to bottom there was plenty of great action and everyone who was there gave their all in the ring.  The buzz lasted through the evening Saturday and through Sunday.  It made for a great weekend.

I don't want to sit here and pick favorites because it's not fair to everyone on the roster.  There are clearly those who stand out and I praise them for their hard work and dedication.  But I also think each and everyone person on the show whether they're a wrestler, ring announcer, camera operator, or other volunteer or worker, should be applauded.  Saturday night was simply stellar.

One of my childhood dreams was realized again getting to call the action of an NWA World's Heavyweight title match.  Reigning champion Adam Pearce came to Marion, Illinois to defend the ten pounds of gold and leather against hometown hero Heath Hatton.  These two did not disappoint.  I'm not exaggerating when I say that the majority of the crowd was on its feet the entire match.  Speaking of the crowd, this had to have been the second largest audience since AAPW Collision started in April 2011.

Not only was there excellent wrestling from many of our stars and guests, but getting the opportunity to meet Adam Pearce was another personal highlight.  He is a class act all the way.  I can't tell you how much I enjoyed speaking briefly with him. I am kicking myself today for not taking the opportunity to ask for a photo with the champ.  I'm never quite sure how to handle those situations, I'm trying to be professional, but I'm a fan too.  I just don't want to cross any lines.

One more chance...

The plot is thickening as we head into our 6th anniversary show, which will be taped for DVD.  Zero Hour happens Saturday, October 20 at the Black Diamond Harley Davidson Warehouse in Marion, Illinois.  Colt Cabana makes his AAPW return.  Edmund "Livewire" McGuire gets one last shot at AAPW champ Mike Masters inside a steel cage (a first for AAPW).  Tag team champions Team Overkill (Matt Cage & Christian Rose) will defend their titles against Brandon Espinosa and Ace Hawkins in a ladder match! And for the first time, a No Limits Division champion will be crowned as KC Jackson takes on Joey O'Riley in the tournament finals.  If you're within driving distance, make the trip.  I'll write more about that in the coming weeks, and I have a feeling that the "buzz" will return that night too.

I also want to wish my friend, broadcast colleague, and AAPW executive producer Chris Hagstrom a speedy recovery.  He took a nasty super kick Saturday night and not only suffered a concussion, but also re-aggravated a past orbital bone injury.  Take care buddy!

I'm (Not) Honored

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

I'm going to be up front (like always) with this post from the start.  I am biased in this one because of my association with All American Pro Wrestling.  But I'm writing this as a part of that company and as a wrestling fan.  Some haters may think I'm chewing on sour grapes, but please read the entire post before passing judgment.

I live and work in southern Illinois (which is no where near Chicago or Springfield).  Here in southern Illinois (Carbondale, Marion area to be exact) there is a wrestling promotion called All American Pro Wrestling.  AAPW has been around more than 5 years now.  On September 3, AAPW made its television debut on WSIL TV (which I also happen to work for as a news anchor).  I am a color commentator for AAPW, a position that I love and enjoy doing very much.  It's only once a month, I wish it could be more.

Anyway, our show Collision airs every other Saturday at noon.  The coverage area includes southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, western Kentucky, and a small part of northwest Tennessee.  The next show airs Saturday, October 1 at noon. Your support is appreciated.

In August, there was some buzz in AAPW, as it was announced the Ring of Honor champion Davey Richards would be making an appearance at a Collision taping.  The plan was for him to work the main event of one of our shows that is set to air in October.  We tape on Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. at the Black Diamond Harley Davidson warehouse in Marion (here's the taping schedule for the rest of the year)  Our executive producer, Chris Hagstrom, called me around 10:30 that morning saying that Sinclair Broadcasting (which owns ROH) was pulling the plug on his appearance.

This news was disappointing on a number of levels.  My first thought was why in the world would they wait until the day of the show to pull his appearance.  For those who don't know, ROH is launching a new show on Sinclair owned stations around the country.  We offered to do the match as a dark match, with no cameras rolling.  Sinclair still said no. So there was no point in him showing up, and he didn't.

Now there happens to be two Sinclair stations in this market.  And it's recently been announced that the ROH show is airing opposite AAPW Collision on Saturday afternoons on one of the stations.  It's also airing on the sister station on Saturday nights.

AAPW champion Livewire McGuire with Sam Smith 

I am frustrated by this.  While I have no proof that ROH or Sinclair is doing any of this on purpose it has left a sour taste in my mouth.  Competition is great, but I personally think there's plenty of room in the market for a couple of wrestling shows.  My objection is with all the other time slots available why not pick another?  I know ROH is airing at various times in the afternoon and evening hours around the country.  I have nothing against ROH.  In fact, their social media guy, David Lagana is my favorite podcaster out there.

It just seems like Sinclair is going after the little guy.  And trust me, we are little, but we are mighty and we are strong.  I'm proud to be a part of All American Pro Wrestling.  Watching this show will truly support the local wrestling movement.  Episodes are also available on line by clicking here.

Kevin Hunsperger & Chris Hagstrom

I would encourage you to watch live on WSIL if you live in the area.  If not, please take a look and watch online.  Things are definitely getting interesting with the storylines and the wrestlers give 110% when they're in the ring.  I'm still learning as far as the commentary goes, please give me your feedback.  I've never done play by play for anything before.  I'll admit I'm "greener than goose poop" in those first couple of episodes.  But I really think Chris and I have found a groove in the most recent shows we've taped.  So please, support your indy wrestling whether it's here in SOIL/SEMO/WKY or in your own community. Thanks.

Wrestling is on a Collision Course...

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

Readers in southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, and western Kentucky will find this news more interesting than other fans who look at this.  But I think this is good news for ALL wrestling fans.  WSIL TV has picked up a bi weekly wrestling show called AAPW Collision.

All American Pro Wrestling has been around for quite some time in southern Illinois.  I've been to a couple of their shows, and enjoyed it.  They've got a lot of local talent, who works hard to put on a memorable show.  Guys like Livewire McGwire (who is the current champion), Heath Hatton & Curly (the tag team champs), Shane Rich, and the Mississippi Madman always make for an entertaining evening.  Manager Gaylord Stephens and his man Ax Allwardt add a taste of "old school" to the show.

This is the company's first venture into the world of television.  Collision will make its debut on WSIL on Saturday, September 3 at noon.  I'm particularly excited about this news, because AAPW's executive producer and announcer Chris Hagstrom has invited me to join him as a color commentator for Collision.

Chris and I recently worked together and voiced the first episode that he used to sell the station on the show.  It was my first time ever doing any kind of color commentary.  Well, I take that back.  In 1996, I recorded myself with a camera corder calling Wrestlemania XII.  I'm pretty sure that tape has been destroyed.  At least I hope it has.

Doing any kind of work in the world of wrestling has always been a dream of mine.  I've got to be a ring announcer for a couple of shows from IWA: Midsouth.  I refereed a couple of matches for another local group.  And most recently I was a guest "manager" for Impact Wrestling Knockout Velvet Sky.  I'm very excited about this opportunity because it's a regular gig.  There will be at least 13 episodes.  We'll be recording on July 30 at Sports Blast in Carbondale, so if you're in the region, come by.  Doors open at 6, belltime that night is 7.

AAPW manager Gaylord Stephens

Another reason I'm excited about this is because it's been a VERY long time since any kind of local wrestling has been broadcast on TV in this region.  While this won't be like a Monday Night Raw or an Impact Wrestling show, it will give fans who love wrestling another outlet.  Because it's going to be on TV, Collision will be seen by a wider audience, who up until now may not have known AAPW even existed.  This will also give the hard workers involved with this company some recognition beyond the loyal fan base who shows up at the house shows.  It's a win-win for everyone involved.

I'm grateful and thankful to be in a position where I can help out, and hope Collision takes off and is well received by fans in the tri-state area.  Who knows, maybe some of our stars will be seen and breakout to the next level.  Thanks for reading and thanks for your support.  Click here for more on AAPW.

They Want a Shot

Shane Rich vs. Livewire McGuire

By Kevin Hunsperger

I've written before about the independent wrestling groups in southern Illinois.  There are actually quite a few to choice from. One that I've kept an eye on is AAPW.  Many of the guys on these shows wrestle for some of the other local groups.  Not one promotion has a consistent schedule, so they work several different shows in the course of a month.

All American Pro Wrestling is trying to change that.  On Saturday, April 2nd, they'll embark on a new venture.  They're working with video students at Southern Illinois University to produce a show for television.  While there's no deal in place for AAPW, this is a step in the right direction.  The men and women associated with this group work hard each time they perform.  They do so for little money and not a whole lot of fame.  But to the fans who attend the shows, mostly at churches and school gyms, these guys are heroes.  I admire the work the independent wrestler does. They put their bodies on the line for sometimes just dozens of fans in the crowd and do so with the enthusiasm of a WWE Superstar.

The King reigns supreme

In fact, they've worked with current and former WWE Superstars.  Greg Valentine, Brutus Beefcake, and Al Snow have all worked shows.  So had Billy Gunn and Kevin Throne.  And just last year, Jerry "the King" Lawler worked a main event for them.  AAPW brings in a couple of big names occasionally, but they're working hard to develop the homegrown talent.  

Because of my job, I am able to help get the word out about wrestling.  Some times we do it in a fun way.  Earlier this week, in an attempt to promote Saturday's TV taping, I invited announcer Chris Hagstrom and wrestler Heath Hatton on the show.  The last time Heath visited, he called me Kevin Cheeseburger and insulted me on the air.  This time, he was nicer, and well he was the victim of an attack by Mike Masters.  So I did what any news anchor would do.  Click here to see what went down live on the air.

It was a lot of fun, and viewers I talked to seemed to enjoy it too.  I feared people would be worked up that the morning news anchor was getting too violent.  But that wasn't the case.  I'm hoping there will be more chances for AAPW to flourish and the stars of this show get a chance to shine a little brighter.