My 1-2-3 Cents : NXT

@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.

Click the pic for this week's podcast

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Ricocheting from the indies to WWE

Ricochet battles Will Ospreay

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Earlier this week WWE announced indy star Ricochet has signed a deal to start work at the Performance Center in Orlando. He'll be a part of the NXT brand as he continues to develop and hone his craft. It'll be a nice boost into the NXT system with fresh faces coming in. Additionally, it's been reported the tag team War Machine and women's star Candice LeRae are also NXT-bound.

Ricochet, whose real name is Trevor Mann, is actually not far from where I live now. For those who know, I'm a morning news anchor in southern Illinois. Mann grew up in Paducah, Kentucky which is about 45 minutes away. So after learning of his signing, I ran a story on the news about "local wrestler headed to WWE." It's a great excuse to get some wrestling stories on the newscast.

Ricochet vs. Austin Lane

I've had a chance to watch Ricochet wrestle in person a couple of times. The stand out occasion for me was when he faced Austin Lane in the main event of a Cape Championship Wrestling show in August 2016. You can see a portion of that match here (I can't figure out how to post an Instagram video on this blog.)The two put on a clinic in the ring which exceeded my expectations. Not only was I impressed with the guest star on the show, but Lane also.

Ricochet's signing is welcomed by me and in my 1-2-3 cents, he could also help breath some new life into the Cruiserweight division. I don't know what the future holds for Neville (I'm still hoping he returns) but the man formerly known as Prince Puma would certainly add some sizzle to 205 Live. I can't imagine he'll be on NXT long, but even if he is, it'll be a benefit for both sides.

Even though I don't know him personally, I'm excited someone from my neck of the woods is getting a break in the largest wrestling (sports entertainment) company in the world. Ricochet's signing should be enough to encourage men and women toiling in the independents to keep pushing. Also, youngsters should see this as a reminder to NEVER give up on their dreams. Heck, it's something even us old timers could use too.

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Monday, January 1, 2018

2017 Centy Awards

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

It's the start of a new year and we're wrapping up 2017 with the annual Centy Awards. You can listen to the full explanation of each award on the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast this week with Chad and me.

Wrestler of the Year

Kevin's pick: AJ Styles

Chad's pick: Dalton Castle

Most Hated

Kevin's pick: Injuries. Dean Ambrose. Big Cass. Farmer Billy Hills. Nikki Lane. Marco Stunt.

Chad's pick: Baron Corbin

Most Underappreciated Kevin's pick: Stride Pro Wrestling referee Lane Austin

Chad's pick: Rusev

Most Overrated Kevin's pick: Baron Corbin

Chad's pick: Nakamura

Breakout Star of the Year Kevin's pick: Johnny Gargano

Chad's pick: Velveteen Dream

Show of the Year Kevin's pick: Buried Alive by Stride Pro Wrestling

Chad's pick: Tom & Jim's Top 5 (podcast)

Star on the Horizon Kevin's pick: Matthew Riddle

Chad's pick: Ophidian 2.0

Female of the Year
Kevin's pick: Alexa Bliss

Chad's pick: Alexa Bliss

Best Use of Social Media Kevin's pick: Chris Slammer (@macsgym)

Chad's pick: Rusev

Biggest Fall From Grace

Kevin's pick: James Ellsworth

Chad's pick: NXT

All Out of Bubblegum Award: I came up with this award in honor of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. This year it's going to Jerry Travelstead. He does so much to help others with wrestling fundraisers. You can read more about his efforts here.

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

The world according to EC3

Ethan Carter III
From @therealec3 on Twitter

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Earlier today I sat in on my first Impact Wrestling teleconference. The guest was Grand Champion EC3. I wanted to ask Ethan Carter III a question, but admittedly, I'm not sure how the program works and despite trying two or three times, I had no success.

But other wrestling journalists around the world got to chime in and ask Carter questions. Topics ranged from the upcoming Bound for Glory pay-per-view in November to the current product to Carter's time as Derrick Bateman in NXT. Carter has come a long way since his days in WWE. Not only has his in-ring and mic skills improved, so has his look. My question was going to be about the travel involved with pro wrestling and maintaining a workout routine and healthy eating habits. But maybe next time I'll figure out how the Q&A session works.

One of the more interesting questions asked during the teleconference about real life playing a role in his character development. Here's his answer.

Courtesy: Impact Wrestling

"We are entertainment. Main event angles are sold based on serious and true emotions... There's a time and a place for comedy. I never wanted to be a comedy guy. I want to be a top guy and I am a top guy based on who I am and an extension of myself, I think and I hope." He said he's his own worst critic and works hard to improve himself in the ring.

Eli Drake, Chris Adonis and ECIII
Courtesy: Impact Wrestling

Carter also talked about being a "face of the company" but also put over the fact that Bobby Lashley and newly crowned Impact Champion Eli Drake are also sharing in that role. He also coined the phrase "beef castles" in reference to himself, Drake and Chris Adnois. A beef castle is a "hunk of a man" in Carter's words and said Patrick Swayze was the ultimate beef castle.

EC3 signed with Impact in 2013 and has become one of the company's premier players. He is one of the highlights of watching the show as far as I'm concerned.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Enzo's big task

Enzo vs. Big Cass
Courtesy: WWE

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The last few months have been anything but good for Enzo Amore. The WWE Superstar was the victim of two separate attacks backstage before the world found out it was his best friend and tag team partner Big Cass. I'll admit the duo's act was starting to wear thin, but I would have rather seen them take a small break from TV than having them break up. Their split comes on the heels of DYI's implosion on NXT and now the dividing of American Alpha too. It's too many tag team breaking up for my liking.

However, it's happened and there's no sense looking back. When Big Cass laid out Enzo a few weeks ago on Raw it was apparent who was going to be the dominant one in this feud. The two had their first match at Great Balls of Fire, Cass destroyed his former partner. A rematch this past Monday on Raw and it was another ass kicking for Enzo.

Big Cass wins
Courtesy: WWE

I feel bad for the guy. He's not the biggest dog in the fight and yeah, he's kind of annoying, but I never expected him to be crushed so convincingly. Enzo is clearly getting the Jannetty treatment here. It'll be interesting to see what's next for each man. Presumably, Cass will go on to SummerSlam in a few weeks and beat the Big Show as he continues to climb the ranks of the Raw roster.

He's got personality
Courtesy: WWE

In my 1-2-3 cents, Enzo should be paired up with another big man, but to fill the role as a mouth piece. He's got the gift of gab and could recruit help in getting revenge against Cass. It just has to be someone other than the Big Show. Or better yet, he could continue his in ring career and head to 205 Live. The show could use a shot of personality and Enzo would no doubt provide that. Besides, Cruiserweight Champion Neville needs someone else to whip in the ring.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Sami Zayn has a picture of me in his house

What a night
Courtesy: Brian Kelley

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Despite what some may think, the title of this blog is not #FakeNews. And in telling this story I realize I sound like a huge mark, but I couldn't resist. July 12 is Sami Zayn's birthday so I'm using it as an excuse to share the details of when I met his good friends El Generico, PAC (Neville), Colt Cabana and Matt Cross.

It was January 2012 and I was doing commentary for All American Pro Wrestling. It was our "super show" Main Event and I was also making my in-ring debut that night. Generico, PAC, Colt and M-Dogg were our guests that night and helped make the evening more memorable. Calling the match between Generico and PAC was surreal and I became a fan of both men instantly.

After the show ended, our guests wanted to take a photo with my AAPW buddies Chris Hagstrom and Adam Testa. I was still buzzing from the match I'd had about 45 minutes earlier. I didn't think much of it when Brian Kelley from Missouri Wrestling Revival snapped the photo. But after he emailed it to me, it became one of my favorite wrestling pics ever taken. Then I heard this story...

A friend of mine (who I'm not sure if I should name, so I'm not going to) was a referee that night. He now works in Orlando and met Sami Zayn during WrestleMania weekend. Main Event was brought up in the conversation and Sami talked about how much fun he had that night and told my friend he has the abovementioned photo in his home. The story got relayed to me and of course, I popped like a bag of Orville Reddenbacher.

I know some WWE Superstars and Legends have read my blog before. Here's to hoping Sami reads this. Happy birthday man and please tell Generico I said "hola." It's been a long time.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Where's Neville?

Neville
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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This post is sure to be a bias one as I write about one of my favorite WWE Superstars, Neville. You've probably already heard my backstory on the artist formerly known as PAC, but here's a quick recap.

I met him nearly five years ago when I did commentary for a company called AAPW. He and El Generico wrestled that night and I consider it a highlight of my short-lived commentary "career" to have called that match. Earlier this year he recognized me at an autograph signing in Dallas prior to WrestleMania. It was seriously one of the highlights of the trip.

Meeting Neville & Kalisto

At that point, Neville was recovering from an ankle injury. Now he's back, but you wouldn't know that based on watching Raw. The last time I remember seeing Neville in action was months ago in a quick loss to Bo Dallas, the man Neville beat for the NXT Championship. By the way, I believe Neville is still the second longest reigning NXT champ.

Neville has a great look and is incredible in the ring. The only thing holding him back is his mic skills. But I hate that that's a detriment to someone who is clearly so talented. There are things creative could be doing with him. He could be a part of the 205 program, wrestle in the new UK Championship tournament or even team with Sami Zayn.

Two other times meeting Neville

I'm not saying put a belt on the guy (immediately) but at least give him some TV time. I actually liked when they were doing the backstage stuff with him and The Miz when it looked like Miz was going to start managing or at least mentoring Neville. As a long time fan of WWE and now of Neville's, I implore the company to not forget "The Man That Gravity Forgot."

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

I'm more than OK with KO

KO is the champ
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Kevin Owens is the new WWE Universal Champion. With some help from Triple H, KO pinned Seth Rollins to win the red and gold belt. The victory is exactly what I've been hoping for since Owens was called up to the main roster last year. His series of matches with John Cena proved he was ready for the big time, although I've been a fan for years.

Pedigree
Courtesy: WWE

The interesting tie-in is Triple H. Were his actions to support Owens or more to get at Rollins? I'm curious to see what's next and don't want to speculate too much. I don't think Triple H and KO are going to be allies, at least I don't think there's going to be a rebirth of the Authority. I hope not anyway. Although I did entertain the idea of Triple H serving as a manager, but from a storyline standpoint it doesn't really make sense at this time. Plus Triple H has at least a few more WrestleMania matches in him.

Courtesy: WWE

What I do hope is that Owens holds on to the belt and takes it into WrestleMania while the company grooms the next big contender. Depending on the healing process, Finn Balor could very well be ready by Mania in Orlando. Imagine two former NXT champions battling it out for the Universal Championship on the grandest stage of all. The story writes itself.

But I said I wouldn't speculate. I'm going to enjoy the ride. I want to hear from you. We'll discuss the matter in greater detail during 3-Count on Facebook Live Thursday at noon CST.

Saturday, August 20, 2016

NXT Takeover: Sequelitis

By Chad Smart

@chadsmart & @my123cents on Twitter
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NXT Takeover: Dallas is highly regarded as the best Takeover special NXT has done. The tag team, Women’s and NXT title matches all delivered on a rollercoaster of emotions. Sami Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura had what has been heralded as the greatest NXT match ever. With such high praise it’s understandable the Takeover shows that follow will have the deck stacked against them in terms of delivering a spectacular show.

Since Takeover: Dallas and the next special Takeover: The End, NXT has lost several of their key talents to the WWE main roster. Former tag champions American Alpha, former NXT champion Finn Balor and Baron Corbin who all appeared on the last two Takeovers are gone from NXT. So are crowd favorites and newer talents such as Enzo and Big Cass, Nia Jax and Eva Marie. While NXT is in a rebuilding phase and still have well known talent, that talent is still at a level a few notches below the talent that’s departed NXT.

Last year's NXT Takeover: Brooklyn
Courtesy: WWE

It’s not just the loss of talent NXT has to overcome for their latest special Takeover: Brooklyn 2. I think this special will fall short because of sequelitis. Since Takeover: Dallas, Hollywood has delivered 16 weeks of sequels at the multiplex. Most of these films have failed to live up to the expectations established by the previous film. The same flaws I have seen in the theatrical sequels, I see in the line up for Takeover: Brooklyn 2.

Looking at the card for TO:B2, I see a lot of similarities to the failed Hollywood offerings. It’s not that the TO:B2 card is bad, it’s just that compared to the previous events, there’s not much to get excited about, in my opinion. I also realize I’m not the NXT target demographic. I’m pretty confident that if I play the “this is awesome” drinking game, I’ll be drunk 30 minutes into the show.

My biggest issue with this show is that nothing seems to have any meaningful build. Other than the Women’s Title match, which is a rematch, and the Tag Title, everything else seems to be the result of some one saying “these are the people we want to focus on, put them in matches.” I don’t think there’s any real intrigue in any of the undercard matches.

Hopefully, it’ll help if I view this show like the sequels I’ve seen this year. To paraphrase the Gin Blossoms, if I don’t expect too much, I can’t be let down.” The wrestling should be very good even if the storytelling of the show isn’t the greatest.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Why Bayley should stay on NXT

Bayley as NXT Women's Champ
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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