Stride Pro Wrestling's fashionistas

Kevin Hunsperger & J. Wellington Beauregard

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Professional wrestling has always had its share of fashionistas. Men and women who pushed the envelope with their outfit choices. Legends like "Classy" Freddie Blassie, Jim Cornette and Jimmy Hart come to mind along with current talent Rockstar Spud. But the big stage isn't the only place you'll see some fashion statements. Stride Pro Wrestling has a nice share of fashionistas.

J. Wellington Beauregard has had an interesting sense of fashion for years. I first met 'J. Wells' during our days with All American Pro Wrestling. The self-proclaimed billionaire likes to wear matching shirt and pants combos. From time to time he'll throw in a sweater tied around his neck too. 

Old school...

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

A member of the DR Party under the management of Beauregard has turned heads with not only his flashy tights but with his noteworthy hair. Scott Phoenix has flowing locks that leave many fans and wrestlers in the locker room green with envy. 

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

I'm going to throw myself into the mix too. At the first Stride Pro Wrestling show (then CMA Wrestling) I wore my Bobby "the Brain" Heenan jacket. It's an old suit coat my mom repurposed with red glitter material for my costume at WrestleMania 27. But instead of letting it sit in my closet, I decided to give the jacket new life with my ring announcing. I've also added some suits from Shinesty and Opposuits and even an 'electric cowboy' jacket from my friend Todd Ellis. 

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Who is your favorite Stride Pro Wrestling fashionista? Weigh in here or join us Saturday, March 10 at Cambria Village Hall. Doors open at 6, bell time is 6:30 p.m.

Beer, bots and biceps

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Earlier this week I posted a blog about the upcoming Southern Illinois Men's Expo. The event happened Saturday morning and was a huge success. We offered men around the region FREE health screenings, including blood draws for cholesterol, vision, dental, blood pressure and foot problems. 

Fire is good

Our panelists talked about the importance of nutrition and exercise and answered questions for the men in attendance. Physicians were on hand for one-on-one talks with men on a variety of topics. We learned about the benefits of drinking beer in moderation and how to home brew. Southern Illinois Miners COO and manager Mike Pinto heated things up with this talk "Taking Charge of Your Health." Yes, a handful of participants ate fire!

Crown Brew Coffee Co.

I can't thank our vendors, exhibitors, screeners, volunteers and sponsors enough. Our professional staff (Lisa and Ariella) did an amazing job throughout the process. I know I've probably forgotten someone and that's I'm not specifically naming names (besides Lisa and Ariella). 

Found my abs
They were at JFortune Photography

I am drained but in a good way. This expo/conference has been a labor of love for me since 2008 when the first committee came together and decided it was time to help make men more aware of their own health. Now as president of the Women for Health and Wellness board, we are moving forward. Look the for SI Women's Health Conference in September and big changes in 2018. Join our mission to make health and wellness a priority for EVERYONE in southern Illinois. 

Double trouble

Oh, I guess I should address the suits too. My buddy Tom Harness (Harness Digital Marketing) has a collection of OppoSuits. We decided a while back to get the Star Wars suits and use them to brand ourselves when we do events together. It was a bonus that an R2 was there from the St. Louis R2 Builders Club. 

16 good things that happened in 2016

Birthday at Disney and stopped by the Stormtroopers

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Many people are looking back on 2016 as a horrible year. Yes, there were a lot of negative things that happened this year, but I'm choosing today to look at the glass as being half-full and remembering 16 instances that were good either for me personally, my community or our country. These are in no particular order.

1) In March I got to spend my 43rd birthday at Disney World. More specifically at Animal Kingdom and Disney Hollywood Studios. It's hard to think of a better place to be on your special day. That trip was part of the Mostly Hunsperger Spring Break when we traveled to Disney to watch our oldest son perform with the Pride of the Lions Marching Band.

Hanging out with Neville and Kalisto for a second

2) A month later Chad and I returned to WrestleMania. We took the year off in 2015 and looks like we'll be doing the same in 2017. The trip to Dallas this year was particularly eventful for me because we went to an autograph signing with Superstar Neville and he remembered me by name from a couple of other times we'd met. I did mark out pretty hardcore that day.

3) The Crafbeericans were born. We review different craft beer and are counting down from episode 99. Please watch and subscribe on YouTube. Also look for us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@Craftbeericans)

Stride Pro Wrestling

4) Stride Pro Wrestling made its debut. In March we held our first show. I'm honored to be a part of this great group of local wrestlers. Shows are typically the first Saturday of each month. Join us January 7! More details can be found here.

5) The Cubs won the World Series. I'm St. Louis born and bred, but I give props to the Cubs for breaking the curse. That victory alone brought so much joy to so many people, how can you not be happy for the team and their fans?

Skiing in Michigan

6) My family skied for the first time. We recently returned from a pre-Christmas vacation to Crystal Mountain Resort in Michigan. My wife and I decided to go with the "experiences" over "things" route for Christmas this year.

Project Red Heal gang

7) I was part of several different great fundraisers. A group of my friends helped raise money for the Women's Center in Carbondale during Project Red Heal. I cooked up some craft beer mac and cheese for The Chef's Challenge to benefit St. Francis CARE and Gumdrops. And Tom and I co-emceed The Williamson County Relay for Life and judged a chili cookoff to benefit several local groups. Tom also raised more than $5,000 with that Ugly Christmas Suit.

Suited up

8) Speaking of ugly suits, I ventured into the world of OppoSuits and bought my first. It's a Stormtrooper suit and in the month that I've had it, it has started many conversations.

9) The Southern Illinois Men's Expo evolved from the Men's Conference. We had a successful event and I'm looking forward to the 2017 version. I'm also honored to be voted as the new president of Women for Health and Wellness here in southern Illinois. Yes, you read that right...

Holiday World

10) My niece and nephew visited over the summer and not only did we engage in the Pokemon Go Craze, but we also got to spend the day at Holiday World and Splashin' Safari. It was great quality time with them and my parents.

11) Kevin Owens and AJ Styles made it big on the main stage of WWE. Both won heavyweight championships on their respective shows after years of toiling in the indies and lesser known companies.

12) Women's wrestling has become top notch in WWE. At WrestleMania, the company did away with the Divas belt and name and recognizes the talented women in the business as Superstars, just like their male counterparts. Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks and Bayley are just a few of the women making a difference.

Gary Vee

13) Gary Vaynerchuk opened my eyes to a whole new world in terms of social media, marketing and entreprenuership.  I can't do the man justice here, so please search him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. Look for Gary Vee. He's incredibly inspiring.

14) As I try to grow my own brand, I've had some amazing podcast guests in 2016. WWE Legends like "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, The Honkytonk Man and Bushwhacker Luke has all be a part of the show this year. I just wrapped up a conversation with my guest for Episode 112 which will drop on January 9th. I'm happy to say it was with Dan "The Beast" Severn. 

15) Speaking of the branding side of things, I'm on a great blogging streak. This blog marks my 217th consecutive one here on My 1-2-3 Cents. But I've also been blogging for clients on various topics. Things are going well, and since I brought up streaks, my running streak remains intact too. I have run at least one mile every day since May 1, 2016. Before the streak started I participated in the River to River Relay. It was a great day and my biggest running event of the year. I am still hoping to add another marathon to my accomplishments in the near future.

Stranger Things

16) The family all dressed up for Halloween. Well, all but one teenager, but what are you going to do? This year my wife and I dressed like characters from Stranger Things. We had a blast.

So there it is, 16 events that maybe didn't impact the world, but they had a positive effect on my well-being. 2017 will no doubt have challenges too, but my goal is to stay positive and move forward. It's the best choice in any situation really.  Happy New Year!

This is not the suit you're looking for

Stormtrooper suit!

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Actually, this is the suit I'm looking for. For the first time, I've ventured into the world of Opposuits/Shinesty. My friend Tom Harness has a collection of these suits, including several Christmas ones he does a yearly fundraiser with. I always wanted one of these suits but didn't want to look like I was trying to steal Tom's thunder. Earlier this year I borrowed the jacket to Tom's purple suit for a Stride Pro Wrestling show because I had loaned out my usual sparkly red jacket.

Chad's suit in Dallas

In April, Chad revealed an Opposuits suit when we went to the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. As you can imagine, it attracted a lot of attention. He was even interviewed by a WWE film crew for a show on WWE Network. I didn't want just any Opposuit. I've actually lobbied the company for a Lucha mask suit. I even sent them a few design ideas, that according to an email from them "they're considering."

Stormtrooper and Ugly Christmas suit

Not long ago a couple of Star Wars suits were released. They both caught my eye and I had talked with Tom about ordering one. At that time one wasn't in the budget. But when Stride Pro Wrestling announced the December show was going to be a Star Wars theme, I knew I had no choice. Tom ordered the Strong Force suit and I got the Stormtrooper suit.

Me & referee Lane Austin

I kept it mostly under wraps until showtime. I put it on backstage and got plenty of compliments on it. Then when it was time for me to make my way to the ring and announce the show, I came out with a Stormtrooper mask on and then revealed myself. 

Me and "Hitman" Jake Capone

Several fans and wrestlers asked to have a picture taken with me and the suit. It went over very well and I was asked probably a dozen or more times where I got it. So here's the link to both Opposuits and Shinesty. I hope to wear mine again on air on Star Wars Day (May 4, 2017). But I'm looking for other opportunities to show it off too. 

Don't just give on Giving Tuesday

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been dubbed Giving Tuesday. It's become a call to action to remember it's better to give than to receive. Between Thanksgiving shopping, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday serves a purpose of helping others. Here are a few ways to give back to your community.

You may be short on cash this time of year. It's understandable. Giving Tuesday doesn't require a monetary commitment. You can give your time too. The Salvation Army in most communities is in desperate need of volunteer bell ringers. This site, Register to Ring, matches volunteers with opportunities. But I was disappointed to see southern Illinois locations are not on the list. If you want to help in that region, call the office at (618) 993-5854.

Donate blood. Winter months are tough times for most blood banks. If you're able to give the gift of life, I'd highly recommend it. One donation can save up to three lives. The American Red Cross has opportunities to give on their website.

My running friends in the Yellow Donkeys are holding a food drive this weekend. On Saturday, Dec. 3 people can drop off non-perishable food items at the parking lot of John A. Logan College. Donations will be accepted between 9 and 10:30 a.m. The Saluki Food Pantry and the Good Samaritan House will benefit from your generosity.

This year's Ugly Christmas Suit

You can take your giving to the next level like my buddy Tom Harness. This year he is once again doing his Ugly Christmas Suit fundraiser (from Shinesty/Opposuits). This year he's helping The Promise in Marion. That group gives food and clothes to families in need all over southern Illinois. Last year Tom raised more than $4,500 for Team RWB (Red, White and Blue). This year the goal is $5,000.

So how can you help?

Step 1. Make a donation online or stop by The Promise (818 W Main St, Ste 3 in Marion, IL 62959) and make a food or monetary donation.

Step 2. Tom will come by your business or organization to spread Christmas cheer in the suit and take photos.

Step 3. Tom will upload the photos and help promote your business or organization.

These are just a few ways to give back this Giving Tuesday. Find a charity near and dear to you and give what you can. Or just pay it forward to a total stranger. It'll do wonders for your outlook on life. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Dear Shinesty & Opposuits: Please make this suit...

Tom in the middle with the PacMan suit

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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A few years ago my friend, Tom Harness, introduced me (and everyone in southern Illinois) to the Ugly Christmas suits made by Shinesty. He wrote this blog about it in 2014. Since then he's amassed a collection of suits made by Shinesty and/or Opposuits. He's covered for Christmas, Halloween and even an 80s themed party with the Pac-Man suit (which is my favorite).

Chad's Hall of Fame suit

I've always wanted to get one of these suits, but I don't want to be "that guy" copying something my friend has turned into a successful fundraiser each year at Christmas. He's literally known as "the suit guy" by some folks here. I have mad respect for what he's done with the project. When Chad and I attended the WWE Hall of Fame this year he busted out his own Shinesty suit, which he told me was inspired by Tom.

What I currently wear to wrestling shows

So to not commit gimmick infringement, I've started a campaign to have Shinesty and/or Opposuits to come up with a design for wrestling fans. If anyone from either company is reading this please create a luchador wrestling mask suit. There are millions of wrestling fans out there. They'd be popular attire at the WWE Hall of Fame. And as a ring announcer for an independent wrestling company, I would wear it at our monthly shows. I know others in companies around the country would do the same thing. Test the market with the luchador mask suit and other wrestling themes could follow. I have ideas for other wrestling related apparel, but I'll save that for another blog. 

LuchaDad needs a lucha mask suit

Tom's Ugly suit made the news (several times)

When wearing a Shinesty or Opposuits suit you get noticed. I want to help share the awesomeness of these suits with the professional wrestling crowd. Let's make it happen!