Mt. Rushmore: Wrestlers I've Met

By Kevin Hunsperger @kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter Listen to the podcast  Follow my blog with Bloglovin

After a delay, the My 1-2-3 Cents Mt. Rushmore is back. The last blog I wrote on the subject was the bucket list of wrestlers I'd like to meet. This time, it's about the top four wrestlers I've met. I have had the good fortune of meeting many wrestlers through the years, so I am narrowing this down a bit by only naming wrestlers that I've had conversations with and not just a meet-and-greet experience. 

Bobby "The Brain" Heenan is one of my all-time favorite personalities in wrestling and, without a doubt, the greatest manager of all time. In 1998, when I was a young reporter (two months of experience), I was able to get access to a WCW Thunder in Huntsville, Alabama. While there, I interviewed Goldberg (just into the streak), Ray Traylor, Buff Bagwell, and Bobby Heenan. It was a great come true. Our interaction was probably about five minutes or so, but it meant the world to me. I never in my wildest dreams imagined such an opportunity would present itself to me. 

When TNA Wrestling came to southern Illinois for a BaseBrawl event, I reached out to get a wrestler on the morning newscast I co-anchored. I was excited to learn that D'Lo Brown would be filling that role. We chatted before his appearance and after as well. D'Lo even gave me his number. We've actually texted a few times, which to me is surreal. But what really impressed me was when I was in Las Vegas back in 2018 and trying out for a gig with Impact Wrestling, D'Lo was there and remembered me by name. A great guy and one of the most underrated wrestlers of all time. 

Jeff Jarrett and I first met in 2011 at that above-mentioned BaseBrawl event. However, it was a brief encounter, and a few years later, Double J returned to southern Illinois to promote another wrestling event at the ballpark, but this time with Global Force Wrestling. Jeff and I chatted before our interview and after and also indulged me with a selfie. He also bestowed me with the privilege of announcing one of the matches the night GFW came to town. Listening to the My World Podcast that he hosts often reminds me of how laid-back he met. A class act all the way. 

Of course, I can't have this list without adding PAC to it. I've told the story many times, but here's the short version. We met for the first time at an AAPW event called Main Event in January 2012. Then crossed paths at WrestleMania Axxess in 2014 and at an autograph signing in 2016 (he remembered me by name both times). He's a great guy, and I wish him nothing but continued success in the ring. 

VIDEO: Go Figure Friday: Christmas Goodies

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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It's episode 3 of Go Figure Friday. This week I show off a couple of Christmas gifts from my buddy Chad Smart from Positive Cynicism. He got me a Brainy Smurf Funko Pop and a Neville WWE action figure. He tells me he found it on sale at the store Five Below (go figure, pun intended). 

Be sure to subscribe to the My 1-2-3 Cents YouTube channel as I will be doing more giveaways in 2019. Thanks!

Neville's future without WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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First, I know his name will likely no longer be Neville. But let's face it, most people who will read this know Benjamin Satterley better as Neville than his name in the indies; Pac. I consider myself fortunate to have met him years ago when he wrestled at a show I was doing commentary on, All American Pro Wrestling's Main Event. I've told the story a hundred times before and how we reconnected a couple other times after that first encounter. Get caught up here.

Meeting Neville at Toys R Us

Now that Neville is seemingly done with WWE and no longer under contract there's been plenty of speculation of where he'll end up next. Early buzz is he'll be part of All In one week from tonight. If that is the case I'll kick myself even harder for not getting tickets for the event. You see, my fandom for Neville goes beyond my appreciation for his in-ring ability. I found him to be a nice guy outside the ring. The fact that he remembered me years after meeting him impressed me. So if that makes me a mark, I'll gladly own it.

The good thing about leaving WWE these days is there are countless viable options for performers. Sure there's no WCW style alternative but the indy scene in this country and beyond is flourishing. Impact! Wrestling's product is improving greatly. Ring of Honor, Lucha Underground and New Japan would all be a great fit for the Man Gravity Forgot. The sky is the limit for Neville right now. I'd love to have him as a guest in Stride Pro Wrestling sometime. If I had my way I'd either be his manager for the night or team up with him for my third match. Heck, I'd even go on the road and manage him at other shows too.

The first meeting in 2012

Regardless of what happens next, I'll continue to follow and support Neville or Pac or whatever his name ends up being. He can and will be able to capitalize on his talents. Leaving WWE isn't the end, it's a new beginning; just ask Cody Rhodes.

Promo code: MY123CENTS

Sami Zayn has a picture of me in his house

What a night
Courtesy: Brian Kelley

By Kevin Hunsperger

@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.

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name

Meeting Neville and Kalisto at Toys R Us

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I arrived in Dallas days ahead of WrestleMania 32 last week.  My friend Chad picked me up at the airport and we headed to the NWA Mid South: Parade of Champions show.  The next day was Friday and we had nothing planned until NXT Takeover: Dallas.  I asked Chad over lunch what we were going to do that day, to which he informed me, "it's a surprise."

WWE Superstars Neville and Kalisto were doing an autograph signing at the Toys R Us in Arlington.  When we pulled into the parking lot I knew exactly why were there.  Neville is one of my favorite Superstars, but there's a story to tell... which is why we're all here now.

The gang back in January 2012

In 2011 I was doing commentary for All American Pro Wrestling.  I was also involved in a storyline in which I'd be getting into the ring to wrestle at our big show in January 2012.  The event was going to be recorded and released on DVD.  AAPW: Collision aired on the local ABC affiliate at the time. Besides bringing in Colt Cabana, I was informed two international wrestlers named PAC and El Generico would also be on the AAPW Main Event card.  I watched their work to familiarize myself with them, having not known much about PAC at the time.

The day of the show our group of guests, which also included Matt Cross, arrived.  I can't tell you how awesome all four of them were that day.  PAC worked with one of our guys in the ring before the doors opened, giving him some solid advice.  I was impressed not only with his in ring work, but PAC's attitude and professionalism.  Because I was on the poster for the event I had signed a bunch for fans (for those who don't know I'm also a TV news anchor and several viewers had come out for the event).  

Axxess 2014

We ran out of posters, except for one that PAC asked to take.  He did and when it was announced later that he'd signed with WWE, one of my friends joked "Adrian Neville has YOUR autograph."  Two years later when he was NXT champion at WrestleMania XXX Axxess, Chad and I met Neville, Bayley, Lana and Rusev.  He signed the pic of us from that night two years earlier and told me he remembered me and the show.  I thought he was just being kind.

Now back to Toys R Us in Arlington.  Since Neville has been on the main roster, Chad has given me a hard time about my so-called man crush.  As we stood in line, we listened to a girl behind us swoon about Neville.  Chad asked if I was jealous of her.  We laughed and joked about it for the 90 minute wait.

Doing the Neville pose before NXT: Takeover

Finally it was our turn for a photo and autograph.  Chad went first.  Then as I walked to Neville he said, "Kevin! How's it going?"  You would have had to surgically remove the smile from my face. I glanced at Chad and seeing his reaction was priceless too.  After more than four years, Neville remembered me. We shook hands, exchanged some quick small talk and took the pic. It made my day and is one of my favorite WrestleMania weekend moments of all the nine times we've made the journey.  I still think it's cool that a WWE Superstar knows me by name.

Never Forget The Man That Gravity Forgot

Neville vs. Curtis Axel
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to My 1-2-3 Cents the Podcast here

If you've ever read this blog before you know that I'm a huge fan of Adrian Neville.  Probably more like a mark.  The Man That Gravity Forgot has been a part of WWE Developmental for more than two years.  Finally on the Raw after Wrestlemania (31), he made his main roster debut.  But he's now simply Neville.

Axelmania
Courtesy: WWE

When Curtis Axel had come out and cut a promo about Axelmania, I was excited.  I thought the WWE was doing the right thing by not completely killing this gimmick.  It's given Axel some momentum and he's more over now than he was as a Paul Heyman guy (that's just My 1-2-3 Cents)... 

Neville's arrival
Courtesy: WWE

But when Neville's music hit and he appeared, I marked out big time.  In fact, Chad texted me and asked if I needed to change my pants.  (I did not.)  Neville made short work of the third generation Superstar with an impressive display before hitting his signature move the Red Arrow.

I'm not going to bore you with the details of how I met Neville when he was known as PAC or that I called one of his matches against El Generico in early 2012.  (See what I did there)  But I do want to take this opportunity to express my sincere congratulations to him.  It'll be a challenge to not get lost in the shuffle,  but I'm confident that Neville's talent will help him keep the attention of the fans and WWE Creative.

Rollins wins at Mania
Courtesy: WWE

NXT wrestlers have been making an impact on the main roster for some time now, most notably The Shield.  Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins went from a very successful trio to each having title matches at Wrestlemania. Rollins of course walked out with the WWE World Heavyweight title, becoming the first NXT champion to earn that distinction.

Ready to fly
Courtesy: WWE

I hope that one day Neville is able to follow in those footsteps.  He's got the look and the talent.  His mic work is coming along, but I believe he will fit nicely on the roster.  It looks like WWE is more serious about a youth movement.  What better way to do that than wisely utilizing the talent at NXT and integrating them in with veterans like John Cena, Randy Orton and Big Show.  

Okay, so I'm bragging a little

There are still steps to be taken to help other men and women toiling on the midcard or who don't appear on TV at all anymore. But the reality is not everyone is going be THE champ, much less a champ.  However, I feel Neville has all the makings of a future champion.  I'm looking forward to matches with guys like Rollins, Bray Wyatt and Bad News Barrett.  A less likely possibility, a run against Daniel Bryan for the Intercontinental title.  His inclusion on the main roster is one of my highlights of 2015 so far.  Give Neville a chance.

The Winner of the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal Is...

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

On the soon-to-be-released Episode 17 of the My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast, Chad and I speculate who will win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.  My first instinct was Sheamus, even though he hasn't been announced yet, I could see him being a "surprise" return for Mania and fitting nicely into the battle royal.  But then thinking about the NXT tournament and how one star from that brand will get a shot at the event, I changed my mind.  

While there are plenty of talented men (and women) on the NXT roster, my favorite remains Adrian Neville.  Right now he's the most logical choice to move up to the main roster and winning the tournament and battle royal would certainly give him some momentum moving forward.  I do caution against this move though if the WWE doesn't have a solid (long term) plan for the artist formerly known as PAC.  I think some of the recent moves to the main roster have fallen flat, and I think too highly of Neville for that to happen.

Just hangin' out with some friends.

Warning, name dropping alert to follow...  Regular readers of this blog know that I met Neville in 2012 when he wrestled El Generico at an AAPW show in southern Illinois.  I was doing commentary and had a match that night.  You can watch both those matches if you're interested.

Anyway, I've been a big fan of Neville's since then.  He's not only an excellent performer in the ring, but he's a good human being.  We've talked a few times since then and I have no idea if he remembers me, but he's always made me feel like he does.  Generico was great that night too, as were Matt Cross and Colt Cabana.  I wish nothing but success for all of them, but Neville is my guy and I hope he's finally on course to make it to the main stage and show the world his talents.  

I think by him (or whichever NXT star makes it into the battle royal) winning the match and being called up to the main roster, it gives some value to the battle royal.  This match is gaining a reputation of being the event for anyone who doesn't have something better to do on the card.  I want the legacy of Andre the Giant to mean more than that.

Shaking Up The Royal Rumble

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

As I was in the middle of a podcast on the Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network the other night I had an idea about the Royal Rumble.  It really just came to me as I was talking with Nerds United host Greg Mehochko.  Instead of Daniel Bryan, Roman Reigns or Bray Wyatt (Greg's pick) winning the Royal Rumble, how about someone who's not even on the WWE roster right now win...

My idea is to have someone from NXT enter the Rumble this year, just as Rusev did last year.  But take that a step further and have that man WIN the event and go on to Wrestlemania to face the champion.  If the champ at that time is Seth Rollins (who I think it will be), then you have two guys who've never main evented Wrestlemania stepping into that spotlight.  It would be an epic opportunity to show the fans that the future is now.

Neville vs. Owens
Photo Courtesy: WWE

So who do you have win the Rumble?  My original thought was Adrian Neville, because if you read this blog you know I'm a mark for "The Man Who Gravity Forgot."  Greg's suggestion was Kevin Owens.  I like that idea if Brock Lesnar is still champion.  It would be a great, hard hitting contest between two beasts in the business.   Neville could be booked into that underdog role if Lesnar is the champion.  But either one of the NXT stars would certainly shine and I have no doubt would put on an impressive main event at Wrestlemania, whether it's Brock, Rollins or even John Cena as the defending champion.  It would be something we've not seen before and the move would give new life to a somewhat stale product.

El Generico vs. Kevin Steen

I know the many in the WWE Universe may not watch NXT and know who Neville or Owens are, but I think there's plenty of time and programming between now and March 29 to tell a compelling story that would get the fans invested in the storyline.  Plus, it's not like Neville or Owens or several other talents at NXT are "rookies", they've been around for years on the independent scene. This story could almost write itself.

PAC vs. El Generico
Photo Courtesy: Wilkey Photography

I love WWE and will always be loyal to the product.  But throwing an NXT guy into the immediate title picture would certainly break up the predictability we've seen through the years.  I'm not giving up on Bryan, Reigns, Wyatt, Rollins or even Dean Ambrose.  I think having an NXT guy in the ring defending against these guys would be phenomenal.  There's a lot of talent brewing in Florida and it's time to share those guys with the rest of the world.

Yo Adrian!

Neville vs. Zayn
Photo by WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

Nearly two years ago I had the opportunity to meet NXT standout Adrian Neville.  It was at an All American Pro Wrestling show in Marion, Illinois.  Back then, Neville was wrestling on the indy scene as PAC.  I had only seen a few YouTube videos featuring "The Man That Gravity Forgot", but was immediately impressed, not just with PAC's skills in the ring (he wrestled El Generico, aka Sami Zayn that night), but also with his kindness backstage.

Fast forward to late 2013. I've watched the last several episodes of NXT, including the match Neville had against Zayn to become the number one contender for the NXT championship.  Once again these two amazed me with their display of athletic ability and storytelling.  It was reminiscent of that night in January 2012, where I got to call the action.  I never dreamed that night that in a short period of time both would be under contract with WWE.

On the most recent episode of NXT, Neville got his shot against champion Bo Dallas.  It was a highly competitive match, one that I was hoping Neville would win.  Well, technically he did win, but only by count-out, so Dallas retained the title.  The ending leads me to believe the former two-time NXT tag team champion will get another crack at the gold, sooner rather than later.

That's me in the middle, with Generico & PAC.

Late last year I wrote a blog hoping that WWE would call Neville up to the main roster in 2013.  With just over three weeks left in the year, I don't see that happening. But he has done some amazing things with NXT and I believe he'll continue to shine there in 2014.  When the WWE does finally call him up, I want it to be for good, and not a flash in the pan who is sent back to Florida like we've seen happen with so many developmental stars before him.

Surprise! Who Do You Want in the Rumble?

Adrian Neville as PAC
AAPW Main Event
Photo courtesy: Wilkey Photography

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Before I saw that the WWE was holding a tournament with NXT stars to earn a spot in the 2013 Royal Rumble, I had already made my choice for what "surprise" entrant I wanted to see in the match.  Now that a tournament is in place, my surprise won't be much of a surprise, but I digress.  I really hope that it ends up being Adrian Neville.  I've blogged about him before and I really can't say enough great things about the guy.  The artist formerly known as PAC is definitely a future Superstar in the WWE, it's just a matter of time.  With his recent signing though, I'm not holding my breath that he'll win the tournament, but I'd love to see him get a little "prime time" action on the main roster.

So, Neville is my pick.  Chad says if it's someone on the current roster, he picks Christian, but with guys not on the roster he wants the Hurricane to return.  I polled the My 1-2-3 Cents Facebook friends to see who they wanted to see entry the Rumble this year and why.  Lots of great choices, thanks to all who participated.

Sam Banks:  "The Hurricane.  I would mark if I heard 'Stand Back' come over the speakers. Not a big name, but would be fun, and better than Carlito or Shelton."

Greg Mehocko:  "Charlie Haas BUT (wait for it) coming out in his old WWE schtick of impersonating a WWE Superstar.  Can you imagine the pop when Stone Cold's glass shatters before Haas comes out?  What do you mean I'm re-hashing an old angle?  I thought we were talking about the WWE.

Stone Cold! Stone Cold! Stone Cold!
Photo courtesy: WWE

Randy Livingston: "Glass shatter 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin runs to the ring, Stunners every SOB over the top rope, wins the Rumble, begins celebrating with a few beers.  Grabs a mic and calls out the Rock for some unfinished business.  CM Punk comes out pissed at Austin and tries to run him down.  Austin laughs in his face and of course kick, wham, Stunner."

Ken Johnson: "I think it would be fun to see someone like Vader back.  I always like watching all the wrestlers try to lift the big guys over the top ropes."

Adam Hackbarth: "John Morrison in a Street Fighter Vega gimmick."

J.M. Knight: "I would love to see some of the old WCW Luchadores come out.  The reaction would be priceless.  'Who are you?' chants."

Will Jones: "'Stone Cold' ET.  Because he's freakin' hilarious.

Jason DeBoer: "Bob 'Mr. Hall of Fame' Backlund.

Corey Ellet: "Brock Lesnar coming back would definitely be exciting! That's my best guess anyway.  And I'm also a huge 'Stone Cold' ET fan too, so that would be an acceptable choice."

Craig Cox: "Jason DeBoer."

"With a tear in my eye..."
Flair wins the 92 Rumble
Photo courtesy: WWE

Erik Stensland: "Ric Flair, because he is the greatest to ever step foot in the squared circle and he could school half the wrestlers on the roster even at the age of 63."

Rusty Smith: "Kassius Ohno.  It's time for Hero to graduate to either SmackDown! or Raw."

Weston White: "Shelton Benjamin or Gilberg."

Casey Hammond: "I think Undertaker will be back.  But 'Stone Cold' or Goldberg would be cool to see again."

Ole! (And Not the Anderson)

El Generico (vs. PAC)
AAPW Main Event (2012)
Photo courtesy: Jason Wilkey

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Our friends at Pro Wrestling Ponderings broke some pretty big news recently.  El Generico, one of the best indy wrestlers in the business, has signed a developmental deal with WWE.

This is exciting news.  In 2012 I had the chance to meet Generico as he wrestled PAC (Adrian Neville, another recent WWE developmental signee) at AAPW Main Event.  The two put on an exciting match that left the crowd on its feet and left the commentary team (myself included) speechless at times.  Generico made such an impression on my kids, who up until that point  had only seen one other indy show, that they still 12 months later do his signature Ole! Ole! chant.  It's pretty cool.

In April of 2012 we had a chance to see El Generico wrestle Sara Del Rey at a Chikara show.  Again, it was one of, if not the best match on the card.  I guess you're starting to notice a theme here.  Generico is an excellent wrestler, but I think he also does a good job of entertaining the fans, a great combo to have when moving up the ranks in the world of sports entertainment.

Cross, Generico, PAC, and Cabana
Photo courtesy: Brian Kelly

The obvious question now is how will the WWE utilize the masked star.  I feel like they have to keep the masked gimmick alive for him. I'm sure they will change his name, but I really think he will translate will to WWE fans.  He has all the potential to be the success that I think WWE hoped Sin Cara would be.

There aren't a lot of details at this point, and in most cases when someone new signs with developmental it takes months, if not years to make it to the main roster.  With guys like Neville and Generico there though, I hope they along with Kassius Ohno (Chris Hero) get called up sooner rather than later.  This is truly an exciting time for wrestling fans.   Again, congratulations to El Generico.  This is a well deserved accomplishment.  Ole!

5 Things That MUST Happen in 2013

PAC vs. El Generico
AAPW Main Event
Photo courtesy: Wilkey Photography

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

2012 was a great year for me personally in the world of professional wrestling.  I had my first (and last match), got to see the Royal Rumble and Wrestlemania live in person, and experienced my first two live Chikara shows.

So I've decided to share 5 things that I think need to happen in 2013.  I'm basing my thoughts on the promotions that I regularly watch WWE, Chikara, TNA, and Pro Wrestling Collision.  I was going to include ROH, but I've literally seen one show this year (a live event in Chicago)

Adrian Neville
Photo courtesy: WWE

Adrian Neville needs to make his main roster debut.  For those who don't know him, Adrian Neville is the wrestler formerly known as PAC, and quite honestly one of the hottest prospects in the business.  It was about a year ago that PAC was first brought to my attention.  He and El Generico had been signed to wrestle at AAPW Main Event in January.  Since I would be calling the match I needed to do some research and of course turned to YouTube.  What I saw then amazed me.  Watching him work his magic in person was even more incredible.  In addition to his match against Generico, I was able to see PAC wrestle Low Ki at a Dragon Gate USA show in Miami.

It wasn't long after that I learned that PAC had been signed by WWE.  He's toiling away now in developmental, but with Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Big E Langston all being called to the main roster, I'd like to think that others will follow suit in 2013.  There is a lot of talent in NXT, but in my opinion, Neville tops the list.  I know he's new there and the chances of him moving up that quickly may be unrealistic, but with a resume like his, I feel he deserves a spot on the main roster, but I hope he doesn't get moved up and then lost in the shuffle.  Timing will be everything in 2013.

Mr. Touchdown & me
Photo by: My 1-2-3 Cents

Mr. Touchdown needs a shot against Chikara Grand Champion Eddie Kingston.  No doubt about it, 2012 was the year of Mr. Touchdown.  Mark Angelosetti made his debut as the cocky jock in Chikara earlier this year.  He and Dasher Hatfield formed an impressive team as the new Throwbacks.  Then he won the Young Lions Cup championship and had some amazing matches with ACH.  Outside of Chikara, Mr. Touchdown won the Top Banana title in Wrestling is Fun.  He also forced Mixed Martial Archie out of the Chikara and destroyed the mascot of the Handsome and Mysterious Stranger.

It seems that the next logical step would be a shot at the grand championship.  Don't get me wrong, Kingston has had an outstanding year too, holding the title since the end of 2011 when it was created.  Angelosetti has earned a shot at the big belt.  It seems right now he's still tying up the loose ends from the feud with Archie and Veronica.  I'll be curious what happens in the first couple of months of Chikara's new season in a couple of weeks.  Hopefully before the year's end, Touchdown will have at least earned a shot at Kingston.

ODB & Eric Young as Knockouts Tag Team Champs
Photo courtesy: TNA

TNA needs to do away with the Knockouts Tag Team titles.  I'll admit, I don't watch a whole lot of TNA at this point, but seriously the Knockouts Tag Team titles lost their luster a long time ago.  A company the size (and TV exposure) of TNA doesn't need six champions.  I'm not knocking female wrestling with this either, but really adding Eric Young into the championship picture in my opinion made the belts a laughing stock.  If TNA was serious about intergender wrestling, then I could get behind this idea.  It's something that's being done on the indy scene on a pretty regular basis, so it's not unheard of to do.

Bull Bronson vs. Justice
AAPW Summer Chaos
Photo courtesy: Bullbronson.com

Bull Bronson needs a shot at the Pro Wrestling Collision title.  Pro Wrestling Collision makes its debut on January 19, and already I'm calling for Bull Bronson to have his spot in the sun.  In All American Pro Wrestling, Bronson was the company's most dominate performer.  He went through everyone he faced, even in handicap matches.  He took out big names like Farmer Billy Hills, Justice, and the wildly popular (and larger) Mississippi Madman.  The next step for Bronson would be a title match.  He has an open challenge set for the January 19 inaugural show, so I'll be curious to see who's brave enough to step up to the plate.

Besides all the competition he's mowed over in AAPW, Bronson made it to the finals of the 7 Deadly Sins Deathmatch Tournament in Chaos Pro Wrestling.  Seeing the pictures from that event proved to me that Bronson is without a doubt a legit bad ass, but really I already knew that.  Bull is also a former NWA Midsouth Heavyweight champion as well.  2013 looks to be a promising year for this still rising star.

Christian Rose & Matt Cage
Photo courtesy: Jason Wilkey

Indy guys need to be recognized more for their efforts.  This is more of a blanket statement. I think 2012 proved that the rising stars on the indy scene have a place with the big boys.  Heath Hatton and Ace Hawkins appeared on WWE Extreme Rules as Jay Hatton and Aaron Relic in a squash with Ryback.  Sure, it was a squash match, but it meant a lot to these guys and their fans to have their names in the spotlight briefly.

I want more indy talent to get a shot on the national scene.  Besides Hatton and Hawkins, guys like Matt Cage, Christian Rose, Brandon Espinosa, Joey O'Riley, Bull Bronson, Alex Castle, The Great Cheyenne, and Angelus Layne all deserve a chance to shine on the national stage.  As Chikara continues to grow in popularity, I'm hoping some of these guys can find a place with the company.  Of course as more NXT guys get called up to the main WWE roster, it'll create openings there as well.  Indy wrestling is the lifeline for the national scene.  It's time for all of us to start supporting these men and women more often.



 

2012 Centy Awards

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted anything.  Chad and I once again collaborated and came up with the 2012 Centy Awards, honoring the best and worst of 2012 in the world of professional wrestling.  We announced our choices on a recent episode of From the Rafters Radio along with co  host Chris Hagstrom and friend of the show "Big Z 38" Greg Davis.  Here's our picks, and be sure to watch the video at the end, as there is an explanation behind the picks that Chad and I made.  Thanks for supporting My 1-2-3 Cents through the years!

Wrestler of the Year
Chad: Austin Aries
Kevin: CM Punk
Chris: CM Punk
Greg:  CM Punk

Most Hated
Chad: Randy Orton
Kevin: Brooke Hogan
Chris: Triple H
Greg: Rob Van Dam

Most Under-appreciated 
Chad: SHIMMER
Kevin: PAC
Chris: Dolph Ziggler
Greg: El Generico

Most Overrated
Chad: Jeff Hardy
Kevin: Alberto Del Rio
Chris: Randy Orton
Greg: Rob Van Dam

Breakout Star of the Year
Chad: Mr. Touchdown
Kevin: Mr. Touchdown
Chris: PAC
Greg Davis: ACH

Show of the Year
Chad: TNA's Bound for Glory
Kevin: AAPW's Main Event
Chris: AAPW's Main Event
Greg: Chikara's King of Trios Night 3

Star on the Horizon
Chad: Michael Elgin & Willie Mack
Kevin: Heath Hatton
Chris: Matt Cage
Greg: Paige

Female of the Year
Chad: Sara Del Rey
Kevin: Miss Tessmacher
Chris: Sara Del Rey
Greg: Sayra Knight

Best Use of Social Media
Chad: The Batiri
Kevin: The Batiri
Chris: Jim Ross
Greg: CM Punk

Biggest Fall from Grace
Chad: Zack Ryder
Kevin: Zack Ryder
Chris: Zack Ryder
Greg: Jim Cornette