15 Years Later...

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevin_hunsperger on TikTok  Listen to the podcast  

It's been a while since I last posted on my blog. More than a year, to be exact. I'm back today to commemorate the birth of the My 1-2-3 Cents brand. On September 3, 2010, I created this page and the My 1-2-3 Cents brand. It was an outlet for me to share my opinions on the pro wrestling business. Through the years, I've had friend share their thoughts too. More recently, though, I've used the brand to reflect more on the 'good old days' and not be as negative with my thoughts. 

It was in December 2010 that the My 1-2-3 Cents YouTube channel was born, and then in 2014, the podcast followed. I'm proud to say that every Monday since December 9, 2014, a new episode of the podcast has been released. Just this week, episode 563 aired in both audio and video form. It was also at that time that Mondo the Monkey became the official mascot for the brand. 

I love creating content, but I know that wrestling podcasters are a dime a dozen these days. Between all the former wrestlers and other personalities associated with the business, I find myself and My 1-2-3 Cents aimlessly floating through the innerwebs. Even though I'll likely never get rich doing it, it's a labor of love that I plan to continue until at least September 2026, when episode 619 drops (I'm still pursuing Rey Mysterio for that show; Rob Van Dam was on episode 420, so it could happen.) 

Years ago, I had huge aspirations for myself in the wrestling business. In 2018, I auditioned to be a ring announcer for Impact Wrestling in Las Vegas. That's about as close to the national stage I've come. Even though I still dream of a big break happening, it's just a dream now. I am no longer pursuing that goal, but if I were to be discovered by Paul Levesque or Tony Khan, I wouldn't turn down the opportunity. 

I'm having fun and will only announce when the time is right. I stepped away from the ring announcing gigs in 2023 after my friend Tyler 'Heath' Hatton also stepped away from Stride Pro Wrestling. We host shows once a year, with the next one scheduled for October 10 at Crab Orchard High School. 

As for the brand, I'll continue to post on YouTube and TikTok (kevin_hunsperger), so check out my content there. Let me know how you're doing, too.  Thanks to all who have been a part of this fantastic journey. 

April is My Wrestling Month

Interviewing Billy Gunn on live TV

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

I have been thinking about returning to the blogging world for some time now. I started this blog in 2010 but haven't written anything since August 2023. My main content creation focus has been the My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast and video formats like TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. But I had a bright idea driving to work today, so here goes.

It wasn't until that car ride this morning that I realized what the month of April means to me in terms of pro wrestling. Of course, on the surface, it's the time of year for WrestleMania. The event usually falls in late March or early April. Most of the ten Manias that I've attended were in April. 

But thinking further, I discovered a couple of other ties to this month. On April 1, 2005, I had my first ring announcing gig. It was hours after interviewing Billy Gunn and Ian Rotten on the morning news about an IWA: Midsouth show happening in Herrin, Illinois. To be fair, my friend Chad and I helped (mainly Chad) Ian find the venue and bring his promotion to southern Illinois.

As Ian and Billy left the studio where I was the morning anchor, Ian casually asked, "Do you want to be the ring announcer tonight?" Of course, I said yes, even though I had no idea what to expect. The gig went as well as expected, and I announced another show when IWA returned later that summer. 

Fast-forward six years, I had my first commentary job in April 2011. This time, it was for All-American Pro Wrestling. Chris Hagstrom, whom I only knew on Facebook, had asked me to do commentary for the show, as he was the executive producer and trying to get the newly created AAPW Collison on WSIL-TV (again, the station I worked at). 

I missed the first show at Southern Illinois University as I was in Atlanta for WrestleMania that weekend. However, the following week, Chris and I sat at the dining room table in his townhouse and recorded commentary for the first two episodes of Collison. It was a blast and eventually led to my first-ever match (and the night I met PAC). 

While those are two fun memories of wrestling in April, the final is a bit more somber. I stepped away from wrestling in April of last year. I have been the ring announcer for Stride Pro Wrestling since March 2016. But in March 2023, after my friend and mentor Tyler 'Heath' Hatton stepped away from the company he created, I knew my time was limited. It was different, and I decided to follow suit the next month. (Storyline-wise, I got fired by new GM Sam Hunter.) 

I have no regrets about the decision. I miss the comradery and the action, but it's best for now to stay on the sidelines and admire the indie scene from afar. I wish everyone on the local scene the best and believe I'll call another match one day, one time only. But until then, I'm happy for the young talent getting a chance to chase their dreams. 

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. 

Mt. Rushmore: My Bucket List

 

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

There are a lot of wrestlers or personalities involved with the business that I've wanted to meet. I have had the good fortune of meeting several greats through the years. Some were through my job, some were for the podcast, and others were at meet-and-greet events. 

Ric Flair has been my favorite for a long, long time. I had the opportunity to see him wrestle when he was the NWA Heavyweight Champion in the 80s, during his first WWF run in 1991, and his retirement match in 2008 against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24. All of those times and not once have I had a chance to meet Naitch.

Now that he's left WWE, I suspect Slick Ric will do more traveling and events. I'm hoping that the stars align and I can attend one of those events and meet Flair. I would love to get a pic with him sometime in 2022. Woooo! 

The Rock is not just one of my favorite wrestlers, but I also enjoy his work on the big and small screens. The closest I've come to meeting the 'Great One' is when I posed with his wax statue at Madame Tussauds in Hollywood back in 2011. How great would it be to spend a few minutes with him and getting a photo with the real deal? I know the odds of this are highly unlikely, but I'll continue to remain hopeful. 

'Stone Cold' Steve Austin is one of the all-time greats. Twenty-five years ago this summer, he set the world on fire with his Austin 3:16 speech. 

Since I'm fantasy booking this, I'd love to sit down with him and have a cold Broken Skull IPA or two with him. Not only was he great in the ring, but he's also really given his career new life as the host of the Broken Skull Sessions on Peacock and the WWE Network.

Finally, and probably an even bigger long shot than the Rock, Vince McMahon. The man who is responsible for the development of 'sports entertainment' for the past 40+ years. Love or hate the current product, McMahon remains a massive influence on the business today. I visited the outside of WWE Headquarters in 2013 ahead of WrestleMania 29. But no luck finding the Chairman, maybe next time... 

Who is on your Mt. Rushmore Bucket List? 

Showing My Stride Pride

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

Five years ago this month, Stride Pro Wrestling was born. Well, the idea for Stride is a little older than that, but the very first live event for Stride was held on March 5, 2016, in front of a packed crowd at the Illinois Star Centre Mall. In those early days, it was known as CMA Pro Wrestling but shortly changed to Stride.  I've blogged, YouTubed, and podcasted a lot about Stride over the past five years. This post will be no different than those previous ones.

I'm extremely proud of what Stride Pro Wrestling has accomplished over the past half-decade. Now that the recent 'Strideiversary' show is behind us, the company has held 83 (I think that's right) shows. I've been there for most of them, missing a handful due to other commitments. No matter the location, I've always had a blast, whether at the mall, our current location in Carterville, or on the road in places like Pinckneyville, West Frankfort, or Rent One Park in Marion.

Stride isn't just about doing a wrestling show. Over the past five years, Stride fundraisers have netted more than $100,000 for various causes. Whether it's an event to help someone with their medical bills, a school fundraiser, or a sports team, Stride has been there. Add to that the toys we've collected over the past three years for the My 1-2-3 Cents/Stride Pro Wrestling Figure Drive, and it's safe to say we're making a positive impression in southern Illinois.

I want to thank Tyler Hatton, the man behind this company's creation, for allowing me to be the ring announcer for Stride Pro Wrestling over the past five years. Not only have I had a chance to ring announce more than once, but I've also been able to get into the ring and wrestle. Facing Roger Matheus in Stride Goes Steel's main event in Pinckneyville was amazing, but winning the tag team titles with Tyler is something I never, ever dreamed would happen.

I'm so looking forward to what 2021 has to hold for Stride. It's been a struggle over the past year, but I believe we will be back in front of large crowds and raising money for non-profit groups in our area sooner rather than later. Thank you to everyone who has bought a ticket or a t-shirt to support our mission. (Speaking of shirts, get yours here on Pro Wrestling Tees.) And if you'd like to train to wrestle with Stride Pro Wrestling, contact us on our Facebook page.

Wrestling Under the Influence: Chino & The Slackers and Orange Cassidy

By Kevin Hunsperger

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

I'm slacking on this week's episode. That's because I have a can of Chino & The Slackers from Logboat Brewing Company in Columbia, Missouri. In addition to reviewing the IPA, I talk about everyone's favorite slacker, Orange Cassidy.

 

Wrestling Under the Influence: Killer Bees Honey Ale & 80s Tag Teams

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

Welcome to episode 2 of Wrestling Under the Influence. This week I try Melvin Brewing Company's Killer Bees Honey Ale and talk more about 80s tag teams to never win the WWF (WWE) tag team titles. Some of my favorites who didn't win the gold are discussed and of course, a shoutout to the Killer Bees, B. Brian Blair and 'Jumping' Jim Brunzell. Let me know what you think of the content! Thanks for watching and please subscribe.

Scariest of All-Time Part 30: The Fiend

 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Without a doubt, the Fiend is my favorite thing happening right now in wrestling. I have always been a fan of Bray Wyatt, dating back to the early days on NXT as Husky Harris. Then when he and his family arrived on the scene a few years later, I was even more impressed.

Now with the Firefly Funhouse and the new characters, another dimension has been added to the cult favorite. Adding Alexa Bliss to the formula has also been enjoyable and I'm curious to see where things go from here.

My only criticism of the Fiend is that I would have kept the two personalities separate. Bray Wyatt hosts the Firefly Funhouse and The Fiend is a separate entity who comes out to wrestle on special occasions. I think I'd even do it where Bray wrestles in the sweater and pants from time to time too. 

But regardless, I still find this story a compelling one. It's a credit to the talent of Wyatt to pull off yet another character that has connected with the WWE Universe. When that music hits and the red light comes on, you know you're in for something special. As Puppet Mr. McMahon would say, "This is such good shit!" 

Scariest of All-Time Part 29: Jacksyn Crowley

 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I'll be the first to admit that I don't know a whole lot about indy wrestler Jacksyn Crowley. But I can tell you I like what I've seen of him in Cape Championship Wrestling. He is the company's current heavyweight champion, having beaten his brother Otis and Cash Borden in a triple threat match over the summer.

I have seen Jacksyn in action a couple times in my trips over to CCW. Most notable was an amazing contest between him and Ace Hawkins. The action was intense that night and the two stole the show. I'm pretty sure he's been spotted at the AEW Arena (I know that's not the right name for it) and I wouldn't be surprised to see him get some TV time in the ring somewhere someday. 

Just take a look at Jacksyn. He presents himself in a way that sends a chill down the spine. However, the fans love him. While his look is scary, his ability is far from it. He's clashed with other greats including Marko Stunt, Austin Lane, and Dexter Roswell. I encourage you to watch his work and see for yourself. 

Scariest of All-Time Part 27: New Jack

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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One look at New Jack and it's obvious this is a guy you don't want to f*ck with. His forehead is a reminder of just how brutal the pro wrestling business can be. But anyone who knows New Jack knows not only can he take a lot of punishment, he can dish it out as well.

If you haven't seen the Dark Side of the Ring episode dedicated to New Jack, I highly recommend it. We learn more about this controversial wrestler. He has sliced and diced many of his opponents, surely eliciting a response of fear from those who have never been in the ring against him.

Just recently New Jack was in southern Illinois for a new company called Anna Fight Underground. He didn't wrestle that night as I believe he was recovering from an injury. But decades after his debut, New Jack is still making appearances and fans want to see more of him.

Scariest of All-Time Part 26: Bam Bam Bigelow

 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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One look at Bam Bam Bigelow and you knew he was a badass. With tattoos up and down his arm and more famously on his scalp, Bigelow was one of the scariest guys to set through the ropes. Early on in his career, he wrestled as Crusher Yurkov, a menacing man from Russia. 

When he arrived in the WWF during the summer of 1987, he came in with a lot of fanfare. He turned down the offers of all the heel managers to reveal Oliver Humperdink as his manager. While he wasn't scary as a babyface, he was quite impressive during that first run. I had actually picked him to win the WrestleMania IV tournament (I was a hopeful 15-year-old at the time). 

By the time he returned to the company in 1993 he was a much different character. The Beast from the East lived up to his name and dominated the competition. He joined forces with Luna Vachon and the usual duo showed us just how scary they could be.  Bigelow eventually joined the Million Dollar Corporation and even main evented WrestleMania 11 against Lawrence Taylor. 

Bigelow sadly died in 2007. As far as I'm concerned he was one of the all-time best big men in the ring.

Scariest of All-Time Part 25: The Midwest Monster Hunters

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I first came to know the Midwest Monster Hunters when Bo Sawyer and Jason Tiller showed up in Stride Pro Wrestling in early 2018. The two worked as a tag team along with Blaine Black in southern Indiana and parts of southern Illinois. Tiller and Sawyer quickly rose in the tag team ranks and had two runs as the tag team champions in Stride.

The trio has been known to hunt werewolves, vampires, and other things that go bump in the night. Sawyer and Tiller even went head-to-head in Stride against Abyss and the Viking King Roger Matheus. What a battle that was in October 2018. 

Bo has also evolved his own character work and wrestles now as Graven. Head back to the My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast archives on Jittery Monkey and hear more about that. It's Episode 308. I'm looking forward to COVID being over and seeing more of these guys in action in person. I have a lot of respect for what they're doing inside the ring and out with the brand they're building. 

Scariest Wrestlers of All-Time Part 24: Nailz

 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Before Nailz was a hardened ex-con, he was a clean-cut pro wrestler named Kevin Kelly. But somewhere along the way, he committed a crime and went to the prison in Cobb County, Georgia. While there, he was allegedly tortured by one of the prison guards, the Big Bossman. In 1992, Nailz was released and sought revenge on the Bossman.

He jumped the former corrections officer during a Superstars of Wrestling taping. Nailz beat the crap out of Bossman, using a nightstick in the assault. As Bossman recouped from the attack, Nailz went on a path of destruction, destroying enhancement talent along the way. The two eventually met in a Nightstick on a Pole match at Survivor Series 92. Bossman got his revenge and Nailz ended up leaving shortly thereafter, for famously (again allegedly) attacking Vince McMahon. 

Even though the prisoner gimmick was sorta hokey, Nailz did add a fear factor with it. The distorted voice and his disregard for human life made him a dangerous competitor while he was in the WWF. 

Scariest of All-Time Part 23: One Man Gang

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I remember when One Man Gang arrived on World Class Championship Wrestling with his manager Gary Hart. The big man had a look that was more than intimidating. The mohawk with the skull tattoos on either side of his head showed fans just how tough this guy was. Remember, this was before we got a look at Bam Bam Bigelow's tattooed skull a few years later.

The Gang was double tough and went toe-to-toe with all the company's top good guys, including the Von Erichs and Bruiser Brody. OMG's look reminded me of a biker, complete with a chain that came into play in matches more than once. But eventually, he would travel to the UWF and win the promotion's heavyweight title. He lost the belt to his future tag team partner Big Bubba Rogers (the Big Bossman) and then headed to the WWF. 

In the WWF, One Man Gang would challenge Hulk Hogan. His size and strength made him the perfect foil for Hogan in that era. For some crazy reason, Vince McMahon decided to change the persona, and the street-tough from Chicago became a shucking and jiving guy from deepest, darkest Africa. 

I was disappointed overall with the Akeem character, though he was quite memorable. However, One Man Gang was the better gimmick as far as I'm concerned. I think even WWE would agree, having brought back the Gang for the Gimmick Battle Royal at WrestleMania 17. 

Scariest of All-Time Part 22: Karrion Kross

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Karrion Kross is probably my favorite 'newcomer' in 2020. Even though he's been wrestling for years, I only first became familiar with his work in Impact Wrestling. I was impressed with the little bit that I did see of him there. Now that he's in NXT/WWE, I've come to appreciate him even more, coupled with a podcast interview he recently did with Chris Van Vlet. 

Now for the scary part. Kross' look is one meant to intimidate his opponents. He's someone that if you run into in a dark alley, you'd immediately turn around. I think even in daylight, he would send you in the other direction. He doesn't step away from anyone and goes toe-to-toe with each opponent that tries to stop him.

He and Scarlett Bourdeaux's entrance on NXT is nothing short of awesome. These two are the future of the company. When Kross got hurt in his championship match against Keith Lee was a huge letdown. I hope that he comes back better than ever at the top of the card once he's healthy enough to get back in the ring. 

Scariest of All-Time: 'Bloody' Dexter Roswell

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I've sung the praises of Dexter Roswell in the past. Roswell is a product of the Stride Pro Wrestling Training Academy for those who don't know or don't remember. Four years ago, when he debuted, Dexter Roswell was a snobby political character who insisted on using hand sanitizer after making contact with fans. In hindsight, he may have been on to something in 2016...

Over the years, the character, like any good one, has evolved. Fans in Stride are getting a taste of 'Bloody' Dexter, a character first developed in Cape Championship Wrestling. Roswell is clearly a troubled individual as he comes to the ring with a different persona at each show. He's unpredictable and, along the way, has developed a much needed mean streak.  

He really rose to the occasion back in March at Strideiversary when he captured the Stride Pro Wrestling No Limits Championship. Bloody Dexter pulled out all the stops and did what it took to win. I salute his efforts in the ring and look forward to seeing what is no doubt a bright (or dark) future for the macabre Dexter Roswell.  

Scariest of All-Time Part 20: 3 Faces of Foley

 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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One person, three personalities. That's the best way, to sum up, Mick Foley, right? Although some might argue four personalities when you add Mick to the equation. However, for this blog, I'm focusing on Mankind, Dude Love, and Cactus Jack.

Of course, fans were first introduced to Cactus Jack. I remember seeing him in wrestling magazines first, being involved in bloody battles both here in the United States and Japan. Then he emerged in the UWF (Herb Abrams) and eventually WCW and ECW. Jack was a dangerous and scary figure in the ring, putting his body on the line and taking more out of himself than his opponents.

In the WWF, Foley became Mankind. Personally, that's my favorite incarnation of the character. I feel like it had the most depth and grew the most over time. In the early stages, his music and his screeches sent chills down my spine. But even as a good guy, carrying a sock (Socko) and writing books, you still knew this guy was badass and meant business.

Dude Love, while less violent, was no less scary. To think all of these characters were in Foley's head at the same time was nothing short of impressive. His trifecta at the 1998 Royal Rumble was one for the ages. I can't put over enough how much I have grown to appreciate and respect Foley through the years. He's made such a mark on the world of pro wrestling. Thanks, Mick!

Scariest of All-Time: Cash Borden

 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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What can I say about Cash Borden? First, the disclaimer, he's a friend of mine in Stride Pro Wrestling. Cash isn't the biggest guy in the fight, but he is definitely the most fearless. The things I've seen him do have been pretty incredible. He's scary because he doesn't care what he does to his opponents or HIMSELF. He inflicts just as much pain on himself when he's in the ring. 

He went toe-to-toe with Roger Matheus (a previous entry for this blog). Cash even came to the ring when Roger and I battled inside a steel cage and helped me get the win. He had some help from his trusty taser. And that's the other thing about Cash; he's not afraid to grab an object or two to get the upper hand. Barbed wire bats, tasers, and light tubes are just a few of his weapons of choice. 

Cash continues to carve a niche for himself here in southern Illinois and southeast Missouri as one of the all-time greats. I appreciate what he brings to the ring each time he gets in there for a fight. He and others are also working to establish Anna Fight Underground on the local indy scene. Give them a look as well.