The Power of Nostalgia

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

January 11, 1993-- I remember it well. I was a sophomore in college and ten years into my wrestling fandom. Over Christmas break, I watched the last of the Prime Time Wrestling shows, a program I had enjoyed for about a decade. Now it was time for something new, Monday Night Raw. 

It's hard to believe that was 30 years ago. Now, at 49 years old, I am still a fan, but I still need to become more committed to watching each week. Having cut the cable cord years ago, I have only had a few opportunities to watch Raw live. However, I located a feed of the special anniversary show via TikTok. 

From the opening segment, featuring the face of 80s wrestling, Hulk Hogan, to the final bell with long-time attraction Brock Lesnar, the show was packed with everything a nostalgic fan like me craves. Ric Flair, DX, Kurt Angle, Undertaker, and others. Memories from the past three decades flooded back. My favorite current storyline featuring The Bloodline provided even more entertainment. I can't wait to see how it all plays out, as I've seen plenty of conflicting theories. 

Sometimes fans of the current product frown upon the dusting off of Legends and allowing them to 'humiliate' the existing talent that's there week after week. That was the case with Raw is XXX (30, not pornographic). The Legends were used appropriately and helped give the rub to modern Superstars like Bray Wyatt, Seth Rollins, the Street Profits, and even LA Knight. 

Sure the latter was choke slammed by the Undertaker, but I still believe that being in the ring with someone the caliber of the Deadman (or Biker in last night's case) goes a long way. These moments provided feel-good moments for fans (I especially enjoyed it after a not-so-great day). 

Even though The Rock, 'Stone Cold,' nor Vince McMahon were there, as many had speculated, I believe Raw is XXX was a great show that flowed well. I'm even more stoked now for Saturday's Royal Rumble and the unpredictability that event will bring. 

What are your thoughts? Let me know!

Wrestling Under the Influence: Birthday Boi & WWE Raw

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

🎼 Happy birthday day to you! 🎼

This week on Wrestling Under the Influence, it's Birthday Boi Kolsch Ale by Singin' River Brewing Company in Florence, Alabama. Since we just passed the birthday of Monday Night Raw, I share a few thoughts on the show here as well.

 

Raw is Stride

Tyler helps 'The Man' 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The most recent episodes of Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown are both in the books and I wanted to take a moment to recognize a few familiar faces who showed up on those shows recently. Several weeks ago my friend (and former tag team partner) Tyler 'Heath' Hatton told me he'd been invited to be an extra for the Jan. 10 SmackDown and the Jan. 13 Raw. He mentioned Joey O'Riley and Brandon 'Espy' Espinosa were also invited. 

Espy is on the right

Jay Spade and I made the drive over to Evansville Friday night for SmackDown. Tyler and Joey didn't appear on that show, but Espy did as he was one of the men carrying out King Corbin to the ring. 

Hatton knows the Truth

Fast forward to Monday night. Tyler ended up appearing in two segments as a 'WWE Medic', helping R-Truth to the back after being attacked by Brock Lesnar. Tyler got out of the way as Mojo Rawley charged the 24/7 champ and pinned R-Truth to win the gold.

Wipe those tears

Tyler and his medical expertise were needed again after Becky Lynch got sprayed in the eyes with Asuka's mysterious mist. He helped the Raw Women's Champion back to her feet and walked her backstage too.

Rowan vs. O'Riley 

Then Joey O'Riley did battle with Erick Rowan. We still don't know what's in that cage, but it seemed that Joey was going to get an up-close look at one point. 

I'm proud of all three of these guys. They've all toiled for years on the indy wrestling scene. Their appearances on WWE television has created quite a bit of local buzz. They deserve a big round of applause. Congrats guys. 

VIDEO: Go Figure Friday: It's Time

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Some friends of mine picked up something for me on a trip at a recent yard sale. It's a WWE ring that is also an alarm clock and bank! Take a look and don't forget to subscribe!

WWE shakes things up

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The 2018 WWE Superstar Shakeup is in the books. I'm not going to analyze each move (which you can see here), but I will comment on a few things that stand out to me. Many online say it looks like SmackDown Live got the upper hand in the changes. I tend to agree with that, but believe the moves could jumpstart the careers of several Superstars on their respective shows.

Courtesy: WWE

I like that most tag teams and other factions are staying together. However, the split of Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable disappoints me. The duo was one of my favorites on the SmackDown Live roster. This, of course, could lead to a reuniting with Jason Jordan who is out with an injury. Let's face it, the tag team scene needs help, even with the Shakeup

I know Maria Kanellis just had a baby. I have no idea what the future holds for her. I do hope she returns to Raw with her husband Mike. Without her, the concept of Mike Kanellis doesn't make a whole lot of sense. 

Courtesy: WWE

Miz moving to SmackDown Live will be good as he and Daniel Bryan have natural chemistry. I would still like to see Miz with some sort of backup. The Miztourage is staying on Raw, which concerns me about the futures of Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas. I hope Maryse is able to rejoin her man on the blue brand down the road too.

NXT call-ups are great. Several new talents from that roster will be appearing on both Raw and SmackDown Live. But the reality is, sometimes these new faces and names get lost in the shuffle. Let's face it, what works in NXT doesn't always translate well on the main roster (see Bo Dallas). Or other talents will end up becoming future endeavored soon.

Charlotte stays on SmackDown Live

The biggest surprise to me was Charlotte Flair not going to Raw. I assumed with losing the SmackDown Live women's championship she'd move on. I'm curious to see how Carmella's title run is booked from here. 

Overall though I'm excited about the changes and fresh feuds. I'm also looking forward to the Greatest Royal Rumble later this month and upcoming BlackLash show which goes back to the dual-branded format.

Click the pic to shop

Raw is Hunsperger (and Smart)

That's me in the middle

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Yes, I am being totally egotistical with the title and the content of today's blog. January 22, 2018, is, of course, the night WWE celebrates Raw 25. In January 1993 Monday nights changed forever when Prime Time Wrestling transitioned from a pre-recorded studio format to live (and live to tape) pro wrestling action and sports entertainment. 

Of the 1,286 episodes of Raw that have already aired, I have appeared on two of them. I should also give credit to my favorite wrestling buddy, Chad Smart too. It was with him that I attended my very first Raw on January 8, 2007. Chad and I worked together at the time and we were joined by a fellow co-worker, Randy Livingston. Chad and I attended WrestleMania 22 the previous year and dressed as the Spirit Squad, so we wanted to keep the cosplay tradition alive.

The 3 Faces of Hogan

The three of us decided on the "3 faces of Hogan." I already had the old school red and yellow Hulkamania shirt. I cut up an old t-shirt and created a bandana and bought a yellow mustache to complete the look. Randy went as "Hollywood" Hogan from the nWo and Chad got patriotic as he brought Mr. America back to life. 

The costumes looked pretty good if I do say so myself. Little did we know we'd end up in the opening shot when Raw went live on the USA Network that night from the Scottrade Center. We were holding signs in honor of our Australian friends we'd met the year before at Mania. 

Celebrating Ric Flair at Raw

The following year, Chad and I attended WrestleMania 24 in Orlando. That's the night Ric Flair retired. On a whim, we decided to get tickets to Raw after learning the Four Horsemen were going to be at the show. Much to our surprise, we walked up to the ticket window and got two tickets on the opposite side of the hard cam and pretty close to the floor. The best part, the tickets were only $50 each.

Being at the show, we had no idea if we'd be on camera. This was at a time before either of us had a smartphone or a Facebook account. I believe one of our former coworkers called Chad that night on his flip phone and informed us we'd been on the air. Because it was a big celebration for Flair, we are in several of the shots of the "Ric Flair: The Definitive Collection" DVD. In recent days I've been tagged and texted with screenshots from the WWE Network.

We've been to a handful of other Raws since then, all the night after WrestleMania. Now that I think about it, that night in January 2007 is my only non-WrestleMania weekend Raw experience. It's fun to be there live and I've love to be in New York this evening watching in person, but I'll enjoy the show on DVR. Oh and listen to our top six moments from Raw here. 

Boo Blog: Many faces of Ultimate Warrior

John Okerson from Team RWB honoring vets & the Ultimate Warrior
Courtesy: Cpar Photography

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

It's hard to believe but 30 years ago this week the Ultimate Warrior made his debut on WWF television. I knew it was going to happen as back then our "spoilers" for such things happened in the form of the Apter magazines. The Dingo Warrior had left World Class Championship Wrestling where he was already a big name for the WWF. As is the case most of the time, the rocket of Superstardom was strapped on his back and the Ultimate Warrior became a mega Superstar.

Back then I'd still define myself as a Hulkamaniac, although I appreciated the intensity and the passion the Ultimate Warrior showed us. Even though I was a huge fan of the Honky Tonk Man, I admit I did mark out when Warrior surprised HTM and beat him for the Intercontinental Championship in 31 seconds at the first SummerSlam.

Monday Night Raw
April 7, 2014

I consider myself fortunate to not only witness Warrior be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in person but also his famous promo on Monday Night Raw that same weekend. Little did we know at the time of his passionate and heartfelt speech that it would be the last time we'd see him. I often wonder what role he'd have with the company today had we not lost him. But the memories keep us going and today I'm looking at a few Warrior fans who have honored the man through the years.

John Okerson rowing
Courtesy: John Okerson

Just recently a friend of mine, John Okerson, posted the above photo on Facebook. John is a veteran and the Chapter Captain of the Marion, Illinois chapter of Team Red, White, and Blue. Just like the Warrior, John has an energy about him that is contagious to others. He donned the makeup and a wig as part of a rowing competition for Team RWB. After he posted the pic, he explained Warrior was his favorite. Makes sense to me.

The Grand Wizard, Ultimate Warrior and Freddy Blassie

In 2013 while attending WWE Axxess during WrestleMania weekend in New Jersey, Chad and I found an Ultimate Warrior fan. We do cosplay each year we attend, but neither of us ventures into characters that show off too much body because we're a couple of doughy middle-aged guys. But as you can see this guy pulled off the act pretty well.

My tributes to Warrior

Last summer I did try it myself, donning Warrior paint and wig for an episode of Craftbeericans. I reviewed a craft beer called Top Rope IPA and did my best at paying homage to the man from Parts Unknown. Weeks after Warrior died I painted an Easter egg in his memory too. A couple winters ago I also made a mini-Warrior snowman. Share your Warrior memories and photos here. And remember, Always believe!

Vince McMahon is NOT the Grinch

Santa & John Cena
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

My original intent for this post was to actually be a vlog. I recorded it twice and for an unknown reason, the video cut out halfway through. So I'm sticking to my original roots and writing a blog. I will return to YouTube in the near future though, so don't fret. The topic today, the WWE/USA Network's decision to broadcast a live version of Monday Night Raw on Christmas night. 

It's the first time in the nearly 25 year history of the program that it's aired live on Christmas. Many fans got quite vocal about the decision on social media following the announcement. I feel like I'm in the minority when it comes to supporting WWE/USA Network in this decision. Here are a few of the reasons why.

When I first started watching wrestling in the mid-1980s, Christmas day and Christmas night shows were commonplace. The WWF, Jim Crockett Promotions and World Class Championship Wrestling held shows on Christmas day. Some years there were double shots or as many as three shows on that one day. And it wasn't just the mid-card guys performing. Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, Randy Savage, The Road Warriors, Dusty Rhodes and countless other men and women were out on the road. 

Courtesy: ESPN

Other forms of entertainment perform on Christmas and other holidays. Most Broadway shows have a performance. Christmas day is huge for the NBA. There are games all day and evening on ABC and other networks. The movie theaters are open. Disney World and Disney Land are hopping with visitors. In fact, my friend Chad told me the busiest time he was ever at Disney Land was on Christmas. After spending the day cooped up with family, people want to get out and be entertained or distracted with programming on TV that's not a rerun of a Christmas movie.

My sympathy is also low on this subject because I work in an industry where there are no holidays. The news business doesn't take off for Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Years or Easter. Granted, I don't work all of these holidays, but there have been years and years where I did.

Christmas unicorns
Courtesy: WWE

Let's not forget it's not just the WWE Superstars who will be away from their fans as critics have pointed out. The production team, commentators, referees, stylists, music and sound operations, etc. will all be on the road this Christmas. It's fair to say there are likely thousands of other people (wrestlers and other talents) who would kill to be a part of that Christmas night Raw.

I'll wrap up with this challenge. If you are truly appalled and upset by this decision by WWE and USA Network, I challenge you to turn off the TV Christmas night. Don't watch the show live and don't record it either. Refrain from watching the recap on YouTube on WWE.com down the road. To truly make a point and hit both companies where it hurts, don't watch. I, however, will be watching. My hope is our Superstars and those putting the show on air will be compensated appropriately for this first-time adventure in the modern era of professional wrestling. 

Cena & Reigns: War of words

Cena & Reigns: War of words
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

WWE is laying the groundwork for what will likely be an outstanding match at the upcoming No Mercy event. John Cena and Roman Reigns are arguably two of the biggest Superstars in the company right now, despite neither man currently holding a championship. If the war of words that happened on Raw on August 29 is an indicator of what's still to come, we're in for something special.

Courtesy: WWE

I don't want to jump on the bandwagon, but I'm going to. Cena's performance during that promo Monday night was some of his best work. It's been said before, and we'll say it again, the best promos or characters or storylines are those that are derived from real life circumstances. In my 1-2-3 cents, John Cena was simply saying what most wrestling fans are thinking. Simply put, Roman Reigns must step up his game on the mic and in the ring to clearly hit that next level.

Roman flips the table
Courtesy: WWE

I like Reigns. But I liked him more when he was the strong, silent member of the Shield. I still haven't been sold on him feeling Cena's shoes as THE Guy of the WWE. The potential is there, but there's still something missing. I do like the cockiness he continues to exhibit in being the guy who retired the Undertaker. Will Cena be the next legendary current-roster Superstar the Big Dog takes a bit out of? We'll keep watching this buildup and the fallout here on the My 1-2-3 Cents blog as well as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Enzo's big task

Enzo vs. Big Cass
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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. 

Congratulations, it's a son

Father-son united
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The big payoff from the Kurt Angle 'love' angle has played out on Monday Night Raw. Despite lots of speculation of it being either Dixie Carter or Stephanie McMahon, WWE switched gears and revealed the secret is that Angle has a son. That son is former SmackDown Live tag team champion Jason Jordan.

I'm relieved that the surprise wasn't a love affair with Stephanie or Dixie. Honestly, I've enjoyed the break from Stephanie being on TV. And I'm not sure how a Dixie run on WWE TV would work, although I'm willing to give it a shot in some other storyline. 

Kane & Paul Bearer
Courtesy: WWE

Of course, this isn't the first time a wrestling storyline has involved a father-son duo that isn't actually father and son. Kane and Paul Bearer comes to mind. This angle worked for me as a fan. WWE did an excellent job telling the Undertaker's backstory and why Kane and Bearer both played a role in it. 

Hornswoggle & Finlay
Courtesy: WWE

The father-son relationship between Finlay and Hornswoggle was a bit less believable. I realize as I write this that may sound ridiculous that a 300-pound monster covered in red from head to toe is related to a portly man in white face paint and jet black hair is more believable than an Irishman being the father of a leprechaun, but hey it's my blog, right? I didn't hate the Finlay-Hornswoggle story (at least it was better than Vince McMahon being the daddy), but it wasn't one of my favorites.

Courtesy: WWE

In my 1-2-3 cents, the Angle-Jordan connection can be a great story. One of my first questions was 'why is Corey Graves involved?' He answered that during commentary, explaining he and Jordan were good friends in NXT and he wanted to help unite Jordan with his biological father. I did laugh when Booker T suggested Jordan being on Raw is a conflict of interest because the General Manager is his father. I instantly thought of the McMahon family, but I digress.

American Alpha
Courtesy: WWE

Even though I'm bummed American Alpha didn't get a long run on the main roster, I'm glad they didn't just split Jordan and Chad Gable and have them feud, especially since that's what's going on right now with Enzo and Big Cass. Jordan and Gable have great potential on their own and putting them on different rosters is a good idea right now. 

Only time will tell what's next in this angle (pun intended). I have to believe since Kurt made such a big deal out of the implications the announcement would have on his career that there's still more to come than just the hugs and handshakes we saw after the initial announcement.

I didn't have a 'Ball' watching Raw

Big Baller Brand meets Miz TV

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

There's plenty of buzz online as fans like myself play Tuesday morning booker when it comes to the previous night's Raw. The show this week was at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and early in the day, the announcement was made that the Ball family would be a part of the show. Admittedly, I'm not a sports fan and until I threw it in my Google machine (thanks, Conrad), I had no idea who these folks were.

I say that without meaning for it to sound disrespectful. Lonzo, LaVar and LaMelo were the guests on Miz TV. The segment made little sense to me, but as I said I don't follow sports and fully understand WWE likes to have celebrities on the show that will get mainstream coverage. The Balls are obviously well known in LA so I'm not hating on the celebrity guest appearance.

LaVar vs. The Miz???
Courtesy: WWE

During the course of the segment, LaVar went a little crazy, taking off his shirt and running around the ring. I think it was Corey Graves who said it, the segment went off the rails. He was referencing Dean Ambrose's appearance, but in my 1-2-3 cents, it was also an acknowledgment of the youngest Ball who repeated a racial slur that made air. 

The Ball Family reacts
Courtesy: WWE

I've been trying to keep things more positive on this blog, so I apologize for the negativity attached to this post. I just thought the Miz TV segment was a huge waste of time and didn't do anything to advance a storyline on Raw. Honestly, (and again I'm playing Tuesday morning booker), I would have just had Lonzo or LaVar serve as a special guest referee for the night. Let them come out, get a pop and perform a useful function. However, as stated in the open, the segment captured plenty of attention on social media and in some mainstream media circles, so in that regard, it's mission accomplished.