STRIDE PRO WRESTLING: 10 men, 1 belt

Created by Sam Hunter

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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"History will be made tonight!" is one of wrestling's greatest cliches. This Thursday night though, I can say without hyperbole history will be made at Stride Pro Wrestling's Bash at the Ballpark event. I'll talk more about the women's championship in Monday's post. However, today, I'm talking about another new title being added to the company.

Thursday night 10 men will compete for the No Limits Championship. But this will be no ordinary match. The newly minted belt will hang above the ring and whoever climbs a ladder and retrieves the title first will be the new champion.

So who's in this epic battle? Roger Matheus, Farmer Billy Hills, "The King" Chris Hargas, Dexter Roswell, "Warbound" Bo Sawyer, Will Power, B-Rad, Scott Phoenix, "T-Dog" Jerry Travelstead and Brandon Espinosa. Lots of seasoned guys and some relative newcomers in this battle which will make it so unique. It also makes it hard to predict. 

Come out to Rent One Park, Thursday, August 29. Tickets are just $7 and include five wrestling matches and a baseball game (the Southern Illinois Miners take on the Lake Erie Crushers). Bell time is at 5:35 p.m. We'll see you there! 

BattleBowl final set

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Stride Pro Wrestling General Manager Sam Hunter has come up with a new concept for the company. It's a bit like the 1991 BattleBowl: Lethal Lottery event, but with an update. Eight team captains were chosen and each of those captains picked a name at random. 

Those teams did battle Saturday night for rounds one and two of the tournament. The winning team will then face off against each other for a future Stride Heavyweight Championship match. The runner-up team will get a title match against the tag team champions. 

Roger Matheus returns
Courtesy: Jamie Myers

I enjoyed the matchups as we had a chance to see guys on the Stride roster in the ring against each other for the first time. For example, Cash Borden was in there against Ax Allwardt. The other big news of the night was the return of Roger Matheus. In October we thought his career was over after an injury suffered in the ring. But with therapy and training, he's back and bigger, badder and better than ever. 

We now know how that final match is going to shape up. "King" Chris Hargas and Cash Borden will face Heath Hatton and Scott Phoenix on Saturday, July 6 back at the Stride Building (1130 N. Division Street).

Results from the show:

Blaine Black pinned Saveyon Ayers.

The Sin City Saints (Tony Flood & Jay Spade) (c) beat Team Frat Fitness (B-Rad & Will Power).

Battle Bowl: Ax Allward & Ryzer beat Jose Magnifico & Brian Richards.

Battle Bowl: King Hargas & Cash Borden beat Bo Sawyer & Bud Gallows after Jason Tiller interfered.

Battle Bowl: Mr. Anthony & Roger Matheus beat Farmer Billy Hills & Dexter Roswell.

Battle Bowl: Heath Hatton & Scott Phoenix beat Hollywood Redneck & Jason Tiller after Bo Sawyer interfered.

Battle Bowl: Hargas & Cash beat Ax & Ryzer. Ax then turned on Ryzer and gave him a piledriver.

Battle Bowl: Hatton & Phoenix beat Anthony & Matheus.

Red Daniels (c) pinned Wraith to defend the Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title.

AUDIO: Wrestling Under the Influence: Bret Hart

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Bret Hart is an icon. He's one of the all-time greats. Now he has a craft beer loosely based on him. Brett the Hipman Hop is made by Against the Grain Brewery and Smokehouse in Louisville, Kentucky. The company recently sent me a bottle to sample for the podcast.

And that's just what I did with former Stride Pro Wrestling champion Roger Matheus. We drink the beer and share memories of the Hitman in the process. Check it out here. 

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My favorite Stride Pro Wrestling moments of 2018

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By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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It's the end of the year and I'm taking a few minutes to reflect on 2018 in Stride Pro Wrestling. The company had plenty of highlights for sure and I'm looking forward to 2019. As I share these memories, keep in mind they are from the shows I was a part of. I missed two shows in 2018, one due to a family commitment and the other because I was in Las Vegas for the Impact Wrestling tryout. 

Wraith & Ryzer

Wraith dominates the Stride Cup/Legacy Championship Tournament. Wraith was a dark, mysterious figure who showed up in Stride in January. He destroyed everyone in his way and eventually won the tournament and introduced us to his Disciple Ryzer. Unfortunately that same night, JD Wilk got injured and had to retire from the ring. That night in March stands out to me for both of those moments.

Tony Flood and Jay Spade swap the Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title. Both of these guys spent years in the ring. I have a great deal of respect for their work ethic and what they're able to do in the ring. Watching these former friends trade the greatest prize in Stride over the course of several months was thrilling. Despite their years of experience in the ring, the future is still bright for both of them. I look forward to what they'll do in 2019.

This One is for Lane. In April the entire Stride Pro Wrestling roster came together to support one of our own. Referee Lane Austin, who is a diabetic, had to go on dialysis and eventually ended up on the transplant list for a new kidney and pancreas. The show of love for our friend that night was amazing. It's just one of the many shows Stride helped raise money for in 2018. 

Heath Hatton and Ax Allwardt win gold. Bitter enemies in the ring for years, Hatton and Allwardt put their differences aside and teamed up to win the Stride Pro Wrestling Tag Team Titles from the DR Party. Dexter Roswell, Scott Phoenix and J. Wellington Beauregard were a constant thorn in the sides of Allwardt and Hatton. 

My return to the ring. I never, ever dreamed I'd have a chance to step through the ropes and wrestle. It happened the first time in 2012. Then again in May of this year. My opponent this time was Roger Matheus. I can't thank he and Tyler Hatton for having enough faith in me to do this. I'm a 45-year-old with a dad bod and limited skills in the ring. Roger made me look and feel like a million bucks. Of course keeping with the story, thanks as well to Cash Borden and Tom Harness for saving my ass.

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BOO BLOG: Forget Michael Myers, watch out for Cash Borden

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Forty years ago Michael Myers started terrorizing the people of Haddonfield, Illinois. He returns to the big screen this weekend as the Halloween movie gets a reboot. Even though Michael is the best-known monster from Haddonfield, one of its other residents is just as menacing when it comes to the squared circle. 

Cash flying

Cash Borden isn't the biggest, strongest or fastest man on the Stride Pro Wrestling roster. But I would argue he's among the toughest. Cash has had his ups and downs here, starting off as a tag team wrestler with Dalton Diamond to engaging in a high profile feud with Roger Matheus. Cash has also competed for the Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title and Legacy Championship. 

Because Stride is a family-friendly environment, Cash often holds back when he's in the ring. However, some of his evil side was exposed when he tasered Matheus back in May. His battles with Bull Bronson and Madman Pondo also pushed the limits with the Stride crowd. 

However, Cash wrestles around the region and has taken on all comers. He's not afraid to mix things up and bring the necessary weapons with him. Cash has shed a lot of blood, sweat and tears for pro wrestling. He takes his craft seriously and I think it's safe to say fans appreciate that. Some of the photos I've seen make me believe Cash would give Michael a run for his money if the two ever crossed paths in Haddonfield. Cash is also picking up his branding and marketing game. Find him on Instagram and be sure to connect. 

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Thank you, Roger Matheus

Roger Matheus
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I'm fairly certain I'm breaking all kinds of wrestling rules with this post, but I figured it's my blog and my opportunity to make a shout out. So here goes nothing. 

On Monday, former Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Roger Matheus posted the following on his Facebook page:  

"I have to step away from wrestling. I have multiple injuries in my back and knee and it's taken its toll. I appreciate everyone that has supported me, I'll never be able to thank you enough."

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

It's shocking news, to say the least. I knew Roger had some nagging injuries, but I had no clue it was something that would lead to an early retirement.

I first met Roger in early 2016 when he came to Stride Pro Wrestling. I didn't talk much with him at that time as his intimidating presence inside the ring could be felt backstage, at least from my perspective. I quickly learned though that Roger is a down to earth guy who loves his family, his country and the world of professional wrestling. I had a chance to chat with him about his background on a My 1-2-3 Cents podcast about 18 months ago. You can listen here.

Whacking Roger

Of course, if you've followed Stride Pro Wrestling or this blog you know Roger and me had a pretty big storyline for the first half of 2018. It all started when he threw me into the ring after interfering in a championship match. This all lead to him power slamming my 12-year-old daughter and a cage match between us. 

Crossbody block
Courtesy: Jamie Woodworth-Myers

I think it's obvious I have no business in a wrestling ring. I'm a 45-year-old ring announcer with a Dad bod. However, the powers that be thought it would be good for me to see action once again (I also wrestled in 2012). When the idea of Roger being my opponent was pitched, I balked, fearing the Mad Viking would literally destroy me in the ring.

Roger kicks me
Courtesy: Tom Harness

However, I can't say enough about Roger and his approach. Yes, there were legit kicks and he did toss me around like a rag doll at times. But I felt safe in there with him. It took lots of interference but I ended up with the win and in the months since then, Roger has been booked as an unstoppable monster.

Matheus & Abyss vs. The Midwest Monster Hunters

That's the hard part of his retirement. He was back on track to reek havoc on Stride Pro Wrestling once again.I'm grateful to have had a chance to be in the ring against Roger and to have seen his last match (a tag team event with Abyss against the Midwest Monster Hunters). Also, thanks for taking care of my baby girl with that slam.

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The Hunters become the hunted

Roger Matheus vs. Abyss

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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On Saturday night, Impact Wrestling's Abyss made an appearance at Stride Pro Wrestling's Lockerroom Melee show. It was a successful fundraiser for Community Consolidated School District 204 in Pinckneyville, Illinois. The 6'7'' monster met with fans prior to the show for a meet and greet. Then it was time to face his challenger, former Stride Pro Wrestling champion, Roger Matheus.

Known as the Mad Viking, Matheus has been on the path of destruction in recent months, taking out any and all who get in his way. He was briefly stopped in his tracks Saturday night as Abyss took Matheus to task. The two brawled for a few minutes (something they've done before) until the Midwest Monster Hunters hit the ring and attacked both men. It makes perfect sense, Abyss and Matheus were the two biggest monsters on the card.

Bo Sawyer and Jason Tiller were confident this was a one and done attack as they fled back to the locker room. That's when Abyss invited the former Stride Pro Wrestling tag team champions back into the ring for a fight. The Monster Hunters balked and declined the challenge. General Manager Sam Hunter had other ideas and offered Sawyer and Tiller two solutions; 1) get in the ring and fight or 2) be fired. The MWMH love money almost as much as hunting, so they reluctantly got back into the ring.

Abyss and Matheus, despite beating the hell out of each other minutes earlier, came together and fought the former champs. The brawling came to an end when Matheus scored the pin and he and Abyss celebrated to the cheers of hundreds of fans in attendance. To my recollection, it's the first time Matheus has had the entire audience on his side. Would the Mad Viking be changing his ways?

I'll have more thoughts on the show on this week's My 1-2-3 Cents podcast. Be sure to listen. 

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Don't miss Abyss

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I've mentioned it a few times before, but it's worth talking about again. Former Impact Wrestling Champion Abyss is headed to Stride Pro Wrestling. He's wrestling Roger Matheus one week prior to being inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame. You can listen to Abyss reflect on his career here.

Matheus and Abyss are not strangers to one another. The two battled it out in Cape Championship Wrestling in a match Abyss won. Matheus has been on an incredible streak since Stride returned from summer break. I have no doubt he'll bring it all and then some in the ring against the Monster.

Before the match happens fans will have a chance to meet with Abyss. He's doing a meet & greet starting at 5 p.m. at Community Consolidated School District 204. It'll last about an hour and then it'll be show time. Pics and autographs are just $10 and the money raised will help the cause to build a new locker room for the school

I've never met Abyss. I've watched him develop into a household name over the last 16 years in Impact Wrestling. I look forward to meeting him and wishing him well on his new adventure as a hall of fame performer. Join us! 

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AUDIO: Abyss & Impact Hall of Fame

Click here for the Abyss audio on the Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I wrote a piece about a month ago about Abyss coming to Stride Pro Wrestling. The soon-to-be Impact Wrestling Hall of Famer will face Roger Matheus this Saturday night, Oct. 6 at Community Consolidated School District 204 in Pinckneyville. Bell time is 6:30, but there's a meet and greet with the Monster prior. Call 618-357-2419.

I recently sat in on a conference call with Abyss. The Monster talks about his career, a few highlights and his thoughts on the Hall of Fame. You can hear it right here on the Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network. 

Is two really better than one?

When you realize you're facing Roger Matheus next...
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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In 2012, Heath Hatton famously used the line "Two is greater than one." as he and Ace Hawkins prepared to face Ryback in a handicap match on WWE Extreme Rules. Hatton and Hawkins found themselves on the losing end of that effort, proving on that night two was NOT greater than one. 

Roger Matheus
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

This Friday night at Gallatin County School, that theory will be put to the test again. This time, the combatants are much different. Former Stride Pro Wrestling heavyweight champion Roger Matheus is taking on DR Party enforcer Brian Richards and Mr. Anthony. Anthony is new to Stride, serving as J. Wellington Beauregard's personal assistant.

It's unclear what the issue is between Matheus and the DR Party. My guess is the big man has been hungry for competition. He's manhandled the likes of Cash Borden, Cole James and Joey O'Riley. So we'll see what he can do in a situation where he's outnumbered. This will also be a good chance to see Matheus in action as he gears up for a big match against former Impact Wrestling champion Abyss. That match is set for Oct. 6 in Pinckneyville.

Matheus kicks me while I'm down
Courtesy: Tom Harness

Matheus will bring it to the DR Party. He has no friends, no alliances. He seems happier that way. I know first hand just how tough and mean Matheus is. Richards and Anthony need to notify their next of kin...

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The Undead Outlaw goes beyond the grave

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Despite being knocked off track recently by Roger Matheus, Cash Borden is looking to make a comeback of sorts. I talked in a recent post about Borden string of losses, mostly to Matheus and the feud that boiled over between the two. I've said it before and I'll say it again, there are few people as tough as Borden. I borrow the line from JR all the time, simply put, he's tougher than a two dollar steak.

Wraith & Ryzer

That's why I like his chances this Friday night as he challenges Wraith for the Legacy Title. Despite being nearly unstoppable since his debut in January and his winning of the Legacy belt and Stride Cup tournament in March, Wraith does seem to have a weakness. Maybe not a weakness, but a definite vulnerability. That is he needs someone to have his back when he heads into battle. Over the last few months, we've seen that man be Ryzer. The disciple like figure to Wraith has helped the champion retain his title against the likes of Farmer Billy Hills and Arron Brooks.

Cash vs. Roger Matheus
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

That relationship is something Cash will have to be aware of. I have no doubt he's done his homework and will be ready for whatever the duo from 'beyond the grave' will throw at him. After all, you don't become the Undead Outlaw by being a slacker. This will be an amazing contest and I suspect we'll see both Cash and Wraith be highly competitive against each other. Even though he doesn't talk, Wraith values that Legacy belt. He also seems to appreciate the relationship with Ryzer and vice versa. 

Be there this Friday night. Stride Pro Wrestling heads to Gallatin County School. Bell time is 7 p.m.

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