Flooded by love

The proposal

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Pro wrestling is known for wild and crazy events. I've witnessed countless things first hand that people who aren't fans simply wouldn't get. But there are also kinder, gentler moments. And luckily Saturday night I was on hand for one at the Stride Pro Wrestling show.

Tony Flood, a long time bad guy in the ring but a good guy behind the scenes, came to the ring after intermission. In his hands, two champagne flutes and a bottle of sparkling grape juice. After all Stride Pro Wrestling is family friendly. Tony wanted to celebrate his upcoming championship opportunity for the vacant heavyweight title. Tony invited his girlfriend Macey into the ring to join in. 

The two shared a toast and Tony thanked Macey for always being there for him. Then the former champ dropped to one knee and in front of a now cheering crowd (odd for Tony Flood), he asked for Macey's hand in marriage. She accepted and the two shared a kiss as the fans applauded loudly. 

The celebration was shortlived as Heath Hatton and General Manager Sam Hunter entered the picture to snap Tony back to reality. The match between him and Hatton will be a 60-Minute Iron Man Match set for Saturday, March 2 at 600 North Carbon Street in Marion, Illinois. 

But back to the important part of this post, not to say that the title match isn't. I want to congratulate Tony and Macey and thank them for sharing that moment with the fans of Stride and all their friends backstage. Since meeting Tony three years ago, I've seen him experience the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I'm happy to see he is so happy again.  Cheers to the couple and may the best man win at Strideiversary. 

Vacant becomes Stride Pro Wrestling Champion

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The first Stride Pro Wrestling show of 2019 is in the books and proved to be chaotic at best. From the crowning of "King" Chris Hargas to the now vacated Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Title, fans did not leave the show disappointed. By the way, you'll hear from The King on this week's episode of My 1-2-3 Cents the podcast. It drops Monday at 1 a.m.

But in other big news from the show, Heath Hatton is no longer the Stride Pro Wrestling Champion. Neither is his opponent from Saturday night, Tony Flood. The two engaged in another epic battle for the gold. In the closing moments of the match, Hatton locked Flood in a Sharpshooter. Flood managed to escape and while trying to prevent being locked in it again kicked Hatton into the referee, rendering him unable to continue officiating.

That's when Hatton hit the spear but with no ref to count he dispatched General Manager Sam Hunter to the locker room to find another official. In the meantime, that mystery masked man from last month came out and swung his lead pipe at Hatton. He missed though and the champ hit him with a punch that knocked him into next week.

Title vacated
Photo courtesy: Rachel Kremer

Hatton locked on the Sharpshooter again and Flood quickly tapped. The referee couldn't call for the bell and the mystery man then leveled Hatton with the pipe. A new ref entered and counted three but then argued with the original official who had said he saw Flood tap. Hunter made the call to vacate the title and the winner of a best two-out-of-three falls match on Feb. 2 will be crowned the new champion.

Be sure to join us that night. We're taking the show on the road and doing a fundraiser at Central Junior High School in West Frankfort. It's located at 1500 E. 9th Street. 

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BREAKING NEWS: Legacy Championship announcement planned

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Stride Pro Wrestling fans, I just got off the phone with General Manager Sam Hunter. He has informed me that Legacy Champion Arron Brooks will not be able to defend the title Saturday night. He was set to do battle with Ryzer.

Sam wanted me to let fans know that he will be making an announcement Saturday night about the future of the Legacy Title. He is keeping details close to the chest. I pressed him several times and he repeated, "You'll find out Saturday night when the fans do." I respect that and it certainly will add another level of interest to this weekend's show. 

Again, Christmas Break happens Saturday night at 6:30 at the Stride Pro Wrestling Arena (1130 N. Division St.). We hope to see you there with a new pro wrestling action figure for the Stride Pro Wrestling/My 1-2-3 Cents Toy Drive. You could win a prize for your generosity. 

Fun Fact Friday: Sam Hunter

Me and Sam at "Brave the Storm"
Courtesy: Tom Harness

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I've known Stride Pro Wrestling General Manager Sam Hunter for several years. He was a fan of All-American Pro Wrestling who quickly turned into a volunteer. Sam would help on the night of shows with set up and tear down, a process that I do not miss anymore. In March 2016, when Stride Pro Wrestling started, it was announced Sam would be the company's general manager. 

Sam has a take no prisoners approach when running the company. He's gone toe to toe with everyone from the DR Party, Ax Allwardt and most notably Tony Flood. Sam also brings the sound system each month to the Illinois Star Centre Mall in Marion for the Stride shows. He signed off on Saturday's night huge Buried Alive match, so be sure to join us at 6:30 p.m. Now for some fun facts about the GM.

Sam got his start in the entertainment business at an early age, DJing at the teen center in his hometown. He was 12 at the time. It's a passion that has stuck with him, as he created his own DJing business and works gigs like weddings, birthday parties and other special events.

His favorite wrestler of all time is "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes. Sam says Dusty's promos were among the best in the business and laid the groundwork for many of today's stars. Sometimes he even quotes the Dream during his own promos in Stride.

Sam Hunter & Lex Luger

Time for some name dropping. Sam has met quite a few celebrities through the years including; Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, Sting, Lex Luger, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, Paige, Seth Rollins, The Dudley Boys, Goldust, Eugene, Matt Morgan, Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, Christian, Bobby Roode, Eric Young, Scott Steiner, Eric Bischoff, Rob Van Dam, and Mick Foley.

Hunter & Hatton
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Same when to high school in Norris City with former Stride Pro Wrestling champion Heath Hatton.

Sam is an avid video gamer. He started with the original Nintendo and today owns all three major video game consoles. His favorites include; Super Mario Brothers, Resident Evil, Final Fantasy, Ninja Gaiden, Street Fighter, and Mega Man. He also has his own YouTube channel dedicated to gaming. Join the more than 1,200 subscribers here.

Despite what J. Wellington Beauregard says, Sam hates fish sticks.

Sam has a degree in Computer Information Systems and also enjoys reading about great philosophers including the works of Socrates.

Why Tony Flood is counting down to 2018

Hunter vs. Flood
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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It's been well established that there is no love loss between Stride Pro Wrestling General Manager Sam Hunter and current Legacy Champion Tony Flood. The two have been at each other's throats since the birth of the company 18 months ago. At one point Flood was fired, but was able to work his way back onto the roster after winning the championship.

At Hot August Night 2, Flood's mouth once again got the best of him. He and Hunter went back and forth on the mic for a few minutes before the GM finally came up with a deal to hopefully bury the hatchet once and for all. If Tony Flood holds on to the Legacy title until December 31, 2017, he will replace Sam as the General Manager. Flood agreed to the stipulation and the two begrudgingly shook on the deal.

Johnny Blade slams Flood
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Moments later, Hunter put Flood in a defense involving his largest challenge to date. St. Louis native Johnny Blade. The big man weighs in at about 260 pounds, more than 50 pounds heavier than the champ. Blade whipped Flood around the ring as many fans had expected. And there were a couple of times it appeared that the Legacy title would changes hands. But Tony Flood is a crafty wrestler. That's a nice way to say he's sneaky.

Flood wins!
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

The tide turned a couple of times throughout and to Flood's credit, he pulled out a school boy and got the win. He really not only wants to hold on to his championship but also wants to become the Stride GM in 2018. Be sure to join us again next month, on Saturday, Sept. 9 to see what challenge Flood faces next.

Breaking news on Stride Pro Wrestling's Tony Flood

Tony Flood and Sam Hunter argue
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I was planning to write a post previewing the upcoming Stride Pro Wrestling Legacy Championship match for today's blog. But instead, I've been asked by the General Manager, Sam Hunter to write this blog instead. Sam and I spoke on the phone and despite him not telling me much, this is what we know right now.

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Saturday morning Legacy Champion Tony Flood reached out to GM Hunter via text. Sam didn't feel the conversation was appropriate for texting, so he called Tony and a heated discussion ensued. Tony complained about the competition in Stride and demanded better opponents when it comes to Sam coming up with challengers. 

Flood in action against Dexter Roswell & T-Dog
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Flood has had some great matches since (and before) winning the Legacy Title. He's defended against former champ T-Dog, Dexter Roswell, Cash Borden, Joey O'Riley and Eugene Drip. In my 1-2-3 cents, the competition is there so I don't understand Flood's beef.

Sam would not tell me how he responded to Tony, other than that Saturday night, (Aug. 5) Tony and the Legacy belt need to be in the ring. I've reached out to Tony since talking to Sam, but apparently, Tony has been told not to discuss the conversation. There has been a rivalry of sorts between these two since day one of Stride Pro Wrestling. While Tony is great in the ring, his mouth always seems to get him into trouble. 

Flood gets removed from Stride in January
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Tony has been fired from the company before and carried out of the ring by hired bodyguards. No telling what will end up happening, so join us at the Illinois Star Centre Mall. Bell time is 6:30 p.m. 

Stride Pro Wrestling 'Return' could be Flood's downfall

GM Hunter & Flood
Courtesy: Jamie Myers

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Stride Pro Wrestling returned to the Illinois Star Centre Mall with the appropriately titled show Return. In the opening moments of the show, Legacy Champion Tony Flood voiced his frustration with General Manager Sam Hunter and told him he's tired of wrestling former champ "T-Dog" Jerry Travelstead. In fact, he's so tired of it, Flood added a stipulation that could lead to his own demise in Stride Pro Wrestling.

Before facing T-Dog, Dexter Roswell and Joey O'Riley in a fatal four way for the Legacy Title, Flood promised Hunter that if he loses at the June 10 Stride show, he will retire from wrestling, no questions asked. Flood will defend his title against T-Dog in a one-on-one encounter that night.

RKO from the top by Tony Flood
Courtesy: Robert Young

This stipulation took many fans (myself included) by surprise. Flood survived the fatal four way by pinning T-Dog. He is confident he will be able to do the same thing at Summersville Grade School this Saturday night. I should note Alexxa Flood was ringside and once again played a factor in the match, slamming T-Dog to the hard, unprotected floor.

With the stakes this high, Saturday's matchup between Flood and T-Dog will be more intense. Jerry could not only recapture the Legacy Title but rid Stride of his biggest nemesis. If Flood wins, T-Dog is out of luck when it comes to getting another shot at the gold and he gets to stick around and torment GM Hunter and others on the Stride roster. Remember, bell time is 6:30 p.m. at Summersville Grade School in Mt. Vernon. Here's a map to get there.

Don't cross the boss

Tony Flood chews out GM Sam Hunter
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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It's not easy being the boss. Just ask Stride Pro Wrestling General Manager Sam Hunter. The Stride Board of Directors selected Hunter for the job more than a year ago. In that time he's faced plenty of opposition from the men and women on the Stride roster. However, fans overall seem happy with Hunter's performance.

Courtesy: Steve Belcher

Some of the backlash he's faced includes Ax Allwardt and manager J. Wellington Beauregard. The two were major thorns in Sam's side as Ax became a combative and cocky champion. Beauregard threatened legal action more than once, but Sam has always stood his ground. It also helps that he has the backing and support from the Stride Board of Directors.

Alexxa Flood gets an ear full
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

For the most part, Sam is pretty even keel. But that demeanor has changed as he has become more comfortable with his job and his role in Stride. Tony and Alexxa Flood have needled the GM for months now, so much so that Sam was forced to fire Tony. However, a loophole has seen the return of the Northern Saint, albeit under a mask at first. After it was revealed that Flood was the man behind the El Fabuloso character, Sam exploded. I've never seen this type of rage come from the usually calm boss. It's just a sign how badly the Floods have managed to disrupt the harmony within the Stride Pro Wrestling family.

Heath Hatton & Sam
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

On a more positive note, Sam has signed several memorable matches. We've seen Heath Hatton capture the Stride Pro Wrestling Championship in a West Frankfort Street Fight. Jerry Travelstead's career went to new heights as he climbed the ladder to success and the Stride Pro Wrestling Legacy Championship. And this Saturday night, it's Tag Team Turmoil. The Midwest Mafia defends in a fatal four way elimination match. Farmer Billy Hills and Sarah Summers, Team Triple X and Maximum Overdrive are the challengers. Join us at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Illinois Star Centre Mall.

The Fabulous Tony Flood

The Fabulous Tony Flood 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Fans, wrestlers and management of Stride Pro Wrestling have been fooled for the last few months. At the show in January, general manager Sam Hunter fired Tony Flood for attacking and injuring Legacy champion Jerry Travelstead prior to a title defense. Flood was physically removed from the building by security but somehow ended up backstage later in the night, dressed as a luchador named Alejandro Fabuloso. 

El Magnifico & El Fabuloso
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

El Fabuloso debuted that night as the tag team partner for El Magnifico. I'd never given it much thought as both luchadors showed up to Stride shows already with their masks on. They spoke broken English and I haven't really used my Spanish minor from 20+ years ago much so I never had much interaction with either man. 

Ref bump

At the No Love Lost show in February, Fabuloso won a fatal four-way to become the number one contender to the Legacy Championship. Then at the One Year Anniversary Show in March, Fabuloso got his shot. Late in the match, referee Lane Austin got knocked down and that's when Alexxa Flood emerged with a chair. She hit the champ a couple times with it. Fabuloso stopped that attack, only to blast T-Dawg several more times, rendering the champ unconscious and pinning him for the belt. 

Attacked!

GM Hunter was understandably upset with the actions and demanded Fabuloso unmask immediately. He did and Tony Flood then explained his actions and how he'd even fooled Hunter. When Alejandro Fabuloso signed the contract he actually did it as Anthony Flood, making the deal to return ironclad. But Hunter has promised Flood isn't going to catch a break. So the next few months should be interesting, to say the least.

The happy couple

Congratulations to Flood for fooling all of us and finally capturing gold in Stride. However, I don't envy you at all as your actions (along with Alexxa's) may end up costing you in the long run. Good luck.