AUDIO: Our Chris Benoit Stories

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Chris Benoit’s last 48 hours on Earth are some of the most polarizing times in the world of professional wrestling. However, Benoit had a huge impact on fans and other wrestlers throughout the years. This week, I’m joined by Stride Pro Wrestling’s Shane Rich. He shares a unique experience with us about meeting Benoit.

We are not glorifying the tragedies or making light of them in any way. We are just two pro wrestling (and Chris Benoit) fans remembering a different time in our business.

Please listen to the show HERE and let us know what you think. 

A salute to wrestling's veterans

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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When I posted a similar blog on Memorial Day, I unintentionally ruffled some feathers. So much so that one person on Facebook criticized me for writing about a "fake sport", even though the point of the post was to heap praise on all veterans, not just those who had died. I acknowledged that in the blog. The man was livid with my decision and he not only unfriended me on Facebook but blocked me as well. This wasn't just a random person, it was someone I had actually met and done several interviews with before. I mention all this because I am going to highlight veterans who happen to wrestle as well. If you're offended by that, I apologize now.

Roger Minton aka Roger Matheus
Courtesy: Roger Minton

Current Stride Pro Wrestling heavyweight champion Roger Matheus (Roger Minton) served our country in the United States Army. He spent some overseas and credits his military training for leading him into Mixed Martial Arts and eventually professional wrestling. 

Benjamin Abney aka Nathan Brag
Courtesy: Benjamin Abney

Fellow Stride competitor Nathan Brag (Benjamin Abney), who is a member of the DR Party, is currently serving the U.S. as a member of 31B Military Police of the National Guard. His absence has been due to the responsibilities associated with his service.

Shane Rich Air Force Photo

Shane Rich wrestled for All American Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Collision. We shared the commentary desk for a time while he was hurt. Shortly after the 9/11 attacks, Shane joined the United States Air Force. He credits his military service with giving him discipline and education and pride. 

I know all three of these guys personally and again want to thank them for their service. It's never quite enough, but their sacrifices along with all veterans and active duty military are appreciated.

Wrestling Gives Back

Support this good cause!

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

Back in January, my friends Adam and Aaron lost their home in a fire.  I met Adam and Aaron through wrestling.  We all work together with Pro Wrestling Collision and are co hosts on From the Rafters Radio.  Both have also written blogs for My 1-2-3 Cents.

As they each try to rebuild their lives, the cast and crew of Pro Wrestling Collision is helping out.  This Saturday, (April 20) there is a benefit show for Adam and Aaron.  Chaos Pro Wrestling out of Metropolis is teaming up with us for the benefit.  Bell time is 2 p.m. at the Carbondale Civic Center.

Collision champion Heath Hatton will defend his title against his best friend Shane Rich, in what I think we be a classic confrontation.  The two fan favorites will no doubt put on one helluva show and the fans who come out for this one will walk away the winners.

CPW's champion Ty Blade will take on Shane Smalls.  I have not yet seen a CPW show, but many of their wrestlers have had matches on Collision, so I'm looking forward to seeing this match.  I think it's great that a cooperation between two local indy companies exists.

Other matches planned for Saturday include the wildly popular Collision tag team champions Brandon Espinosa and Ace Hawkins defending against King Entertainment.  The No Limits Title will be on the line in a triple threat match that features champ Joey O'Riley taking on his buddy Jay Spade and the always obnoxious Zakk Sawyer (sorry Zakk).

Again, bell time is 2 p.m. Saturday.  For more details on the show, head to Pro Wrestling Collision or Chaos Pro Wrestling's websites.  It's all for a good cause, helping two great guys get a new start after losing almost everything in a fire.  And be sure to come back a week later when Collision returns to the Boys and Girls Club of Carbondale at 7 p.m.

Support Your Local Wrestlers

From allamericanprowrestling.com

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

This blog has a duel purpose.  Regular readers know that I recently became the play by play guy for All American Pro Wrestling, a group based in southern Illinois.  Even if you don't live in this area, I encourage you to keep reading, this post isn't just about AAPW.

The folks there have been working hard for the last 5 years.  That hard work has paid off, and now AAPW has landed a television show.  Collision debuts September 3 on WSIL TV at noon.

Working on the shows has made me realize just how hard it is to put together a wrestling program.  I have a very minor role in all this, the show's executive producer, (and my cohort at the announce table) Chris Hagstrom has done a tremendous job putting all this together.

There are countless hours of set up and tear down before and after each taping.  Then there's the editing and revoicing if necessary.  He adds in the commercial spots and gets everything sent off to the TV station to make sure it's ready for the big debut.  I have seen the show in raw form 2 or 3 times now.  I can't wait to see the finished product.

One more plug, and then I'll get to my original point.  On Sunday, August 28 we're taping two more episodes of Collision at Black Diamond Harley Davidson in Marion, Illinois.  Belltime is 2 p.m.  Besides the usual suspects like Shane Rich, "Golden Boy" Greg Anthony, and Curly; the reigning Ring of Honor champion Davey Richards will also be on hand.  I'm looking forward to meeting him and hope to talk with him for the My 1-2-3 Cents YouTube channel.

I think it's great that local wrestling is finally getting some time on television.  If you live in a community that has an independent wrestling organization, I would encourage you to check it out.  The men and women who are in the ring and behind the scenes bust their asses to keep the fans entertained.

Admittedly these wrestlers aren't on the same level as the stars you'll see on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays.  But you never know who you'll end up seeing on Raw, SmackDown!, or Impact one day.

Matt Sydal (aka Evan Bourne)

The rigors they put themselves through for very little pay and maybe even less glory should be commended.  I'm not just talking about AAPW talent.  I'm talking all the indy stars out there.  Here's a fun fact, I worked a couple of IWA: Midsouth shows several years back that featured Matt Sydal.  If the name isn't familiar, he's the current coholder of the WWE tag team titles, Evan Bourne.  I wish back then I would have paid more attention to his work.  You just never know where some of these guys are going to end up.

Supporting local wrestling also supports your community.  You're putting money in these wrestlers' pockets.  Many of them probably live and work in your town, or nearby.  They spend that money they make at stores, restaurants, and other businesses where you live.  So going to a wrestling show keeps you entertained and helps the local economy.

Southern Illinois readers, hope to see you Sunday.  And don't forget to tune in to WSIL TV in September.  It's going to be awesome. (sorry Miz)

Wrestling is on a Collision Course...

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

Readers in southern Illinois, southeast Missouri, and western Kentucky will find this news more interesting than other fans who look at this.  But I think this is good news for ALL wrestling fans.  WSIL TV has picked up a bi weekly wrestling show called AAPW Collision.

All American Pro Wrestling has been around for quite some time in southern Illinois.  I've been to a couple of their shows, and enjoyed it.  They've got a lot of local talent, who works hard to put on a memorable show.  Guys like Livewire McGwire (who is the current champion), Heath Hatton & Curly (the tag team champs), Shane Rich, and the Mississippi Madman always make for an entertaining evening.  Manager Gaylord Stephens and his man Ax Allwardt add a taste of "old school" to the show.

This is the company's first venture into the world of television.  Collision will make its debut on WSIL on Saturday, September 3 at noon.  I'm particularly excited about this news, because AAPW's executive producer and announcer Chris Hagstrom has invited me to join him as a color commentator for Collision.

Chris and I recently worked together and voiced the first episode that he used to sell the station on the show.  It was my first time ever doing any kind of color commentary.  Well, I take that back.  In 1996, I recorded myself with a camera corder calling Wrestlemania XII.  I'm pretty sure that tape has been destroyed.  At least I hope it has.

Doing any kind of work in the world of wrestling has always been a dream of mine.  I've got to be a ring announcer for a couple of shows from IWA: Midsouth.  I refereed a couple of matches for another local group.  And most recently I was a guest "manager" for Impact Wrestling Knockout Velvet Sky.  I'm very excited about this opportunity because it's a regular gig.  There will be at least 13 episodes.  We'll be recording on July 30 at Sports Blast in Carbondale, so if you're in the region, come by.  Doors open at 6, belltime that night is 7.

AAPW manager Gaylord Stephens

Another reason I'm excited about this is because it's been a VERY long time since any kind of local wrestling has been broadcast on TV in this region.  While this won't be like a Monday Night Raw or an Impact Wrestling show, it will give fans who love wrestling another outlet.  Because it's going to be on TV, Collision will be seen by a wider audience, who up until now may not have known AAPW even existed.  This will also give the hard workers involved with this company some recognition beyond the loyal fan base who shows up at the house shows.  It's a win-win for everyone involved.

I'm grateful and thankful to be in a position where I can help out, and hope Collision takes off and is well received by fans in the tri-state area.  Who knows, maybe some of our stars will be seen and breakout to the next level.  Thanks for reading and thanks for your support.  Click here for more on AAPW.