AUDIO: The Ugly Christmas Suit Guys

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By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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It's that time of year again. My buddy Tom Harness and I are raising money again in Ugly Christmas suits by Shinesty. This time our mission is Honor Wreaths for Veterans. That's a group that provides a Christmas wreath on the headstone of veterans in national cemeteries around the country. Mounds National Cemetery has some 9,000 veterans there. 

When we reach our $5,000 goal we'll have provided 333 wreaths. I believe we'll exceed that. Consider making a donation here. 

Listen for more details on this week's My 1-2-3 Cents podcast here.

Stride Pro Wrestling makes it into PWI

Thanks, Mike Bessler

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Growing up a wrestling fan in the 80s meant a steady supply of the 'Apter magazines.' Back then, Pro Wrestling Illustrated was by far the industry leader. The first copy I bought was the October 1984 issue. Kerry Von Erich was on the cover holding the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. 

After that initial purchase, it became a habit to go to our local drug store and pick up the latest PWI. I added The Wrestler and Inside Wrestling to my collection. WWF Magazine and Wrestling Superstars were also staples. I continued this habit through middle school, high school and even college, ending my buying in 1995 when the internet became a faster way to learn about pro wrestling. Much to my wife's chagrin though, all those back issues are sitting in our garage. 

I'll admit I haven't bought a copy in years, I did pick up an issue in 2012 after meeting write Mike Bessler at an indy show. It was All American Pro Wrestling. I was doing color commentary and even had my first match in AAPW. Mike did a great piece in his Independent Roundup column in the September 2012 issue. Bessler puts over AAPW Main Event from earlier in the year and talks about a situation that had happened between Mike Masters and a heckling fan. We certainly appreciated the shout out in the magazine.

After my most recent match against Roger Matheus at Stride Goes Steel, Mike reached out to me again. We did an interview and I figured there would be a write up online about it. Mike said his editor enjoyed the story and much to my surprise, I got a message from a fan this week with a pic of the write-up. Not only did Stride get a mention in the hard copy of the magazine but a photo from the event also appeared.

I'm excited for a couple of reasons. Yes, I made it into a magazine that has been a part of the pro wrestling landscape for decades. But also Stride Pro Wrestling, a small indy company in Marion, Illinois is now sharing the pages of a magazine that has covered WWF(E), NWA, WCW, AWA, New Japan, ROH, Chikara, Midsouth, UWF and countless other wrestling companies. It's an honor to be a part of the issue, which ironically is the October 2018 issue. Some 34 years to the issue of me buying my first PWI I am now a part of this amazing magazine. Matheus, Cash Borden, my daughter Brooke and my buddy Tom Harness all get shout-outs too. 

Thank you, Mike, on behalf of myself, My 1-2-3 Cents and Stride Pro Wrestling. We appreciate the support. Now, how about a spot in the PWI 500 this year? 

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My wrestling BFFs

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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June 8 is National Best Friends Day. Many of the friendships I have today were created from my ties to pro wrestling. Here's a look at some of those friendships through the years.

Chad Smart and I met in 2004 when I moved to southern Illinois. I've highlighted the WrestleMania trips we've been on since 2006. We've also attended Monday Night Raws, Ring of Honor shows, indy shows and Chikara Pro shows together. He's even been a part of a Pro Wrestling Collision show and traveled from California last summer to see a Stride Pro Wrestling show. Our fandom together was part of what lead to the My 1-2-3 Cents blog. He's also a frequent guest on the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast. We'll have another '6 Cents' episode soon.

Heath Hatton first entered my life in 2010. He was a young upstart in indy wrestling and appeared on News 3 This Morning to promote a match he going to be in. During the interview, he called me Kevin Cheeseburger. It wasn't until the following year that we'd meet again in All American Pro Wrestling. Hatton was one of the most popular stars there and in Pro Wrestling Collision. Once those companies folded there was a break. We reconnected through mutual friends and then in 2016 when he started Stride Pro Wrestling, I was honored when he asked me to be the ring announcer for the company. More than two years later, the friendship remains strong and he put enough faith in me to get into the ring and wrestle.

Lane Austin and I crossed paths in Stride Pro Wrestling. He is the promotion's senior referee. We've bonded outside the ring too, although some of my favorite memories are us chatting in between guys coming to the ring. He's been through a lot lately and I'm glad he's on the mend. I appreciate his love and respect for the business and getting the chance to catch up with him backstage or after a show at dinner is always a treat.

Chris Hagstrom brought me into the AAPW fold in 2011 when he became the executive producer for AAPW: Collision. The show aired bi-weekly on WSIL TV and online. I can't thank him enough for that opportunity and the traveling we did together. Adam Testa and Aaron Heller quickly entered the fold too as we coined the term "The Brain Trust" for the group. So many good times at Steak 'n Shake and on the air when we launched From the Rafters Radio. 

Weston White has been a traveling companion on more than one occasion for  WWE shows. In 2012, we went to the Royal Rumble together in St. Louis. My son went with us too. Then in 2017, we joined forces again at Money in the Bank (along with his FIL and members of the Stride roster). Weston whipped up on me in the newsroom (where we worked together) several times while he was here. From putting in me in the Sharpshooter to the Torture Rack, I have many fond memories of our time together.

Last but not least, Tom Harness. We were friends before I exposed him to my world of pro wrestling. He has completely embraced it and even got involved in the action recently. He scaled the steel cage at Stride Goes Steel and whacked my opponent Roger Matheus with a broom. He withstood a chokeslam and power slam from the Mad Viking. I appreciate his willingness to go all in on something that I care so much about.

Thank you to all these men for joining me in my pro wrestling fandom. I have so many amazing memories and each of these guys has been a large part of my fandom.

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Now it's a streak

Figure-four
Courtesy: Jamie Myers

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Last night I had my second professional wrestling match. And despite being in there against a 285 pound Mad Viking, I survived Stride Goes Steel put on my Stride Pro Wrestling. Yes, I had a little help from my friends. You can hear all about that in this week's My 1-2-3 Cents: The Podcast, which drops Monday, May 28. But the victory now means I'm 2-0 in the wrestling ring.

Flying high... kinda
Courtesy: Jamie Myers

I'm not going to lie, I'm sore as hell right now. Roger Matheus literally kicked my ass Saturday night. I got in a few awkward moves against the big guy, including locking in a figure-four leg lock (wooo!) and a high cross body block. When I climbed the top rope for that I threw my hands up in the 'I love you sign' ala "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka. It wasn't pretty but I am overall satisfied with the effort.

Spear!
Courtesy: Snuggle Bunny

My favorite move of the night was the spear I hit on Matheus. I've watched Heath Hatton perfect this move in the Stride Pro Wrestling ring. No, it didn't have the precision of Hatton's move, but I did manage a two count with it. 

Electric chair

Some people have asked why the jeans in the match? I looked at it like this (and with the help of some friends in the business). I'm not a professional wrestler. Wearing tights didn't make sense. Other non-wrestlers on the show were wearing athletic shorts. I went into this thinking I'm looking for a street fight. I wanted revenge for what Roger did to my daughter earlier this month, so this seemed the most logical way to go. I was channeling the old Bunkhouse Stampede look from Jim Crockett Promotions in the 1980s. 

Victory!

Words can't express my gratitude to everyone who came out to support Stride Pro Wrestling and Pinckneyville High School. I had a few friends from my childhood show up and surprise me. Then, of course, there are all the boys in the back who helped us get to this point and Tyler who had the faith in me and Roger to go out there last. I'm literally still in awe of everything and have that 'wrestling buzz' I've talked about so many times before. Thank you again to everyone, I won't soon forget this experience. 

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Hanging with the Hulk

Who flexes best?

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I've had a lot of great opportunities come my way. The most recent was doing a sit-down live interview with Lou Ferrigno. He, of course, was the Incredible Hulk and Hercules. Lou is in town this weekend for the 13th annual Cape Comic Con at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau. 

The interview was a surreal moment because as we talked, I flashed back to the Incredible Hulk poster that hung in our playroom. It's Lou in the green body paint and ripped purple pants flexing. Never did I think in 1980-something I'd be sitting next to the man behind the gentle giant.

Earlier this week my buddy Tom Harness and I created a new interview show called 'Another Round with Tom & Kevin'. We do the show live on Facebook and then Tom converts the show into a podcast on the app Anchor. You can watch live and ask questions and that's just what people did during our show with Lou.

Our conversation before, during and after the interview was great. He was friendly and engaging and made two dorky dads feel like kings of the world. I found it interesting to hear the story of how even though he didn't talk during the Incredible Hulk, Lou was acting. I never thought of him having to know the motivation behind why David Banner was angered and what the character was reacting to. 

Lou in the makeup chair

The task of becoming the Hulk was arduous too. Lou was the first person on the set and the last to leave. It took three hours to get all that green paint on his massive body. He also told us he liked playing Hercules because he didn't have to wear paint and it showed off the definition of his muscles better.

These are just a few tidbits from our conversation. You can watch here. He stuck around and did an interview with me for the news too. Tom and I are thankful for both Lou giving up his time and delaying lunch to talk with us and Cape Comic Con organize Ken Murphy for helping set it all up. 

Thanks a million!

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Over the weekend the My 1-2-3 Cents website hit a milestone. Sunday evening the counter reached 1,000,000. I'm not going to lie, I've been waiting for this moment since I started the My 1-2-3 Cents blog in 2010. Yes, it's been just over seven years and I had hoped growth would happen faster. But I'm grateful none-the-less.

Readers of this blog are the ones to thank for the continued growth. I have a few specific shout outs I'd like to make here though. I consider Jeff Rose my blogging mentor. It was his idea for me to start a pro wrestling blog. In the early years, I had trouble increasing numbers. I got frustrated and there were times I thought about calling it quits. Instead, I tweaked my approach and added "life" and "pop culture" to the tagline.

Along the way, I became friends with Tom Harness at Harness Digital Marketing. He suggested changes in the layout of my blog and gave me ideas on how to get the word out on social media. Then in 2016, I got inspired to start a blogging streak, thanks in part to Gary Vee. I've continued that tradition to this day (between here and my other blog page KevinHunsblogger). 

When I started the KevinHunsblogger page, I decided to return My 1-2-3 Cents to its roots of being a pro wrestling blog. Since March 2017, everything posted here has been wrestling related. I have found in recent months the posts I write about independent wrestling, specifically Stride Pro Wrestling, get the most reads. 

I've had a few guest bloggers through the years too, most notably Chad Smart. We've been friends for more than a decade and have been to nine different WrestleManias through the years. I appreciate his help and the prizes he sends to give out to readers and listeners (the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast started in 2014).

And that brings me to this. Now that the million reader milestone has been reached, I'm going to celebrate with a giveaway. Just head over to the My 1-2-3 Cents Facebook page, like it (if you haven't already) and comment on this post. Thanks, everyone.

Lucky number 7

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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September 3, 2010, the My 1-2-3 Cents brand was born. At that time, I was just looking to start a wrestling blog and share my opinions and memories about my favorite pass time. Some have questioned the name, My 1-2-3 Cents, so for those who don't know it's a play on the phrase, my two cents. The referee in a wrestling match has to make the three count, so I went with My 1-2-3 Cents.

Each year when I write a post commemorating the anniversary I thank Jeff Rose. He's a friend of mine and the most successful blogger I personally know. He gave me the idea to focus a blog on just wrestling. Of course, through the years this page was tweaked and I added other content to it, but since developing another brand this year, Kevin Hunsblogger, My 1-2-3 Cents has returned to wrestling only content.

Tom Harness & Kevin Hunsperger at a Cape Championship Wrestling show

I'd also like to thank my buddy Tom Harness from Harness Digital Marketing. He's helped with getting the word out about all my products and has given me some solid ideas for growing the My 1-2-3 Cents brand. Look for some new endeavors coming up in 2018. My hope this year is also to reach one million page views. As of this posting, the page sits at just over 957,000. It's been a long time coming but I have no plans on giving up. 

Thank you as well to everyone who reads and shares this blog. It means the world to me to see it reshared on Facebook and Twitter. I even occasionally run into people in public who comment that they've read the blog, watched the YouTube channel or listen to the podcast. 

Your feedback is critical to the development of the My 1-2-3 Cents brand. You can comment on this post or leave an anonymous review here. 

The Cock and Sock Connection

Socko meets cocko
OTT Wrestling 

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I'm sure the headline for this blog isn't original, but I hadn't seen it when I thought of it and it seemed like a no brainer. I polled (pun intended) some of my fellow wrestling fan friends and asked if it was too over the top. I am mildly concerned it may offend some, but I've decided if the core audience I'm aiming for isn't offended, then we'll move forward. If you are offended, skip the rest of this and check in again tomorrow.

It seems that the Wrestling Internet Community has been buzzing from a weekend video of Mick Foley and Socko going up against Joey Ryan and his well... penis. Ryan is well known on the indy scene for having the most powerful penis in the world. It was nearly two years ago that he got into a test of strength against a Japanese wrestler and Ryan was able to use his junk to overpower his foe. Since then it's been a staple in a Joey Ryan match. 

But like most things in wrestling, the move draws criticism from some fans and folks in the industry. It's safe to say Jim Cornette is the biggest opponent of the spot (and many other moves done by indy guys in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, Chikara Pro and other companies of the sort). Anyway, back to the Foley portion of this, it happened in after a match and Foley along with Mr. Socko tried to beat the King of Dong Style. But Ryan's penis prevailed and Foley ended up getting flipped like many of Ryan's opponents have.

Foley & Cornette

Cornette tweeted after seeing the spot, "I love @RealMikeFoley, sad to see a real star stooping to give credibility to an asswipe nobody like this. Sorry, have to tell the truth." 

A meme from Foley's page

Foley fired back, "So last night in Dublin, there was an incident involving a case of mistaken identity, and a leapfrog that turned an innocent attempt at a mandible claw into something far, FAR more sinister! I know Joey Ryan's #DickFlip has divided the wrestling Community in a way we previously thought only John Cena or Roman Reigns could! It has become the #IWC equivalent of the Trump/Hillary election - ending friendships, even turning brother against brother...brother! Son against Daddy...daddy! It's quite possible Jim Cornette will never speak to me again after seeing this photo - a solid 28 year friendship over in a matter of seconds! So why, you may ask, would I participate in such a potentially divisive penile palming? The answer is simple - look at the smiles. JUST LOOK AT THE SMILES! There is a smile, literally on EVERY face! In the end, isn't that what it's all about? If applying the mandible claw to Joey Ryan's genitalia last night was wrong...I don't want to be right!

Please let me know how YOU feel about this gripping problem!
The #MickFoleyMemorabiliaAuction begins tomorrow at http://rainn.org with 100% of profits going to #RAINN"

Joey Ryan in Cape Championship Wrestling

Now for my 1-2-3 cents on the matter. Wrestling has always had a comical or cartoonish element to it. Jake Roberts covering an opponent with a snake, Brutus Beefcake cutting an opponent's hair and Dusty Rhodes trying to fool us as the Midnight Rider. I love Cornette and I respect his opinion, he's being a bit too harsh and critical of the men and women who are doing these comedy gimmicks. Wrestling is entertainment. There's room for the fun and the seriousness. I've been to a show where Ryan did the YouPorn Plex (Cape Championship Wrestling) and the crowd popped for it. My buddy (Tom Harness) has only been to a couple indy shows in his life and he still talks about Ryan's performance months later.

Joey Ryan in Cape Championship Wrestling
Courtesy: Tom Harness

So it's different strokes for different folks (again, pun intended). Cornette has the right to his opinion as do his supporters. And Ryan has the right to do a gimmick that has made him a more popular performer on the indy scene. I'd heard of him before this but would have never been able to pick him out of a lineup, so the publicity is more likely helping him and helping wrestling. Moves like this are not a detriment to the business. Let's agree to disagree and move along.

Before the show starts

Helping get ready for TLC
Photo courtesy: Tom Harness

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Life in the world of independent wrestling is an interesting one. I suppose even on the big stage it's an exciting time too. But I've never worked for WWE or WCW or TNA (except for a one off as a guest manager), so I'm going to talk about my experiences.

Setting up the ring

When I was working with All American Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Collision, things were much more physical. A handful of arrived on the morning of a TV taping and set up the ring. That included the guard rails around the ring, the chairs and preparing the locker room area and "promo room." After assisting with the recording of promos and vignettes, it was showtime. 

The ring packed up

We'd do commentary for two shows and supplemental videos for YouTube. After the tapings ended and the fans cleared the building, it was time to tear down the ring, load it up in a truck and return it to storage. Same with the guardrails. This process made for a LONG day as we usually arrived for set up by 8 or 9 a.m. and wrapped things up around midnight. Then it was off to Steak 'n Shake for a burger and big ass milkshake to unwind from the night.

Running through the card
Courtesy: Tom Harness

With Stride Pro Wrestling the labor is less taxing. We're in a unique position of having a permanent home, so the ring is in place. The students and trainers at the Stride school help with setting up the chairs. The biggest thing I do before the show is talking with the wrestlers I'm about to announce and make sure I've got their weight and hometown correct. We go over any interview segments I may conduct in the ring and figure out what points we'll be driving home. When the show ends, I help pick up trash and fold chairs, but the process is quick and painless.

Starting in July, I'll add commentary duties to my schedule for the new Stride Pro Wrestling YouTube channel. I'm looking forward to this next step in the development of the independent wrestling company. Look for more big announcements here and on social media in the coming weeks. 

When wrestling gives back

James Storm vs. Scott Phoenix
Courtesy: Tom Harness

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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We often see stories about how WWE works with charities around the world. The company has donated money to causes like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Make a Wish and the Boys and Girls Club. But smaller wrestling companies and the men and women who work those shows often give back to their communities too. 

Hatton vs. Matheus
Courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents

Stride Pro Wrestling recently held a fundraiser show for victims of deadly tornados that hit southern Illinois. Special guest 'Cowboy' James Storm competed with the familiar faces on the Stride roster. Champion Heath Hatton clashed with 'Big' Roger Matheus in a TLC match that took both men to the brink of destruction. I'm proud to have been a small part of the event and to report the show raised more than $2,500. A portion of that money will go to the storm relief as well as a fund to install a parking lot at Community Consolidated Unit 204 school.

Stride is behind another big fundraiser event June 10. WWE Hall of Famer 'Cowboy' Bob Orton teams up with 'Farmer' Billy Hills to face Maximum Overdrive (Ax Allwardt & Scott Phoenix) for the Stride Pro Wrestling tag team titles. The event will raise money for a program called Youthbuild of Jefferson and Marion Counties. The group helps young adults get their GED and train them for a variety of careers, including nursing and construction. Ringside seats are $15 and a meet and greet with Bob Orton is $10. General admission seats are $10. The show is at Summersville Grade School in Mt. Vernon.

Cape Championship Wrestling is teaming up with Lawless Harley Davidson in Scott City, Missouri for the Ashlynn McClure Memorial Show. This is a fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. The show is Saturday, May 20 and the guest that night is Tracy Smothers. Tickets are on sale now on the company's website.

These are just a few upcoming fundraising events. Like I said, indy wrestling has always found a way to give back. Please try to come out and support these special causes and the men and women who are putting their bodies on the line to entertain us.