Mt. Rushmore: SummerSlam Main Events

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

SummerSlam makes its return this Saturday, so I thought, what better topic for this week's Mt. Rushmore than my favorite SummerSlam main events. Please note I said my favorite vs. the best because I think those are two very different things. My list, as you will soon see, is built mostly on nostalgia. 

Courtesy: WWE

John Cena vs. Daniel Bryan (2013): This match, I realize, is probably a happy accident in terms of how it all played out. Daniel Bryan, my favorite wrestler of that era, was finally getting some main event love. Sure, he'd been the World Champion earlier, but I felt like he was truly over now, and the powers that be seemed to be on board.

He challenged John Cena to a great match for the WWE Championship and ends up winning. I was pumped until Randy Orton comes out to cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase. Triple H, who was the special guest referee, double-crossed Bryan, and Orton won. Of course, the underdog prevailed in the end, winning the undisputed championship six months later at WrestleMania XXX (a match I was there to see). 

Courtesy: WWE

British Bulldog vs. Bret Hart (1992): My all-time favorite tag team is the British Bulldogs. In the 80s, that duo feuded with the Hart Foundation. The matches were incredible. Fast forward a few years, and now Davey Boy Smith and his brother-in-law Bret Hart are feuding for the Intercontentinal Championship. Both men were good guys, but that didn't stop them from bringing out all the stops.

Hart and Smith closed the show at Wembley Stadium. It was the first and only time in SummerSlam history that the event was held overseas and that the IC Title match was in the main event. Bulldog got the victory in this hard-fought match. Unfortunately, his reign and his time in WWE were cut short, but that doesn't take away from this incredible matchup. 

Courtesy: WWE

The Mega Powers vs. The Mega Bucks (1988): I can't leave off the first SummerSlam main event. This was reffed by Jesse 'the Body' Ventura and featured the new WWF champ Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan teaming up against Andre the Giant and 'The Million Dollar Man' Ted DiBiase. It was a solid main event for the inaugural event. 

The match ends with Elizabeth showing off her legs and distracting the Mega Bucks. It was great storytelling as the seeds were being planted for the eventual breakup of the Mega Powers, which would culminate at WrestleMania V.

Courtesy: WWE

Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior vs. Sgt. Slaughter, Col. Mustafa, and Gen. Adnan (1991): What an awesomely bad main event this was. It's the era I grew up in. I have to pick it. I loved this time and everything that was going on in the WWF at the time. Newcomer Sid Justice had just arrived and was the referee for the match. Ric Flair was being talked about coming in at the time. I was so stoked.

But yes, the match quality here was low, but it was fun. As a fan, I had no clue about the tension with the Warrior at the time. Little did we know that would be the last time we'd see him for six months until WrestleMania VIII. As I write this, I'm noticing many connections between SummerSlam and WrestleMania... go figure.

So what are your favorites? I think John Cena and Roman Reigns will close the show this year and do an excellent job. 

Scariest of All-Time: Papa Shango

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I love Papa Shango. Yes, I know the gimmick was pretty dang cheesy, but in that era, cheese was good. Or at least I thought it was. This voodoo master made life miserable for his opponents, most notably the Ultimate Warrior. 

Prior to that he stormed the ring at WrestleMania VIII to help Sid Justice beat up on Hulk Hogan. That prompted the returning Warrior to hit the ring at 100 miles per hour and dispose of the heels. That lead Shango to cast a spell on Warrior, who ended up losing his lunch on TV once. 

Papa Shango wasn't long for this world. The man behind the gimmick, Charles Wright eventually became Kama the Ultimate Fighting Machine in the Million Dollar Corporation, then Kama Mustafa in the Nation of Domination before somehow transforming into the Godfather. What an evolution.

But for what it's worth, I always enjoyed the Papa Shango character. Looking back nearly 30 years later it provided plenty of entertainment for fans. 

AUDIO: The Summer of '89

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Oh, what a year! The Summer of 1989 is one of my favorites as a wrestling fan. There's a lot to talk about on this week's My 1-2-3 Cents podcast. Give it a listen and let me know what you think. What was your favorite memory of that year?

Listen here.

AUDIO: Favorite pro wrestling returns

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By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Who doesn't love a good return to the ring? There have been plenty of great ones over the years. This week Stride Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Red Daniels and I go through a few of our favorite returns. I picked him to be on the show because his return was a huge one recently for Stride.

You can listen to the show here. Don't forget to keep up with Stride Pro Wrestling here. 

AUDIO: Wrestling Under the Influence: 4 Elf Winter Ale & Christmas memories

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Merry Christmas!!! On the My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast this week we decided to do a Wrestling Under the Influence. Chad Smart from Positive Cynicism joins me for a bottle or two of Dark Horse Brewing's '4 Elf Winter Warmer Ale.' 

As we drink we cue the nostalgia and remember some of our favorite pro wrestling/Christmas memories. Spoiler alert, the Ultimate Warrior manhandling Santa Claus in comic book form is brought up.

Listen here and Merry Christmas.

My 1-BOO-3 Cents: Your Halloween pics

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Happy Halloween everyone. Each year I ask for your pics as it relates to the holiday. This year did not disappoint. Enjoy the selections and be sure to post your Halloween (or cosplay) photos next year. 

"Rowdy" Ax Allwardt

"Ravishing" Billy Wilson

Chris Slammer's guns trump the knife

Jake Montalvo will always believe

They're here...
The Karafa Family

The Mouth of the Northeast (and Scotland)
Martin Endersby 

You will always remember the name of...
Nathan Goolsby 

'Stubby J' and his crew are ready to settle the score

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Who treats an injured ghost?

Wraith visits Papa Shango

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I must admit since Wraith made his Stride Pro Wrestling debut in January, I've wanted to learn as much about him as I can. This ghost has not only taken fans by surprise but also the talent on the Stride roster. It took two men (Jerry Travelstead and El Magnifico) to pin him at Stride Goes Steel in May. Wraith is the Legacy Champion and the first winner of the Stride Cup. His record speaks for itself and surrounding himself with various disciples has done him well, with Ryzer being the most loyal of the pack.

Wraith's ankle

Uncovering Wraith's birth certificate a few months ago lead to more questions than answers. But recent developments have provided more clues as I attempt to apply logic in an illogical situation. You see, inside that cage, Wraith twisted his ankle. It's the first time we've seen ghoulish figure show any sign of vulnerability. 

Wraith vs. CJ Jordan

At the June 2 show in Christopher, Wraith dominated newcomer CJ Jordan but was clearly not 100 percent in the battle. Naturally, my inquisitive mind led me to find out who Wraith is seeing for treatment for his injury. Wraith doesn't talk and when I asked Ryzer what was up, he yelled so loud at me my ears are still ringing. 

Wraith & Ryzer

However, I have friends in the pro wrestling business around the country and one of them tipped me off that Wraith and Ryzer were recently spotted in Parts Unknown. That is the hometown of countless pro wrestlers but along with the location, a photo was sent. Wraith was with former WWE Superstar Papa Shango.

We all know the big man was a voodoo practitioner, typically casting spells that caused pain and/or harm to his opponents. Who can forget the Ultimate Warrior's ooze and subsequent projectile vomiting? I doubt Shango would do anything to hurt Wraith as the two seem to be alike in their desire to destroy those who get in their way.

Time will tell if Papa Shango smoking skulls and voodoo potions had an impact on Wraith's injured ankle. As it stands, he's set to defend the Legacy Title against Arron Brooks on Saturday, August 4. We'll see you soon. 

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Seven things I love about WrestleMania VII

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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It's hard to believe WrestleMania VII went down 27 years ago today (March 24, 1991). I was a senior in high school and it's one of the first WrestleManias I watched live. I watched the first WrestleMania on closed-circuit later that evening and WrestleMania IV the same way but from the Kiel Center in downtown St. Louis. My buddy Jim had invited me over to watch VII and I still remember being so stoked to not have to watch to get a VHS copy of the show.

So since today is the anniversary, I figured I share some things I love about WrestleMania VII. 

7.  Bret Hart's solo career launches. Hart and his tag team partner Jim Neidhart lost the WWF Tag Team Championships that night to the Nasty Boys. It was pretty much the end of the Hart Foundation as Bret would get a huge push as a solo act and won the Intercontinental Championship at the company's next pay-per-view, SummerSlam 1991. They'd tried this a few years prior, but the Hitman and Anvil ended up reuniting. This time, however, Hart went full speed ahead as Neidhart joined forces with Owen Hart for a while. 

Courtesy: WWE

6. Blindfold match. The blindfold match between Rick Martel and Jake "The Snake" Roberts gets criticism from some fans. However, I enjoyed the hell out of it and the story that led to the match. Back in the early 90s, there were no Raw or monthly pay-per-views. WWF was able to build this story and let it simmer from the fall of 1990 all the way to the culmination in March 1991. 

5. Andre's swan song. I don't think anyone knew it, but WrestleMania VII would be Andre the Giant's last Mania. He died less than two years later and even at the event in Los Angeles. He wrestled a few more times after this. You probably recall Andre didn't actually wrestle at Mania, just aided the Big Bossman in his match against Mr. Perfect.

Courtesy: WWE

4. The Streak is born. In 1991 no one had any idea that the Undertaker would still be showing up for WrestleMania in 2018. I had believed at that point that the gimmick would be around for a year or two and then fade away like so many of the other over the top cartoonish characters we'd come to see in the WWF. But much credit to Undertaker, Paul Bearer and WWE Creative for staying the course and creating one of the most iconic characters ever. The Streak was something of importance for more than two decades as well. 

3. Hulkamania ran wild again. Yes, I was a Hulkamaniac, even in high school. I couldn't stand the fact that Sgt. Slaughter was WWF Champion. It was great to see the belt back where it belonged (even though I had no problem with Warrior's run on top either).

2. Kerry Von Erich makes his WrestleMania debut. WrestleMania VII was Kerry's one and only Mania appearance. Growing up, I was a huge fan of his. When he signed with WWF in 1990 as the Texas Tornado I was excited to see him on the big stage. His run was solid despite having the personal demons he battled. His appearance at Mania was short and sweet, but he was victorious that night beating Dino Bravo.

1. "Macho Man" Randy Savage vs. The Ultimate Warrior. This remains my personal favorite when it comes to WrestleMania matches. The emotion involved in it radiated through the TV that night. The end was amazing with Warrior, war paint smeared all over his face, pinned an exhausted Macho Man with one foot on his chest. Some criticized that move, but to me it was perfect. Then with Sherri turning on Savage and Elizbeth making the save made me pop. I loved Savage and Sherri together, but we all know he and Liz were meant to be.

So what are your favorite moments from that night? Share here or on the My 1-2-3 Cents Facebook page.

My favorite Survivor Series

Survivor Series 1990
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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With Survivor Series just a few hours away, I thought I'd share a quick post about my favorite of the 30 events. Let's go back to 1990 and enjoy a stroll down memory lane. I was a senior in high school. George HW Bush was President of the United States and our country was inching closer to war with Iraq. In fact, Iraqi sympathizer Sgt. Slaughter was making his WWE pay per view wrestling debut. 

Undertaker vs. Dusty Rhodes
Courtesy: WWE

There were plenty of other debuts that night that made this a memorable event for me. The Undertaker was the mystery partner of The Million Dollar Team. Ted DiBiase promised a big surprise that night and boy did he deliver. "Mean" Mark Callous from WCW showed up dressed in black and purple. Brother Love escorted him out very slowly and methodically. He took out Koko B. Ware in the opening moments of the match. Went on to pin the opposing team's captain, "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, but got himself counted out for going after the Dream to inflict more punishment.

Goobley Gooker debuts
Courtesy: WWE

The Goobley Gooker also made his first appearance at Survivor Series 1990. The turkey hatched from a giant egg and was a let down to many fans. Under the mask was Hector Guerrero. Unfortunately (and yes I mean that), the gimmick didn't stay around long but has been brought back over the last 27 years for nostalgia's sake. Chad and I talk more about the gimmick on Monday's My 1-2-3 Cents podcast. 

My favorite Survivor Series team of all-time opened the show that year. The Warriors, led by The Ultimate Warrior, The Texas Tornado and the Legion of Doom battled the Perfect Team of Mr. Perfect and Demolition. You can read more about that here. 

The main event
Courtesy: WWE

The other thing I liked about this PPV was the ultimate survivors' match. The winners from the previous matches were put into the main event. This is the first and only time WWE has done the match. WWF Champion the Ultimate Warrior, Hulk Hogan and Tito Santana beat DiBiase, Rick Martel, The Warlord, Hercules and Paul Roma. Not surprising, Warrior and Hogan were the sole survivors of that match. The only thing I would have changed about it is allowing Warrior to have that moment to himself. Warrior never really got the chance to be "the man." I understand business wasn't as good as it was when Hogan was on top and that's why he was always close by, but Warrior's ascension to the top was dead in the water before it even started. 

So those are a few of the reasons Survivor Series 1990 stands out for me. What's your favorite Survivor Series? Weigh in here or on the My 1-2-3 Cents Facebook page.

Boo Blog: Best moments from The Funeral Parlor

Paul Bearer's Funeral Parlor
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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The Undertaker made his debut in the WWF at the Survivor Series in 1990. At that point, Brother Love was managing the Dead Man. A couple months later the world met Undertaker's new manager Paul Bearer. The partnership made complete sense and happened ironically on the Brother Love Show.

Not only did Paul Bearer replace Love as Undertaker's manager, but Bearer's Funeral Parlor segment soon replaced the Brother Love Show. The set for this segment was very elaborate. The casket, the eerie light and funeral music all added to the effect. Here are a few of my favorite moments from The Funeral Parlor.

During the spring of 1991, the Ultimate Warrior paid a visit to the Funeral Parlor. Bearer starts the segment off reminding fans of his open invitation to the mortuary. The Ultimate Warrior accepted the invite. Bearer unveiled a casket covered with the Warrior's trademark logo on it. As Warrior and Bearer argued, Undertaker appeared out of another nearby casket. Warrior was assaulted and eventually stuffed into his personalized casket.

The aftermath
Courtesy: WWE

Vince McMahon on commentary is selling the attack in true McMahon fashion. Officials tried in vain to get the casket open as McMahon, Roddy Piper and Randy Savage debated the fate of the Warrior. It took forever, but the casket finally got popped open and the Warrior was unconscious and the lining on the lid had been ripped to shreds. They actually showed CPR being performed and finally, Warrior came to again. 

This attack led to a series of matches between Undertaker and Ultimate Warrior, but the big payoff never really happened. You may remember Warrior fled WWF right after SummerSlam that year and by the time he returned at WrestleMania 8, Undertaker was a good guy. In my fantasy booking mind, I had Undertaker teaming with Sgt. Slaughter and Col. Mustafa against Hulk Hogan and Warrior in the main event, subbing Taker in for Gen. Adnan. Additional fun fact, according to Bruce Prichard, Warrior did not go when officials shopped for the coffin and Road Warrior Hawk was used as the stand-in for the purchase.

Jake, Paul and Undertaker
Courtesy: WWE

Undertaker, Bearer and Jake "The Snake" Roberts had a partnership at one point. But that relationship soured when Jake tried to attack Savage and Elizabeth after a Saturday Night's Main Event. Shortly after that Jake called out Undertaker, locked the urn and Taker's hand inside a casket and then DDT'd Bearer. Jake used a chair on Undertaker until the Dead Man mustered the strength to drag the coffin behind him and chase the Snake away. 

The segment took us to WrestleMania 8 as I mentioned above, where Undertaker beat Roberts. This move solidified Undertaker as a babyface and Jake was soon gone from the WWF. Jake had been on the Funeral Parlor a handful of times before but this was the most memorable and set up the turn for both Bearer and Undertaker.

The Hulkster's visit
Courtesy: WWE

Months after the Ultimate Warrior incident, WWF Champion Hulk Hogan was asked to be on the Funeral Parlor. He was preparing to defend the title against Undertaker at Survivor Series 1991. Before Hogan could even talk, Ric Flair arrived on the scene and the two engaged in a war of words. Just like he did to Warrior, Undertaker came out of a casket and nailed the champ from behind with an urn. He and Flair then put the boots to Hulkster.

Savage & Piper with the save
Courtesy: WWE

In a surprise move, two of Hogan's biggest rivals of all-time, Piper and Savage left commentary with chairs and chased off the heels. Hogan's trademark gold cross was ripped from his neck during the segment too. Days later, Flair would help Undertaker win his first WWF Championship as Hogan lost the "Gravest Challenge." 

Those are just a few of my favorite moments from the Funeral Parlor. Bearer did a great job with the segment and helped tell many memorable stories. What were your favorite memories of this feature?

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

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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!