I need YOUR 1-2-3 Cents

Colt Cabana & Kevin Hunsperger
Cape Con 2017

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

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Building the My 1-2-3 Cents brand has been a major goal of mine for some time. Now that 2017 is more than halfway over, I've actually turned my attention to 2018. Without going into a whole lot of details, I had a pretty productive meeting this afternoon for what could be a big opportunity for My 1-2-3 Cents; the blog and the podcast. 

I need your 1-2-3 cents on a few things. What current (not WWE) wrestlers, managers or personalities would you most like to meet? What about legends? And how much would you be willing to pay for that opportunity to take a photo and get an autograph with said personality? 

I've got some ideas of who I want to partner with in a meeting & greet type setting, but sometimes I think my perspective is clouded since I am no longer in the typical wrestling fan demographic. Please share your thoughts on this post or on Facebook. You can message me privately if you'd rather your answers not be public. But I am really hoping to make a big announcement in the coming months and this is the official countdown to that coming. Thanks for your help.

Before the show starts

Helping get ready for TLC
Photo courtesy: Tom Harness

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

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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. 

Connor the Crusher

Connor & Daniel Bryan after Wrestlemania XXX

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Most wrestling fans already know the story, but it's trending all over social media now, even on non-wrestling fans' pages.  Connor Michalek, an 8 year old WWE Superfan, recently had his final wish come true.  While weak and dying of brain cancer, Connor "the Crusher" got to meet his hero Daniel Bryan for a second time and watch him capture the WWE World Heavyweight title at Wrestlemania.

You have to watch the video to truly grasp the scope of the situation.  WWE grants wishes all the time for Make-A-Wish.  In fact, John Cena is the most requested celebrity for the charity group.  Not just wrestler, folks.  Celebrity.  

Connor pins Triple H

What WWE did for Connor back in April was noble.  I watched the video the company produced and not just cried, I sobbed.  As a father of three, I can't imagine the pain Connor's family felt as this adorable and energetic little boy took his last breath.  He will be remembered by the Superstars and Divas he met and the fans who watched it all unfold.

The WWE (and wrestling in general) is often criticized.  People call it fake.  They say the wrestlers are in it for themselves, etc.  I applaud the WWE for its efforts not just with Connor and Make-A-Wish, but all the other groups they have rallied behind and causes they support.  Yes, things have changed.  Sports entertainment trumps wrestling these days, but with the good that's coming out of that transition, I'm okay with it.