Imitation Is The Sincerest Form of Flattery

The Renegade
Photo Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

It seems in all forms of entertainment there are always pretenders to the throne.  There are very few original ideas, but wrestlers, writers, and promoters come up with new ways to present those storylines and characters.  In the 1980's and 90's it seemed when a major player left a company, there was some sort of need to recreate the character.   Sometimes it works, but usually it doesn't.  Here are a few of my favorites.

The Renegade
Photo Courtesy: WWE

I don't usually speak ill of the dead, but when The Renegade was introduced to us in 1995, I (along with just about all other wrestling fans) thought he was a poor man's Ultimate Warrior.  Renegade was hired by WCW to be Hulk Hogan's "ultimate surprise."  Rick Walker (RIP), who played the character, had long brown hair, face paint, and rambled in his promos, just like the originator: Ultimate Warrior.

This was before WCW had even really started the Monday Night Wars, but with signing guys like Hogan, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, and "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, I guess Eric Bischoff thought it made sense to get a Warrior look-a-like.  We learned quickly though that the Renegade couldn't compare, even after beating Arn Anderson for the WCW TV title (which I still consider a major upset in the business)  It was a nice try, but at the end of the day Renegade never connected with the fans and he tried being something he was not.  The Ultimate Warrior stood the test of time because Jim Hellwig BECAME that character.  It was his life, and that's why nearly 30 years later, we're still talking about and praising this legend.

Cpl. Kirchner
Photo Courtesy: WWE

Sargent Slaughter had a solid following of patriotic fans when he stood up to the Russian Nikolai Volkoff and his Iranian sidekick the Iron Sheik.  They had bloody battles and fans loudly chanted USA! as Sarge got the best of the anti-Americans.  But when he left WWF in 1985, the company replaced him with a lower ranking officer.  Corporal Kirchner burst onto the scene and tried to pick up where Slaughter had left off, but just fell flat.  Even as a tween and teenager, I could tell this wasn't going to work.  I think the corporal's WWF highlight included a flag match victory over Volkoff at Wrestlemania II and an LJN action figure in his likeness. I still have mine.  It didn't take long for him to tumble into obscurity, before leaving WWF and finding success with a new gimmick, Leatherface.

Sivi Afi
Photo Courtesy: WWE

Finally, I think it's safe to say "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka was one of the most popular wrestlers in the world back in the early and mid-80's.  He was right behind Hogan and Andre the Giant for a long time in the WWF.  Snuka was voted Pro Wrestling Illustrated's most popular wrestler in 1983.  The Superfly eventually flew away though, leaving the WWF in 1985.  Snuka's "cousin" "Superfly" Afi was brought in to take over.  I liked him, I really did.  He reminded me of a younger version of Snuka, but never quite enough to make you forget about Jimmy.  Eventually Afi dropped the nickname and became Sivi Afi.  It wasn't long before he was enhancement talent and wrestling on Superstars putting over the likes of Savage, Ted DiBiase, and Harley Race.  

Of the three mentioned talents here, I really thought Afi would go the furtherest, but it was never meant to be.  I don't blame these men for signing up to take on these roles, in some cases (maybe all) they had no choice in the matter and were given the gimmick by the powers that be and told to make it work.  Nonetheless, they have provided many memories for me, and deserve some credit for at least getting into the ring and entertaining (or trying to entertain) the audience.

A Star Is Born

Introducing Stardust
Photo Courtesy: WWE.com

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

When Cody Rhodes and Goldust started showing signs of tension, I think I was in the same boat as most fans who thought it was the beginning of the end for the brotherly duo.  Then on the June 16 episode of Raw, we were all proven wrong.  The Rhodes brothers have returned, but with a new look.  Gone is Cody, replaced with Stardust.

It's an interesting gimmick change for Cody, as I always enjoyed his heel roles when he was "Dashing" and as a member of Evolution.  I like the idea of reinventing this team and keeping it fresh.  I feel like in recent years, tag teams have come and gone and faded away, weakening the division in general.  I'm hoping this move not only boosts Cody's career, but helps to rebuild the tag team ranks.  Plus, at the very least there's a new mask they can sell to kids and a tshirt featuring the new character.

Stardust wins
Photo Courtesy: WWE.com

Dustin Rhodes really deserves a lot of credit.  He's made the Goldust character work (off and on) for nearly 20 years. When he was introduced in 1995, the gimmick was a game changer and as far as I'm concerned, helped lead the company into what became known as the Attitude Era.  That being said, I don't really see longevity for Stardust.  I think Cody will eventually turn heel again.  Plus, even though he's in the best shape of his career, Goldust isn't going to be around forever.  Fans still want that brother vs. brother match and I think they're going to get it before it's all said and done.

Stardust & Goldust
Photo Courtesy: WWE.com

Bottom line, I'm not judging the new gimmick, I'm really not. Time will tell where it goes from here, but like I said, these two will definitely help spice up the tag team division again.  

Remembering Casey Kasem

Casey Kasem
April 27, 1932 - June 15, 2014

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

A generation of radio listeners and cartoon watchers is in mourning today.  Legendary radio host and voice over actor Casey Kasem has died.  I say a generation, but there are surely several generations who listened to and loved Kasem.

My first memories of that golden voice came as a child when I was obsessed with Scooby-Doo.  Kasem provided the voice for Shaggy. It's just one of many cartoon characters Kasem brought to life.  He also provided the voice for Robin, Batman's Boy Wonder sidekick.

While Kasem was popular in those roles, I think he'll best be remembered for his radio gig.  I listened to at least part of his American Top 40 countdown every Sunday growing up.  Back in the day, I would record portions of the show when my favorite songs would come on.  I still have cassette tapes with Casey counting down the top songs of the week.  Before I got into television, I aspired to be a DJ, thanks in large part to Kasem.

Something unique about the show that Kasem created was the "Long Distance Dedication."  Each week listeners would get to hear a request for someone they'd been missing.  The segment usually tugged at our heartstrings as Casey would read the heartfelt message on the air.  There was something about his voice that was so calm and soothing.  He truly was an icon.

Screech, Kasem, & Lisa
Saved By The Bell!

He made appearances on TV too, including his Top 10 countdown show and who can forget his two cameo appearances on Saved By The Bell.  He also appeared on My Two Dads and in the film Ghostbusters.  

I'm glad that one of the radio stations in my town, Magic 95.1, plays vintage WT 40's with Casey Kasem every weekend.  I give them a listen every time I'm in the car.  Casey may be gone, but thanks to technology, his golden voice will go on forever.

On Broadway...

Pippin
Photo Courtesy: Broadway.com

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

I have now had the good fortune of visiting New York City three times over the last 25 years.  The first trip, I was a junior in high school.  It was a family vacation and part of a swing through the northeast.  Stops included Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and even parts of Canada.  My second trip came in 2013 when I traveled with some buddies to Wrestlemania 29.  We stayed in New Jersey, but ventured into the city and saw Times Square, Madison Square Garden, and The Top of the Rock.

My wife and I recently returned from a trip to the Big Apple for a wedding.  One thing we wanted to do is see a Broadway show while we were there.  As I searched the different options, my friend let me know that he and his partner were treating us to Pippin.  Their friend, Kyle Dean Massey, is starring in the title role and would be singing at their wedding.

Outside the Music Box

I had no idea what Pippin was about.  I read up on it and was intrigued, but still wasn't quite sure what to expect when Lisa and I showed up at the Music Box Theater.  We flipped through the playbill as we sat in our seats eagerly awaiting the start of the show.  

Our friends arrived a few minutes later, and after a quick explanation of what Pippin was about, I couldn't wait to see how it was going to play out on the stage.  Here's a quick synopsis of the show from the website, NewYork:

Pippin is an idealist medieval prince searching for his identity who's led by a troupe of players on a journey of self-discovery. Will he succeed as a warrior, politician, farmer, or lover, or just go down in a final blaze of glory?

Catherine & Pippin
Photo Courtesy: Broadway.com

The curtain went up and we were immediately captivated.  I was simply amazed.  Having never seen a Broadway show, I have no point of reference, but the cast did a phenomenal job in my opinion.  There was so much action going on at times, that it was hard to decide what to watch.  The show is well choreographed and filled with amazing circus style stunts.  The men and women who performed on stage that night are in tip-top physical condition. The balanced, jumped, and flew through the air with no ropes, wires, or nets to catch them.  Simply put, we (along with the rest of the audience) were in awe.  I'm not how other shows are, but I can't imagine there are many that are as physically grueling as Pippin.

Yep, that happened
Photo Courtesy: Broadway.com

There are plenty of funny moments throughout and at times the audience is a part of the show.  The performers turned to us at times, which added laughs to the evening.  There's a sing-along at one point where we all got to "perform."  While I wouldn't call it a family show, it's definitely an awesome date night performance. Obviously, my skills as a reviewer are lacking, but the bottom line is if you have the opportunity, go see Pippin.  You will not be disappointed.

Future Endeavored 2014

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Updated at 4:30pm CST 

By now, you've probably seen the news that nine Superstars, one Diva, and one referee have been released from their WWE contracts.  I'm not surprised by this, as the company has called up some great talent from NXT in recent months. And with the exception of Mason Ryan and Ezekiel Jackson, I don't think there have been many people let go in quite some time.

The latest round of layoffs includes:
JTG
Drew McIntyre
Jinder Mahal
Aksana
Curt Hawkins
Teddy Long
Camacho
Brodus Clay
Evan Bourne
Yoshi Tatsu
Marc Harris (referee)

Brodus Clay
Photo courtesy: WWE

I'm not going to analyze everyone on the list, but there were some names that I'm disappointed are on the list.  Of course, I feel bad for anyone who loses their job, but these three that I'm going to talk about impact me the most.  I really wish that Brodus Clay would have been given more of a chance.  I enjoyed the Funkasaurus character, but I think ultimately it ended up hurting the guy.  He made the most of it, and it entertained me, but I always saw him as a monster heel type.  Unfortunately when Tons of Funk split up, we never really got to see that beast get unleashed.  

Evan Bourne
Photo courtesy: WWE

Evan Bourne hasn't wrestled in years at this point after facing suspensions and injuries.  I really hoped they would have brought him back in, and reunited him with Kofi Kingston.  Both always seem to get overlooked as singles competitors, but I really like the duo as Air Boom.  They were bringing stability to the tag team ranks a couple of years ago, until Evan got suspended. I would have also like to seen Bourne work with the current NXT champion Adrian Neville.  

Jinder Mahal & Drew McIntyre
Photo courtesy: WWE

I've liked Drew McIntyre since day one.  I really think the WWE dropped the ball on him, and maybe he dropped it too. I shouldn't just blame the creative team.  To me, Drew had so much potential in those early days.  I think he became a victim of his own success and ended up like a lot of guys do when the company is hot on them for a short period.  See Curtis Axel, Ryback, and Sin Cara and you'll understand that.  I must also say I marked out pretty hard in New Orleans this year when we ran into to Drew while hanging out with some of the NXT guys.  He approached our group of non-WWE guys and shook our hands and was quite cool to us.

I have no doubt that these talents will all find work on the independent scene.  TNA may pick up a few, but I don't see them as a better alternative. I'd assume Bourne will go to ROH once he's healthy.  Jeff Jarrett's Global Force Wrestling may grab some too. No matter what, I wish all of these stars the best of luck.

Here Come the Grooms

The happy night!

By Kevin Hunsperger 
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter 

I’ve been to weddings and receptions at fancy country clubs, wineries, ball stadiums, and even a pumpkin patch. But never did I think I would travel all the way to New York City and Central Park for a ceremony. My wife and I recently had the pleasure to do just that. Our friends, Brian and Keith, tied the knot on our anniversary in the “City That Never Sleeps.”

We met Brian, who we often refer to as Hammy or just Hampton, back in 1994 while attending Southeast Missouri State University. Brian and I became fast friends in our fraternity, Sigma Nu. 

The college years...

Even after he transferred to Indiana University, we remained in touch. After school, when we all moved to the St. Louis area, the friendship continued. This was at a time before social media existed, so people really had to put an effort into remaining friends. Eventually, I started a career and we moved to Alabama. Brian was there to help us as we traveled six hours from home that rainy day in November 1997. Distance became a factor, we still talked on the phone and exchanged emails. We had dinner a couple of times when we visited home, but then he moved away as well. That’s when the phone calls and emails became less frequent. By that point we were living in Indiana and had a kid. One of the last points of contact I remember having happened when Brian sent an outfit for our newborn son. I think our last phone conversation was about the 2000 Presidential Election and the hanging chads controversy. 

I remember touching base again after we moved to southern Illinois, which isn’t far from where he grew up. He was in Texas, and I had contacted him again after Hurricane Rita. Up until that point he’d been pretty private, but said “we are fine”, so I knew then that he had someone in his life. He never elaborated, and I didn’t ask. 

The Anniversary Party

About six months later, Brian sent Lisa and I a heartfelt email explaining why he had been so distant over the last six years. He opened up to us and said he was gay. He hoped that it wouldn’t change anything and he’d like to be in touch with us more. I know it was hard for him, because he had lost some friends along the way as he told them. We quickly added each other to our Top 8’s on Myspace, remember when that was a thing? Eventually we all got Facebook too, and Lisa and I couldn’t wait to meet Hammy’s longtime partner Keith. 

In 2009, I went to Wrestlemania 25 in Houston and flew in a couple of days early so I could head to Beaumont and visit with Brian and Keith. Even though a decade had passed, it was like nothing had changed. We remembered the old times and caught up with each other too. In 2011, Lisa and I traveled to Beaumont for their 10-year anniversary. They threw an amazing black tie party, which included a hilarious parody video of them as Mitchell and Cam from Modern Family. They received videotaped messages from the many Broadway stars they’ve met in their travels to New York City.

Brian, Keith, and Kyle

A few months ago, we received an invitation to their wedding in New York. Lisa and I could not wait to celebrate the love and friendship that now spans two decades. The ceremony was held at the Cop Cot in Central Park. It took some time to find, but we eventually located it (it’s a big park) and witnessed our friends promise to love and cherish one another, just as Lisa and I had done 17 years to the day prior. One of their friends from Broadway, Kyle Dean Massey of Pippin, sang during the ceremony. The two then walked down a path as all the guests tossed yellow rose pedals at them. A man in the park sat and watched with a huge grin and even recorded the moment with his phone. It was great to be a part of this special day. 

The Skivvies!
She is wearing her bra and panties

The fun continued on at the restaurant Joe Allen. Dinner was amazing, and included lobster and shrimp sliders. I’d never had anything like it before. We eventually headed to the after party, at 54 Below. The band, The Skivvies, who perform in their underwear, entertained us. There were several special guests who took the stage and sang a variety of mashups. Keith got up on stage and dropped his drawers for a special tribute to Brian. 

 It was a party like no other, and I know Lisa and I are both blessed that Brian and Keith included us in the celebration. We wish them much love and happiness for the rest of their lives.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

The Shield ends
Photo courtesy: WWE.com

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Lots of folks are still buzzing about Seth Rollins and his split from The Shield.  I'll be the first to admit, I was surprised by the actions, because I thought either Roman Reigns or Dean Ambrose would be the first to leave the group.  I'm sad to see the faction split up, because I really thought they'd hit their stride and still had enough gas in the tank to carry the gimmick a bit further.  But I'm interested to see how this situation is going to develop and instead of speculating on what's next, I'm going to look back on some other big breakups in the world of wrestling.

The shocking turns we all talk about include Hulk Hogan joining the nWo.  Paul Bearer whacking The Undertaker in the head with his own urn back in 1996 is burned in our memories.  And we'll never forget Shawn Michaels superkicking and throwing his Rockers partner Marty Jannetty through the glass window of the Barber Shop set more than 20 years ago.

Paul Orndorff turns on Hulk Hogan
Photo courtesy: WWE

When I was in middle school, Hulkamania was sweeping the nation.  Hogan and Paul Orndorff had formed an alliance after the first Wrestlemania and teamed up to rid the WWF of Roddy Piper, Bob Orton, and Bobby Heenan's family.  However, enough was enough and just over a year into their partnernship "Mr. Wonderful" was finished with the Hulkster.  Orndorff claimed he was tired of living in Hogan's shadow and on WWF Superstars, he clotheslined and delivered a devastating piledriver to the champ after they'd beaten the tandem of Big John Studd and King Kong Bundy.  This set the wheels in motion for a memorable feud between the former friends, which was highlighted with that epic steel cage match "tie" on Saturday Night's Main Event.  Hogan would go on to lose more friends through the years like Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, and Brutus Beefcake (in WCW).

Ronnie Garvin and his new friends
 

Besides Hogan, I think Dusty Rhodes is the other face to have lost as many friends.  The Road Warriors attacked him and tried putting out his eye.  Barry Windham turned on him and joined the Four Horsemen.  Even "Hands of Stone" Ronnie Garvin punched out the Dream.  It happened at the Great American Bash in 1988. Garvin walked into the ring, cold-cocked Dusty and left. Windham was defending the U.S. Title against Rhodes and covered the unconscious hero for the three count.  Garvin nor Rhodes stuck around in the NWA very long after so we never really got to see this feud develop.

Chris Adams snaps
Photo courtesy: worldclasswrestling.net

Another trusting group of faces who always had friends stabbing them in the back was the Von Erich family.  The popular and charismatic brothers ended up getting betrayed by the likes of Brian Adias, Iceman King Parsons, and "Gentleman" Chris Adams. While still a good guy, Adams turned to the notorious manager Gary Hart (who also briefly managed the rouge Ronnie Garvin in the NWA) for guidance.  Long time friend and partner, Kevin Von Erich advised against the move.  Eventually Chris got tired of the goody two shoes and blasted his buddy with a chair one night. This set up an epic feud between the two and lead to a partnership between Adams, Gino Hernandez, and very briefly Jake "The Snake" Roberts.  While the feud wasn't as intense as the Von Erichs and Freebirds, the matches were always solid and eventually simmered after Kerry and Kevin beat The Dynamic Duo and shaved their heads.  

These are just a few of the great (again in my opinion) breakups in wrestling.  What are your faves?  Post here and thanks for reading.