50 Shades of Rey

My tribute to Rey Mysterio
(I'm sure MOST of these pics are property of WWE)

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen on the Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network

There will likely be plenty of spoofs of the upcoming film 50 Shades of Grey.  I decided to strike early with a tribute to Rey Mysterio.  I had thought about 50 Shades of Mae, but didn't want people to think I was disrespecting the deceased WWE Hall of Famer.  50 Shades of Bray also crossed my mind, but I don't know that there are 50 photos of Bray Wyatt in different outfits.

Putting this photo montage together made me actually miss Rey Mysterio.  I hope he's doing well and is back for at least one more run with WWE before calling it a career.  6-1-9!!!

Hollywood Hits Home

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen on the Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network

In 2013 Hollywood came to my neck of the woods.  Crews were in Cape Girardeau, Missouri (where I went to college) and southern Illinois (where I live now) to film Gone Girl.  Stars Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry made headlines in the local news.  They slept in our hotels, ate in our restaurants and worked out in our gyms.  It was an exciting time.

The Bar
117 Themis Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

I finally watched the film recently, after failing to see it on the big screen.  I know a few of the extras, so it was fun not just seeing them, but also recognizing places I've known for many years.  Because the bulk of the film was made in Cape, it's only fitting that there is now a new restaurant in town called The Bar.

Selfie time

My wife, daughter and I recently had a late lunch at The Bar (which is the name of the establishment Affleck's character owns). It is a family friendly environment.  On the outside, it looks just as it did in the film.  The inside is divided with the actual bar on one side and the restaurant on the other.  It's very nicely decorated.  The tables are covered with neatly pressed, white linen cloths. Maroon napkins top each table, along with the silverware. We felt underdressed when walking in, but quickly got over that.

The Bar Burger

Reviewing the menu, I was pleasantly surprised at the prices.  The atmosphere leads you to think it's going to be expensive dining, but the reality is the prices are reasonable.  Items include everything from burgers to fish to lamb.  I opted for The Bar Burger and potato wedges with a side of honey mustard.  The burger is a beef pork patty with caramelized onions on a pretzel bun.  I liked it a lot. My wife and daughter had the fish and chips (potato wedges).  They were out of prime rib for the panini my daughter first ordered.  

The restaurant is pretty small on the inside.  I didn't count the tables, but I could see there be long waits during prime eating times.  We were there at three o'clock on a Sunday so we were seated immediately.  The size of the bar side seemed in line with most other places I've been to.  No crowds on a Sunday afternoon, but I'm sure that's different on a Friday night.

Like the movie Gone Girl, I give The Bar two thumbs up.  The food is good. Portion sizes are plentiful.  The service during our visit was a little slow, but we took that time to enjoy the ambience and talk.  The price is right too (the three of us ate for less than $40).  If you find yourself in downtown Cape Girardeau (the real life Carthage) head to The Bar for a meal and a drink.

Seth Rollins: The New Total Package

Seth Rollins
Photo Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents Twitter

Another Monday night has come and gone and instead of fans talking about what happened on Raw or the fact that Rikishi is being inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, the focus has been on Seth Rollins.  The buzz around "Mr. Money in the Bank" has nothing to do with his wrestling career and instead on his personal life.  By now, if you're a wrestling fan, you've read the news and possibly even seen the pictures that were leaked onto social media of Rollins in his birthday suit.

Zahra Schreiber

The way I understand it, a nude photo of newly signed Zahra Schreiber ended up on Rollins' social media pages.  Zahra as far as I can tell has not appeared on NXT.  Her name and bio are not up on WWE's website.  Apparently, Rollins' fiancee Leighla Schultz uploaded nude photos of Rollins' with the caption "Zahara?"  All the pictures were deleted a short time later, but I would imagine this has created a bit of a mess for Rollins and WWE.

Rollins has since tweeted an apology.  Triple H has been quoted as saying it's a personal matter, and I agree with that.  Rollins in no way had intended for those photos to go public.  Of course the lesson we can all take away is, DON'T TAKE NAKED PICTURES OF YOURSELF because who knows who will end up with them and how many of us will see them.  That also goes for posing for pics, unless that's the direction you want your career/life to take. (I'm not judging)

Chyna

Some have already drawn parallels between this incident and Triple H's remarks recently about Chyna's past in adult films and whether she should go into the WWE Hall of Fame.  I respect the opinions of all sides, but I think we're talking two different things here.  Chyna made a decision to make the film(s) and knew that others would be watching.  I'm assuming Rollins intended for his photos to be part of a private moment with whomever he sent them to.  Punish Rollins?  No.  I think he's learned a lesson here, and hopefully others have too. 

By the way, I chose not to share the pics in question here for obvious reasons, even the ones that are pixelated.  

The NeverEnding Story

Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network

Up until last year's build up to Wrestlemania with Daniel Bryan winning the WWE World Heavyweight title I think I was much more critical of the wrestling industry.  As a fan, I think if we don't get that instant gratification we're looking for, we begin bash the product and the people coming up with the storylines.  But there was something about that Bryan story when it started at SummerSlam 2013 and wrapped up at Wrestlemania XXX that changed my mind.  That slow burn really paid off.

The Steve Austin Show
Courtesy: WWE

I'm not naive enough to believe that this was a part of the original plan.  I do think that vocal fans may have helped dictate the outcome (along with CM Punk's sudden departure after the 2014 Royal Rumble).  But I believe that Triple H's recent comments on the Steve Austin podcast rang true.  WWE is like the NeverEnding story.  There is original content at our fingertips 52 weeks a year.  Some weeks will be better than others.

By accepting that premise, it makes me think before I immediately react to something I didn't like on Raw, SmackDown! or a pay per view.  I may still make a snarky comment on Twitter from time to time, but I am trying to look at more of the big picture.  And that's not to say that fans can't make their voice heard and not like something at the moment.  But if we remember that there is no end date to any of the wrestling storylines we are watching, it's comforting to know that things MAY end up going the way we "book" them with our friends.  We know when watching a movie they have two hours or so to tell the story and deliver the outcome we want.  Wrestling isn't like that.

Jimmy Snuka attacks Don Muraco
My first WWE memory

I've been a loyal to WWF/E since watching Jimmy Snuka tear into Don Muraco in the summer of 1983.  I stuck around through characters like the Goon, Skinner and Aldo Montoya.  I'll be here through this so-called screwing of Daniel Bryan, because at the end of the day I do think everything will work out.  It may take some time to get there, but let's be patient and enjoy the ride.  I may not love every minute of it, but in general I like what I'm seeing and therefore will continue to watch (and maybe drink the Kool-Aid).

Venues I Missed Out On

Madison Square Garden (1984)
Photo 

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Growing up in St. Louis, I consider myself lucky as a wrestling fan.  The NWA and WWF visited town on a regular basis, holding most of their matches at The Kiel Auditorium.  It's no longer there, but today's fans can catch WWE events at the Scottrade Center.  I remember seeing the likes of Ric Flair, Bruiser Brody, Hulk Hogan and the Junkyard Dog live and in person at these events.  

Over the last several years I've ventured to Wrestlemanias in cities like Chicago, Orlando and New Orleans.  Along those trips, we've attended indy matches at smaller, more intimate arenas and venues.  I love going to wrestling events in different settings.  I've been to shows (and even wrestled at one) in a motorcycle warehouse, high school gym and VFW Hall.  But there are three arenas that come to mind that I would have loved the opportunity to have seen some wrestling action.

Madison Square Garden is no doubt the mecca of professional wrestling.  I remember watching shows on the MSG Network and through Prime Time Wrestling when I was in high school.  I always wanted to be a part of that experience.  I loved the way the microphone would drop from above and Howard Finkel would begin his announcements after a series of clanks of the ringside bell.

Outside MSG before the Hall of Fame Ceremony in 2013

In 2004 I attempted to get tickets to Wrestlemania XX.  I failed, but was excited when we booked our tickets from the 2013 Hall of Fame Ceremony.  It's the year Bruno Sammartino was inducted and appropriately the event as at MSG.  I remember walking to the building with a sense of excitement.  Even if I wasn't going to see any wrestling action, it was still a wrestling event with some of the biggest names in the business.  As I made my way to my seat, I imagined the ring in the center of the building and the sites and sounds of past superstars battling it out.  I could hear that bell clanking and The Fink's distinct voice as I daydreamed for a few minutes.

I haven't given up on attending a show at MSG.  I think there will be other chances to make it there.   It's still high on my bucket list.  Meanwhile, you can relive 50 years of MSG shows in the new book Holy Ground: 50 Years of WWE at Madison Square Garden by our friends at The History of WWE.

Kerry Von Erich vs. Ric Flair, Freebirds standing by

Unfortunately though it is too late to catch a show at the Dallas Sportatorium.  The arena made famous by The Von Erich family in the 1980's closed its doors in 1998 and was demolished in 2003.  I remember watching World Class Championship Wrestling on Sunday mornings and how insane the crowd would go when Kerry, Kevin, Mike and David Von Erich would make their way to the ring.  It was comparable to the Beatle-mania craze from two decades earlier.  The fans loved that family and the wrestling action that was a part of each show.  Conversely they were quick to jeer The Freebirds, Kamala and The Missing Link.

The Von Erichs

I can only image teenage me at one of these shows, popping for Kerry who remains one of my all-time favorites.  I did get to see him wrestle Flair once for the NWA Title at the Kiel in 1985, but I would have loved the opportunity to have been in the crowd in Kerry's home town.  Even one of WCCW's big shows at Dallas Stadium would have been epic.  More than 30 years ago when Fritz Von Erich was booking shows at the stadium, I'd never seen outdoor wrestling (I know WWF did it and others too, but I was new to wrestling at that time).

The Pitbulls, 911 and Tommy Dreamer
ECW Arena

Finally, who wouldn't have loved the chance to chant E-C-Dub! E-C-Dub! in the ECW Arena in Philadelphia?  The company was white hot when I was in college and if I'd been more adventurous or had friends who liked wrestling back then, I would have made a road trip to the Arena.  There always seemed to be an element of danger associated with those matches.  The chair pileup on Terry Funk comes to mind.  I also remember watching as fans would hand various objects including ball bats, toasters and even a toy dinosaur to the wrestlers to use as weapons.  Tommy Dreamer, Raven, Shane Douglas, Sandman, Sabu and of course Beluah all left a big impression on me.

Those are just a few of the places I would have liked to seen a wrestling show.  What arenas or venues do you hold near and dear to your heart?   

Four Week Update: Triple H Workout

Week 4 update

By Kevin Hunsperger 
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

A month ago I posted a blog about rebooting "Operation Find My Abs."  As I wrote the post, I was eager to get back into a workout routine.  I started the WWE Power Series Workout featuring Triple H.  It's a four week program.  Week one is five days of exercise.  The following three weeks you workout for six days a week, the rest day is Sunday.

I wasn't sure if I'd stay dedicated to the program.  In the past, I've talked about getting fit, but when it comes down to it, life gets in the way and I begin making excuses.  But I haven't this time around.  Over the weekend I wrapped up the fourth week, and while I haven't found my abs, I am noticing small differences.  My wife has picked up on that too, which has been a boost to my ego.

Not only am I doing the Triple H program, but I'm continuing to run as well.  I have a goal of 700 miles this year.  So far I've put in 43 miles.  I've got a long way to go, but I'm confident I'll make it. In two weeks I'm running another half marathon.  I've also done a little DDP Yoga, but probably most importantly, I'm eating healthier.

When I started

While I haven't completely eliminated sweets from my life, I only eat them on the weekends and in much smaller quantities.  Same for my addiction to diet soda.  It's hard sometimes because temptations lurk around the corner.  My wife and kids are climbing on board too.  I'm proud that my wife has kicked her exercise and diet routine up significantly.  Slowly, our entire family is making this transformation.

Heath Hatton

I'm not giving up this time, I will take steps off the road and snack from time to time.  I've also joined a new gym and plan to start working out there a couple times a week.  And Mr. Abs himself Tyler "Heath" Hatton is going to start offering me some pointers too.  Hopefully by my next four week update there will be more definition.  

I've spent the entire time talking about what I'm doing, I'm hoping this has motivated at least one of you reading it to start making a difference in your life.  Let's do it!

Royal Rumble: Hits & Misses

Heading to Wrestlemania
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

In the moments that followed the 2015 Royal Rumble, Chad and I recorded a podcast, that's now available on the Jittery Monkey Podcasting Network and iTunes.  For the most part we remained positive in our discussion.  After sleeping on it, I still don't agree with the way the Rumble played out, but I'm going to buckle up for the ride because the Road to Wrestlemania is usually filled with a few twists and turns and a lot can happen in the next 62 days.

Rollins shines
Photo courtesy: WWE

 For me the takeaway from this year's event had nothing to do with the over the top rope match.  Instead, I'm still in awe by the WWE World Heavyweight Title match.  Seth Rollins proved (again) that he's a main event player and is here to stay.  John Cena showed us he's not above getting down and dirty.  And Brock Lesnar reinvented the term Beast Incarnate.  I've never been a huge fan of Brock's, but his return to the ring and the push he received in 2014 and now into the start of the new year has been nothing short of awesome.  I really thought he was down for the count as medics attended to him outside the ring.  I figured we were moments away from Rollins winning his first World title.  Then out of no where Brock returns to the ring with rage and anger.  He walked out with HIS championship.

Brock's a beast
Photo courtesy: WWE

In the process of all of this though I think Brock has become even more of a fan favorite.  I don't think that's a bad thing, as Lesnar rarely displayed the typical heel traits we've come to expect through the years.  He doesn't surrender, he doesn't retreat.  Even though he has Paul Heyman in his corner, they don't cheat.  Fans don't seem to want to hate him just because he's a monster in the ring. Wrestlemania will be interesting if the current plan stays the course.

Get the tables!
Photo courtesy: WWE

The Rumble match itself is typically my favorite event of the year.  I love the surprise entrants, but this year I felt like they fell flat.  Bubba Ray Dudley's return shocked.  I'm curious to see if he sticks around, because as we mentioned on the podcast, he definitely still has gas left in the tank and should be able to go, thanks to his time away in TNA.  I think they did a good job helping him step out of that stereotypical tag team partner role and made him a great solo star.

The yoga works
Photo courtesy: WWE

I speculated in a previous blog that Diamond Dallas Page is Hall of Fame bound in 2015.  I wonder if his appearance in the Rumble helps or hurts my prediction. The Boogeyman never impressed me, and his appearance didn't do anything but make me wish someone else had received that spot.  I do enjoy the legends and past stars coming back for the Rumble, but I was really hoping for an NXT guy to make an appearance.  Truth be told I wanted either Kevin Owens or Adrian Neville to win the whole thing, but I know that's way too much fantasy booking.

Can The Rock help?
Photo courtesy: WWE

Until Daniel Bryan announced his plans to return to the ring at the Royal Rumble, I had picked Roman Reigns to win the whole thing.  I pretty much made that decision right after Lesnar won the championship at SummerSlam.  I knew then that Reigns wasn't ready for that spot, but figured there was plenty of time to get him there.  I think his injury may have hurt him in more ways than one, as I see most of the Internet Wrestling Community collectively voiced their disdain with the outcome of the Rumble.  Even Reigns' cousin, the uber popular Rock couldn't seem to get the crowd to rally behind the new number one contender.

Eliminating Dolph
Photo courtesy: WWE

I'm disappointed at the final four (or five) with Kane and the Big Show lasting so long.  From a storyline standpoint, I guess I get it, but I think there was an opportunity for Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Bray Wyatt and Rusev to shine.  Instead, they were mostly treated like afterthoughts, at least in my opinion.  They did the same thing essentially with Rusev playing possum as they did in 2011 with Alberto Del Rio and Santino.  I thought Rusev may have had a chance though...

Rusev-Cena coming soon
Photo courtesy: WWE

After the show they teased a Cena-Rusev showdown at Wrestlemania.  I've already blogged about my opposition to this and can only hope if they execute this feud, Rusev wins the match OR if they end his streak they somehow make him look strong in the process.  Like Chad says in the podcast, it's all about the aftermath booking that's important.

In conclusion, I'm not going to stop watching the product.  I'm not canceling the WWE Network.  This is something that is fixable.  There's still two months before we get to Wrestlemania and a lot can and will happen.  It's similar to the flack WWE got last year, and I know that CM Punk leaving changed the course of some of what happened at Wrestlemania XXX.  Just don't throw the baby out with the bathwater yet.