3 Guys who need Goldberg more than Brock

Goldberg returns
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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The internet is abuzz now that Goldberg is back and set to face former UFC and WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. I've made my thoughts known on a couple of My 1-2-3 Cents podcast episodes and Lucha Lunch Live events on Facebook. I don't have a problem with Goldberg returning after nearly 13 years. I just wish he was coming in to help put someone not so established (and part-time) over.

Braun Strowman
Courtesy: WWE

1. Braun Strowman: I'm not a big fan of this newly monster heel. But the company obviously sees something in the former Wyatt Family member. His diet of enhancement talent needs to come to an end and Strowman needs to pick up some victories over more established Superstars. A date with Goldberg could be just enough to legitimize this still developing beast.

Kevin Owens
Courtesy: WWE

2. Kevin Owens: I've been a big fan of Owens since walking into NXT more than a year ago. He has developed into one of the top Superstars in the company. It would be a significant feather in the cap of the Universal Champion to get a win over the rarely defeated Goldberg. 

Samoa Joe
Courtesy: WWE

3. Samoa Joe: It's inevitable Joe is coming to the main roster. A high profile feud with Goldberg culminating on a major pay per view (I'd do WrestleMania) would build the legend of Joe. He's one of the most impressive Superstars within the company. It's time to let him shine on the main roster and what better way to do that than with a win over Goldberg.

Again, I don't hate the fact that Goldberg is back. I just think using him to put over Lesnar (that's the assumption at least) is a wasted effort. Lesnar is a megastar who could go winless for the rest of his time in WWE and fans wouldn't bat an eye. Imagine trying to recreate the WrestleMania match between Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior years after the fact... oh wait that did happen. Nevermind.

Boo Blog: The Brain, The Genius & Brother Hate

"The Genius" & "Brother Hate"

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Until listening to a recent episode of the podcast Something To Wrestle with Bruce Prichard, I had forgotten about this gem. It's the Halloween episode of Prime Time Wrestling hosted by Gorilla Monsoon, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. Each host dressed in costume for the holiday and hilarity ensued.

Heenan dressed as "The Genius" Lanny Poffo, Monsoon was Brother Hate but dressed like Brother Love and Piper did his best "Brain" impression. Heenan and Monsoon argue back and forth as their alter egos as Piper added some flamboyance to his portrayal of Heenan.  At one point Heenan calls Piper's costume a "roughed up Phyliss Diller."

"The Brain" knocked out Brother Love

The real Brother Love interrupts the show with a shouting tirade on Brother Hate, professing his love for all, including his benefactor "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase. Piper returns to knock out Love with a small pumpkin, not quite as extreme as the coconut incident with "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka. But it was enough to render the Brother unconscious as Piper had a good time with him.

Rewatching this clip makes me miss the good old days of WWF programming. I was in high school during this era and working a part-time job at the time so in all likelihood I recorded this show and watched it when I got home. The duo of Monsoon and Heenan may very well be the best in the history of wrestling. Add Piper's insanity and the antics of Brother Love and you've got the perfect storm for entertainment. 

Boo Blog: Skandor Akbar

Devestation Inc.

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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When I first started watching wrestling in the early 80s, World Class Championship Wrestling was my favorite. The Von Erichs, the Freebirds and Devastation Incorporated were among the cast of characters that stood out to me and made the promotion so great.

Akbar in action

Devastation Incorporated was headed by a ruthless figure named Skandor Akbar. Little did I know at the time "The General" had been an accomplished wrestler in a prior life and had transitioned into a managerial role. He wore Mideastern garb and chomped on cigars as he led a bevy of beasts into battle against some of WCCW's best and brightest baby faces.

Akbar's army included monsters like Kamala, The Missing Link and One Man Gang. Memories of those days include the Link and Kerry Von Erich going toe to toe with the Link headbutting Kerry so many times commentator Bill Mercer was convinced Kerry's nose was broken. Akbar stood by encouraging the brutality.

Akbar & Bubba

He managed One Man Gang in UWF after jumping ship from World Class. Gang won the championship there after Terry Gordy forfeited the belt. But it wasn't long before Akbar switched his allegiance and helped Big Bubba Rogers (later the Big Bossman) win the championship. 

Recognize the guy in the mask?

Akbar bounced between UWF and WCCW/USWA through the years. He was without a doubt one of the best managers in those promotions. Unfortunately, he never made his was to WWF like many of the men who were in his charge, including The Punisher who we know today as The Undertaker.

Big Muddy Monster Brew Fest fun

Big Muddy Monster

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I've lived in southern Illinois for quite a while, but for some reason I've never had a chance to visit the Big Muddy Monster Brew Fest. That changed today (Saturday) as my buddy and fellow Craftbeerican Tom Harness attended the event.

Dozens of brewers (mostly from around Illinois) had their beers available for sampling. The event is a huge success and I enjoyed trying things I wouldn't normally check out. Our friend and home brewer, Doug Brinkley was on hand with members of the Southern Illinois Brewers. Doug's creation Harness Lager placed first in the home brew category.

One of my favorites from the event comes from Abbey Ridge Brewery and Tap Room. Their Welsh Keep is top notch. There were a variety of chocolate stouts on hand too which I've not had a whole lot of but enjoyed. The IPAs still remain low on my list.

The Dude & Walter

The Big Muddy Monster was on hand as were "The Dude" and Walter from The Big Lebowski. It was a great day to spend the day. Cheers to all and check out The Craftbeericans for future updates.

The new 3 R's: Reading, writing and wrasslin'

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Over the last year or so here in southern Illinois more educators are stepping through the ropes and learning how to wrestle. It's in part due to a lack of funding on the state level. Teachers and administrators are wrestling at benefit shows for their schools, putting their bodies on the line in an effort to overcome shortcomings from state coffers.

Jerry Travelstead vs. Tony Flood
Courtesy: Steve Belcher

I've talked with Jerry Travelstead before on the My 1-2-3 Cents podcast. He's the superintendent at Pinckneyville Community Consolidated School District 204 and has taken his love of wrestling to the next level. He and teacher Josh Plumlee are trained wrestlers who have gigs on weekend wrestling shows around the region. Jerry is hosting a fundraising show November 5 that will feature WWE Hall of Famer Bushwhacker Luke. Other local favorites like Heath Hatton, Ax Allwardt and Tony Flood (who battles Jerry for Stride Pro Wrestling's new Legacy Championship.

Tshirts for Saturday's event

Another superintendent in southern Illinois, "The Singing Super" Mike Gauch, makes his in-ring debut October 15. He teams up with the Honky Tonk Man to battle HTM's former manager Jimmy Hart and Disco Inferno. Brian Christopher will be a part of the show clashing with Dalton Diamond (also of Stride Pro Wrestling) Jerry Travelstead teams with Heath Hatton to battle Daniel Eads and Chris Hargas. "Colorado Kid" Mike Rappada also wrestles against Desperado. This show is being held at Harrisburg High School. Bell time is 7:30 p.m.

Come out and support not just the independent wrestlers and legends in the ring, but the students, faculty and staff impacted by budget problems in Illinois. I salute these educators who are taking a stand to help their schools and the communities they serve.

Boo Blog: Teal is the new orange

Teal pumpkins=non-food treats for Halloween

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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Halloween is the second biggest holiday of the year in terms of retail sales. Americans will spend an estimated $6 billion in costumes, decorations and candy. Let's face it, that's what makes the holiday so great. You can be someone else for the night and indulge on sweet treats without feeling guilty about it. 

But not all kids take advantage of this evening of treats. Those impacted by food allergies often have to skip the trick-or-treating because of getting the wrong thing in their bag could cost them their life. It's not just peanuts that can cause problems this time of year. More cases of allergies to red dyes are coming up as well. 

Teal Pumpkin Project

That's why the Teal Pumpkin Project was created. It's a way to let trick-or-treaters know your house is a safe one to stop by in search of goodies. There are a few simple ways to support the project. 

1. Hand out non-food treats. Things like pencils, temporary tattoos, stickers and glow sticks are popular alternatives to candy.
2. Display a teal pumpkin on the doorstep to let families know you're participating in the project.
3. Display a printable sign in your window to reinforce the fact that you have non-food items for kids.

You can learn more about the project and how to participate here. It's something to think about and a great way to make sure all kids are included in the festivities this year. I like the idea because we have friends (both kids and adults) who are allergic to peanuts and red dye. Now parents can have peace of mind knowing the people in their community care enough to make sure their kids stay safe this Halloween.

The time a lion lived down the street

Leo II in 1998

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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In the wake of the recent death of LSU's tiger mascot, Mike, I'm reflecting on my time living in Alabama and a real-life lion lived near my neighborhood. It was 1997 and my wife and I had just been married a few months when I got my first reporter/anchor job in Florence, Alabama.

Florence is home to the University of North Alabama. The mascot for the university is the lion. Leo II was an adult lion who lived on campus in a cage. When we first moved to town and learned more about the area, everyone was sure to let us know about Leo. UNA claims to be the only university in the country to house live lion mascots.

Leo II was named the second best mascot by Sports Illustrated in 1997 and lived on campus from 1988 until his death in 2000. The original Leo was on campus from 1974 until his death in 1988. Leo III and Una replaced Leo II and remain on the Florence campus.

Visiting Leo II on a chilly day

My wife and I would walk up to campus and visit Leo from time to time. Our dog at the time was just as fascinated by the big cat as we were. Whenever we had out of town visitors, a trip to the UNA campus and Leo's cage was always a part of the day. He'd get our attention by letting out a roar that could be heard from our apartment which was nearly a mile from his cage.

Leo III & Una
Courtesy: UNA

I recently discovered Leo III and UNA have a much bigger enclosure and the campus has set up a live camera to keep tabs on the siblings. It's a great memory and I'm happy to be able to reconnect with a region where I started my career in journalism nearly 20 years ago.