The 'Something to Wrestle with...' experience

Not a rib...

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Last summer when I heard Bruce Prichard, who I knew and loved as Brother Love on classic WWF programming, was starting a podcast, I was intrigued. I had listened to Wooooo! Nation with Ric Flair and his co-host Conrad Thompson. Conrad brought the fan perspective to the show and asked the questions we all wanted to know. So knowing Conrad was going to be joining Bruce on his show made this a must-listen deal for me.

"Spend my days..."

The format of Something to Wrestle with, Bruce Prichard was like no other at the time. Bruce would tell the story of a Superstar, event or angle as Conrad would ask questions along the way. I loved the show so much I invited Conrad on the My 1-2-3 Cents Podcast last August and he was gracious enough to grant that request. 

"Double cheese, extra onions."

The duo announced they'd be doing a live show in Orlando the night before WrestleMania. I bought tickets for it before securing Mania tickets because I didn't want to miss out on the opportunity. Unfortunately, our Mania plans changed and I had to sell our tickets. But I was ecstatic after hearing Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard was coming to St. Louis prior to Money in the Bank. I already had my ticket for that WWE event, and quickly snatched up a VIP ticket. 

I arrived at the South Broadway Athletic Club right on time for the VIP meet and greet. I stood in line with other fans, but kept to myself, overhearing their stories about past wrestling experiences. I was a little sad none of my friends going to MITB wanted to attend the podcast too. Once inside, I did see some familiar faces and ended up sitting in the front of the room with my friend Jeremy. I also met long time My 1-2-3 Cents supporter Adam at the table.

Swag!

The set up was great. VIPs could grab a can koozie and then hit the line for the photo op and autograph. The encounter was brief, but I got to thank both Bruce and Conrad for the work they do and extend my gratitude in person to Conrad for being on my show last year. Bruce signed a photo and then I got a pic with the dynamic duo. 

RIP George

There were hundreds of people in attendance. Bruce did lots of impressions and told plenty of stories, focusing on St. Louis history, ladder matches, Money in the Bank and of course a few tales that have never been shared on the recorded podcast. I'm not going to give any of that away, as it would defeat the purpose of Bruce and Conrad doing the live shows. I will say this, I will never view chicken salad the same again and if I ever have a chance to have some of Jerry Jarrett's I'd likely decline. Those of you who were there, well you know, why that is...

Bro

Overall the experience was well worth the $50 VIP ticket. They had plenty of tables set up at the venue, so thanks to 590 The Fan and SBAC for that. VIPs were placed in the front, which I appreciate and had a great view of everything, including Bruce's karate demo, the funeral for Jim Cornette's rat George and the calling out of Vince Russo. Bro, I still can't believe he didn't show up.

My Father's Day heel turn

Me as heel manager Freddie Blassie

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I suspect there are some non-wrestling fans reading this blog, so let me explain real quick what a heel is. In the wrestling world, the heel is the bad guy. And while I'm probably not really all that bad of a guy, my actions on Father's Day 2017 has me second guessing myself.

As you're reading this chances are I'm either on my way to or already in St. Louis for the WWE's Money in the Bank event. It's a live wrestling show at the Scottrade Center. I'm going (or there) with a group of wrestlers from Stride Pro Wrestling, my buddy from work Weston and of course Chad. When I heard about the event, I didn't even think about it being Father's Day. I looked at my calendar on my phone and there were no events entered in it, so I bought my ticket.

That all went down in late February or early March. Then days later it was announced my favorite podcast, Something to Wrestle with, Bruce Prichard was going to do a live show prior to the WWE event. Since I had to sell my tickets for the Orlando show because we changed our minds about going to WrestleMania, I quickly snatched up a VIP ticket. Then all the pieces fell into place and I discovered it was Father's Day.

Family fun over Spring Break

No one in my family has given me grief over this. My wife and daughter are going to go shopping. I did spend the morning hours at home, getting in an early morning run to keep my run streak alive. It's other people I've told about my plans that have given me a weird look. Some have said, "It's your day, spend it how you want." While others have said, "You're not going to be with your kids on Father's Day?"

I'm guessing as more people learn of my plans they'll fall into either side of my internal debate. The closer it comes to me leaving, the worse I feel about my decision. But plans are made, tickets have been purchased. It's time to hit the road. A family trip is days away and we'll get to bond over a seven-hour car ride then.

Money in the Bank predictions

That time I was in a MITB match

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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I'm looking forward to this year's Money in the Bank event for a few reasons. Number one, I'll be there. I'm joining some friends from the Stride Pro Wrestling roster along with my buddy Weston (who will be on the podcast with me reviewing the show, it'll drop later than usual on Monday). Chad will be there too, but he's got primo seats near the ring. Before the show starts I'm going to the live Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard show too. It's going to be a great day.

Here are some quick thoughts on the show.

The Hype Bros will beat the Colons. But something tells me one of the Hype Bros will turn on the other. I can't imagine fans booing Zack Ryder, especially since he's returning. I just don't want him to become the Jannetty of the team.

Naomi will retain the SmackDown Women's Championship against Lana.

The New Day will become SmackDown Tag Team Champions after beating the Usos.

Carmella will win the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match. I never thought I'd say that, but the others involved in this don't need the prop of the briefcase. I can see Carmella and James Ellsworth working the case into their current gimmick.

Jinder Mahal will retain the WWE Championship against Randy Orton. "Losing in your hometown" trumps the "never bet against Orton" mantra that I have.

I'm still divided on who will win the men's Money in the Bank match. I've said it before, as long as it's anyone but Baron Corbin, I'll be content. But since I need to name someone, I'm going with Kevin Owens. Like Carmella, I can see him milking the gimmick of Mr. Money in the Bank the best. However, if Orton wins the belt back, I could see Corbin winning the case and cashing in that night, but who knows what order they're going to go with the show. 

Foreign Object Friday: Sherri Martel's purse

Sherri's purse knocked out King Duggan
Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Earlier this month, we marked the 10 year anniversary of the death of "Sensational" Sherri Martel. The WWE Hall of Famer will be remembered as one of the most talented performers to step in the ring. She was an amazing wrestler and manager, leading the likes of Randy Savage, Shawn Michaels, Ted DiBiase, Ric Flair and Harlem Heat into battle. 

Sherri tumbles in with the purse
Courtesy: WWE

The memorable thing about Sherri in this role was she was never afraid to mix it up with the Superstars. She got physical during matches with the likes of Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior and Dusty Rhodes. As JR would say, Sherri was tougher than a two dollar steak. 

Hogan uses the purse
Courtesy: WWE

But sometimes Sherri relied on more than her talent and abilities in the ring or outside to help her man. A loaded purse would come into play. Who knows what was in it? Maybe a brick or some rocks... She attempted to help her team of Savage and Zeus in the main event of SummerSlam 89. But Hogan got a hold of the handbag and used it to blast Zeus and get the win. Sherri also got a taste of her own medicine and Elizabeth knocked out the Sensational One. Liz and Beefcake then cut Martel's hair.

Another time when the purse worked out for Savage was when he whacked King Hacksaw Duggan in the head with it and pinned him to win the crown. Sherri had been tussling with Duggan and Savage took advantage of the distracted Duggan. Sherri and Savage would go on to be the King and Queen of the WWF until Savage retired after WrestleMania VII, some 18 months after being royalty. 

Hall of Fame induction
Courtesy: WWE

Yes, the purse was dangerous, but Sherri's ability to manipulate and distract wrestlers was just as dangerous. A decade later, her presence is missed. I never got to see her wrestle in person, but was on hand in Chicago when she was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame the year before her death. Rest in peace Sherri.

Free agent John Cena

Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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While listening to the most recent DeMarco Wrestling podcast, I got the inspiration for this blog. Greg DeMarco and his cohost Patrick O'Dowd bring up the recent postings by WWE that "Free agent" John Cena returns to SmackDown Live on July 4th. I don't think his new nickname is going to be "Free Agent", so what does this mean? WWE offers a kayfabe explanation on its website, so I thought why not offer my 1-2-3 cents on the situation too?

Make-a-Wish appearance
Courtesy: WWE

Cena hasn't been around since he and Nikki Bella beat the Miz and Maryse at WrestleMania 33. And before that, his appearances in the ring have been limited. Cena is 40 years old (not old by any means, as I'm 44), but has been the WWE's "guy" for more than a decade. Besides the rigors of performing between the ropes, there's the Make-A-Wish appointments, public relation appearances and the hosting and acting gigs. Besides Vince McMahon, he's probably the hardest working guy in the business.

Courtesy: WWE

Greg and Patrick talked about the free agent status of being a way for Cena to become more of an attraction and not be tied down to one roster. He can show up where he's needed when he's needed. It would be similar to how the Undertaker was on both Raw and SmackDown in his most recent run. I have no problem with that. Cena has certainly earned the status of "attraction Superstar". I could see him coming back for the Big Four events for the next few years; Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, SummerSlam and Survivor Series. Of course, that would include some TV time leading up to the shows as well. 

Flair & Cena
Courtesy: WWE

But there will likely be another championship reign for Cena too. I can't imagine just tying Ric Flair 16 time record and leaving it at that, however, I'd have no problem if they do. If someone on the current roster breaks that, it has to be Cena. 

The other talk is Cena and Roman Reigns meeting a SummerSlam this year and Cena "passing the torch." It's too early for me to speculate on that, but it's a scenario that makes sense. I'll be curious to see what is next for all parties involved.

Wrestling's 10 greatest flag wavers

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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June 14 is Flag Day, so I figured what better way to honor the stars and stripes than with a post about the men and women of wrestling who have shown love for Old Glory. I know my post about veterans who are now wrestlers caused some hurt feelings on Memorial Day. One Facebook friend even unfollowed and blocked me as a result. I'm hoping this post isn't taken out of context or the wrong way. I just want to celebrate the American flag and honor those who wave it proudly in the ring.

Hulk Hogan
Courtesy: WWE

Hulk Hogan may go down as the most American loving wrestler in the history of the business. While some will argue Hacksaw Jim Duggan or Sgt. Slaughter, I don't ever recall Hogan turning his back on the USA and sympathizing for another country like Duggan did for Canada and Slaughter did with Iraq. None the less, Hacksaw and Sarge are up there in terms of their mostly loyal actions toward this great country. How could you go wrong with Hulk? His theme was Real American (originally for Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda) and he's strumming an American flag guitar.

Hacksaw Jim Duggan
Courtesy: WWE

Sgt. Slaughter
Courtesy: WWE

Cpl. Kirchner
Courtesy: WWE

When Sgt. Slaughter left WWE in the mid-80s he was replaced by Cpl. Kirschner. No knock to the Superstar, he just wasn't up to the Sarge's level. He carried on the love of country gimmick and even beat Nikolai Volkoff in a flag match at WrestleMania II. But he never had that same level of charisma Slaughter had. The connection with the fans wasn't there either.

Kurt Angle
Not sure if this is TNA or WWE

Kurt Angle represented the U.S. in the 1996 Summer Olympics. He won gold with a broken freakin' neck. He's a real American, a tough guy and a man's man to boot. Angle's love of country and gear to prove it makes him a no-brainer for this post.

Lex Luger
Courtesy: WWE

Lex Luger tried filling Hogan's patriotic void after the Narcissist gimmick fell flat. Personally, I always thought Luger was a better heel, but I can't blame a guy for trying. The flag waving gimmick just didn't seem to work for Lex though, but I don't completely blame him for that.

The Patriot
Courtesy: WWE

The Patriot started off showing his love for country in Global. It wasn't long before he wrestled for both WCW and WWE. For whatever reason, the gimmick never soared like many thought it should have. Perhaps in a different era, it would have had a better result.

"Farmer" Billy Hills
Courtesy: Tom Harness

The picture above is one of my favorites of "Farmer" Billy Hills. You can't see his face in it, but Farmer is a star on the Stride Pro Wrestling and Cape Championship Wrestling rosters. In Stride, he's one of the most popular talents you'll find. He carries the flag to the ring with him and the fans adore him for it.

"We the people..."
Courtesy: WWE

Jack Swagger is another real-life athlete who made the transition to pro wrestling. His nickname in WWE was the All-American American. Even though he spent most of his time as a heel, he still showed fans he loved the United States. At one point, he even employed Vietnam veteran Zeb Coulter as his manager.

John Cena
Courtesy: WWE

And last but not least, John Cena. He too is a guy who never turned his back on his fans or his country. While he doesn't always wave the flag as part of his gimmick, he has pulled out the stars and stripes from time to time much to the delight of fans.

That's not best for business

Larry Matysik
Courtesy: Missouri Wrestling Revival

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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As I was scrolling through Facebook Monday night, I came across a post from SICW Promoter Herb Simmons. I've met Herb a couple of times now and highly respect what he does and the work he's doing in the St. Louis area. He's been working with Wrestling at the Chase commentator Larry Matysik. Growing up in St. Louis, Larry is a legend and a historian of sorts. I've also had a chance to meet him and I think very highly of him. I tell you all this to set the stage for the post I mentioned in the opening sentence. Herb posted:

"SICW ALL-STAR WRESTLING
NEWS FLASH- As you know we announced the other day, and yesterday that our friend Larry Matysik was going to appear on the WWE Money in the Bank this Sunday. We received a call today saying that due to Larry's physical condition Vince doesn't want him appearing. I find that disturbing. I wonder if that means any fan that may have a physical condition isn't welcomed. The fans have seen Larry at several different SICW events and have talked with him. Sure he is in a motorized chair for his condition, but that hasn't hampered his ability to get around or think for himself. I personally believe its sour grapes on someone's part reaching back years ago. On behalf of Larry, he wanted me to inform the good fans of St.Louis of the news. He was looking forward to seeing some of the other great workers that are scheduled, and fans that helped make the St.Louis area the best in the wrestling business."

Wrestling at the Chase

I don't know what the official reason is from WWE or if Vince McMahon is the one who ultimately made this call. I'm disappointed to hear this. Larry is one of the most dedicated and respected figures in St. Louis wrestling. I'd like to think this is just a simple error in judgment on the part of WWE, but I fear it's more than that. 

SICW May show
Courtesy: saintlouiswrestling.com

Larry has taken the high road and hasn't complained, but I am taking it upon myself to make my 1-2-3 cents known. It's highly unlikely anyone from the company will see this, but if for some reason you work with WWE and read this, please reconsider this decision, ESPECIALLY if it's based on the fact that Larry is in a wheelchair.