I will never forget the first time I saw it. A video package of the Iron Sheik with Bob Backlund in his clutches just before “The Golden Boy” Arnold Skaaland threw in the towel from outside the ring. I thought, “what is this”? I wasn’t sure what I saw but my eyes never left the television screen.
That’s where it started, my addiction that is.
Through the years I have had as many ups and downs as professional wrestling but I never faltered. Even if I didn’t watch for awhile I always knew who the champ was. I could always go back and pick up where I left off. Wrestling has always been my friend.
I went off to college and and found myself, including parties and alcohol. I didn’t get much done in those first few years until I picked up a book by Mick Foley called “Have a nice day”. I was working at a corner store with plenty of time to read and let me tell you I read this book faster than anything I read for class! The book brought me back to my Wrestling fandom full time. The passion Mick displayed in this book just overwhelmed me. I can’t explain how a sport where two men “fake” fight for twenty minutes could be so inspiring, but it is.
Mick Foley’s book inspired me to watch again but it didn’t cure what ailed me.
I was a complete mess in my early twenties. I was depressed, angry, and just plain not happy. I abused alcohol, my body, and my friends (emotionally). I soon left college and returned home to figure my life out. During this period I discovered the Internet! No not just the Internet, the smart mark Internet.
The “Smart Mark” Internet is a place filled with news and opinions on Pro-Wrestling. I was astounded at the number of people who shared my passion! Along with news and opinions I found “Shoot Interviews” (real interviews not staged) which to me are the greatest thing since the Original ECW. I saw wrestlers spill their guts on camera and I again gained more of a passion for the sport. But I still wasn’t totally straight.
This is when I found GOD.
I should say I found Shawn Michaels first. I had been screwing around in bars still and just not making good decisions. I still loved wrestling and watched religiously but I never knew the Shawn Michaels story. I remember watching RAW one night and HBK made his return. He was wearing a “Prayer Warrior” t-shirt and I was like “What the hell”? Then I bought his book (after his first dvd collection of course) and I was transformed. I decided to hit the gym, eat right and try GOD out for a change. I quit drinking and joined a gym. The rest is history.
I can honestly say Professional Wrestling “saved” my life. Much like a person is saved by Jesus, I am the person I always wanted to be because of it. In a weird way Wrestling brought me back to life. My passion for this sport goes beyond the show. I live my life with no excuses anymore. I am happy and proud to be a fan of Professional Wrestling.
