Wrestling Business Realities and Personal Reflections
This transcript offers a candid and often somber look into the professional wrestling industry from the perspective of a 32-year-old former wrestler who has recently stepped away. The speaker, who identifies as "Anger," shares his experiences, disillusionments, and the harsh realities of a career that took a significant physical and mental toll.
The State of Professional Wrestling
The speaker begins by addressing the perception of professional wrestling, acknowledging that while it's not a legitimate combat sport like the UFC, it requires physicality and artistry. He criticizes the use of steroids, calling it "stupid" and a practice that the business is now trying to "clean up" with proper measurements. He contrasts the current landscape with the 1980s, suggesting a shift in the industry's dynamics.
A key point of contention is the notion of wrestling being "fake." The speaker argues that while it's not real fighting, the term is dismissive. He describes wrestlers as "puppets" whose actions are dictated by promoters like Vince McMahon. This lack of autonomy and the political nature of the business are highlighted as significant drawbacks.
Personal Toll and Career Trajectory
The speaker's personal journey in wrestling is marked by significant physical injury and its consequences. He recounts breaking his neck, which led to him losing his job because his employer claimed they couldn't afford to pay him during his year-long recovery. This experience fueled a desire for revenge, driving him back to the business for a year, though he ultimately found it no longer suited him.
He emphasizes the financial precarity of the wrestling business, especially in the current era. He advises aspiring wrestlers to pursue education instead, stating, "you're not going to make any money now." He contrasts the current situation with 1998 when he entered the business, describing it as "hot." Now, he believes the UFC is more popular than wrestling.
The demanding nature of the job is a recurring theme. Wrestlers are on the road approximately 300 days a year, leading to a loss of self and a reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive partying or isolation. The speaker admits to falling into such "ruts" himself.
Political Landscape and Personal Stance
The speaker describes the wrestling business as "very political" and admits to being "very outspoken," which he acknowledges as a potential "mistake." He states he always let Vince McMahon know when he disagreed with something, a stance that led to him being disliked by some top figures. He refuses to "kiss anybody's ass" and believes this integrity, while personally important, hindered his career progression. He mentions being denied entry into DX because Hunter and Shawn said no.
Tragic Losses and the Weight of the Business
A significant portion of the transcript is dedicated to the speaker's grief and reflections on the deaths of fellow wrestlers. He mentions the loss of Brian Adams and Chris Benoit, expressing confusion and sadness about Benoit's situation. He recounts working his first WrestleMania with Owen Hart and the profound shock of seeing him dead. The speaker was present when Owen Hart died, describing the experience as "horrible" and something he has tried to forget.
He reveals that he attended eight funerals in the past year, all before turning 32. This grim reality served as a stark "eye-opener," prompting him to re-evaluate his life and career choices. He states, "either you clean up straighten up or you lay down beside them."
Blame and Personal Responsibility
The speaker strongly refutes the idea that promoters are solely responsible for the issues within the industry, particularly regarding substance abuse. He asserts that Vince McMahon is not forcing anyone to take painkillers and that individuals are ultimately responsible for their choices. He believes that those who have died in the business "had a problem without question" and urges those contemplating their own mortality to "walk away."
Transitioning Out of Wrestling
The speaker expresses a desire to move beyond his wrestling persona, "Anger." He no longer wants to be recognized solely for his wrestling career and wishes to be seen as a regular human being. He finds it frustrating when people only want to talk about wrestling, as he prefers normal conversations. He likens it to not wanting to discuss someone's job 24/7.
He emphasizes the importance of leaving the wrestling business behind to avoid dwelling on the past. He doesn't want to be the person reminiscing about wrestling "back in the day." He describes himself as "very shy" and prefers a quiet life, with a "perfect night" being dinner, a movie, and going home.
Passions and Future Outlook
While he dislikes video games, the speaker is a passionate fan of NFL and Canadian football. His current passion is simply "enjoying my life." He feels that after stepping away, he feels younger and has found a "great place" in his life. He achieved his dream of making it in wrestling and having action figures made in his likeness, which he feels allows him to walk away content.
He believes he "played his cards right" by being smart with his money and investing it, knowing the career wouldn't last forever. He is now living a life he desires, free from partying and focused on his relationship with his girlfriend. He concludes by stating that for those who are no longer enjoying life (referring to those who have died), he is grateful for his current positive state.
Key Concepts
- Professional Wrestling vs. Combat Sports: Distinction between staged performance and legitimate fighting.
- Steroid Use: Criticism of its prevalence and the business's efforts to regulate it.
- Political Nature of Wrestling: The influence of promoters and the lack of wrestler autonomy.
- Physical and Mental Toll: The demanding schedule, injuries, and psychological impact of the career.
- Substance Abuse and Personal Responsibility: The speaker's view on individual accountability for drug and alcohol use.
- Career Transition: The challenges and desires associated with leaving a public persona behind.
- Financial Precarity: The difficulty of making a sustainable income in modern wrestling.
- Grief and Loss: The impact of witnessing multiple deaths within the industry.
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