The Pros and Cons of being in sports entertainment…
Since the age of 16 I knew I was going to become a pro wrestler. I absolutely loved it, and only it! I fantasized about making my entrance, in front of thousands of people on PPV, and what kind of theme music I would have….what would my character be, etc. I would do parodies of wrestler entrances.
I’m sure everyone reading this wants to know what it’s like working for WWE. Well, I’m going to tell you through my experience the good and the bad.
I loved working for the WWE. A dream come true! It was the coolest thing to work with some of the most legendary people. I traveled the world, before I worked there I had never been on a plane or even out of California! Making that good money. Although my downside wasn’t high. I was booked on the road very often, so I made quadruple my downside. There’s a huge difference in the weekly paycheck you get when you’re on the road for a week compared to just coming in for TV.
Although, sometimes the break is nice! There’s no place like home, and sleeping in your own bed is very nice!
Then there’s the quarterly royalties check from video games, DVD’s, and other merchandise. Those are usually awesome and PPV checks even better. So, thanks to all of you guys for being there and supporting us.
Celebrity status is another perk. People just cater to you more when they know you’re on TV. I always wanted to stand out or be recognized, so I embraced the attention. Also, it’s pretty cool when a bunch of kids surround you on the streets or in the store and you see them light up because somehow you’ve touched their lives. It feels good so you try to be a positive role model as much as life allows.
But, I tell you, if you work for WWE it does consume your life. I loved what I was doing and proud to work for them, but you’re their property! I spent 2 days at home per week..at times 3. Traveling so much can really take a toll on you. It’s hard to even feel right. Constantly being in different time zones, flying 5-10 hrs.
A lot of fans talk about certain wrestlers being short or not signing autographs. Well, we’re getting around so much, it’s hard to paint on a smile at times.
Stress and pressure can consume you. If you let it! You’ve got to have your game face on at all times. People wonder why wrestlers drink and do drugs. Well, you have to find a way to take the edge off. Everyone has something…most commonly in wrestling it’s either alcohol, sex, or weed. If not all of the above. Sometimes worse! But not with there being the wellness policy in place.
It can also be very lonely going from town to town. Different hotel every night, and not really having a life outside the business. But, at the same time, it starts to become a way of life. That is why you see so many guys wrestling well into their 40’s and 50’s! It’s all you know. Working a 9-5 just doesn’t seem appealing.
In the end, you just have to go for what you love to do!
