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My name is TJ Parsons. I am 20 years old and I live in Dayton, Ohio. Through this article, you have the chance to follow a regular, ordinary guy attempt to live the dream of thousands of people around the world: to become a Professional Wrestler. Let me give you a little info about myself.
Since I was about 8 years old, I’ve had the desire to be a professional wrestler. I have had that insatiable itch in the back of my head for years, but I have never really had the means to make a real, concentrated effort towards it.
After I graduated from high school, I started going to college off of a small scholarship, but the scholarship was only for Graphic Design courses. At the time, I was working at a movie theater, which didn’t pay me nearly enough to afford my classes, so I didn’t have much of a choice as far a career path. I did enjoy graphic design, but it just wasn’t for me.
In June of 2008, I left the movie theater and began working for RadioShack, and in January of 2009, I stopped attending my Graphic design courses. In that time, I began that thought process that every 19 year old goes through at some point. I asked myself, “What am I going to do with my life?” I had a number of options. I could become a manager at RadioShack, but I would be working 56 hours a week at least, for only $23,000 a year. Or I could move to Virginia and take over my dad’s carpet and tile company when he retires. Even though the money is great, I really don’t want to move to Virginia, not to mention it would be around 80 hours every week. I could also go back to school, but without taking out a student loan (which I really want to avoid), I can’t afford it.
I began e-mailing the great Les Thatcher and asking for some words of wisdom. Naturally, we got onto the subject of my desire to be a wrestler. He asked about my age, height, build etc. He told me that my height was good (6’1), but the real thing that mattered was my will and drive to do it. He also told me that once I was ready, I could go to OVW and tell Danny Davis that he sent me! I honestly feel that since Les has given me his “blessing,” I feel that I can’t let that gift go to waste. So, I decided that I need to try. It’s not every day that a pro wrestling legend does something on that level for a “wannabe” fan, and I want to say thank you to Les for everything.
I started thinking about the life of a wrestler: driving from town to town, working out, eating right, the bumps and bruises. And then I thought about the better side of the business: the great friendships that you form with the locker room, the great paychecks (if you make it that far), the thrill of performing in front of live audience, and the ability to give people a moment to enjoy themselves, even if it’s just for a few hours, a few matches, or just one good spot. When I watched Raw on Monday, I saw 9 of today’s top stars get to work with a man that paved the way for them, and that’s Ricky Steamboat. When I saw all of their interactions with Steamboat (watch at 5:10) and each other at the end of the night, I remembered why I love this business, and it reinforced that desire I have that much more.
People have told me, “It’s not a good time to get into wrestling. There’s nowhere to work.” That is true. But I’ve also heard this, “Developmental is all dried up. All of the guys that would have gone into wrestling are now going into MMA or have lost interest.” When I hear that, one word resounds in my head, “Opportunity.” If I can get myself into great shape and work hard to perfect my skills in the ring and on the mic, I can take that opportunity and turn it into a future.
As far as this article goes, I am going to post a new episode once every 2 weeks. I’m going to be starting next week, as I begin a workout routine set up by a physical trainer. In the beginning, I’ll be describing my workout, giving updates on my progress and on life happenings that influence my future. Later I’ll get into a lot more of the business aspects of it, like trying to get to OVW.
This is a huge challenge for me to undertake, and I’m going to need all of the support I can get. I NEED YOUR SUPPORT to help motivate me to keep strong and to focus. If you want to contact me, there are a number of ways you can do it.
Through PWInsider Elite – Message TJ on the message board. If you are not a member, click here to become one. Believe me, it’s the best money I spend all year. PWInsiderElite is THE BEST wrestling site on the web. If you’re a true wrestling fan, NOTHING beats this membership.
To follow me on Twitter- Click Here – I will be updating this frequently with live updates all the time, so this is really the perfect place to follow my progress.
Through MySpace- Click Here
Through E-mail – TJWWE2007@gmail.com
Feel free to contact me for anything. I REALLY need your support, and I’m open to making lots of new friends along the way! I check my messages pretty often, and I will reply back if you message me.
Well, thanks for reading, and I will be back on Monday with the first installment! Thanks again, and wish me luck!
