Wrestling in Radio

There's three things in life I compare most moments that happen with. Seinfeld, Simpsons and Professional Wrestling.

With the first two it's usually funny, weird moments that happen or characters that I have met in my life. But with professional wrestling, I make a lot of life comparisons.
No, I have not fought with someone to the point of putting them in a casket, nor turned my back on my best friend just because I wanted to wear a gold belt.
But the journey of life, when it comes to trying to establish a career, like with any career can be related to pro wrestling.

Allow me to make the comparison of Radio and Pro Wrestling.

It all starts with interest and desire. It can start when you're young, you become a fan and have that dream of being the one talking on-air, playing the music, which would be the same as wanting to be the one headlining the event at MSG.

The first step in this road to your dream is education. In both fields there are several schools all over the place, it;s finding one that suits you, whether its cost, location or reputation.

You get educated, and then it's time to pay your dues. In both radio and wrestling it's very rare to start out making even half decent money. In radio you start with the jobs of part time announcing, board operator, street team, etc or even volunteering. And in wrestling you're the guy in the opening match, making barely, if any money. Setting up the ring, the seats, promoting the show that will bring in 50 people to watch if you're lucky. But you take those experiences and you grow from them, adapt them to perfecting your craft.

You've improved to the point where you're getting steady employment. You're an on-air personality in a small market in a town of 1500 people, or maybe you're the promotions coordinator. You're thinking "yes, here we go. School has paid off and now I can spread my wings and get to the next step.".
In wrestling, you've signed on with an independent promotion, maybe it's Chikara, Dragon Gate, or Ring of Honor. Yes I know these guys do wrestle for other promotions as well, but there are contracts signed.

Time has passed, could be months, could be years, everyone is different in how they progress. You move to that bigger market in radio, your talent was recognized and the big fish station just had to have you there, you can help make it a better station in the market because of your talent. You get there, all excited and it can either be the best time of your life, or nothing like you expect and the politics are just too much to deal with, leaving you at a cross roads in life. Is this really what I want to do? Should I go back to the smaller stage? Or just pursue a whole new career all together? It can be frustrating and there might not be a right answer, just whatever you feel is best for you and your family if that is the case.
The same thing happens in wrestling. How many times have there been cases of that superstar of the indies making it to WWE and they just get eaten up by the political B.S. backstage. The games of "you're not a star after all." It's happened way too much, and leaves wrestlers thinking "Well, if you didn't think I was talented enough, why would you bother bringing me on board?" "Maybe I'm not as good as I thought."

It can leave a crippling effect mentally. Too many questions racing through your mind. Too many "what ifs?" It's about patience and passion, but at the same time about what you need to do financially. So many factors.

This was not an entry to tell people how they should pursue or approach a career. I'm just trying to relate two things I love, and showing that if you're confused about something in life, try and relate to something else and hopefully that will help you get a better understanding and help you when it comes time to making any big decisions.

Until next time, keep it rockin'