Passing Things on to the Next Generation, Intentionally or Not

Yeah, Yeah. It's been awhile. Whatever.

Moving on.

For the entirety of my daughters still very young life, I have said the same hope for her when it comes to my life in Pro Wrestling. 

"Ugh, yeah. My Dad used to do that stuff. It's so weird."

This is what I'd hoped that she would say.

Fervently hoped.

Still hope.

Yet here we are now watching WWE RAW on Netflix together. She has a zillion questions about how things work. Who the stars are? Who makes the costumes? Is it fun to ring announce? 

To my gratitude, at present the one question I am dreading has yet to be asked.

"Papa, could I be a wrestler?"

Just writing that makes my heart skip a beat.

Because, I am conflicted. So conflicted.

Yes, in 2025 the wrestling landscape has changed. While obviously there are still so many carny, scuzz-ball types that will try to take advantage of anyone and everybody (especially young girls just trying to break into the industry - not naming any names here, you know who you are) I would be a complete liar to suggest that things aren't significantly better for women in the wrestling business today.

On RAW alone I'm watching back to back segments where the ladies are front and centre having competitive battles for their own needs - and not just as Bechtel Test failures. Toni Storm and the ladies on AEW are killing it creatively and athletically. TNA has been pioneering with their ladies division for years and producing top notch stars. STARDOM in Japan remains a haven for the ladies. SHIMMER in the states, CMLL in Mexico, Premier British Wrestling in the UK … its truly a viable option.

And yet... I remember what it was like. I remember seeing (and being too cowardly to stop) ladies being taken advantage of by small minded assholes in perceived positions of power. I've spoken to ladies from the generations before me and heard their tales of woe and despair.

So yes. I am conflicted.

At some point, my little angel may (or please Lord, please) may not ask the question about getting more involved. As of now, just occasionally coming to family-friendly shows that her Papa is on, acting like a clown and trying to put smiles on faces is enough for her.

But I see the spark in her eyes. I see the interest.

She is a performer. She loves to be athletic.

Heaven help me, she could do it if she wanted to.

And she'd learn to be good at it.

I never wanted this for her. In fact I tried to keep it from her. When she was younger I never watched wrestling in the house. I loved that she was into what she liked and tried to encourage her own interests, without input from this big dork. I still do that. Listen to her music. Watch her shows with her. Volunteer at her dance recitals. All of it.

In truth when she was born I honestly believed that I'd be done wrestling by now. Figured it would never come up because all my stuff would be buried in the back of my closet never to be brought out again.

Yet here I am, celebrating 30 years of in ring activity, having more fun doing the job than I have in many years.

Which is probably why my daughter is so curious about it now.

This is the 3rd pro wrestling boom I have been a part of. Everything goes in waves as the industry ebbs and flows. Right now indy shows all over the world are thriving in tune with what the larger companies are fueling. As such, there's a lot of mainstream interest.

Eventually that will slow, and when it does, general interest will fade.

Maybe my daughter's interest will fade as well. Maybe it won't.

All I can do is protect her the best I know how and encourage her to make the best decisions she can for herself and her future.

Whatever that may be.

I love my little girl. I will protect and support her no matter what.

But I do not need or want her following in my footsteps. This has been my journey, warts and all - and I've had / am having a good time with it. 

Her Journey is Hers Alone.

I just hope she's smarter than her Papa, is all.

AK

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Ending The Year with Intention

Here I am sitting on my couch in December of 2023. Another year come and gone. Highlights and low lights and more behind me and a whole future of tomorrows ahead of us all.

Like many, I wonder what the future holds.

Unlike many, I think I know what I no longer want it to hold.

I want it to hold less uncertainty. Less self-doubt and recriminations. Less fear.

The last 2 years have been full of personal loss, life changes and other emotional turmoil. I've been so hard on myself in ways and have done everything I can to be a better person, to do more things to make me a better me.

Yeah. Sounds selfish. And it is.

But I want to be a better man. A better father. Better partner. Better wrestler / writer / author.

The trick is, I've been trying to do all of those things at once. And its not easy.

So... the time is now to narrow my focus for a bit. to streamline my online presence. to focus in on the areas that I find the most fulfillment. the areas that I will be the most committed to. 

Because those are the paths that will bring me joy. 

And with joy, will come its own reward.

I'm gonna do my best to be more diligent with my posting. To ignore the noise and to focus on what matters.

At the end of the day, that's all any of us can do.

Stay Tuned for more

Please check the links along the side for my Books and PWTees page. I appreciate all the eyeballs and attention you give me. 

AK

New Year, New Beginnings, Same Old Goals

Hi. 

Seems that I say this fairly often (or not so often I suppose) whenever I remember to post something to the blog. Not sure if I actually have "regular readers" or if this is just another form of Therapy wherein I can release ideas hopes and goals for the future in a place where I can look back and be somewhat accountable for them. 

Because accountability is a thing in life that I truly believe in. Accountability towards others, but more importantly for oneself. At some point in time I'm sure I'll write / talk about how 2022 was unquestionably the hardest year of my life. Personally moreso than professionally, though when one is suffering the other follows suit I suppose. 

In the midst of all the personal struggles, monumental life changes, juggling of finances and moving homes ... well, the things that I'd hoped to accomplish fell by the wayside. But now I have fewer excuses. 

On the wall over my desk at home I have a white board. On it (amidst the lovely art provided by my daughter) is a list of things that I plan to accomplish as well as goals to shoot for. Some are small and attainable. Others maybe a bit more lofty. But as every 3rd inspirational quote or meme online loves to remind everyone "The Joy in Life Comes from the Journey, NOT the destination." Words I've often said to myself. My friends. Co-workers and family members. So this year I'm going to try and live it. 

And yes, Master Yoda. I know "there is no, Try.' 

But life is hard. And oftentimes the only way to honour this life I've been given is to embrace the difficulties and move towards the things that make life more joyful. 

Starting now. 

Coming Soon (dates TBD): 

- OVERDRIVE Book 4: POWER PLAY (the outline and plotting is complete as are the first few chapters) 

- READING and WRESTLING: THE PODCAST (where I plan to talk to a variety of people on a variety of topics either directly related or tangentally related to my two creative loves) 

- Online Hub for all Things Me (possibly just this Blog Page for now, but a place where I can direct people to my writing, my links and more) 

- Info about new areas in Canada that I've never wrestled before that I'd like to break into (hit up the DM's Promoters lol) 

Plus, I plan to keep being the best father I can possibly be. Because without her, nothing else matters. 

Stay safe. Appreciate your time.

Please Share, RT or whatever the TikTok'ers do to get peoples attention. 

Regards, 

AK