THIS IS THE WAY

What? I'm seeing The Mandalorian and Grogu with my daughter this weekend and I'm excited about it. Star Wars is forever.

FROM THE VAULT this week is live on YouTube . 1200 Pounds of humanity went to war in a FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE brawl in a fairly iconic Transcona Bar (that I still visit on occassion) between Myself and MOSES LUKE taking on the sharply dressed MR. BLACK and THE AXE. It's wild to look back and see us big bastards throwing bombs, taking dumb risks and just generally doing young men craziness.

Check it out.

https://youtu.be/ynlrNLJB73I

OUTLAW RADIO this week is frankly going LIVE in about an hour as I type this. After being beset by a terrible flu last week I am behind on my prep but still plan to get things out. And while I have no intention of bursting into song, I do plan to talk about LETTING IT GO - whatever "IT" happens to be in any particular case.

Check out the OUTLAW RADIO links to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and more.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuc93fghcR11gpYlTKGNAjAo6eeF2dJdY

Also, I have added an extra Tier to this channel. So if you're interested in joining ME on OUTLAW RADIO to dictate the topic and share your thoughts, please consider doing so! Also, SHARE the Patreon with anyone whom you think would vibe with the content I'm trying to put out into the world. I'd really appreciate it.

Back next week with more.

AK

#wrestling #starwars #mandalorianandgrogu #podcasts #livestream

END OF APRIL UPDATES - Shared from Patreon

FROM THE VAULT - MONDAY

OUTLAW vs KENNY OMEGA - this was a fun bout that we recorded for the short lived local online video platform "netvid.tv" - yes, this was a pre cursor to YouTube if you can believe that. Anyways, one of our better battles between a prime Outlaw vs the not-quite-yet Best bout Machine. Well worth a look.

https://youtu.be/QwsSA-u6hok

OUTLAW RADIO Wednesday - I pl

an to talk about the fallout from WRESTLEMANIA 42, the recent WWE cuts, Darby Allin winning the AEW Title and of course recap my thoughts from the ANARCHY IN APRIL event from Blaze Pro Wrestling. Should be a fun show, might be a tad early / late - but it will be up THIS Wednesday LIVE.

https://youtube.com/live/j7HYnsgC028?feature=share

On the road this weekend to Saskatoon with Cory Diamond and El Diablo Blanco for BEST ENTERTAINMENT WRESTLING. Myself vs Jeremy Prophet and Giant Orion. expect road stories and more next week.

As always, thank you to everyone for being a part of this small community. With luck we can expand our reach and have more people join the Patreon. Oh, and I've added another tier. might be a bit of a long shot, but for anyone who wants to be have a Guest spot on OUTLAW RADIO please consider sharing / joining the higher tier. One person selected each month will be able to go Live with me to talk about ... well ... whatever .

AK

Project Updates (Taken from PATREON)

DONATE - paypal.me/OutlawAK

BOOKS - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074B1LJLS

CANADA SHIRTS -  https://gwnprowrestlingshop.ca/collections/outlaw-adam-knight

USA SHIRTS - https://www.prowrestlingtees.com/OutlawAK

PATREON - https://patreon.com/outlawak

LINKTREE - https://linktr.ee/adam_knight

FROM THE VAULT today is a Tag Match from 2000 featuring a very skinny ME and The Big O vs Donny DiCaprio and Will Damon. All of us were energetic young men busting our humps to make a crowd react. Not that anyone can hear them sadly. Stupid VHS Audio transfer issues Shakes fist - anyways, its a Fun, Please LIKE and Share it.

https://youtu.be/79eQ8lqJh-s

OUTLAW RADIO Is Pre-Recorded this week and is a Preview of THIS Fridays BPW ANARCHY IN APRIL Event. Which in retrospect might be a 1 of 2, especially since it was just WrestleMania weekend. If I was smart I'd get on that bandwagon and do a LIVE about that, or even factor in the recent AEW activity featuring MJF, Darby Allin and title switches.

Anyways, for now - here's the link.

https://youtu.be/Puid5NRKlw8

As far as writing goes, I've been slowing chipping away at BOOK 4 of OVERDRIVE. Mostly reworking the Outline which doesn't sound like it should take too long, but everything takes longer than you think it should. Momentum is a bitch. Plus, I've been challenged with the idea of creating a feature film pitch to be shot / filmed here in Winnipeg. All of that is a LONG SHOT - but the idea is too intriguing to turn down. As such, many projects on the go with only distant options in the future.

BUT - being creative fills my soul in a way that the rest of my life professionally often hasn't. Which is why I OS greatly appreciate everyone who hangs with me here on Patreon. Please consider sharing this group out into the world. Building a community on here is huge and could help build a foundation of creativity for everyone if we do it right.

Thanks all.

AK

BUSY WEEK (Stolen from PATREON PAGE)

 Hey all. 2 Posts this week for sure. Lots of offline stuff to do as well. Family commitments and more. BUT I want to stay on track as much as possible with updates here in the hopes of growing this community. So, thank you all for being a part of this.

FROM THE VAULT - this Mondays update was a fun match between myself and my old running buddy ROB STARDOM. Rob's done quite well for himself with his own YouTube show Vlogs and more. This match was from the year 2000 pitting 2 very young, very eager men against each other for a very tiny crowd. The audio is pooched on this one sadly, the VHS transfer failed me this time around. Still - a fun little slice of history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOxy3ogF5fs

OUTLAW RADIO This week was suggested to me by the even more veteran grappler Mr TOD BULLET where he suggested that I talk about what it was / is like backstage at either a WWE / AEW event. In that vein i've decided to take it a step furth and talk about how even the process of getting booked on those events has change (and NOT changed) in 30 years. Man, that should be fun. Not sure if it'll be a good "How to" for the grapplers of today, but it should be a fun discourse if nothing else !

https://youtube.com/live/XeLvP9simxM?feature=share

More to come as always. Eventually I'll add more tiers to this Patreon page with some exclusive stuff. But I really do want to build a community more than anything. So if you know anyone who might be interested in joining for please consider sharing this out to them. I'd be happy to chat and hopefully be engaging.

AK https://www.patreon.com/cw/outlawak

Getting Back on Track

Been a bit since I've done a "War on Dad Blog" post. In fairness, it's been a fairly busy 10 days. Lots of travel, a lovely family event, and the arduous process of moving homes. So it's not like I've been an inactive slob (ish) but time away from the gym does funny things to my brain and sense of self worth. I'd had every intention of staying on pace with the weight room - I'd been on a hell of a streak throughout July.

However. Life gets in the way.

That said, I did learn a few things.

That plan I wrote to reincorporate some heavy basic lifts? The one with some powerlifting / mobility days? 

Abject failures. Not the mobility parts, those have been very useful and stuff I now do before every workout for a bit to thoroughly warm up. 

But the heavier stuff?

Yeah, dude. You're old. None of that shit is good for your joints no matter how careful or smart you think you're being.

So, instead the more hypertrophic lifts and extra core and cardio focus has been very helpful. even on days without lifting, the active rest of hitting a treadmill for an incline walk for 45 minutes has been good. That and the in ring cardio has been good.

Plus, I actually managed to get some proper sleep this last week. So, while I want to kick myself for a lack of "effort" the truth is, I needed a de-load / rest week.

But that's done now. I've got 2 matches this month to defend the BPW Provincial Champion, and as the "True Canadian Heavyweight Champ" I need to focus on being ready.

As such:

Aug 10
Back and Biceps
Warm Up
Hammer Grip PullDown - 200 x 8, 8, 7, 6, 6
TBar Row - 3plt x 10, 8, 6, 6
Bentover Row - 205lb x 8, 8, 8, 8
Complete Barbell Curl - 65lb x 12, 12, 12, 12, 12
DB Curl / Lat PressDown - 30lb / 50 x 15, 15, 15
Hyperextension - BW x 15, 15

Not gonna lie, after that my entire back feels tight as a drum right now. But that's okay. I needed that reset lift to get my system back online. Tried to keep a good pace between sets, shorter rest breaks and really focused on the negatives. Took the weights down a bit lower than I had 2 weeks ago for safety and left a bit in the tank just in case.

Overall. A Good session.

AK

LINKTREE

Recap and Refocus

Been a few days without writing. Sorry about that for all 12-25 of you who regularly check this out. Didn't mean to check out on you. Between work and life and KEYCON and figuring out a house move its been a bit of a whirlwind. So much so that my "war on Dad Blog" posts have taken a bit of a slide - just at perfect time as well, since I'm trying to up my conditioning for a big match at the end of June.

Life. It'll getcha when you least expect it to.

Anyways, I hit a work out tonight. I feel better in all the ways that only endorphins can handle. I'll post the recap at the end just for posterity and then we'll move forward.

Quick Hits of thoughts from the past week.

- KEYCON 41 was a very fun experience. The local literary sci-fi convention was (hopefully) a big success for the volunteers and organizers of the event. Having the chance to reconnect with people i know and haven't seen in ages from all parts of the creative and frankly Nerdy Community was awesome. I want to thank Chris for inviting me to speak and host the panels I was able to be a part of, most certainly the "Page to Screen: A discussion with Jim Butcher and Tanya Huff" panel on Saturday.

It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I am a BIG fan of Mr. Butcher's "Dresden Files" series, so having the opportunity to meet, discuss some things about his process as well as thank him for his work while he generously signed a copy of his book "Changes" for me was honestly super cool.

What's also Super Cool? Being remembered by Ms. Tanya Huff from the ONE time we met a decade before - also at KEYCON - and finding out once again what an amazing and engaging soul she is. A true pleasure and a gift to the Canadian Literary community.

And to all of the other creatives I met over the weekend, thank you for sharing your ideas, your work and your passion with the world. At the end of the day, we all create worlds and stories to explore those parts of ourselves that we see reflected in others. And it's always awesome talking process and ideas and struggles and more with you all. Plus, so many people wanted copies of my books which - man , just lets a Big fella know that his work is being appreciated. So thank you all.

It's Official!

- So, since I was inspired by all of the creativity this past weekend, I locked in a "Must Publish date" for the 4th Book in my OVERDRIVE series. I know, it's been a few years since Book 3 and I'm sorry for that. Getting my head together has been a struggle. However, I can officially say, that "POWER PLAY: Book 4 of OVERDRIVE" will be available to purchase on January 31st, 2026. So, keep hassling me y'all. I'm gonna need the pokes to keep me on task to hit my deadline.

- Just briefly, so much love to my Winnipeg Jets for an amazing season. Even in defeat - during some heartbreaking events and news - our Jets played their asses off and were only one shot away from forcing another Game 7. Absolutely no quit in that team, and some excellent Leadership and Class shown by everyone involved. God damn I love hockey.

- Finally, the wrestling portion. I return to the Blaze Pro Wrestling training centre Wednesday evening.

Practice, practice, practice

Rookies, consider yourself forewarned. Not sure exactly what I'm gonna be working with you all on, but I'm bringing my boots and the old man wants to work some aches and pains out of his system. Come in with ideas and things you want to try from your "tape study" for when we open up the freestyle portion of the class.

As promised, here was tonight's workout. Nothing to set the world on fire, but since it was my first lift in 4 days, it was past time.

BACK w/Biceps
Seated Cable Row - 2 Warm up sets, 220 x 8,8,8,8
Meadows Row - 2 plates (90lbs ish) x 10, 10, 10
EZ Bar Curl - 90lbs x 12, 12, 12, 12
Lat Pulldown - 175 x 12, 12, 12
DB Curl - 40lb x 12, 12, 12, 15

Like I said, just a get back into it session. I'll be pushing a bit more this week, no question.

Thanks to you all. Please check the LINKTREE. Be back soon.

AK

I'll See YOU at KEYCON 2025!!!

Much to my surprise,  a few weeks ago I received an invite from the organizers of KEYCON 2025 to take part in some panels, give new readers a chance to see what my words / books are all about and to mingle a bit with the local Genre Fandom.

Needless to say, I've flattered and excited to have been invited.

For those not in the know (and for SHAME if that to be the case) KEYCON is the long-running, not-for-profit, volunteer-run literary and genre convention held every year in Winnipeg over the Victoria Day Long Weekend. Activities and games with focuses on science fiction, fantasy, and all related genres within the mediums of writing, visual arts, television, and film.

JIM BUTCHER

KEYCON is a community-focused event, with a smaller, more personal experience compared to larger conventions. It's been a family-oriented event for many years with kids who're now bringing THEIR kids to take part in the activities going forward.

Obvious as a science-fiction / speculative fiction (wannabe) author myself it's always a thrill to take part, never mind be invited to participate. Especially this year  as I've been invited not only to take part in 5 separate panels, I will also be moderating one featuring the Literary Guests of Honour this year at KEYCON 41.

This Saturday May 18th at 3PM at the Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites Hotel, I will be moderating a panel featuring renowned science-fiction and fantasy authors TANYA HUFF and JIM BUTCHER, where we will talk about the adaptation of their books from "Page to Screen" and the challenges within.

TANYA HUFF

 For more information about KEYCON 41, the schedule of events, activities, pricing and more - please check out their website HERE.

And yes, I'll have books and tee-shirts on hand for anyone interested .

Yes. I am very excited and am looking forward to this very much. 

See you this weekend!

AK

LINKTREE

Interesting Opportunities, Trainees Progressing, War on Dad Blog Continues

Here's where I'm not sure what to say that doesn't sound like a "look at me, I have news and can't tell

#VaguePosting

you yet" kind of thing. But , well... Fingers crossed that the email exchange I've been having the last week or so with an event coordinator will be giving me more opportunity to plug the "Reading" aspect of this blog's title. I've always tried to be the kind of person to under promise and over deliver and keep potential opportunities close to the vest to avoid disappointments, however: I feel pretty good about this one.

Regardless, when it becomes official, I'll be sure to hashtag-humble-brag all about it. And in the event that it falls through, I'll talk about it anyways and why I was excited.

Still, could be very cool. Plus, it's even more incentive to get more diligent with my book-writing stuff (not that this blog isn't cool et all.)

*** 

Get Up Drills

Last night at the Blaze Pro Wrestling Centre we had a very good session. I've not been able to attend as many recently as I've been able to in the recent past, which sucks because I very much like getting in the ring, sharing knowledge and pushing myself - as I may have stated a time or 12 in previous blog posts. 

This session was interesting for a number of reasons. A good number of our trainees are really coming into their own which is honestly, super gratifying to see. While we had a group last night of members at varying levels of proficiency - every one of them has shown marked improvement in the past few weeks alone. 

It really is amazing to see the light bulb beginning to go off behind their eyes as what once seemed a completely foreign idea is now just becoming another tool in the toolbox.

Sure. More work to do. For me too - this old man ain't exactly in fighting shape these days. However, for any one of the BPW crew reading this - I meant every word last night. You're doing great, and you're only going to get better if you keep working as hard as you are.

***

And speaking of hard work. No gym last night since I was in ring coaching the "kids" instead. And while I didn't get as physical as I normally do, that's probably a good thing. The change up I've made to my resistance training has been very effective and I've been feeling the difference in my muscles - even if it looks no different from the outside. As such, making sure I've got adequate rest between lifts really is a good thing. these old joints ain't getting any more flexible sadly.

April 8, 2025
Shoulders w/Chest and Triceps

Mach OHP - 60 x 10, 80 x 10, 100 x 10, 120 x 10, 130 x 10, 140 x 10, 150(rack) x 7,6 (a big achievement for me - I've been avoiding OHP for years due to joint pain)
Smith Low Incline Press - 205 x 6, 8, 7, 5, 5 (prev exercise wore me out, next time start lower)
DB Upright Row - 40lb x 15, 15, 15
DB Side Lat Raise - 30lb x 15, 15, 15
Rev Grip Tricep Ext - 50 x 15, 60 x 15, 70 x 15
Tricep Extension - 70 x 15, 15, 15
Peck Fly - 160 x 15, 15, 15

Terrific pump after this. A bit lower volume on the chest on purpose. I really want to try and bring my shoulders back into focus as I feel like they've been neglected a lot recently. So, this so far feels like it's working pretty great.

While I didn't do any focused cardio after that session I justified it with all of the personal item sorting, box moving and home prepping I've been doing lately. Yay real Estate game. Worth it, but still... 

If anyone cares I have a few other items for sale up on Marketplace. I'll understand if said items are too geeky for you and you want to shame me for even having these items. But they've given me so much enjoyment over the years and I'm happy to pass them along to new folks should they desire.

More to come when I have more to say.

AK

BOOKS
SHIRTS
EVENTS

E-Book, Paperback and Hardcover Available

Pro Wrestling: The Purest Form of Storytelling

As I was working with the trainees at the Blaze Pro Wrestling academy yesterday we got into the discussion of motivations. Of personal and character development. Focusing on the WHYs of action and intention as opposed to "just the moves." 

For sure. The moves are cool. Even essential. That's the sizzle to season the steak, if you'll permit an oft overused metaphor. 

However, without the WHY in that ring nothing else matters.

Again, not a new opinion. Speak to any respected veteran with a podcast and they'll tell you much the same thing.

Here's where I can draw those parallels to movie making and books and other forms of entertainment and get the same point across. Why is the John Wick franchise so captivating in comparison to one of any dozen direct-to-streaming action franchises that also have terrific action? It's because of the WHY. Of the drive and dedication of the performers and craftspeople involved to bring you a multilayered story that also delivers some of the greatest action seen in cinema history.

Side note, for a deeper dive into the layered storytelling and themes of John Wick, please check out the amazing video essays done by Mikey Neuman of "FilmJoy" Fame:

But getting back to my thesis statement, Why do I think Pro Wrestling is the Purest Form of Storytelling?

In Pro Wrestling we as performers - athletes - clowns - bookers - competitors have the broadest canvas possible with which to tell and re-tell some of the greatest stories possible to a wide audience. An audience that ranges from little wee children all the way up to those grandparents in the front row trying to smack the "Bad Guys" with her cane (RIP Gracie, you were amazing).

When we first start out training wrestlers, the emphasis is so heavily focused on the action. About being safe and protecting yourself, which is absolutely how it should be. In process of doing that, we also "protect the business" as it were, ensuring that the performers we put in front of a crowd will be able to lend their creativity and efforts in a way to illicit the response from the paying customer who's more often than not only a few feet away from the action. This is admittedly a longer process for most than you'd think since the best way learn is often times by diving feet first into the ring and making mistakes live in front of said audience.

But the benefit of this is where we can begin to tell the simplest of stories with these wrestlers. In my mind I equate them to the "Little Golden Books" of matches, where a viewer of any age can watch and without to much effort get a grasp of what's going on.

For example: Young up-and-comer is nervous but excited to compete and prove themselves against the wily veteran who knows the craft better and isn't afraid to take advantage of the newbies' inexperience. Will the newcomer have the fortitude to stand strong? Will they be true to themselves? Will the veteran resort to chicanery and foul play? Will they welcome the new wrestler warmly and have a purely competitive bout?

And most importantly, who is going to win?

Every match - exactly like every book, movie, TV show etc - has so many variations on the same theme. Will The Protagonist face the challenge before them and show grit , perseverance and moxie even when The Antagonist lays roadblocks and obstacles in their path to challenge and defeat their ambition.

These stories - these matches - only get more complex and nuanced as time goes on. As performers get enough reps in, if they have the privilege to travel and see the world - to see how other countries and cultures perform their wrestling - they will learn how to layer in so many different variations on this theme. They will learn how to show conflicts within themselves. To show regret for their actions. Show righteous indignation and validations for wrongs done to them that are then repaid onto the dastardly bastards who've earned them.

Saying "Pro Wrestling is like a Morality Play" is obviously accurate. But I don't think it goes far enough to describe the nuances that are possible within different matches on the same card.

I don't think there are any other mediums (especially not LIVE mediums) where during one 2 Hour Event, you can literally have multiple stories that will appeal to all ages. From the "Little Golden Book" style Little Good Guy vs Bad Bully encounters all the way up to a John Wick-Style violent exhibition of a wronged individual fighting for revenge where no quarter will be asked or given. 

Pro wrestling can contain love stories. Stories of individuals overcoming personal adversities. Tales of friendship and betrayal and horror and comedy ... oh God, so much comedy.

But through it all, when done right - Pro Wrestling is Pure.

Because it can be anything, for anyone at any time. 

And that is kinda magical.

Thanks for reading. Please check the links. 

AK

BOOKS

SHIRTS

EVENTS

My Blathervation with Ken Napzok

I've been having a good time posting clips from this fun chat with Ken Napzok almost 2 years ago for his series #The Blathering on @YouTube. One of my favorite conversations ever in many ways - well, favorite recorded convos anyway. We both got very honest and candid about struggles we have as people, as men and more.

Ostensibly we connected over our love of Star Wars and Wrestling, but as we've become friends (one day even the kind of friends that get to sit down and share some coffee in like person!) we've found wider interests and shared opinions about the state of the world. Toxic Masculinity. Finding our place in society. How we changed as men over the years.

And vulnerability. My good ness we showed vulnerability.

Of course, we also were funny and used some curse words. So don't worry, it's not just 2 gray beards kvetching about the state of the world.

Though we do that too.

Please check out the video here. Or if you'd prefer, all of Ken's work is available as audio podcasts on every major streaming platform.

Ken is a great person and a good friend. Please consider giving his Channel a SUBSCRIBE and "Smash that Like Button". Also, check out his BOOK Why I Love Star Wars, a collection of Essays about our Favorite Galaxy Far, Far Away.

Let's do this again soon Ken. Either on your show or Mine (once I finally get it going of course)

AK

BOOKS

SHIRTS
SUPPORT

Where Do We Go From Here?

More than just a poppy tune from the classic episode of a cult TV show, the title of this blog asks an important question of myself.

One that I've pondered many times over the last decade or so.

When I broke into wrestling in 1995 the thought of still lacing up my boots and getting into the ring in my late 40s seemed preposterous. Hell, as I turned the corner on 30 I'd started to refer to myself as the "Old Man" of the Central Canadian circuit.

Oh hubris … you cruel bitch.

The fact is that I've had many milestones and life events where I figured - this is it. This is the time to quit. Now, in this moment.

And somehow - for some reason - I persist.

I have nothing left to prove. I have few challenges left to conquer. I have a decent reputation amongst my peers across the industry for those familiar with my work. Moreover, I have no illusions that one of the major wrestling companies will suddenly pluck me from the indies and offer me a lucrative deal to perform on the road (Though, if anyone from WWE / AEW / TNA are wondering - yes, I would consider an offer.)

During 2 years of COVID Lockdown I - like many - put everything on hold, obviously including grappling in close quarters with other people in front of crowds. In many ways I thought for sure, this is the end. What would I come back to?

And for a time, I thought that was the case. I was wrestling, but not particularly enjoying the process. In fairness, I wasn't enjoying many things in my life at that time. Wrestling amongst them.

But now?

Man … I'm having fun again.

What Billy Blaze and his partners have done with @BlazeProWrestling has been so encouraging. Investing in presentation, product and most importantly - a legitimate facility to have regular training sessions has been a game changer. Having the privilege to lace up my boots and work with some hungry up and comers, polish the rough corners of some more experienced types, and just work on myself and my game has been so rewarding. 

Yeah. It's harder at my age. Yeah. I'm beat up and heavier than I was in my youth.

Turns out though, I'm having more fun in the ring now than I've had in maybe a decade or more.

So. Where do we go from here?

First stop; "Blaze Pro Wrestling's: No Regrets " Feb 28th, 480 Tissot St in Winnipeg. The BPW

The BPW Founder, my recent rival but better friend Billy Blaze and I will be taking on Big Cliff and The Masked Menace in what should be a violent, final encounter. Big Cliff has been a thorn in my side for months now, so... it's time to end this. 

Other standouts on the card? BPW Provincial Champion MENTALLO will defend his title! El Blanco Diablo will face veteran Bobby Collins. Plus, Cory Diamond, fan-favorite Mustachio and more will be in action!

At the event you'll have the chance to get your hands on print copies of my debut novel COWBOY ENDING that I'll be happy to sign and personalize for the CanLit Urban Fantasy reader in your family.

Also, the anticipated OUTLAW 30TH Anniversary Shirt will be available in Limited Sizes - thanks to Cory and the crew at Floodway Print Co for their continued quality work and service. 

After that?

Well, I've been enjoying dusting out the brain cobwebs by working on my blogs (this one and of course the War on Dad Blog). While it's nice to have these going again, the purpose is to get the ball rolling forward on the 4th Book in my Overdrive series. For those who've been waiting? I'm sorry. For those who haven't been, hey - I also write books!!

Finally - because Gods Hate a Coward - I think I'm actually gonna pull the trigger on launching a podcast. For the longest time I've hesitated thinking it was too hard, I don't have anything to say, there are too many podcasts … All of that is nonsense. I like to talk about the things I like, I know many people who'd like to talk about them with me on occasion.

So screw it.

Keep an eye out for "Ringside Ramblings with Adam Knight" where I'll talk about the creative process, people on a fitness journey, and of course what's happening in the world of pro wrestling. The goal is to launch Episode Zero by the end of March. So please, be sure to give it a Like / Follow / Subscribe and all that other online stuff.

So yeah. That's where we go from here. The "Back 9" of my in ring time continues so long as I keep having fun.

And I'm having fun.

AK

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 had 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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