When most people think of pro wrestling dreams, they picture kids jumping off couches, mimicking their favorite wrestlers. But that wasn’t my story.
I didn’t grow up wanting to be a wrestler. In fact, my childhood dream was to become an architect. I was locked in on that path until my sophomore year of high school when I joined an architectural program that gave students real-world experience. It didn’t take long for me to realize architecture, while respected, wasn’t for me—it was boring. So, there I was, 16 years old, back at square one, wondering what I truly wanted to do.
Wrestling was something I always enjoyed, especially between 2007 and 2009, and then again during the PG era around 2014. But it had always been a hobby, not a calling. Still, something about the storytelling, the energy, and the physicality started calling to me in a different way. I thought, “Why not try this out?” Of course, everyone around me thought I had lost it—except for my dad. He told me, “If you’re going to do this, you better give it 110%.” That was the push I needed. I went all in.
The Road to the Ring
I started training in July 2020 and kept at it until January 2021, when life threw some real-world responsibilities my way. I had to step away—but the dream didn’t die. In November 2022, I laced up my boots again and got back to work. Restarting was easily the hardest part of my journey. Rebuilding my stamina, technique, and ring IQ from the ground up was a challenge, but the payoff is real. Now, when I help set up shows and people notice the level of detail and understanding I bring, it reminds me that every rep was worth it.
The Unexpected Role: Referee
While my ultimate dream has always been to wrestle, I ended up stepping into the stripes as a favor—and it turns out, I’m good at it. Really good.
Being a referee taught me how matches flow, how in-ring psychology works, and howto become invisible in the best way possible. My job is to guide the chaos without ever taking the spotlight. Every match has its own rhythm, and learning to read those lanes has been key to staying out of the way and enhancing the action.
One of the most memorable matches I’ve officiated was Fuego Del Sol vs. Caleb Crocker at APW in the Carolinas. Fuego’s now retiring, so it’s wild to think I was part of one of his final matches.
Pressure, Perspective, and Preparation
A lot of fans don’t realize the pressure that comes with being a referee. You’re the one person in the match no one came to see, yet you hold all the power to make or break what happens in the ring. One missed count can destroy an entire match. I personally don’t enjoy that pressure, but I respect the responsibility.
My preparation style might seem a little odd. I treat each match like it’s just another day at the office. Of course, I shake off the nerves like anyone else, but my focus is always on doing the job clean and right.
From the Carolinas to the World
The energy at each promotion I work with varies. Deadlock Pro Wrestling in the Carolinas is electric—the crowd is always loud, hyped, and passionate. Major League Wrestling depends on the city, but it’s always an experience.
Even though refereeing has opened many doors for me, it’s not the end goal. I want to wrestle. And beyond that? I’d love to run my own promotion someday. But first, I want to make my name in the ring.
My dream isn’t to go to WWE or AEW—it’s to wrestle in Japan. The tradition, the respect, the history—I fell in love with Japanese wrestling the deeper I got into this business. Whether it’s NJPW, Dragongate, NOAH, DDT, All Japan, or even smaller promotions like GLEAT and Michinoku Pro, I want to be there. I want to learn from them, wrestle their style, and bring something unique back with me.
Shout Out to the Carolinas
Before I wrap this up, I have to shout out my home turf: the Carolinas. There’s so much talent here that’s fighting for a chance. Too many people are sleeping on us—but we’re coming. And when we do, people are going to feel the impact.
Wrestling may not have been the dream I started with—but it’s the one I was meant to chase. And I’m not stopping until I’ve given it everything I’ve got.