Due to the injuries that I will have for the rest of my life, it is physically impossible for me to consider any career in wrestling.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I'm good at professional wrestling, and I always will be good, but what's always been different about me is that I can't completely focus on professional wrestling.
You can't wrestle forever. It's a very physically taxing job. There's no doubt about it. Physically, and more importantly, mentally.
You go from Olympic wrestling into pro wrestling, and it's a very difficult transition, but if you make it, you can earn a great living while at the same time giving amateur wrestling a lot of exposure by being on TV every week. Fans know where you came from.
Wrestling is a hard sport, but it's only a sport.
When I was younger, I used to wrestle, and I feel that it contributed to my athletic ability because as a wrestler you have to be an all-encompassed athlete. You need stamina, strength, endurance and mental capacity. You also have to learn how to adapt in any situation.
I always equate wrestling to having been in the Marine Corps.
In college, I tried to start wrestling as soon as I could and when it was available to me, as I loved competing, and then got into MMA under Pat Miletich, where I was able to sharpen all my skills and develop into a true fighter.
Believe it or not, I kind of went into professional wrestling so I could get an avenue into acting.
As far as wrestling goes, as long as my body is able to withstand the physical beating, I will keep wrestling.
I'm going to be wrestling for as long as I can. It's something I'm very passionate about and something that I love.