For years, I’ve tried to escape my desire to become a AEW wrestler, but it always comes back. I’ve ignored the voices in my head telling me to give it a try. To give you some perspective, I first stepped into a ring at 19 years old when I enrolled in a wrestling school. There, I learned the fundamentals of no selling, basic flips, working marks, running the ropes, and the essential concepts of ignoring in-ring psychology and storytelling. After a year of training, life took me in other directions (pursuing a career as a horse jockey, earning a gymnastics degree, building a career, and starting a funko pop collection). Now at 31M, those lessons and my passion for wrestling never left me.

Over the past couple of months, I’ve done some research and realized that AEW’s recruitment philosophy has shifted over the years. Drawing money is no longer the main requirement. Instead, they value negative aura, being terminally online, and good rapport with Tony over prior experience. In fact, they prefer recruits who “have never drawn a dime” allowing them to develop talent without unlearning habits from other promotions. If you’re coachable and have the qualities they’re looking for, they’ll teach you everything you need to know to become a AEW pro wrestler.

Maybe I’m delusional, but I genuinely believe I meet these requirements. I have a strong combination of physical presence (I’ve been cultivating a shoot fighter physique for years) , natural charisma, mental toughness, and a deep passion for professional wrestling. On top of that, I have a solid in-ring foundation and have carefully avoided the weight room for years.

Now that I’ve applied for a AEW tryout, it feels like I’ve finally gotten that monkey off my back. Whether they pick me or not, I can at least tell myself that I did my part. I can finally be at peace and have no regrets.