Digest

This podcast features a wrestler's candid discussion about his life and career, spanning from overcoming childhood self-doubt to achieving extreme feats. He contrasts the superficiality of wrestling egos with the authenticity required for challenges like climbing Mount Everest, sharing profound experiences like the "overview effect" and facing mortality. The conversation delves into his rigorous training, motivations beyond fame, and the eventual emptiness of success, leading him to prioritize family and helping others. He reflects on his wrestling influences, his "straight edge" lifestyle, and his unique in-ring style, emphasizing self-performance over audience validation. The guest recounts numerous dangerous stunts, including the Sting spot and a flaming table, detailing the physical and mental fortitude required. He shares his journey with Wim Hof's methods for cold exposure and breath-holding, and his ambition to integrate live stunts with wrestling. The podcast highlights his respect for legends like Sting, his approach to matchmaking, and his criticism of narrow-mindedness in wrestling discussions. He recounts near-death experiences, including a brain bleed before a match with Gunther, and the irony of facing dangers outside the ring. Ultimately, he expresses pride in his authenticity, his desire to inspire fans, and his gratitude for AEW, which has allowed him self-discovery and a platform to pursue diverse passions, from filmmaking to space exploration.

Outlines

00:00:00

Early Life, Overcoming Self-Doubt, and the Shift to Authenticity

The podcast begins with a reflection on a long-standing relationship and the guest's early life marked by a lack of confidence, which he overcame by embracing fear. He discusses his disillusionment with the superficiality of wrestling and business, contrasting it with the authenticity required for extreme challenges like climbing Mount Everest.

00:03:36

The Everest Experience: Perspective and Facing Mortality

The conversation delves into the "overview effect" and how the perspective gained from Mount Everest profoundly impacted the guest's view of his own problems. He recounts the real possibility of death during the climb and the emotional weight of saying goodbye to his family.

00:06:06

Rigorous Training and Motivation Beyond Wrestling Egos

The guest emphasizes the extensive training and preparation required for Everest, dispelling the myth that money alone guarantees success. He explains his motivation for climbing stemmed from a desire to prove his capabilities beyond wrestling's ego-driven environment, seeking self-discovery and authenticity.

00:08:03

The Emptiness of Fame and the Fulfillment of Family

Reflecting on his wrestling success, the guest describes feeling empty and found true fulfillment in prioritizing family and helping others, realizing material possessions and fame were hollow. He shares joy in seeing loved ones thrive and encourages living in the moment and pursuing dreams.

00:10:56

Wrestling Influences, Early Stunts, and the \"Crazy Wrestler\" Persona

The guest traces wrestling's influence on his childhood, recounting early dangerous stunts inspired by wrestlers like Jeff Hardy and Mick Foley. He discusses being labeled the "most crazy televised wrestler" but emphasizes feeling physically and mentally great, attributing his resilience to his "straight edge" lifestyle, mental training, and meditation.

00:13:31

Full Circle with Idols, Matchcrafting, and Unique Performance Style

The guest reflects on working with childhood idols like The Hardy Boyz and discusses navigating the wrestling world with ambition. He details crafting unique matches, differentiating his niche in AEW by pushing physical boundaries, and the thought process behind high-impact performances like the ladder jump onto Jeff Hardy.

00:17:20

Fearlessness, Dangerous Spots, and Pushing Boundaries

The guest discusses his surprisingly low injury rate despite a dangerous style, attributing it to a lack of fear. He identifies the Sting spot with a ladder through glass as the most dangerous, recounting the immediate aftermath and his determination to continue. He shares his mindset before high-risk spots, aiming to create memorable moments, and notes the minimal immediate pain from the glass spot, despite lingering shards.

00:21:33

Performing for Oneself, Action Sports Inspiration, and Style Criticism

The guest asserts that his high-risk maneuvers are primarily for personal fulfillment and the "rush," drawing parallels to action sports icons like Travis Pastrana. He dismisses criticism of his wrestling style, stating that those who dislike it can choose not to watch, and acknowledges the need for wrestling styles to evolve over time.

00:24:29

Meeting Sting, Career Longevity, and Championship Farewell

Meeting Sting provided crucial validation for the guest's unique style. He recounts convincing Sting to transition to live performances, influenced by Sting's career-ending injury and the desire for wrestlers to control their own finales. The guest felt a spiritual connection with Sting, learning valuable life lessons and observing his approach to career longevity and retirement.

00:28:28

Transitioning Sting to a Live Act and Championship Farewell

The guest details how a single cinematic match with Sting evolved into multiple live performances, significantly changing Sting's role within AEW. He reflects on Sting's AEW Tag Team Championship win in his final match, noting the rarity of such a triumphant send-off for a legend.

00:30:08

Matchmaking Philosophy, Comparisons, and Unique Wins

The guest's primary goal in matches is to elevate his opponents, believing in raising everyone's stock for the company's benefit. He addresses comparisons to Spike Dudley, asserting his own identity as a more technically proficient wrestler. He criticizes "small-mindedness" in wrestling discussions and recalls a memorable, intense independent match against Gunther.

00:32:17

Near-Death Experiences and the Thrill of a \"Real Fight\"

The guest recounts a severe injury involving bleeding from the brain that nearly prevented his match against Gunther. He expresses enjoyment in wrestling opponents like Gunther and Brody King, where the intensity feels like a genuine fight, making the experience more engaging.

00:33:31

Extreme Moments: Suplexes, Stairs, and Unsettling Encounters

The guest discusses Claudio Castagnoli launching him through the announce table and describes a suplex onto stairs as particularly painful. He identifies a fall down stairs during a match with Christian Cage as the worst, narrowly avoiding a broken neck. He also describes intense matches with Jon Moxley, highlighting creative freedom in AEW.

00:38:23

Wim Hof Method, Breath Holding, and Flaming Spectacles

The guest explains how Wim Hof's breathing techniques enable extended breath-holding for underwater spots. He details his motivation for executing a spectacular flaming table spot, aiming for a truly impactful visual and emphasizing his commitment to authentic danger without protective gear.

00:41:12

Future Stunts, Action Sports Inspiration, and the Perception of \"Crazy\"

The guest expresses a desire to integrate live stunts with wrestling, inspired by Evel Knievel. He cites Travis Pastrana, Evel Knievel, and the Jackass crew as inspirations, appreciating their fearless approach. He finds it ironic that others perceive his actions as "crazy" when he feels calm and balanced due to meditation.

00:43:05

Setting Others on Fire and Memorable Coffin Drops

The guest humorously recounts setting Jack Perry and Jon Moxley on fire with a flamethrower. He considers the coffin drop from the top of the cage at Blood & Guts his most visually striking stunt, though he identifies diving onto concrete as a particularly painful coffin drop. He recalls breaking through a coffin with Ethan Page as fun and the Wembley coffin drop as a disappointment due to a miscalculation.

00:44:35

Dangers of Sharp Coffin Edges and the Fork in the Ear Incident

The guest expresses concern about the sharp edges of a broken coffin, realizing the potential for serious injury. He recounts a moment where he believed his earlobe would be ripped off by a fork, accepting the potential outcome with surprising calm.

00:45:21

Thrown Down Stairs and the Everest Climb Preparation

The guest discusses being thrown down stairs multiple times, noting the inherent danger. He viewed a particular stairs spot as a final hurdle before his Mount Everest climb, especially after a previous foot injury had jeopardized his plans.

00:46:58

Irony of Non-Wrestling Injuries and Unwavering Everest Determination

The guest finds it ironic that significant injuries occurred outside of wrestling matches. He reinterpreted his foot injury before Everest not as a sign to quit, but as a message to appreciate the journey. Despite setbacks, he remained resolute about climbing Everest, securing a promise from Tony Khan to reschedule and intensifying his training.

00:48:12

Rigorous Everest Training and Overcoming Cold

The guest details his rigorous training with Adventure Consultants, including climbs in various locations. He describes his transformation from hating the cold to embracing it through Wim Hof's methods, including extreme ice baths, to prepare for Everest.

00:50:09

Mind Over Matter, Everest Achievements, and Future Ambitions

The guest highlights Wim Hof's philosophy of "mind over matter" applied during intense cold exposure training. He mentions achieving a world record with a kickflip at Camp 2 on Everest and notes his unique status as the only wrestler to summit. His future ambitions include directing a feature film and space exploration.

00:51:36

Commitment to AEW, Championship Goals, and Representing Unique Vision

The guest expresses a strong desire to contribute to AEW's success, acknowledging the company's positive impact. He is ambivalent about championship pursuits, prioritizing compelling storylines, though he acknowledges the appeal of being a company's face. He believes he embodies AEW's ethos of providing opportunities for unique talents.

00:52:51

\"AEW Original\" vs. \"Four Pillars\" and Staying True to Oneself

The guest prefers the term "AEW Original" over "Four Pillars," valuing the narrative of an unlikely success story built on creative freedom and authenticity. He emphasizes his commitment to remaining true to himself, even if it meant failing, a principle he established at wrestling school.

00:53:40

The Challenge of Authenticity and Avoiding the \"Industry Plant\" Label

The guest describes the difficulty of staying true to oneself in wrestling, facing intimidation and pressure to conform. He expresses a strong desire to avoid being perceived as an "industry plant," valuing the DIY and self-made nature of his career within AEW.

00:55:02

Meaning of TNT Championship Wins and Diminished Impact of Achievements

The guest views his TNT Championship wins primarily as validation, especially the first, given its significance. He reflects on how major achievements, like wrestling at Wembley, didn't evoke the expected emotional response, leading him to question the ultimate meaning of accolades.

00:56:22

Prioritizing Loved Ones and Passion Across Diverse Interests

The guest reiterates that focusing on the happiness of loved ones provides more fulfillment than external achievements or material possessions. His passion extends beyond wrestling to interests like Everest and skateboarding, demonstrating a deep commitment to whatever he pursues.

00:57:13

Hands-On Approach to Stunts and Unconventional Daredevilry

The guest prefers active participation over passive observation, embodying a hands-on, immersive approach. He enjoys performing unconventional stunts, like jumping a Jeep over his house, highlighting his unique brand of daredevilry.

00:58:41

Nitro Circus Stunt Planning and Unexpected Bus Incident

The guest initially planned a more extreme stunt for Nitro Circus before settling on a tricycle backflip. He recounts a seemingly random bus incident that resulted in a broken nose, contrasting with the calculated risks of his wrestling career.

00:59:27

The Raymond Pettibone Bus Encounter and External Dangers

The guest details being clipped by a bus mirror due to his broken foot while crossing the street with artist Raymond Pettibone. He notes the irony of facing significant dangers outside the wrestling ring.

01:00:05

Invincibility Mindset and Learning Lessons from Risky Endeavors

The guest maintains an "invincible" mindset, questioning whether he will ever truly learn cautionary lessons from his risky endeavors. He discusses painful and scary moments in his career, emphasizing the importance of mental strength and meditation.

01:00:24

Wrestling Injuries, Mental Fortitude, and Overcoming Fear

The wrestler discusses painful and scary moments in his career, including a brain bleed and a recent injury that made him fear for his ability to walk. He emphasizes the importance of mental strength and meditation in overcoming physical challenges and his fearlessness in the face of danger.

01:04:06

Pride in Authenticity, Inspiring Fans, and Overcoming Self-Doubt

The wrestler expresses pride in remaining true to himself during his seven years in AEW, fulfilling his initial goal of being accepted for who he is. He hopes to inspire fans, especially children, to believe in their potential and overcome personal obstacles, contrasting his current success with his father's early disbelief.

01:06:45

Alternative Paths, Wrestling Dedication, and Future Ambitions

The wrestler considers how his life might have differed if "Jackass" had been popular earlier, given his past daredevil stunts. He believes his willingness to push physical and mental boundaries sets him apart in professional wrestling. He feels focused and ready for more challenges, embracing a philosophy of listening to signs and going with the flow.

01:08:39

Gratitude, Self-Discovery, and the Meaning of True Fulfillment

The wrestler reflects on the disconnect between external achievements and internal happiness, emphasizing the importance of ego-checking and finding true meaning. He expresses deep gratitude for AEW allowing him to explore himself spiritually and mentally, prioritizing loved ones over accolades and embracing the journey.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the "overview effect" and how does it relate to your experience on Mount Everest?

  The overview effect is a cognitive shift experienced by astronauts seeing Earth from space. Similarly, from the summit of Mount Everest, I gained a profound perspective on the smallness of my problems and the true importance of life.

• How did you overcome a lack of confidence in your youth?

  I embraced fear and actively sought out challenging and "crazy" experiences. By confronting my fears head-on, I built confidence and realized that anything was possible, which led me to pursue extreme endeavors.

• What motivates you to perform such dangerous stunts in wrestling?

  While the audience enjoys it, the primary motivation is personal fulfillment and the thrill of pushing my own limits. I do these stunts for myself, seeking the rush and the challenge, regardless of external validation.

• How has your relationship with Sting influenced your career and perspective?

  Sting's validation early in AEW was crucial. Learning from his humility and his approach to ending his career on his own terms has deeply impacted my own philosophy on longevity, authenticity, and maintaining a grounded perspective.

• What is the significance of your Everest climb in your life?

  Climbing Everest was a spiritual journey that proved my capabilities beyond wrestling. It provided perspective, humility, and a deep sense of accomplishment, reinforcing the idea that with dedication, seemingly impossible feats are achievable.

• How do you handle the physical toll of your wrestling style?

  Surprisingly, I haven't sustained many serious injuries. I believe my fearlessness plays a role; when you're not afraid, your body can handle more. I also focus on mental resilience and recovery methods like meditation.

• What are your future aspirations beyond wrestling?

  My immediate goal is to direct a feature film I've written. Longer-term, I'm intrigued by space exploration. I also remain committed to contributing to AEW's growth and success.

• How do you respond to people who call your wrestling style "crazy"?

  I don't perceive it as crazy because I feel calm and balanced, partly due to meditation. What seems extreme to others is often manageable for me. I simply continue doing what feels right and authentic to me.

• What is your approach to putting together a wrestling match?

  My main goal is to make my opponent look as good as possible. I focus on elevating their performance and stock, believing that a rising tide lifts all boats, ultimately benefiting the company.

• What lessons have you learned from your experiences with extreme stunts and challenges?

  I've learned the importance of pushing boundaries, embracing fear, and staying true to oneself. These experiences have taught me about mental resilience, the power of perspective, and the fulfillment found in pursuing passions wholeheartedly.

• What was the most painful experience the wrestler had in a wrestling ring?

  The wrestler identifies a brain bleed from 2018 as his most painful experience. He also describes a recent scary incident where a misjudged backflip off a guardrail caused him to feel his legs giving out, leading to him collapsing and vomiting afterward.

• What does the wrestler consider his greatest achievement in AEW?

  His greatest pride comes from being himself and being accepted for who he is during his seven years in AEW. His initial mission was simply to be accepted, and he feels he has accomplished this, valuing authenticity over championship titles.

• How did the wrestler overcome his childhood lack of confidence?

  He attributes his transformation to developing confidence over the years. He contrasts his father's early disbelief in his wrestling dreams with his current success, where his father now assists him, symbolizing a full-circle achievement.

• What message does the wrestler hope fans take away from his career?

  He hopes fans, especially children, are inspired to believe that anything is possible. He wants them to understand the importance of overcoming mental barriers and realizing their potential, even after facing significant challenges.

• Why is gratitude so important to the wrestler, especially in relation to AEW?

  He expresses deep gratitude for AEW, viewing it as a company that has changed his life mentally and professionally. He believes that by setting aside ego and embracing gratitude, wrestlers can truly benefit from the opportunities provided and find personal fulfillment.

Show Notes