PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING
A collection of freelance articles published in various media outlets.
DAINGERSNAKE DESIGNS SEWS A STRAIGHT STITCH FOR AEW
May 6, 2022
Dio’s “Rainbow in the Dark” pumps through the speakers as a figure steps into view. He’s draped in a glimmering turquoise and violet floor-length coat with tights in the same color scheme, and holding the Gateway Heritage Championship belt.
The costume is Chris Estell’s creation come to life on its wearer, Jeremy “The Monarch” Wyatt. He was one of the first pro wrestlers to wear ring gear from Estell’s business, Daingersnake Designs. READ MORE
DAK DRAPER HAS NO SHAME (ON YOU), ONLY A CHIP ON HIS SHOULDER
March 26, 2021
Dak Draper was excluded from last year’s Ring of Honor anniversary show in Las Vegas, making his match Friday at the 19th Anniversary pay-per-view against Jonathan Gresham for the Pure Championship that much more important. READ MORE.
RENEE PAQUETTE MANIFESTS ‘MESSY IN THE KITCHEN’
May 18, 2021
Manifestation is real. And for Renee Paquette, formerly Renee Young with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), believing that – and putting into the ether her dream of writing and publishing a cookbook – led to Messy in the Kitchen: My Guide to Eating Deliciously, Hosting Fabulously and Sipping Copiously. READ MORE.
'A VICTIM OF SUPPORTIVE PARENTS': THE RJ CITY STORY
August 2021
RJ City has been blocked on Twitter by President Donald Trump, became friends with David Arquette and has a non-wrestling role on WWE’s digital platforms. All because he was the “victim of supportive parents.” READ MORE.
LEE’S SUMMIT NATIVE ANTHONY “SHARKBAIT” GUTIERREZ FIGHTS THROUGH MMA
March 23, 2020
Anthony “Sharkbait” Gutierrez had his first fight while studying at Lee’s Summit West High School. It lasted eight seconds. “We ended up kicking each other at the same time,” Gutierrez said, “and our shins collided, and his shin snapped in half. Then I ended up knocking him out.” Those eight seconds set a trajectory for his future. READ MORE.
WRESTLING WITH THE WINE INDUSTRY
July 30, 2019
Wrestler Niles Plonk makes his way through Kanza Hall, serenaded by a chorus of boos, telling fans they lack class. He preaches “classy commandments”as he waits for an opponent to accept the “Niles Plonk Challenge.” READ MORE.
CONSCIENCE CLEAR: PSYCHO MIKE DEBUTS IN JAPAN
June 3, 2019
Psycho Mike Rollins' conscience has been making its presence felt during Rollins' matches as of late. And while the man himself said it could look like the voice -- heard by the crowd and himself, but not his opponent -- is the "devil on his shoulder," he insisted that's not the case. READ MORE
JIMMY JACOBS NO LONGER 'BEHOLDEN' TO CHILDHOOD DREAM
Dec. 7, 2017
When Jimmy Jacobs returned to in-ring action after sitting on WWE's creative team for two-and-a-half years, he questioned whether fans would remember him. "Are they going to care? Are people going to be happy to see me?" Jacobs recalled. READ MORE.
AMERICAN ALPHA: 'LIKE BROTHERS FROM DAY ONE'
Aug. 10, 2017
Chad Gable and Jason Jordan started their amateur careers with a passion for professional wrestling in their blood and -- despite not teaming until their days in NXT -- took similar paths to the squared circle. READ MORE.