Kevin Nash on the average day on the road

Summary

The transcript details the grueling and chaotic lifestyle of professional wrestlers on the road. It highlights their challenging schedules, including late-night drives, lack of proper accommodations, and the need to find gyms and food while constantly traveling. The wrestlers share stories of improvising with limited resources, such as sharing towels and stocking up on essentials like beer and food. The narrative also touches on the camaraderie among the wrestlers, their strategies for managing fatigue, and the humorous yet tough experiences they face daily, showcasing the reality behind the glamorous facade of wrestling.

Takeaways

• 🏨 The script discusses the challenges of finding suitable accommodations for wrestlers on the road, emphasizing the need for convenience and affordability.
• 🍽️ It highlights the importance of nutrition and maintaining a strict diet for wrestlers, mentioning the consumption of healthy meals like egg whites and chicken breast.
• 💼 The wrestlers had to be resourceful, such as stealing towels for post-match showers, due to the lack of amenities provided at venues.
• 🚗 Travel was a significant part of their routine, with long drives between cities and the need to find hotels without reservations.
• 🕒 The wrestlers' schedule was grueling, with late-night shows, early morning arrivals in new cities, and little time for rest.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Regular gym visits were a must to maintain physical fitness, even with tight schedules and limited time for rest.
• 🍗 The script mentions the use of protein supplements like ICO Pro bars and shakes, which were part of the wrestlers' diet.
• 🍺 There were instances of indulgence, such as drinking beer, but it was often balanced with the need to stay in shape and perform.
• 🎭 The wrestlers had to manage their public image, often dealing with the challenges of looking the part even in off hours.
• 🤼‍♂️ The importance of teamwork is evident, with wrestlers helping each other out, such as sharing towels or driving duties.
• 🚫 The script also touches on the strict rules of some hotels, like checkout times, and the wrestlers' strategies to navigate them.

Q & A

What challenges did the wrestlers face in terms of scheduling their gym time and meals?

The wrestlers had to manage their time efficiently, often finding a gym and arranging meals before booking their next hotel, all while dealing with the physical demands of their profession.

Why was staying in a major city not ideal for the wrestlers?

Staying in a major city was not ideal because they were not getting paid much, so it was better to stay in less expensive places like motels to save money.

What was referred to as the 'perfect storm'住宿 situation for the wrestlers?

The 'perfect storm'住宿 situation was staying on the bottom floor of a Red Roof Inn where they could easily dump their gear and stay in adjoining rooms with one guy on a pull-out bed and the others on double beds.

Why was it necessary for the wrestlers to steal towels from the hotel?

They needed to steal towels for after the match so they could shower, as arenas typically did not provide towels.

What was the significance of the '50 mile out rule' mentioned by the speaker?

The '50 mile out rule' was a personal rule where the speaker would wait until they were 50 miles out from the city before taking their gimmicks and having a couple of beers, ensuring they were safe to drive.

Why was it important for the wrestlers to eat clean and find a gym quickly after a match?

Eating clean and finding a gym quickly were important for maintaining their physical appearance and fitness, which was crucial for their profession.

What was the typical routine for the wrestlers after a late-night match?

After a late-night match, the wrestlers would shower, find a hotel to stay in without a reservation, and then try to get some sleep before starting their day with a workout and meal preparation.

How did the wrestlers ensure they had enough to eat after a match?

They would often pick up food like Wendy's chicken sandwiches and baked potatoes before the match and eat them after, ensuring they had enough energy for the road ahead.

What was the role of the 'wheel man' in the group?

The 'wheel man', often the speaker himself, was responsible for driving the group to their next destination, ensuring they arrived safely and on time.

How did the wrestlers manage their time on the road to accommodate their needs?

The wrestlers managed their time by waking up midday, finding a gym and a place to eat, and ensuring they were at the building by 6 PM for their next event.

What was the typical amount of sleep the wrestlers got before their next event?

The wrestlers typically got around five hours of sleep in the morning before they had to be at the building for their next event.

Outlines

00:00

🏨 Life on the Road: Gym, Food, and Accommodations

The speaker discusses the challenges and strategies of managing a wrestler's schedule, focusing on gym access, food, and finding suitable accommodations. They mention the importance of booking hotels via cell phone and the preference for budget hotels like Red Roof Inn for convenience and cost-effectiveness. The narrative includes humorous anecdotes about sharing rooms and stealing towels for post-match showers due to the lack of provided amenities. There's also a mention of the wrestlers' diet, which includes protein bars and shakes, and the importance of eating clean to maintain physical appearance. The speaker emphasizes the hectic nature of life on the road, with late-night departures and early arrivals in new cities, often without prior reservations.

05:01

🚗 The Grueling Travel and Preparation Routine

This paragraph delves into the post-match routine of wrestlers, emphasizing the late-night departures from arenas and the long drives to the next city, which could last up to four hours. The wrestlers' day typically starts with finding a gym and having a healthy breakfast at places like Coco's, Perkins, or Denny's. The importance of maintaining a clean diet and the use of tanning beds to maintain appearance are highlighted. The wrestlers' day is structured around their performance schedule, with a tight timeline from waking up midday to arriving at the venue by 6 PM. The narrative also touches on the camaraderie and shared experiences among the wrestlers, including the late-night antics and the division of responsibilities such as driving and securing accommodations.

10:04

🎭 The Rock and Roll Lifestyle Amidst the Grind

The final paragraph touches on the social aspects of the wrestlers' lifestyle, contrasting the rigorous travel and preparation with the occasional indulgence in nightlife. It describes how wrestlers would meet up at the next arena if they had a day off or were not booked on the same card. The paragraph also hints at the wrestlers' personal lives, mentioning that some were married and had to balance their rock and roll lifestyle with their commitments. The narrative suggests that despite the demanding schedule, there were moments of levity and enjoyment, such as visiting hotel bars and socializing after shows.

Keywords

💡Gym

In the context of the video script, 'gym' refers to a fitness center where the individuals involved in wrestling maintain their physical conditioning. It is a key part of their routine, as they need to stay in shape for their performances. The script mentions going to the gym after matches to work out, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness in their profession.

💡Food

The term 'food' in the script highlights the wrestlers' dietary habits and the importance of nutrition for their profession. It is mentioned in relation to maintaining a clean diet, with examples given such as eating grilled chicken and baked potatoes from Wendy's, and consuming protein shakes and bars. This illustrates the disciplined lifestyle necessary for athletes in the wrestling industry.

💡Booking

'Booking' refers to the scheduling and arrangement of wrestling matches and events. In the script, it is mentioned in the context of finding hotels and planning travel, indicating the logistical challenges faced by wrestlers on the road. The term is used to describe the need to coordinate accommodations and transportation in addition to their performance schedules.

💡Stealthness

The concept of 'stealthness' in the script pertains to the secretive or covert actions taken by the wrestlers, particularly when it comes to acquiring towels from hotels without being noticed. It is used to illustrate the resourcefulness and sometimes unconventional methods employed by the wrestlers to meet their needs while traveling.

💡Towels

Towels are mentioned in the script as an essential item for post-match hygiene. Wrestlers need to shower after their performances, and the script humorously describes the need for 'stealing' towels from hotels to ensure they have enough for everyone. This highlights the practical aspects of wrestlers' lives on the road.

💡Gimmicks

In the wrestling context, 'gimmicks' refer to the props or special items used by wrestlers as part of their character or performance. The script mentions taking gimmicks on the road, which is part of maintaining their personas and preparing for their shows. It also humorously refers to 'somas' as a type of gimmick, indicating the use of substances to enhance performance or manage pain.

💡Road

'Road' in the script signifies the life of constant travel that wrestlers experience, moving from city to city for matches and events. The term is used to describe the lifestyle of being on the road, including the challenges of finding accommodations, maintaining routines, and the camaraderie among wrestlers as they travel together.

💡Hotel

The term 'hotel' is repeatedly mentioned in the script, indicating the temporary living arrangements for wrestlers as they travel. It is central to the narrative as it discusses the logistics of finding hotels, the conditions of the rooms, and the strategies used to secure accommodations that meet their needs, such as proximity to gyms and the availability of amenities like towels.

💡Wrestling Gear

Wrestling gear refers to the attire and protective equipment used by wrestlers during their matches. In the script, it is mentioned in the context of putting on gear after a shower, which is a standard part of preparing for a performance. It also humorously describes the scenario of wrestling gear being worn in inappropriate settings, such as in a hotel lobby at midnight.

💡Tanning Bed

The 'tanning bed' is mentioned as part of the wrestlers' routine to maintain their appearance. Tanning is often used by wrestlers to enhance their look in the ring, giving them a more defined and athletic appearance. The script describes going to a tanning bed after eating as a way to 'digest food' before heading to the gym, indicating the importance of appearance in their profession.

Highlights

The importance of scheduling gym time and meals efficiently.

The challenge of booking hotels on the go using a cell phone.

The financial struggles of not being well-paid in the wrestling industry.

The strategy of finding the perfect accommodation for convenience.

The necessity of securing towels for post-match showers.

The camaraderie and teamwork in managing accommodations.

The practicality of eating clean and maintaining a strict diet.

The use of protein shakes and bars for dietary needs.

The routine of taking care of gimmicks and props after matches.

The impact of alcohol consumption on performance and recovery.

The importance of hydration post-match with Gatorade.

The travel logistics of arriving in a new city without a reservation.

The experience of dealing with hotel check-out times.

The hustle of finding a gym and eating facilities in a new location.

The daily routine of a wrestler from waking up to arriving at the venue.

The dynamic of group travel and splitting up due to booking.

The social aspect of wrestling life beyond the ring.

Transcripts

so now schedule wise how are you getting

the gym

and

food

now this is before you can get on your

cell phone and book your next hotel also

oh yeah you're

you're you're driving hoping

you know

that you can that you can uh

find a and of course

that we're not getting paid dick so

you're better off staying you know

outstanding you're not going to go

into you know uh a major city and look

for a hill centers i mean you need a

the the perfect uh storm is the bottom

floor of a red roof inn

where you can [ __ ] dump your [ __ ]

like pull back up to your door

and dump your [ __ ] into two adjoining

rooms and you got five guys

one guy on a pull out and the other four

guys on

uh

double beds

you know motel sixes like you're just

because you're i mean you get in at

three four o'clock they're they're

trying and i actually texas the other

day some guy asked me about i said you

[ __ ] basically stay in your room and

try to sleep until they [ __ ]

threatened police

and then and then the first thing you

have to do is

you have to get up you have to ever ask

the shower

and you're going to go get breakfast

then you're going to go to the gym

because it doesn't matter because you're

going to put your gear on so you're just

just [ __ ] put your gear on on a

sweaty body

but you have to get somebody in the

group

or two guys depending on

on the stealthness

they've got to go out and steal

five towels

so you have towels for the building

so after the match you can shower

so an arena wouldn't have towels no [ __ ]

no

no i've seen i've seen guys forget

towels and and buddy system you just you

i've seen davey but i remember one time

david strong [ __ ] just grabbed

like a marriott towel and just tear it

in half

like the long way and give like half to

you know

die hard or somebody else you know that

ah [ __ ] i forgot my towel

because there's no way you're gonna get

in a car for five four five hours

and the one thing we would always do

the click was we all i mean

our beer was on ice

we learned that from the horsemen

you don't [ __ ] around

like

that when you leave the arena you the

last thing you want to do is be in

bridgeport downtown bridgeport looking

for [ __ ] looking for 12 packs at

[ __ ] 11 25 you know at night so you

get it before yeah you want to get the

[ __ ] you want you want to get on the

road

and then

god forbid

if you haven't had something to eat

and a lot of times it would be like you

get two wendy's chicken sandwiches

two [ __ ] baked potatoes and you'd eat

the [ __ ] chicken breast and a baked

potato at five o'clock go work and eat

the next one and then everybody had that

ico pro that vince put out we'd be

eating a [ __ ] ico put free ico pro

bars

ico pro [ __ ] protein shakes which

tasted like

everything everything back then it was

you know everything tasted like [ __ ] in

those days

and uh

that was you know

and because when you get on the road so

you get the one thing you gotta do is

you got to start taking your gimmicks

and the last thing you want to do is

yeah the last thing you want to do is

god forbid if you were to put a meal in

your stomach

because that's not going to let your

[ __ ] kick

so that was it would absorb too much you

mean yeah because you know

and then i was always the wheel man

i i always drove

well waltman told me or utah one of you

was telling me that pizza

would kick somas so

yeah we always it was but sometimes

we were getting mexican somas

so it was just like i think it was just

the batch like one day you take three

and you were out of your mind the next

day you took 133 and you were you know

like

i don't know but a slice of pepperoni

pizza

but my my my personal rule was i would

sip on a couple of beers

but most of times i would get gatorade

after the matches

because i had to drive

and

i would i did the 50 mile out rule

so once we were 50 miles out from the

from the city

then

i i'd take my gimmicks and and have a

couple of beers because

lo and behold at this point

i knew that i'd have to probably put

sean and [ __ ] uh scott

on a luggage cart and uh and wheeled

them in into the

in the [ __ ] room

so so you leave the arena so let's let's

take this slowly

you leave the arena 11 o'clock maybe

right later 11 30. well because you get

a shower and everything yeah you guys

were on last so yeah midnight and then

and then

if kid was the third match

if if sean waltman was the third match

we're showered and then he want he'll

walk in the locker room in full [ __ ]

wrestling gear

at midnight at 11 o'clock yeah like

starting to get ready yeah like oh i'm

sorry guys

were you what were you doing

like

unbelievable i remember one time man we

were screaming kid

kid [ __ ] kid

he comes around the corner he [ __ ]

went over the

fence

and one of the concession things and had

like a couple cases of beer that he

[ __ ] heisted

and it was just like he came around the

corner with us we were just like okay

you're good acceptable yeah yeah

you could be late so you get out at

midnight you get in the car you're

driving could be what could be three

hour drive no [ __ ] you

you i mean

you're probably

i would say the average would be four

before hour drive about a four hour

drive

so you'll pull into town five six

o'clock in the morning your next city

with no idea where you're staying right

unless you knew a place from years prior

but you've got no reservation no

you pull in you find a hotel

you get it now wonder is that what they

start the when do they start the clock

on your on your room is it is that

considered the night before or the next

day oh yeah they want you out at 11. oh

yeah

but most times you know i mean it was

they you know we all had the long hair

we'd look like you know we look like

wrestlers yeah and we we

we do the whole song and dance and you

know the scotter or uh michaels would

pull out their halliburton full of

[ __ ] eight by tens and you know who

do i make this up to if we can stay till

one right so

so you go to sleep right away

yeah

if you can

and uh and you get up midday

you're you're finding a gym right away

you're you're having the continental

breakfast i guess no no you're going to

cocos or

perkins

denny's

you know you go you go someplace you're

getting 12 egg whites

chicken breast

because you're eating clean the whole

time because i mean

nobody's you know

you got to look good

then you got to from there you go get

your tan on digest your food so you go

to a tanning bed digest your food then

you go to the gym

[Music]

take turns drop into deuce then go get

your workout in

then from there you you got to pick up

food

what time and what time am i at here by

the one this is like

like you got to be at the building

usually at six

right you know so like you you basically

your your day starts around 12 30 and

you've got to wrap it up and be

at the building at 6.

so you're getting what five hours of

sleep in the morning

yeah yeah

i mean but i mean if you i i drove so i

mean like those guys if i could pass out

all the time that's true yeah yeah they

would pass out but once once hunter

joined us paul didn't drink

so i would i would stay up like paul

would drive at night

you know and i would

or sometimes he would drive a day we

would take turns driving either day

shift or night shift depending on what

we're going to do

but once he came along we it gave us

more uh

give us more options to as far as if you

know hey if we were in a cool

a good town like say nashville you know

we would always stay in nashville

uh just a town that had bars or had like

any place that had like

a row of bars even sharif port that was

kind of a cool town because it had some

casino boats and some you know like a

little bar district and

you know so

was it always you sean

hpk and scott or would you have to split

up because of booking like maybe yeah

sometimes like uh

like jeff jarrett was always um

one of the guys that would um always if

there was a spot jeff was jeff was

always

um in

um

like uh rad

uh spokoli

he would he would always if there was a

spot in the car

him and uh scott would get buds

so rad would rat would uh

and aldo uh

montoya yeah although montoya would uh

would uh

would come and join us

and so then you just meet up leaving

from the next city if you're following

date had hbk on your card you'd go

he'd meet you at the following arena and

then you guys would write again together

so you get to the arena

you've got your wendy's

grilled chicken gimmicks in the bag

where's the time for the rats now of

course you were married but the other

guys where's the time

for the broads here we're thinking about

this rock and roll lifestyle yeah

brutal

it's brutal

what about the hotel bar action by the

time you get out of the arena at

at like

12 at night you got to go to the next

town you go to the next town