A pro wrestler's guide to confidence | Mike Kinney

Summary

In this inspiring narrative, the speaker recounts his journey from a young boy captivated by professional wrestling to becoming 'Cowboy' Gator Magraw, a wrestler who found his unique identity. After the death of his father, he discovered the importance of authenticity in the ring, learned to amplify his own traits, and eventually earned a spot in WWE's Monday Night Raw. Despite retiring from wrestling, he carries the lessons of self-discovery and personal growth into fatherhood, encouraging his children to embrace their own unique talents.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker grew up with a passion for professional wrestling, inspired by his father and the drama of the sport.
• 🎭 At 16, the speaker's interest led him to help set up a wrestling ring and learn moves, despite the physical toll.
• 🐊 He adopted the wrestling name 'Gator' and later 'Cowboy Gator Magraw', using his unique traits to stand out in the wrestling world.
• 👕 He used his artistic skills to design his own wrestling costumes, reflecting his personality and comfort in his own skin.
• 😂 Leveraging his natural humor, he decided to be an entertaining wrestler, focusing on making the audience laugh rather than intimidate.
• 🤼‍♂️ The speaker's wrestling career included a stint with WWE, where he played a fake security guard, showcasing his versatility.
• 🏆 Despite not wrestling in the WWE, the experience motivated him to push himself harder and become a more prominent figure in wrestling.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 After retiring from wrestling due to an injury and the birth of his first child, the speaker continued to embody the 'turned-up' version of himself in everyday life.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 As a parent, he encourages his children to discover their unique talents and 'turn themselves up', just as he did in his wrestling career.
• 🌟 The message is about self-discovery and embracing one's individuality, using personal strengths to achieve one's fullest potential.

Q & A

What was the speaker's childhood dream inspired by his father?

The speaker's childhood dream was inspired by watching professional wrestling with his father, and he wanted to become a world heavyweight champion like his favorite wrestlers on TV.

How did the speaker's father respond when he expressed his wrestling ambitions?

The speaker's father would usually smile and calmly say that he could count on his son to be his retirement fund, indicating a light-hearted support for his son's dreams.

What significant event led the speaker to start his wrestling journey?

The speaker started his wrestling journey when a small wrestling show came to his town in Minnesota, and he asked the wrestlers to teach him moves and help set up the ring.

How did the speaker's wrestling persona 'Gator' come to be?

The speaker's wrestling persona 'Gator' came to be when he needed a wrestling name at the last minute, and since 'Jesse The Body' Ventura was already taken, he chose 'Gator' because he had a giant poster of an alligator in his room.

What advice did an experienced wrestler give the speaker that changed his life?

The experienced wrestler advised the speaker that the best wrestlers are just themselves, but 'turned up,' meaning they should focus on their strongest traits and amplify them in the ring.

How did the speaker cope with his father's unexpected passing?

The speaker coped with his father's passing by returning to wrestling almost immediately, as it was something that belonged to him and his dad, and it helped him feel normal again.

What was the turning point for the speaker's wrestling career?

The turning point for the speaker's wrestling career was when he decided to amplify his own unique traits, such as wearing trunks as a big guy, designing his own costumes, and using his humor to entertain the audience.

How did the speaker's wrestling persona evolve into 'Cowboy' Gator Magraw?

The speaker's wrestling persona evolved into 'Cowboy' Gator Magraw by combining his desire to be a man's man like his dad, his admiration for the cowboy image, and the inspiration from country singer Tim McGraw's last name.

What was the significance of the WWE call for the speaker?

The call from the WWE was significant for the speaker as it was an opportunity to be part of Monday Night Raw, which was a dream come true and a validation of his hard work and dedication to wrestling.

Why did the speaker retire from professional wrestling?

The speaker retired from professional wrestling due to a bad shoulder injury that required surgery, and the desire to be present for the birth of his first child, wanting to be there for his family as a father.

What lesson does the speaker want to pass on to his children?

The speaker wants to teach his children to reach their fullest potential by turning themselves up, which means identifying their unique talents and amplifying them for the world to see.