DISCLAIMER: This article mentions suicide and sexual assault.
WCW Or Bust
When I was little, I would visit my grandparents during the summer and my uncle would force me to watch WCW because his favorite wrestler was (and still is to this day) Sting. I would ask to watch WWF and my uncle refused. Of course, when the company went away that meant I stopped watching, I didn’t really watch much wrestling afterward, just clips here and there. So my attention slowly drifted to other things and wrestling was in my rearview.
The Return To Wrestling And AJ Lee
I remember the exact moment I got back into wrestling like it was yesterday. It was 2012 and active-duty Navy living in the barracks I was flipping through the channels and Smackdown appeared. AJ Lee was on my television screen and that caught my attention immediately. AJ didn’t look like the typical glamourous diva that everyone was accustomed to. I immediately resonated with her. I saw myself in her and because of her, I was tuned into Raw and Smackdown every week.
This was also the same year The Shield made their debut at Survivor Series and once I found out Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley) was from my hometown of Cincinnati Ohio, I was immediately hooked and there was no going back.
Tribute To The Troops came to Norfolk Virginia and it was my first time seeing a wrestling event live. There were meet and greets all across town that weekend, and I was driving base to base getting autographs. I showed up to the event in uniform and got floor seats and I was close to the action.
Deployments put a stop to everything, and it was difficult to keep up with wrestling while out to sea. The times we had internet on the ship, I was able to catch updates. At that point, I wanted to wrestle and started researching schools in the area. I separated from the military in September 2016 and three months later I was training to be a wrestler.
In Ring Training And Rock Bottom
2017 was the worst year of my life. My military separation took a toll on me. As a single mother to a then three-year-old, I was struggling to keep both our heads above water. This affected my in-ring training and the school owner was not sympathetic to me losing my home.
This was a dark period in my life. You name it I went through it. My veteran benefits didn’t kick in in time and my son and I were evicted from our home. I had my car repossessed, and I bounced from job to job and was fired, I was arrested and almost became a felon. I was sexually assaulted on my own birthday. All of this led to two suicide attempts within seven months of each other and two hospital stays. I took time to get myself together and that process lasted three years. When I look back I’m amazed that I am still alive and that’s because my child needs me here.
Wrestling Republic And The Beginning Of My Broadcasting Career
In 2021 I began toying with the idea of giving wrestling one more try—but I gave myself an ultimatum. I promised myself that if I was not back in wrestling within a year, then I was giving up on the dream.
The universe sends the right signs at the right time. It was a simple scroll on Instagram that led me to the Wrestling Republic and now I have a head position covering the indies. If it wasn’t for Ben Allison, I would not be where I am today. A year later I made my on-camera debut doing backstage interviews, ring announcing, and color commentary for various indie promotions on the East Coast. I have worked hard to get to where I’m currently, but I have also had luck as well from the universe. I’m having so much fun now and am excited to see where the journey takes me.
Wrestling Saved My Life
Wrestling saved my life. The biggest thing I have learned is that wrestling will always be here if you decide to step away temporarily. I am grateful for the friends I have made, the opportunities that have been given, and all the ones who have mentored me thus far. Above all else, my son is my motivation to succeed in this business.
It’s been in my heart to share my story, but there was never a right time to do it until now. I hope this helps and encourages somebody out there. Please know that no matter what you go through in life there is ALWAYS a light at the end of the tunnel and I am living proof of that.
If you are feeling alone and having thoughts of suicide—whether or not you are in crisis—or know someone who is, don’t remain silent. Talk to someone you can trust through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988. If you are a military veteran, Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, or text 838255 to receive 24/7 confidential support.
