Today we’d like to introduce you to James Johnson.
Hi James, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey is an interesting one, to me at least, because I actually gave up on it so quickly when I initially began. I knew from the time I was a child that I always wanted to be a professional wrestler, but when I finally had the opportunity I gave it up shortly after I started. I was not trained well initially, and it showed. I had several bad experiences from the starting line, and got hurt quite a bit. So I told myself that “this just isn’t for me, I guess.” And allowed myself to walk away from my dream. But I didn’t stay away too long, just a few years. I believe in synchronicity, and that everything comes full circle. I was in the process of removing myself from some groups on Facebook when I found an ad for Palmetto Championship Wrestling, and they were looking for wrestlers. I sent a message and the rest pretty much unfolded like a dream. The company officially began running shows November of 2015. We had a school attached to the promotion and we tried out a few different trainers until Ethan Case reached out. Ethan was undoubtedly one of the top wrestlers in the area, and battled against world class talent on a consistent basis. He asked if we were serious about having a school atmosphere. Once we told him we were, the rest was history. He, along with Billy Brash, and Mallaki Matthews officially started The Palmetto Wrestling Academy. I had to be retrained entirely and when I was, it was a night and day difference. I went from being able to wrestle once a month if I was lucky, to making a name for myself all up and down the East Coast. My story is similar to other professional wrestlers. I moved a lot. I spent a ton of money on travel, gear, and mementos. I got hurt, I recovered, and I came back to wrestling time and time again. I wrestled guys who are now on TV every week, and I’ve wrestler guys that I grew up watching on TV. I’ve made a name for myself, and most importantly, I’ve made memories that will last longer than my lifetime on this planet. I honestly can say that I’ve done everything I ever set out to do in professional wrestling, and everything else that happens now? That’s just a bonus. I’m living my dream.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can’t say it’s been smooth. I struggled a lot physically, mentally, and emotionally.
I’ve had some pretty significant injuries along the way. Broken collarbone, torn ACL, torn meniscus, I’ve developed arthritis in my right elbow, I’ve had my bell rung quite a few times, my hips are out of alignment more often than they’re in alignment, and I’ve broken and reset my fingers and nose on a few occasions. The physical pain is the easy part. The mental and emotional pain is what gets to me. I traveled so much when I was first starting out that I missed such a huge chunk of my son’s childhood. He wasn’t even born when I initially started this journey, and now he’s about to turn 13. I missed so much, that I refuse to miss more. He comes with me to all of my shows now and I couldn’t be happier. Sharing my passion with him, and knowing that he loves wrestling as much as I do is one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever had.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a professional wrestler, and a professional wrestling trainer at The Palmetto Wrestling Academy.
I love what I do. I’ve never once pulled up to a show to work and went “Ugh. I wish I wasn’t here.” Because I LOVE what I do. I specialize in performing in a wrestling ring, aiding younger wrestlers, producing shows, training new wrestlers, and finally shooting, editing, and producing content for social media to promote my brand. I’m most proud of the times that I’ve been able to make a lasting impact on people’s lives, and actually leave a positive impression on the wrestling business, and on people as a whole. I think the thing that sets me apart from others is that I’m totally immersed in wrestling. It is non stop for me, and I keep falling in love with it over and over again. Some people need a break and to go home and not think about wrestling. But truthfully, it’s all that I ever think about. I couldn’t imagine my life without being involved in wrestling in some way, shape, or form.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Absolutely! My advice is pretty simple, but gets overlooked the most.
HAVE. FUN.
This business is hard. This business will test you in ways that you never thought possible. BUT, this business is fun. We are the lucky ones. No matter what level you perform at, there are people all over this world that would give anything to be in our shoes and for some reason or another, are not able to. Be hungry to grow and succeed, but never forget to always be grateful.
Honestly, I just wish that I knew how to take care of my body before I ever became a professional wrestler. I was already beat up before I ever got in a ring. I JUST recently figured out how to take care of myself and you guys can do the math on how long I’ve been wrestling. Haha.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @PalmettoCultClassic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjFZfzoWz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
