It was one of those moments that sticks with you long after the lights fade, especially for a fan who’s been around the block a few times. I walked into the arena in Phoenix, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. I’d just lost a tough match to Gunther, one of the best competitors in the business right now, and I was feeling pretty down about it. But then, something shifted. I saw my little boy, Jace, waiting backstage, and that instantly brought a wave of emotion crashing over me. I couldn’t help but think about how far we’ve come, traveling together, sharing these experiences.
I brought Jace out to the crowd, and you could feel the energy shift in the room. The roar they gave him was incredible—cheers, chants, people waving their hands in the air. It was like he was the star of the show, and I was just his proud dad. I know I didn’t win the match, but having him there, sharing that moment with everyone, made everything feel worth it. I wanted to say thank you—not just to the fans for their support, but to Jace for being my ride or die.
There’s no sugarcoating it: I was heartbroken after the loss. I gave everything I had in that ring, but Gunther is a beast, and he showed me exactly why he’s where he is. But I also had to acknowledge the crowd’s energy, the way they made the place electric. That’s what makes this business special—fans like these who connect with you on a personal level.
Speaking of personal, I took a moment to talk to the parents in the audience. You guys are raising the next generation of fans, and I know how much you juggle everything to come out here. So I told the kids to listen to their parents, to show respect, and even something as simple as washing their hands before eating goes a long way. It’s the little things that build character.
As I was wrapping things up, I couldn’t help but laugh about how the night ended—yes, with a ‘Yeet,’ but it was all in good fun. It reminded me that even in defeat, there’s room for joy and humility. Thanks to everyone for being part of this journey tonight. You guys mean the world.