“The legends have been visiting different cities, sharing their experiences, giving healthy diet and nutrition tips to the sports enthusiasts who look forward to become world renowned faces,” Nirmal Dayani, director, marketing, ESPN Software Private Limited.
The three stars also interacted with students of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Public School in the city as part of their promotion drive. “We have met some wrestling fanatics, body builders and school kids across cities. We are confident of getting huge entries for this prestigious hunt as it is the most followed sport in India, ” said Kurt Angle, 1996 Olympic gold medallist and former four-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion.
Jay Lethal, a three-time X Division Champion was equally pleased with the response of the TNA fans in the city. “I am overwhelmed by the adulation and the wonderful reception here. I did not expect people here to recognise us and follow the game so closely.” Determination is of seminal importance to make it big in any sport, believes Jay. “Luck do plays a role. But is was not luck when I told my parents that I wanted to be a wrestler. Many people told me that I would not make it. But I proved them wrong,” said Jay. The champion said that being in the same ring with wrestler Ric Flair was the most memorable moment of his life. “It was on July 11 this year. It was very special and the greatest match of my career because he is my idol.” The wrestler clearly enjoys the perks of his profession.
“The best part of being a successful wrestler is the fame, travel and the opportunity to meet interesting people from different cultures,” said Jay who is a complete family man. “I hate staying away from my family. It is worse than having injuries. Injuries heal, you know,” said the one-time World Tag Team Champion with Consequences Creed.
Mick Foley, the four-time World Heavyweight Champion and sports entertainment legend agreed that he enjoys spending time with his family.“I have also become more mellow and laid back. If we lived with the same intensity that we played the sport, it would be difficult,” said Mick. A champion wrestler needs to carve his own identity.
“There is no scientific formula to it.
Guys have to go out, learn their trade and carve a niche for themselves, “ said Mick who believes that wrestling brings a lot of relief to people. “Wrestlers have a chance to entertain people. It helps people to just takes their mind off many things,” said the wrestler also known as Mankind or Cactus Jack.
Mick is also an accomplished writer and wrote several books - fiction, non-fiction, and children’s - over the course of his 20-plus years as a professional wrestler. “I wrote my autobiography in 1999 and I realised that people enjoyed my writing style, so I kept on.” He is a contended man. “I have achieved all my goals in wrestling.
I’m now looking forward to writing a novel. It is coming out in October.” Mick is also a hotline volunteer for the Washington-based organisation RAINN which helps sexual assault victims in the United States. His short stint in India also includes volunteering for several causes. “I have enjoyed my stay in India but felt sad to to see so many children on the street in Mumbai. I am working with a foundation in India to do my bit.” said the wrestler adding “We have economic disparities in the United States as well but it is not so extreme.”