Three Count: Fighting for the Pro Wrestling Dream- Part IV: Adjusting to the Indies

Every one of the superstars Rodz trained over the years has wrestled in Gleason’s, before slowly moving onto bingo halls and crusty school gyms. They’ve all squeezed into cars for trips across state lines for matches. They’ve all slept in dirty motels for the night. They’ve all held titles at small promotions. They’ve all waved to Mom in the front row.

The smart ones learn the most important lesson early – the need to send fans home happy. That comes with the pressure to outdo your last match every time you step into the ring.

The goal is to stand out, to make a connection with the fans. Wrestlers use different moves or the same moves in different ways. They become engrossed in their character. It becomes a part of them. The act is constantly fine-tuned. If something doesn’t work, try something different. A cheer is gold. A boo, unless called for, means what ever spurred it is banished from of the bag of tricks.

Unlike most other professions, being injured or sick is no reason to miss a match. Or put on a mediocre show. Admitting injury or exhaustion – or even complaining – is almost a badge of shame.

“I’ve had people tell me they needed time away from this and I thought they were crazy,” said former NWA Canada Champion Scott “Scotty Mac” Schnurr, 32. “When everything in the world is screwed up, I know that this can make me happy and this is where I need to be. When the crowd screams your name, it makes everything feel, at least for a little while, so much less important.”

Santiago doesn’t show his friends his welts anymore. He goes to the gym every day and takes care of his body. He’s been relatively injury free. He gets stronger everyday. But he’s still got work to do.

Santiago’s in-ring repertoire is solid – he uses the Boston Crab and the Tiger Bomb as his signature holds. But he’s still in search of a gimmick, something to get him on the good side with fans. Away from the ring, he’s bubbly with a warm smile and makes friends easily. He lives at home with his parents while he trains. Between matches, Santiago works the register part-time at Hard Rock Café in Times Square and is studying at the Borough of Manhattan Community College for a degree in physical education. Teaching gym is his backup plan – one he hopes he’ll never have to tap.

“People have asked me all the time why I do this and I really don’t know the answer,” Santiago said. “I’ve always wanted to be Intercontinental Champion and to wrestle in the WWE. I’d do anything to one day get there. I love the response from the crowd. When they cheer you, it’s a great feeling. It’s a rush. When they boo you, it’s cool too, especially when that’s what you want from them.”

You can read the earlier parts of the segment by clicking the link here.