1986
I made the pivotal decision to drop out of university and pursue a career in professional sports, I felt a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and determination that swirled within me.
I was in my early 20s, fresh-faced and brimming with ambition, but also plagued by doubts about the path I should take.
I had always been an athlete, excelling in basketball throughout my school years, and the allure of playing professionally was strong.
For a while, I even entertained the idea of trying my luck overseas, reaching out to a few European teams to gauge their interest.
But deep down, I knew that my true passion lay elsewhere - in the world of professional wrestling.
It wasn't an easy choice to make. Leaving the relative comfort and security of university was a big risk, and I agonized over it for weeks, weighing the pros and cons carefully.
But Chiara, my steadfast partner who had been by my side through thick and thin, provided unwavering support.
She knew how much wrestling meant to me, and she encouraged me to pursue my dreams, no matter where they might lead. With her in my corner, I felt empowered to take the leap and commit myself fully to this new, uncharted path.
And so, in late 1986, I began my training under the tutelage of Buzz Sawyer, a seasoned veteran of the wrestling circuit.
To be honest, I never really clicked with Sawyer - there was something about his approach that just rubbed me the wrong way.
He seemed to lack the level of dedication and commitment that I felt was necessary to truly excel in this sport, and his teaching methods left a lot to be desired.
I often found myself frustrated by the limited scope of the education he provided, feeling that there was so much more I needed to learn.
Despite the challenges, I persevered, determined to make the most of this opportunity. I spent countless hours honing my skills, pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion as I learned the ins and outs of the wrestling world.
It was tough, grueling work, but I relished the challenge, driven by an insatiable hunger to succeed.
And then, just as I was starting to gain momentum in my fledgling career, Chiara revealed that she was pregnant. The news hit me like a bolt from the blue, sending my world into a tailspin.
Suddenly, the stakes were higher than ever before - I wasn't just fighting for my dreams anymore but for the future of our growing family.
The pressure was immense, but it also fueled me in ways I couldn't have imagined. I redoubled my efforts, pouring every ounce of my being into becoming the best wrestler I could be.
The long hours in the gym, the grueling training sessions, the endless hours spent studying the craft - it all took on a new urgency, a renewed sense of purpose.
I was determined to make this work, to build a stable, secure future for Chiara and our child.
The thought of them relying on me, of my having to provide for them, drove me to push myself harder than I ever had before.
I would do whatever it took to ensure that our little family was taken care of, no matter the cost.
And so, I threw myself into my work with a fervor that bordered on obsession. I trained relentlessly, honing my skills and developing a repertoire of moves that would soon become my signature.
I studied the greats, learning from their techniques and strategies, and I worked tirelessly to develop my unique style.
It wasn't easy, and there were times when I felt overwhelmed by the sheer weight of my responsibilities.
The long hours, the physical toll, the constant pressure to perform - it all took a significant toll on me, both mentally and physically. But through it all, Chiara was there, a constant source of strength and support.
She would listen patiently as I vented my frustrations, offering words of encouragement and reassurance.
She would rub my aching muscles after particularly grueling training sessions, and she would remind me of the bigger picture, of the reason I was pushing myself so hard.
Her unwavering belief in me, her unconditional love and support, were the fuel that kept me going, even when the path ahead seemed impossibly difficult.
I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for Chiara's unwavering presence. Without her, I don't know if I would have had the strength to keep going, to push through the challenges and setbacks that inevitably came my way.
She was my rock, my anchor, and the driving force behind my determination to succeed.
Now, as I stand on the cusp of my professional wrestling debut, with a child on the way, I feel a renewed sense of purpose and drive.
The stakes are higher than ever before, but I'm more ready than I've ever been. I've honed my skills and developed a unique and captivating style, and I'm confident that I have what it takes to make it big in this industry.
And with Chiara by my side, cheering me on and supporting me every step of the way, I know that I can't fail.
Together, we're going to build a future that's brighter than anything we could have imagined, and I can't wait to see what the next chapter holds.
YOU ARE READING
Love Like a Sunset Part I
FanfictionWhat had started as a tentative rekindling blossomed into a rediscovery of the profound, enduring love that had once defined their relationship, a second chance at the happily-ever-after they had been robbed of years ago.