Struggling Between 2011 and 2013
Strickland pointed to the independent wrestling grind between 2011 and 2013 as his lowest point, describing it as a time of “just spinning wheels over and over again”. This time period also coincided with the birth of both his daughters.
“I would say just the independent grind between 2011, 12, 13, it was the point of just spinning wheels over and over again,” Strickland said. “That’s also when both my daughters were born. So it’s just like, Okay, now it’s making very little money, no car, two daughters to feed, two different households. I still had the military, but I have all these commitments”.
Overcoming Discomfort For Success
The AEW star continued, explaining that his commitments and lack of resources compounded the struggle. He had to spend a couple of years finding his “footing and my groove” just to settle the immediate needs.
Strickland further discussed how that period of discomfort, while not fear, has shaped his career, allowing him to take risks.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Insight with Chris Van Vliet with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. To listen or watch, fans can find Insight with Chris Van Vliet on YouTube.
