Former WWE Superstar Jimmy Wang Yang is best known to fans for his fun-loving “Asian Redneck” persona and his comedic timing. However, in a new exclusive interview on “The Velvet Ropes with SoCal Val,” Yang revealed that his real-life upbringing was far darker and more difficult than anyone knew.
Yang recently released his autobiography, “James Yun: Yun’s Time,” a project that he admits took him nearly two decades to complete. When asked why he finally decided to put his story on paper, Yang explained that close friends had urged him to share his history, even though he was initially ashamed of it.
“For years, people very close to me that know my real history, about growing up and before wrestling, like, they always suggested me to write a book,” Yang said. “But you know how it is, honestly, I… I don’t know if I want to put it out there, because I actually was pretty embarrassed about my childhood.”
Yang then shared the heartbreaking details of his family life that he had kept hidden for so long. “My dad left, like, at nine, and he chose his new wife over his kids,” Yang revealed.
He also dropped a shocking detail about his mother’s situation. “My mom’s in a religious cult. Like, so, like, Yeah, seriously,” he stated.
Because of these family dynamics, Yang felt he “came from nothing” and hesitated to view himself as an inspirational figure compared to larger-than-life stars like Sting or Hulk Hogan. However, his peers convinced him that his ability to succeed despite his background was a story worth telling.
“They convinced me, like, ‘Yeah, dude. Like, your story is… it is unbelievable, and it could help somebody inspire people,'” Yang recalled. “So, like, kind of, like, was jotting down notes for the last 20 years, and I’m like, why not? Let’s put it out there.”
The book, which Yang describes as a labor of love, details his journey from a broken home to signing a WCW contract at age 17 (by lying about his age) and eventually becoming a WWE Superstar.
“James Yun: Yun’s Time” is available now on Amazon, with audiobooks available on Apple, Barnes & Noble, and Spotify. Signed paperback copies are available at Jazzyyang.com. Click below to watch his entire interview with SoCal Val.
