By Alex Al-Kazzaz
In life, I have many heroes. Heroes in my Dad, in my two younger brothers, in my Mom, in my friends. Zinedine Zidane, the soccer legend is perhaps my biggest hero because he's been my hero since I was only three years old. You see, I'm a lifelong fan of soccer. But I am also a lifelong fan of professional wrestling. And since I was a little kid, Chris Jericho has been my pro wrestling hero.
It's hard to explain but believe it or not, Jericho's promos were special to me because they helped me stand up to bullies. I was that kid. Yeah, I was that kid that was the easiest and most favorable target for bullies. Pro wrestling was one of my escapes from the pain and torment from school. Frankly, Natalya is a hero of mine, as well. Jericho and Natalya are two people I admire and I hope to one day personally speak to them and thank them for being an influence. Zidane too. And EDDIE KINGSTON! And how can I forget Jim Ross?! The man who inspired me to pursue broadcast journalism! See, it's hard to keep track of all my heroes!
So let's get to Eddie Kingston. I turned 30 back in January. Ever since I was 23 years of age, I've been busting my ass trying to make it in the brutal industry of broadcast journalism. Over the years, I've worked many jobs trying to put money in my pocket and that's been one major problem after another. Where I am right now, I am 30-year-old with no money working full-time as a bar-back and running five podcasts and writing for two websites. Financial rewards is honestly...well blank to put it mildly. Not to mention all the personal demons with my serious ADHD and mental health problems stemming from a bit of a difficult childhood and the difficulties in adulthood. My goal is to make my shows very successful. I want to be a successful journalist.
Clearly, I am not really getting to the point, because I am supposed to be talking about my hero Eddie Kingston. Here it is; Kingston is a professional wrestler. He arrived at All Elite Wrestling in 2020. After a long journey in the indies, Kingston was finally on the big scene. His debut was in 2002 Seems that he and I have something somewhat in common. I've been on a long road trying to make it big in Journalism like Eddie was on a long road trying to make it in pro wrestling. Eddie and I struggle with mental health, but our common traits are beyond that. I've listened to what Eddie has said about mental health. That story about a conversation he had with his brother and about Kingston wanting to move to...Alaska, I think? Well, there's a part in that story that really got me. Look it up, y'all. I am so glad he did not retire in 2019. And if I am correct, I believe it was a promo that got earned him an invitation to AEW to work a match with Cody.
Kingston signed with AEW at the age of 38. Now granted he's been successful in wrestling prior. I've watched some of his work from his stints with Ring of Honor, Impact Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Alliance. Eddie teaming with Homicide is one of the coolest things I have seen in wrestling. Brilliant chemistry between those two! Kingston's mic skills and wrestling ability...unbelievably inspiring. Believe it or not, Kingston's ability to talk on the mic inspired me to improve my mic skills involving my podcasts! But there's more to that. Kingston busted his butt, grinded, worked hard, kept at it, and it was not easy for him, but his hard work finally paid off when he signed with AEW. Kingston's story shows that it's NEVER too late to achieve success and make it to the promise land. For me, even though I am 30, that doesn't mean that I am too old to make it in Journalism.
Kingston's story and journey is inspiring me to continue to grind, work hard, and keep at it. Kingston has inspired me to never give up and not let personal demons get into my head. Kingston's journey and career is an example that hard work and grind pays off. The key is to keep going and take a chance at whatever opportunity . Especially the opportunity to learn and improve.
Eddie, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for being such an inspiring influence. You're inspiring me to not quit despite all the emotional pain and frustration that keeps taking toll on me and my mental health. Thank you, Eddie. And I hope to one day meet you, shake your hand, and look at you in the eye and thank you for everything. If I could one day have you on my pro wrestling podcast, I'd be a major career accomplishment for me. Frankly, having the opportunity to thank you face-to-face would a big blessing in life for me.
Eddie. You are the man. You are my hero. And I am forever grateful.