And a happy new year to you, too!
It's back to the grindstone this morning for most of us, and to be honest, I couldn't wait for the new year to begin. As we all tirelessly know, every January 1st brings new hope, promise, and potential. Most will have newfound energy to "do better", make more money, quit smoking, or [insert yours here]. The pessimist in me realizes that 99% of these goals and dreams will fall flat on their faces as soon as the actual "new" of the year wears off. But the chosen few will succeed – will you?
I woke up today feeling great. I showered, shaved, dressed to impress, and was sitting in front of my computer monitor by 9:00 AM sharp, ready to work. I started with this column and promised myself I would be the most productive I've been in at least a year. Working from home increases the difficulty of doing just that with all of the distractions, but I'm determined.
No Twitter or Facebook until lunch, dammit!
I decided to use my weekly feature this week as a message of encouragement to all of you by posting my new year resolutions. You will be my accountability partners. Plus, my 2013 predictions for the pro wrestling business – some fun, some serious. I would love to hear yours. Leave them below in the Comments section or send them directly to me on Twitter.
Resolution #1: WrestleZone.com, Continued
I am grateful for the job I have here with WrestleZone.com and hope to continue being a contributing factor to its growth and progress this year, as long as they'll continue to have me. My weekly editorials and video shows are highlights of my week, every week, and I hope they provide at least some sort of entertainment and value to you, the readers/viewers, as well.
I believe in the team we have here, starting at the top with Nick Paglino. Being the managing senior editor of this site is a daunting task – I know from personal experience – but Nick really makes it look easy. He's also the co-host of my VOW broadcast every Monday before Raw, where we just celebrated our ten-year anniversary, and I can only hope 2013 will bring more success for both of us.
Mark Madden and Kevin Kelly are the credibility backbones of WrestleZone. I seriously look up to both men, even when I don't necessarily agree with their opinions, and am proud to be featured on the same public forum.
The rest of the crew, from Justin and Josh to Mike and Adam, just continue getting better. It's an honor to call them friends and I look forward to working with them more going forward. Oh, and some mad love for those who run our wrestling forums. That's an incredible challenge and they do great work.
Last, but certainly not least, YOU, the WrestleZone readers – thanks to all of you for visiting and supporting the site. You're an impossible bunch to please, always, but you keep us on our toes and challenge us to do better. I'm sure that's one thing that will most definitely continue in 2013 as well, and I'm looking forward to it.
Resolution #2: My Personal Site, Brand, & Message
This is the most lofty of goals I'm setting for myself this year, and will become my number two priority behind my duties at this website. My new personal site is nearly finished with a launch date set for this Monday, just in time for the start of the Royal Rumble build and subsequent "Road to WrestleMania".
The site will be about making money online, and specifically, in the pro wrestling business. I've been fortunate enough to make a living off of this great sport I love for the past five years, and I want to continue doing just that. Most importantly, I want to encourage others to follow suit and do the same. Whether it's out of a labor of love and low expectations for actual profit, or a serious business venture you plan to make a killing off of, I want to help you realize your potential. My site will be full of advice, tutorials, interviews, and resources to try and help you find success with any project(s) you attempt.
My first words of wisdom for you: just do it!
Resolution #3: To Wrestle My First Match
I know it sounds silly, but it's time I enter the other side of the business, at least once. I'll never be a pro wrestler, which is a good thing, but in ten years of talking and writing about the business, I've never stepped foot inside a wrestling ring (other than to take a picture with my favorite superstars when I was a kid).
Driven by curiosity and eliminating my critics' first argument of "you've never done it", 2013 will see me train for and wrestle my first match. Currently, I'm 6'3 and weigh a buck-nothin', soaking wet, but the competitor in me will take this challenge head on, set high-but-achievable goals, and come out on top.
If payment is required, I'll pay for the proper training. I'm expecting a ton of gym work to be a requirement, so I'll be hitting the weights in style. And I promise, performance enhancers will NOT be used in this experiment.
This isn't a game, and I'm not joking about my plans to succeed at a high level. I will use all 363 days left to pull it off if necessary, but it will happen. And I'm expecting it to be a five-star classic!
I'm taking suggestions for my opponent.
What are YOUR new year resolutions? I want to know, and if I can help you get started or be your accountability partner to help you see them through, all you need do is ask! Check out my WWE and TNA predictions for 2013 on the next page…
