The next big thing in pro wrestling

The life of a young pro wrestler can be a long, lonely journey.

Traveling from one small town to another, sometimes sleeping in your car, you try to craft your profession in front of crowds of 100 or fewer.

It’s those times, trying to make a living on a dream you’ve had since you were a young child, that bring out the best in people.

John Skyler is a Columbia native on the verge of becoming a superstar in the world of headlocks and arm bars. He wants to be the next big thing in pro wrestling.

“I don’t want to be a big fish in a small pond,” Skyler said. “Obviously, it’s going to take time, patience and a little luck, but I’m willing to work for everything that I achieve.”

 

The 27-year old is hoping for that big break. He has garnered a reputation as one of the best young talents around. He is one of the top names not under contract by WWE, TNA and ROH, the three biggest promotions in the United States.

Skyler’s goal is to wrestle for one of the big three.

“A lot of this business is being lucky in being the right guy at the right place at the right time,” Skyler said.

The confidence and determination to succeed is what pushes Skyler, the self-proclaimed “Southern Savior.” He’s gotten a taste of the bright lights and big-city lifestyle and wants that to be the norm instead of the exception.

 

Skyler works for several smaller promotions mainly across the southeast. He has a regular job as a substitute teacher at Hammond as well as working in the academic center as a tutor. That freedom allows Skyler to wrestle two to four times per week, usually on weekends. He sometimes will wrestle in three or four states in a weekend. It’s all about building relationships and working in front of as many people as possible.

A lot of guys with the talent don’t see the dream through because it’s hard to make ends meet doing the smaller independent gigs while hoping for a break. That’s where Skyler stands out.

“At this level, it’s very hard to make a living if you haven’t been on television before or been under contract before,” Skyler said. “Luckily for me, I’m getting a reputation to where I get paid very well. It’s not something you can make a living off of and support a family, but I’m a single guy without kids, a wife or girlfriend. I’m in a position to where I can live comfortable while I do this and can chase my dream for now.”

He has wrestled nearly 800 matches (Skyler keeps a notepad with every match, location, opponent and result) with most of those coming on the independent circuit. But he’s been in the ring with such names as Ryback, Jake Roberts, Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Matt Hardy. Usually one of the top draws on the independent circuit, Skyler also has been on TV as an enhancement talent – meaning he was brought it to make the stars look good.

 

“You have to start somewhere,” Skyler said. “I do what I’m asked to do, and I do it very well. I’m confident enough in my ability that I know what I’m doing, and I will be able to perform whatever it is. Going against guys with the big names is an opportunity. The WWE could have picked someone else, and I was thankful they picked me. Hopefully, when they come calling again, it will be something bigger.”

Skyler grew up in the Blythewood area as John Brumbaugh and graduated from Ridge View High (2006) and the University of South Carolina (2011). He was a standout soccer player at Ridge View and never tried amateur wrestling. Even without an amateur background, Skyler got the wrestling bug at an early age.

On Christmas Day 1993, his parents got him a present that would shape his life’s goals. Tickets for a World Championship Wrestling show at the Township Auditorium were in his stocking. Skyler witnessed his first professional wrestling matches that featured Ric Flair, Steve Austin, Sting, Road Warrior Hawk, Rick Rude and Vader.

He was hooked.

“Wrestling has always been a passion,” he said. “I was into Batman and G.I. Joe and stuff like that, so wrestlers were like real-life superheroes. The first time I saw it live, I knew that is what I wanted to do. I’ve been fortunate and blessed that my parents have always supported what I do.”

Debbie Brumbaugh, his mother, also knew. She watched his passion grow.

 

“He was always into wrestling as a kid, and he said one day that is what he wanted to do,” Brumbaugh said. “This has been his dream for as far back as I can remember. It’s dangerous and a little unnerving to watch him, but he’s doing what he loves. Not many people get to do their passion as their career. We’ve been supportive and encouraging since day one.”

Skyler hooked up with Bob Keller, a local wrestler and promoter, while he was a student at USC. Keller runs a wrestling training site in Gaston, and Skyler started attending weekly workouts. It was far from glamorous. It was in a makeshift ring where guys learned the basics, from how to fall without getting injured to how to protect your opponent.

Keller saw something in Skyler early on.

“He was a kid that was willing to do anything asked of him,” Keller said. “You could tell he was athletic and wanted to be good. That is very important, because if you don’t have that passion and desire, it’s hard to succeed in this business. John was always one that has stood out.”

Skyler was working at The Copy Center in the business school at USC while attending classes and training.

He helped Keller’s wrestling organization by setting up and tearing down the ring, putting up chairs and selling merchandise. Anything to be around the business.

It was a trip to West Virginia where Skyler finally got a break. Keller was running four shows in three days and asked Skyler if he wanted to tag along. He couldn’t guarantee him a spot on any of the cards, but if things worked out, he might possibly make his debut.

On the final show, Skyler was selling merchandise as the doors opened. Keller approached him and asked if he was nervous. Skyler didn’t understand the questioning until Keller said, “I would be nervous if I was in the third match.”

Skyler had to borrow ring gear. After quickly getting ready, he made his debut on July 6, 2008, against Bill Bane.

“It was three minutes, and I got killed,” Skyler laughed.

Things have come a long way since. Skyler has traveled the world and seen places that he believes wouldn’t be possible without wrestling.

But Skyler hasn’t forgotten what has got him to this point. He still works out with Keller’s group when time allows and makes trips to High Spots in Charlotte to train under former WCW wrestler Lodi.

Skyler is the Wrestleforce (Keller’s company) Champion and will be defending the title Sunday at Cayce’s Spires Recreation Center in a fan’s choice match where they pick his opponent – Cedric Alexander, Jaxson James or “Salem Sinner Sixx.”

“Bob Keller is the guy I would credit with most of my training,” he said. “I got refined with Lodi. He’s helped me a good bit. Edge has helped me out quite a bit. A lot of other guys have helped when you’re on the road. But this will always be home and hold a special place in my heart.”

Skyler could end up on one of the weekly wrestling shows sooner rather than later. But he said he feels blessed to have the chance to chase his dream.

“The one thing I’ve learned is don’t constantly search for a payoff in wrestling, because you enter the business with nothing and you’re likely going to leave it with nothing,” Skyler said. “It’s more about the journey, the people you get to meet and the places you get to see and the relationships you get to build. The journey itself is the payoff. You get to live your dream, and you should be thankful for every opportunity you get.”

This story was originally published April 25, 2015 at 10:06 PM with the headline "The next big thing in pro wrestling."