Ring Of Honor posted a new edition of 10 Questions. This week’s star was Alex Shelley. The in-ring veteran discussed being homeless upon leaving ROH, advice that was given to him by Kevin Nash, and more.
Shelley on his secondary career path:
“I’m doing it. I left wrestling a year ago to finish a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, and I work as a PTA now. Honestly, this is my second college degree, and the amount of money I have spent makes my head spin. I was a guy in this business who learned over a decade ago that wrestling was somewhat subjective and that despite having all the skill in the world, there’s no sure thing.
“Honestly, I was very unhappy at points working for companies that unlike ROH or NJPW, did not value talent. So I controlled what I could, thought outside the box. I wanted a degree in medicine and the skillset to fix my own body as well as help my peers. I never knew the joy of helping people on this level until I became involved in field work. Here we are. Dual careers, currently.”
Alex Shelley on his brief retirement:
“At the time, I was on “E” — in life, in wrestling, and I really didn’t have anything else to offer. I had obligations coming up anyway that would take me away. The time away was a gift, and the weight was a gift. You can’t miss something until there’s separation. It turns out I’m not too bad at all this, and my perspective is pretty unique, I think.”
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Alex Shelley on Advice from Kevin Nash:
“Two bits, both from Kevin Nash, always resonated with me. One: “People can tell if you are having fun.” Absolutely true, and it cuts the crap on transparency as far as acting a certain way that’s unnatural for the individual. Not everyone needs to play by the same rules. Two: “Better to look like the world’s strongest guy than be the world’s strongest guy.” This is an aesthetic and athletic training approach. We were drinking beer and watching infomercials for P90x when he dropped that one on me, and he’s right, time and time again.”
Shelley on his bucket list:
“Again, full transparency: I went through a lot of life changes when I left ROH. I got divorced, I was homeless, no income, I was paying for school and working for free, and I had some dark, dark days. Helping people is on my bucket list. I’d like to go back to school again, maybe for psychology this time. Pain management is a huge up and coming field, so is sports psych, and to bring this answer full circle, I’d like to be able to help people not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. And maybe charm them with my rapier, Oscar Wilde wit. Laughter is a solid medicine.”
To read the full Q&A, click here.
