In this episode, we step into the ring with Mike Skyros, a professional wrestler from Central NY who’s been grinding it out on the indie scene for over a decade. From dive bar shows with 14 people to selling out 1,000-seat arenas, Skyros shares the highs, lows, and body slams of life chasing the dream. He breaks down what it’s really like traveling town to town, wrestling in VFW halls, and why he keeps showing up—sometimes battered, but never broken.

We talk about what makes a great wrestling crowd, the pressure of performing in front of kids who think it’s real (and adults who really think it’s real), and why you don’t need to be signed to WWE to live like a pro. There’s also plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes stories, and a deep love for the 315 sprinkled in between the powerbombs.

🤼‍♂️ In this episode:

• The difference between wrestling for 14 people vs. 1,000—and which one’s actually harder
• Why Mike believes every show matters, no matter how small the crowd
• How he balances day jobs, road trips, and recovery with the hustle of indie wrestling
• The magic of connecting with fans—from wide-eyed kids to die-hard superfans
• His advice to anyone chasing a dream: just keep showing up

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This one’s a must-listen for wrestling fans, underdog lovers, and anyone who's ever gone all-in on something they love.

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome to the Ring – Meet Mike Skyros
(1:00) - How a Family Vacation Sparked a Wrestling Obsession
(2:30) - From Karate Dropout to Pro Wrestler
(4:00) - Training, Cardio, and Building the “Total Package”
(5:30) - The Social Media Hustle Behind Indie Wrestling
(7:00) - Finding His In-Ring Persona (and Entrance Music)
(8:30) - Balancing College Life and Pro Wrestling Dreams
(10:00) - Wrestling Full-Time: The Goal and the Grind
(12:00) - Why Most Wrestlers Peak Between 35 and 45
(14:00) - Wrestling Across the Northeast (and Fenway Park!)
(15:30) - Preparing to Wrestle in Alabama: Nerves and Trust
(17:00) - Piledrivers, Trust, and Staying Safe in the Ring
(18:55) - Wrestling as Storytelling: Why It’s an Art Form
(21:00) - Locker Room Politics and Wrestling People You Don’t Like
(22:30) - The Syracuse Scene: Institute of Pro Wrestling and One Up Wrestling
(25:00) - Building an Audience and Promoting Events
(26:30) - Wrestling Small Crowds vs. Huge Arenas
(28:00) - Crafting a Show That Appeals to All Ages
(29:30) - The Origin of “Moonlight Sun”
(31:00) - Advice for Aspiring Wrestlers: Bet on Yourself
(32:30) - A Lifelong Love: Mentorship, Coaching, and Giving Back
(34:00) - Upcoming Matches and How to Follow Mike
(36:30) - Rapid Fire: Dream Opponent, Best Venue & Entrance Songs
(38:30) - One Word to Describe the Journey: Perseverance