Packing a Punch

In town as part of the six day promotional tour to announce Total Nonstop Action Wrestling’s (TNA) first ever Wrestling Hunt in India,the wrestlers have been visiting different cities including Delhi and Hyderabad,meeting people,sharing their experiences and giving tips on diet and nutrition to upcoming sports enthusiasts. “We want to clear the myths attached to the sport and also caution people about practicing stunts off-screen. Even after years of practice,we end up injured,” says Angle,an Olympic gold medallist who has fractured his neck five times. As Foley tells us,“one permanent hit and you are gone for life. So one has to be really cautious.” Foley engages in other activities outside the ring,including writing books,doing stand-up comedy and helping with various charity groups. “I love reading and have written eight New York best-sellers,” he says. Angle,on the other hand,is interested in pursuing an acting career after retirement and has already made his film debut in Chains. “It’s about believing that there’s always time to do what you want,” says Angle,as he talks about the sport and advices students about the right way to start. “Play outside till you are 14 and start body building after that. But never overdo it,” says Angle.

Lethal,an aerial artist of X division,shifts the focus to discipline. “It gets you places. Even as a sixteen-year-old,I used to travel three hours to learn the art of wrestling,go to school and then exercise,” he says,remembering times that were free of video-games and cafeterias. “There was a single agenda — to be in the ring and to be the best. I do not give up till I win,” he says. India has great potential in wrestling,according to the trio. “We have met some wrestling fanatics,fans,body builders and school kids across cities. It has been a learning experience for us. We are now very confident of getting good entries for this hunt,” signs off Foley,as he prepares to visit the akharas of Zirakpur to spot more talent.