SPARTANBURG, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – University of South Carolina graduate John Skyler is gearing up to wrestle in his first professional match with Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling in his home state this weekend, and he’s delivering a message on the mat.
TNA wrestling is coming to Spartanburg for the first time in 10 years, and it’s providing a homecoming for Columbia native Skyler who sees this as a full-circle moment in his journey.
“It’s going to be cool to wrestle as a member of TNA in my home state for the very first time,” Skyler said.
Skyler made his pro wrestling debut trying out for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) at Colonial Life Arena, but he didn’t make the cut.
“I was told from day one that I was too small to be a wrestler, that I would never make it. Yada yada yada,” he said. “But I just used it all as motivation. So, if you put your mind to anything, you can achieve it.”
Skyler went on to teach middle school for almost a decade before he carved out a place for himself within TNA. Wrestling professionally full-time for five years now, Skyler stills sees a chance to teach.
“I just know how impactful wrestling was for me. It’s gotten me through hard times in life,” Skyler said. “Hopefully, if I can motivate a kid out there to follow their dreams, whether it’s pro wrestling or something else. That’s where my head’s at as far as the next generation of kids.”
He’s planning to put on such a show, it won’t be his last trip to the home state.
“It has to be the most talented group of individuals I’ve been around in my life. Some of the hardest working individuals,” he said. “If we leave everyone in the Palmetto State wanting to see TNA again, we’ve done our jobs. We want to come back to South Carolina.”
And the prediction for his home match?
“I ain’t losing in South Carolina,” Skyler said. “That’s just how it’s going to be.”
TNA wrestling was founded in 2001 following the end of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Skyler said they’re looking to have a crossover with WWE shows as well.
The TNA Impact show has been pushed back a couple days because of Hurricane Helene. It will now be Sunday and Monday starting at 7 p.m. at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.
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