Cunningham, Professional Wrestler?

[thadthrasher 1,744]

 

 

It's the offseason here in the VHL, and Titus Cunningham, the upcoming defensive star, is hard at work to keep in shape and continue his growth as a professional hockey player. While Cunningham was recently given permission to utilize the ice at West Virginia University for training this off-season, the arena's schedule doesn't always allow for ease of training. This, of course, means that Cunningham's hockey training schedule is limited, and nothing close to his liking. In an interesting move, Cunningham decided to take up another sport, professional wrestling, to keep his mind and body trained. 

 

After a disappointing search for more ice time in West Virginia and the surrounding states, Cunningham noticed an advertisement promoting DEADLOCK Pro-Wreslting (DPW) out of North Carolina. The promotion is still very young, only starting in 2021, and was searching out young and up-and-coming talent to fill their roster. Not intending to make a career out of it, Cunningham came to a training camp week the promotion hosted and talent agents immediately noticed a natural skill that Cunningham possessed. While they understood his focus and commitment to hockey, the DPW was willing to provide a short-term contract for Cunningham while he is in the VHL off-season, understanding that once he is drafted he will be required to move to wherever his new team is located.

 

One of the many things about Cunningham that impressed the DPW was his size and strength. While Cunningham's tale of the tape records a stature of 6'3" and 225lbs, he began to bulk up and increase his muscle mass, bringing him to a weight of around 250lbs. Of course, this isn't an overly impressive size in the world of professional wrestling, but Cunningham's strength and mobility is what makes him stand out. Able to combine a high-flying style of wrestling with brute strength has made him a surprising wrestler in the ring. The crowd and the opponent never really know what style they'll be seeing on any given day. 

 

Seeing Cunningham's potential, the DPW booked him in his first televised match, opening the show. It was a triple-threat match with veteran wrestler John Knoxley and fellow rookie Viper. Right from the start, Cunningham maintained control of his opponents and wowed the crowd with his ability to fly fast and hit hard. While the match developed, one key moment that left the crowd stunned was when Cunningham noticed John Knoxley setting up Viper for a German suplex. Taking advantage of the situation, Cunningham came up behind Knoxley and turned it into a double German suplex, lifting a combined weight of nearly 550 lbs up and over his head. While laid out on the mat, Cunningham ascended to the top belt and performed a moonsault onto both men, securing the 3-count victory over both unconscious men.

 

Cunningham's double German suplex

 

After Cunningham's victory, he went ringside and grabbed the object he had carried into the ring, his hockey stick. Raising the twig in victory, the crowd immediately erupted in cheers. As it turns out, the DPW fanbase loved the fact that Cunningham was out here wrestling, even though they knew it would be a short run. After such a reaction, what's certain is that when Cunningham steps away from the DPW to begin his work with whatever VHLM team drafts him, a particular fanbase is sure to follow. While this is certainly exciting for Cunningham and whoever drafts him, some skeptics in the VHLM see this move as "risky," "avoidable," and "downright stupid." One particular voice of dissension is that of VHL Commissioner Beketov. "This kid has a bright future here in the VHL, and I understand the issue he's having with training on the ice, but this is simply reckless. I'm not opposed to professional wrestling by any means, but should he injure himself, he's jeopardizing his future career in the VHL. If I were the VHL and VHLM General Managers, I'd be keeping my eyes on this guy. The most likely scenario is that he'll get injured doing something stupid, which will harm his draft stock. But, it's his career, not mine, suum cuique." 

 

In response to the criticism he has received, Cunningham took a bit of a controversial take. "I'm not asking anyone's permission to do this. In fact, the reason I'm doing something like this is only because I love hockey so much. I want to keep training, to push my body to the limits, to become tougher, faster, and stronger. Professional wrestling is helping me do that. I know there are a few folks who think this is dumb, reckless, and stupid, but what's different than playing any other sport in the offseason? What's different from other forms of intense physical training? Unlike many other sports, professional wrestling is where everyone is looking out for one another. Not one guy in that ring is actually trying to harm me, nor I them. We are a team, even when we're opponents, and we are absolutely keeping each other safe. For those who are criticizing, I promise that I won't lose my love of hockey, and I can assure you that this move will be beneficial for the VHL overall, as a new fanbase is about to become really interested in what hockey is after I'm done with my time here in the DPW."

 

While Cunningham's words are confident, only time will tell if what he says is really true. With the VHLM draft approaching, we'll see what Cunningham does after he receives the call from his future General Manager. Will he really give up a potential career in the DPW for the VHLM, or will he reject the offer and pursue a career in professional wrestling? Cunningham says not to worry, while others say his career in the VHL will be short-lived. All we know is that if Cunningham brings the same intensity on the ice as he does in the ring, those who oppose him will be in for some deep trouble. Certainly, his time in the DPW is going to strengthen his game, enhance his endurance, and create a toughness in him that no one has seen before here in the VHL.

 

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1023 words

Claiming 3/2 and 3/9

 

 

[JCarson 811]

This is a fun article, many sports have had people who do multiple sports professionally.  This by far is a unique combination as they are so different.  I am less concerned about the player getting injured during a wrestling match and more concerned that they decide to throw an elbow during a game.  Not sure many are going to take the option to line up for a fight against someone who might just drop them into a piledriver right there on the ice.  Good luck with your career.  I give this article a 9 out of 10.

 

Keep it up.

[thadthrasher 1,744]

Claiming 3/9