What Professional Wrestling Promos Taught Me About PTSD, Mental Health, Team Building, and Leading Outreach Organizations

December 2019 was a pivotal month that forever altered the course of my personal and professional life. It started with the news that I would become a father in seven months, coinciding with my planned retirement from the US Navy. This was closely followed by the loss of my influential uncle, Dr. Paul E. Meacham. The most harrowing moment occurred when I narrowly escaped a violent incident at work on the USS Columbia in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. A text message I was sending to my mother, confirming my soon-to-be fatherhood, inadvertently led me away from my usual route, which ultimately saved my life.

?At my lowest point, I sought an escape that would help me rebuild my shattered confidence and mental health. I found solace in a childhood passion: professional wrestling. Specifically, wrestling promos and long-term storytelling became my unexpected yet effective tools for recovery. On December 23, 2019, while watching the NWA Power Hour on YouTube, I stumbled upon a promo by Eli Drake (now known as LA Knight in WWE). Despite a significant on-air mistake, Drake recovered brilliantly, captivating the audience with his charisma. This moment reignited my appreciation for wrestling and revealed its profound lessons on resilience, mental health, and leadership.

Mental Health and Resilience

Professional wrestling, at its core, is about overcoming adversity and reinventing oneself. Wrestlers often portray characters who face insurmountable odds, only to rise stronger. This narrative parallels the real-life struggles many of us face, particularly veterans dealing with PTSD. According to the National Endowment for the Arts , creative expressions like professional wrestling can help veterans process trauma and manage PTSD symptoms. The WWE even offers complimentary tickets to service members and veterans.

Watching Eli Drake’s promo taught me the power of positive self-talk and resilience. His ability to turn a mistake into a moment of triumph was a reminder that we can recover from our setbacks with confidence and charisma. This realization was crucial in my journey toward mental wellness. It reminded me that, like the wrestlers I admired, I had the strength to overcome my challenges and rebuild my life.

Team Building and Character Development

Wrestling promos are not just about the individual; they’re about building a connection with the audience and fellow wrestlers. This skill is vital in team building and leadership. Wrestlers must engage the crowd, telling stories that resonate on a personal level. This ability to connect is essential for leaders who want to inspire and motivate their teams.

?As a recruiter for the U.S. Navy from 2009 to 2011, I learned that creating a relatable character was key to reaching different demographics. I showcased how my service connected to my community, building trust and rapport. This approach is similar to how wrestlers like Dusty Rhodes and Randy Savage connected with audiences by sharing their personal stories and struggles.

?In conservation and outreach, building a character that resonates with your audience is crucial. Understanding your motivation and why you do what you do can inspire others to join your cause. Just as wrestlers build their personas, conservation professionals must develop their characters, motivations, and stories to engage and mobilize communities effectively.

Leading Outreach Organizations

Professional wrestling has evolved to include diverse voices and characters, reflecting broader societal changes. This evolution offers valuable lessons for leading outreach organizations. Wrestlers like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and modern stars like Kofi Kingston and Becky Lynch have used their platforms to connect with diverse audiences, advocating for inclusivity and representation.

?For conservation and DEI professionals, this means recognizing the importance of diverse representation and storytelling. Programs like the Veterans Comics Project have shown that storytelling can be a powerful tool for advocacy and healing. Similarly, outreach organizations can use storytelling to highlight the contributions of historically marginalized groups in conservation.

?One compelling example is the tale of Buffalo Soldiers and African American National Park Rangers. These stories can be promoted to correct historical erasures and inspire new generations. Similarly, highlighting the contributions of Native Americans and Hispanic communities to conservation efforts can foster a sense of inclusion and recognition.

The Power of the Promo

Promos are essentially public speeches designed to inspire and engage. They are a form of positive mental health reinforcement, akin to pep talks given by athletes before a big game. For professionals in conservation and DEI, mastering the art of the promo can be transformative. It involves clear communication, passion, and the ability to connect with diverse audiences.

By studying wrestling promos, conservation professionals can learn to deliver messages that resonate. This skill is crucial for policy advocacy, community engagement, and leadership. Ric Flair’s ability to captivate audiences with his charisma, or Randy Savage’s intense, passionate promos, provide blueprints for effective public speaking and engagement.

Conclusion

The lessons from professional wrestling promos extend far beyond the ring. They teach us about resilience, the importance of character development, and the power of storytelling. For conservation professionals, these lessons are invaluable. They remind us that to inspire and lead effectively, we must connect with our audiences on a personal level, sharing our stories and motivations.

?In the world of conservation and DEI, the ability to craft and deliver compelling narratives can drive change, foster inclusion, and build stronger communities. Just as wrestlers captivate audiences with their promos, conservation leaders can use storytelling to promote their causes and inspire action.