Russ Greenberg, Former WWF Wrestler
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Growing up I was
never one to drink or party, while friends did that
I was always at the gym. I walked miles every day
after school thru the ghetto to the YMCA with by
brother to box. I began teaching boxing classes
at age 13 to 8-12 yr olds. I ran every day whether
it was through heat, ice, snow or rain and actually
loved it. I always worked and pushed harder than
my competitors in hopes of being a champ or becoming
a pro athlete. Maybe it was faith, a dream, or simply
determination and a hard work ethic but eventually
it paid off. I had 2 older brothers, one did drugs
and I never talked to him, the other broke college
sports records at University of Connecticut. He
and I were always together. I hung out with older
stronger guys in the gym which pushed me ahead of
kids my age. I always had a need or knack to stay
on top. Drinking was for losers not athletes. In
times of not achieving a goal I could only think
to work harder and never got high to cope. |
I always looked back on past accomplishments to find inner happiness and my inner peace was chased by pursuing more dreams.
Then when you get there you look back and celebrate within yourself. I can’t say it was hard not to choose a get high to celebrate,
better yet can’t wait to the next event. I probably got more articles and exposure than most guys can handle. The few I can remember
who stood out are all dead now. There was no shortcuts, my mom made special foods for me, I took basic vitamins and protein powder.
Today’s young athletes have such an advantage over me with what’s available to them such as training facilities, equipment. knowledge
of trainers in all different aspects, the power of advanced science and nutrition aspects and the high quality supplements available
today and the competitive edge and boost they give you in training, growing, strength, recuperation , healing etc. Speaking of back
then after fighting, wrestling and having injuries I can guarantee most would quit. I didn't even take aspirin but trained thru the
pain, smiled and didn’t let it affect me because determination would convince me that I would be the only one to achieve success and
get past all the road blocks and know the pain. It’s not easy to get to the top and even harder to stay there but what you can do is
endure and stay focused which makes you a bigger champion and knowing you’re just 11 steps closer to achieving your dream and the hard
work in doing what you love is paying off, and then 1 day you will stand on the stage, ring, cage or block that says the Big #1.
I have achieved a lot of things that most people dream about; my life story is so surreal even I think it’s a lie. You could say
competing is in my blood. I’ve traveled down many roads. Notoriety came early through the sport of competition as an athlete I
excelled from Olympic Weightlifting Teen Gold Medalist to Jr Power lifting Champ to Bodybuilding Champ to a Semi Pro Football Player
to a Pro-Wrestler for the WWF which catapulted me into the national spotlight as part of the WWF Raw Series and the Superstars of
Wrestling. I also worked as a Agent, Trainer and bodyguard to Celebrities and Stars and believe me when I say I’ve seen all the
joys and pitfalls of the fame game. Today I enjoy life as a Sports Nutrition Broker /Consultant, Realtor, Mixed Martial Arts WFO
Referee and part-time Actor. What matters the most is keeping grounded, staying down to earth, being a great friend, family person,
businessman and living the good life.
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