The Tuckman
The Tuckman. Photo: JIWC
When it comes to rising stars in Australian wrestling, few have made as quick an impact as The Tuckman. A country boy turned Sydney resident, The Tuckman’s story is one of passion, dedication, & an unwavering love for the sport. In a recent interview with Pario, he opened up about his path to wrestling, the challenges he's faced, & what lies ahead for him & his tag team, The Dropouts.
Discovering Wrestling in Dubbo
Growing up in the country town of Dubbo, New South Wales, The Tuckman didn’t have immediate access to the vibrant wrestling scene found in big cities. However, a fateful flip of the TV channel changed everything. "Dad bought Foxtel one day, & we flipped on Fox8. I saw Brodus Clay, the Funkasaurus, come out on SmackDown, & I was captivated," he said. The spectacle of live wrestling quickly became a yearly highlight for him, thanks to local shows brought to Dubbo by IWA. "Seeing it live & in person made me go, 'This is what I want to do,'" The Tuckman recalled.
His journey from a fan in Dubbo to a professional wrestler involved a lot of dedication & a willingness to pursue his dreams despite the odds. "I moved to Sydney from Dubbo to make this all work," he explained, highlighting the sacrifices & big moves he had to make to train & compete at the highest level in Australia.
Training & Transition
The transition from an athletic kid to a professional wrestler wasn't seamless, but it was driven by passion & hard work.
"I played sport my whole life, but wrestling took over in the best way possible," The Tuckman shared. His commitment saw him quickly progressing through the levels of training, a progression that demanded more time & effort each step of the way. "Turning up every day & hammering the basics alongside a semi-athletic background helped me progress rapidly," he noted.
In order to commit the required time & effort The Tuckman chose to leave his university studies behind. This decision to drop out of university to focus on wrestling was a pivotal decision & one that gave birth to his tag team’s name, The Dropouts. "Wrestling was taking over my life, & not giving it everything seemed like a wasted opportunity," he said. He looked up to other dedicated wrestlers like Ricky South & Jimmy Townsend, whose commitment inspired him.
Drama Background & Performance
Wrestling isn't just about athleticism; it’s also about performance. Luckily, The Tuckman had a background that uniquely prepared him for the dramatic elements of wrestling.
"I was a big drama kid growing up, I always participated in drama competitions & even got nominated for a performance showcase," he mentioned. This experience helped him excel in the storytelling & performance aspects of wrestling, making his matches not just physical but also engaging narratives.
The Tuckman's partnership with Scott Green, who also hails from rural NSW, has been a cornerstone of his wrestling career. "We have similar upbringings, played footy against each other, & had crossed paths so many times. It just came naturally to trust each other," The Tuckman said. "We're very intertwined in each other's lives. We can't get enough of each other." Thus they forged a bond that fuels their in-ring chemistry & shared vision, making The Dropouts a team to watch.
Looking Forward with The Dropouts
With a renewed focus on, The Dropouts, The Tuckman is poised for more success.
"Right now, the best thing is to focus on me & Scott Green," he stated. Their recent participation in events like Slam Pro Wrestling League in Canberra & their mutual ambition to make a significant impact underscores their potential.
The Tuckman makes his entrance at Melbourne City Wrestling. Photo: Derek (@derekvrebel)
"We’ve got some real legs to us, & we’re committed to this together."
The wrestling world is taking note of the talent brewing in Australia, with promotions like PWA providing a platform for wrestlers to shine. "We have world-class training with coaches like Robbie Eagles & Madison Eagles. PWA shows are amazingly produced & could be on TV right now," The Tuckman said, acknowledging the high standards & opportunities available.
As he always is, The Tuckman was very humble & quick to express his gratitude for the opportunities he has been afforded by everyone behind the scenes of PWA. In particular, he highlighted the work of people like Ben Anderson & Jordan Lees.
“Their work allows us to waltz in & be on these amazingly produced shows that make Australian wrestling stand out.”
As 2024 progresses, The Tuckman & The Dropouts are set to continue their ascent, driven by their passion & dedication to the sport. With the wrestling scene in Australia growing stronger & gaining more recognition, fans can expect to see more of The Tuckman’s electrifying performances & compelling storylines all around the country.
For wrestling fans, The Tuckman’s journey is a testament to where passion & hard work can lead, from the country town of Dubbo to the bright lights of Sydney & beyond.
Follow The Tuckman’s creative journey on social media at: @ooothetuckman
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