10 Things You Didn't Know About Marc Mero
Mero had never even heard of the inspiration for his infamous WCW gimmick...
Growing up in New York, Marc Mero was never a fan of professional wrestling. Instead, he was actually more drawn to hockey and later American Football. After failing to break into both sports professionally, Mero turned his attention to boxing, a sport in which he excelled.
Winning four New York State Titles, he also bagged a New York Golden Gloves tournament victory. It was only injuries which held Mero back from pursuing a professional boxing career, and he fell into the pro wrestling world after training briefly as a bodybuilder.
Making his debut way back in 1990, Mero first worked as an enhancement talent for various independent promotions and then World Championship Wrestling. During a routine jobber match against Doom (Ron Simmons and Butch Reed), Mero was spotted by the legendary 'American Dream' Dusty Rhodes.
This set 'The Wildman' on an unforgettable journey, one which would lead to numerous championships, hokey gimmicks and never quite fulfilling his potential. During a recent podcast interview with Jim Ross, Marc Mero told some eye-opening tales from his days in the ring.
Lifting the lid on his life and career, the man spilled information about himself which was previously either rumour or completely unknown.
10. He Gives Anti-Suicide Talks Now
Marc Mero knows a lot about drug use, social pressure and living his life selfishly. As a professional wrestler, he experienced all of this on a regular basis, and that's something he's keen to discuss nowadays. It's partly why he decided to set up the 'Champion Of Choices' campaign.
Over the past nine years, Mero has delivered 1,600 different presentations related to bullying, anti-drugs and the sensitive issue of suicide. Touring around high schools, mental health units and colleges, the former wrestler uses his own life experience to try and positively impact the lives of others.
Currently, Mero is delivering a staggering 40 presentations (at least) each month, and this doesn't give him a lot of time at home. Prompted to begin his new campaign for change following the Chris Benoit tragedy in 2007, he believes in spreading positive messages to people during their most impressionable years.