WHAT PRO WRESTLING MEANS TO ME: Monster Tarver

EDITOR’S NOTE: It is with sincere humility and pleasure that we introduce a new feature to Wrestling in Florida, ‘What Pro Wrestling Means to Me.’ It’s a feature dedicated to the athletes and talents of pro wrestling this site pays homage to. Contributions via: wrestlinginflorida@gmail.com

These contributions are intentionally uncensored. They are meant for these incredible individuals to convey the inspiration they bring to others…also that which inspires them. We do not wish to dilute this expression in any way, shape or form.

The inaugural post is by an incredibly inspirational athlete and person – Tyrone Evans, Jr. A veteran main event-er of WWE, NWA and FIP, Monster Tarver is a tremendous tale of the power of perseverance and belief. Without further ado…and direct from Mr. Evans’ fingertips:

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“I grew in love with pro wrestling and entertainment.

I used to watch my mother speak when I was a child, and go to all of my father’s fights. My earliest memories of wrestling was the Wrestlemania…where it was Hulk Hogan and Mr. T against Paul Orndorff and Roddy Piper. Cowboy Bod Orton and Muhammad Ali were the refs.

I was always so amazed by Ric Flair…and I hated him(!). I believed. Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat was my hero, along with Pistol Pez Watley.

I remember watching World Class, and seeing the Von Erichs and The Freebirds (who were also one of my favorites). The hands of Stone Ronnie Garvin, DOOM Ron Simmons and The Natural Butch Reed. So many like JYD, and ‘The American Dream,’ Dusty Rhodes, [the latter] who I was honored to have as a mentor at FCW.

When I [first] started [wrestling], I patterned myself after a combination of TAZ ,Goldberg and Booker T.

I have been through so much in my almost 12 years in this biz, and I am still going. I’ve had career ending injuries and nearly life-ending circumstances. But I believe I am one of the most talented performers in the world. Twice I have walked into Vince’s office; the second was after I had been released.

I believe in what I can do: I am fearless because I understand the truth about what makes a superstar, the ability to tell and sell a story. In my uphill battle, I made it my mission to be good enough to get in the ring with anyone in the world.

During my debut match for New Japan, I was working with Tenzan -a Japanese legend. I accidentally busted his forehead open, so – for almost ten minutes –  I had to take the wheel. Live on PPV in Japan(!)…and I don’t speak Japanese…and Tenzan doesn’t really speak English.

I saw some negative comments about the match, but I did my job: a simple win to set up the NWA World Title match, one which was next…and that I was a part of. I had to get us to our comeback, and I did. We finished the match. Only someone at least close to being world class could keep their cool and handle that situation.

I put my heart and personal emotions into my promos and matches to make them dramatic and personal; they’re not just another wrestling match. Dusty himself taught me that, and Vince himself saw it.

Today I can say I know I can change the landscape of any company in the world. I train patiently, and keep my promo skills sharp by recording daily and preparing my music (the GOD Help Project, T-Shirts). I thank GOD for my career and I am proud of it.

I have main event-ed SummerSlam, Wrestlemania, and sold out MSG against Bret Hart. I‘ve learned from some of the greatest ever…and I’m not done.

You will be seeing me soon. Thank you!”

-Tyrone Evans, Jr., aka ‘Monster Tarver’