The life of a WWE Superstar is legendary for the many days they are required to travel. It is estimated that many of them are on the road 250 days a year. And some of the wrestlers travel even more than that. The Superstars are larger than life characters, but on many levels they are just like everyone else. Many of them are parents and have families. Being away from home is a difficult sacrifice that they must endure as they pursue their dreams in order to give their families the lifestyle they desire.
Titus O’Neil is one of these WWE Superstars that makes this sacrifice. I had the opportunity to interview O’Neil at a recent event before Monday Night Raw. Before our interview, O’Neil was kidding around, playing, and even coloring with kids. It was obvious that being around the children was easy for him and that it was something that he enjoyed. It was also obvious that the kids loved being around him.
O’Neil is originally from Florida and played football for the Florida Gators. I was comforted to hear that he was not on the Florida Gators football team that defeated my beloved Ohio State Buckeyes for the National Championship in 2007, even though he was at the game. He further endeared himself after mentioning that he had a pair of Ohio State shorts in his bag; he works out at on the Buckeyes campus from time to time since Urban Meyer, who is now the Coach at Ohio State, used to be his coach at Florida University.
After discussing that long ago football game, our interview began:
OGD: How long have you been a prowrestler?
TO: Not long. Only four years. It’s been a fast four years though.
OGD: How many kids do you have?
TO: I have 2 boys. Their ages are 9 and 7.
OGD: I have a 9 and 7 year old too. They’re great ages. The travel schedule of a WWE Superstar is legendary for the many nights that are spent away from the family. How do you stay in touch with your two boys while on the road?
TO: I Facetime with them every night and after school they always call me and I make sure they’ve done their homework and they always ask me if they can buy something on their ipad like a movie or a song or whatever. I’m always giving my time to them wherever I’m at. And when I’m home, I’m home. I like to wake up early in the morning so I can get my workout by 5am and that way I can come back to the house and take them to school. After I walk them to class, I’ll run my errands and when school breaks out, I help get their homework done and then we do whatever. Lazer tag or bowling, play golf or whatever they feel like doing with my time while at home.
OGD: My 7 year old daughter wanted me to ask you what it’s like for your boys when the crowd boos you?
TO: They know it’s work. They also enjoy it because I’m getting a reaction. Better than me going out there and nobody caring. (Laughs) It’s good either way.
OGD: What would you say to those kids that want to be a WWE Superstar someday?
TO: First and foremost, get an education. For me, I could get hurt tomorrow and I would need to fall back on my college education. I am a college graduate. So I won’t have to worry too hard about finding a job or anything like that. Also, don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do. I was one of those people that was told that I wouldn’t be great at anything. And now I’ve proven them all wrong.
You can watch Titus O’Neil and the rest of the WWE Superstars perform every Monday night on Raw, Fridays on Smackdown, and WWE Superstars on the WWE Network. Check your local listings for times and channels.
Other wrestling related stories:
The Iron Claw and Generational Toxic Masculinity: Watching the movie and remembering my childhood heroes
Talking parenting with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
WWE, Hulk Hogan, and Reliving Old Memories by Making New Ones
Waiting in the rain to get Mick Foley’s autograph with my kids
Wrestling with Fatherood
Interview with the WWE’s Titus O’Neil on fatherhood
WWE is focusing on younger fans again
WWE Toy Reviews:
Rumble Fists and John Cena Punching Bag
John Cena 31 Inch Collectible Figure
WWE Brawlin’ Buddies
WWE Stackdown: Undertaker’s Entrance
Good interview and perspective by you, Jason. Good photos, Josh. Enjoyed both.
Such a shame I lost interest in WWE more than 30 years ago…