We had the good fortune of connecting with Kekoa Mana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kekoa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is something that everyone fears, but not a lot of people understand.

I believe too many people are afraid of failing, afraid of how they may look to others, what happens if whatever they want to take a risk on doesn’t work out etc.

People are forgetting life is short. To the best of our knowledge we only get one shot at life.

So failing at something you want is a lot better than never taking the risk at all.

That’s what I kept telling myself before I moved to Florida from Pennsylvania.

One day I saw a sign that was pointing me to move. And I had every reason to not go.

I had just bought a house a few years prior, I had my own wrestling school, I had a great job that paid well and my wife was currently pregnant with our first child.

I could’ve looked at any one of those reasons as to why I shouldn’t take the risk.

But I sold my home, I closed my wrestling school, I waited till my wife gave birth…and a month later we left for Florida.

If it wasn’t for that move, my career wouldn’t be where it is today. I owe everything to taking the risk.

You have to have confidence in yourself, even if whatever risk you’re about to take doesn’t work out….you will figure it out, you’ll bounce back or you’ll find a way.

The last thing you ever want to do is be on your death bed wondering “what if”

Take the risk.

Life isn’t over when you fall down.

Life is over when you decide to never stand up.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Professional wrestling is definitely an art form of entertainment. Most people have a misunderstanding of what we do and that’s perfectly fine.

When you explain professional wrestling as a form of live entertainment, such as a live version of a Marvel movie or any action movie for that matter, people can better relate to what we do.

What sets me apart from others is my approach to my craft.

Most wrestlers are more concerned with the fighting aspect and the match itself, but not enough with telling the audience a story and taking them on a rollercoaster of emotions.

From the time we come through the curtain, to the time we go back through it, is like an entire movie. Everything we do has to have meaning. Not just the fight.

With my focus being with every aspect, I feel that’s what sets me apart because fans will be entertained from start to finish.

I am where I am today because of my determination to never stop learning and getting better. Listening to the best of the best in the industry on how I can better my craft and stand out from my competition.

A lot of wrestlers get a little taste of glory and think they can ride that wave the rest of their career without evolving.

We have to constantly put everything we do under a microscope to see what works and what doesn’t.

And surrounding yourself with the right people can lead to success and longevity.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned about my career is “when you think you know everything, or there is nothing left to learn, that’s when you need to hang it up. Because there is nothing else to work for.”

I’ve never had that mindset where I think I know it all. Especially knowing the business is constantly evolving and changing.

So there is never a time where anyone should be feeling that way.

What works today might not work tomorrow. Or whats needed today from these performers might not be needed anymore.

I’ve been watching wrestling since I was 3 years old and at 36, almost 37…..wrestling is constantly changing every single year.

Its a great challenge.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love amusement parks so my answers are a little cliche living in Orlando. I love going to Disney and Universal. I love going to Disney Springs to walk around, enjoy the weather and get some great food.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If it wasn’t for Nick and Renee Stuible, the owners of House of Champions, I don’t know where I would be or what I would be doing.

They came to me with their vision of creating a top of the line performance center for wrestlers, and offering something the business has never seen.

All of which aligns with my ideologies and standard of expectations.

Im tremendously grateful for the both of them for helping my career and my family.

Instagram: @KekoaPro

Twitter: @KekoaPro

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KekoaManaPro

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KekoaPro

Other: Tiktok – @KekoaPro Official Merchandise – www.prowrestlingtees.com/kekoa

Image Credits
Sadiel Ruiz (instagram) @speedy.photo Leo (instagram) @DistractedByWrestling

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