As Tony and I entered the POWW show, a familiar face approached us. I hadn't seen this man in a few years and last I heard he was teaching in Thailand. The story of Mikey Wild is an interesting one.
I first met Mikey at POWW about 15 years ago. Mikey was part of an exciting young tag team with CJ Idol. Mikey's story wasn't unusual back then. He was an eager wrestler who put his body through way too much pain for the money. Obviously, he did it for the love of it.
CJ and Mikey eventually mostly moved away from wrestling. CJ is a teacher in the Chicago suburbs. Mikey also did some teaching and coaching in the area, but a few years ago, he announced a move to Thailand. I wasn't close enough to Mikey to know how that all developed, but it was cool to see him helping the youth there.
Mikey returned here a few times since then. I saw him a couple times at various wrestling shows. Then he appeared last month.
It felt great seeing Mikey. He looked fantastic and was in great spirits. You would never know the pain he has from all that wrestling. Mikey needs back surgery. I don't know his insurance situation, but I hope he can get whatever medical help he needs. He truly is a good guy.
Mikey is an example of what young wrestlers often experience. I don't know how or why they do it. They give their bodies at shows often for less than $50 and in front of 50 people. Yet, week after week, they are out there again, absorbing punishment. Sure wrestling is scripted, but being slammed on plywood or a tile floor still hurts. Years of doing such add to chronic pain or injuries.
That's where Mikey is. I hope I see him again, but more importantly, I hope he is able to get whatever treatment he needs.
Mikey Wild and me in Fox Lake, IL-August 2026.
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