ShareThisHe is (italics) the (end italics) wrestler from the promotion showcased in the critically acclaimed new movie "The Wrestler."
But unlike Mickey Rourke in his portrayal of protagonist Randy "The Ram" Robinson, Nigel McGuinness actually had to travel the difficult road to Ring of Honor stardom.
Seven years ago, the London-born McGuinness was working two jobs -- "office work and at a bar," he says -- while saving money for a U.S. return. He was willing to spend months sleeping on a mattress in a friend's kitchen to pursue a childhood dream: Following in the footsteps of such international stars as Bret "The Hitman" Hart and the late "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith.
Those sacrifices have paid off. Entering his 15th month as ROH heavyweight champion, McGuinness is now gaining valuable exposure through a brief appearance in "The Wrestler" and the marquee spot in the promotion's DirecTV pay-per-view debut. His critically acclaimed match against "American Dragon" Bryan Danielson from a November card in Chicago will headline the pre-taped "Rising Above" show that premieres this weekend on DirecTV and other satellite/cable providers.
"I'm proud of pretty much all the matches I've had with Dragon," said McGuinness, referring to a rivalry that has drawn raves from purists. "We've had a good variety from where we've really beaten each other to technical moves being thrown into the mix. I can't pick out my favorite, but this one (at 'Rising Above') is as good as any."
Ironically, some of McGuinness' inspiration came from a performer with a backstage reputation for in-ring klutziness. As a 16-year-old in 1992, McGuinness painted his face like Jim "Ultimate Warrior" Hellwig when attending "Summer Slam" in London's Wembley Stadium.
It was at that famed World Wrestling Entertainment show where McGuinness said to a friend, "I'm going to be a pro wrestler." With a dearth of training facilities in the United Kingdom, McGuinness headed to the United States in the mid-1990s to pursue his goal. McGuinness set aside money for training at Les Thatcher's renowned Heartland Wrestling Academy in Cincinnati while completing a bachelor's degree in chemistry at Kent State University.
"I blew all my savings that first year trying to be a wrestler," McGuinness said.
Before forced to head home, a cash-strapped McGuinness crossed paths with English legend William Regal while in HWA. Regal offered the best career advice McGuinness says he has ever received: Immerse himself in the stylistically fluid world of traditional British grappling upon his return to the United Kingdom.
McGuinness did just that, incorporating such U.K.-flavored moves as a picture-perfect forearm uppercut into an already diverse U.S. arsenal of moves. Such diversity helped McGuinness score more bookings upon his return stateside.
"The British style set me apart," McGuinness said.
Signed with ROH in 2003, McGuinness is now seasoned enough to follow in the footsteps of alumni CM Punk and Samoa Joe into a prominent spot with WWE or TNA Wrestling. McGuinness worked tryout matches for both groups in the mid-2000s but wasn't signed.
While his ROH contract expires in May, McGuinness said he isn't focused on leaving for a bigger stage. Instead, McGuinness hopes "The Wrestler" and DirecTV exposure -- as well as a potential ROH television deal with Mark Cuban's upstart HD-NET station -- serves as a mainstream breakthrough for Cary Silkin's Philadelphia-based company.
But even at age 32, McGuinness is aware of his pro-wrestling mortality. McGuinness admits he struggles to remember details of matches because of a concussion history. ROH's physical style also has taken a toll, including a torn biceps in late 2007.
"When your body is breaking down, you start to wonder how much longer you can do this at this level and how much money can you be making and -- most importantly -- saving," McGuinness said. "That's going to be a big issue for me going forward. But from an artistic standpoint, I feel quite happy with where I'm at in my career."
Anyone who orders "Rising Above" will see why.
For more information, visit www.rohwrestling.com and www.nigelmcguinness.com.
(Alex Marvez writes a syndicated pro-wrestling column for Scripps Howard News Service. E-mail him at alex1marv(at)aol.com.)
