NAME: Tyler Payne 
WHAT DO YOU DO: Professional Wrestling, Yoga, Gym Owner 
WHERE DO YOU LIVE: Juneau, Alaska
WEBSITE: Pride Fitness Performance
INSTAGRAM: @thetylerpayne

TELL US YOUR STORY:

I grew up in Northern Vermont. I love outdoor activities such as hunting, hiking, mountain biking, exploring and traveling. I love being active and eating healthy but equally love being lazy, eating pizza and sitting on the beach with my wife and dog with a cold drink in my hand. I’m a Pisces, so I always have a need for a creative outlet like graphic design, photography, video editing, or acting/performing. 

As a little kid I was obsessed with the Power Rangers, then I fell in love with professional wrestling as I grew older. I was always attracted to the acrobatic athleticism and drama. In high school I played sports and also did theatre, which complimented the skills needed of becoming a pro wrestler. In college I studied exercise science, marketing, graphic design and became a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Midway through college I began training for professional wrestling and started weightlifting along with practicing yoga to get my body in the condition needed for wrestling. 

Shortly after college I started my business and opened a fitness studio which after a couple years expanded and grew into one of the largest gyms in the state. At the age of 26, I had 10 employees working for me! I got bit by the entrepreneurial bug! I was still wrestling part time on weekends too, traveling and performing all over the northeast and Canada. 

Gym ownership and pro wrestling became a duel passion. When the pandemic hit, my wife and I decided it was a good time for a change. She accepted a new job and we relocated to Juneau, Alaska! Currently I still own and operate my gym remotely and travel for wrestling as often as possible. I love life in Alaska!