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!
Driving over 4000 miles from Vermont to Alaska…. in 7 days…. with 2 Great Danes in the car…. in the middle of a global pandemic.
I can’t think of a bigger curve ball we told our families when we said we were moving to Alaska haha!
WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE?
A lot of things. I don’t have myself figured out yet. As soon as you think you have the answer, I‘ll change the question.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
99% percent of time = COMFORT
That’s why being a strength coach/fitness trainer or working from home is so clutch. You can get paid and wear sweatpants. Also, Kapow Meggings are by far the most comfortable wrestling gear I own.
TELL US ABOUT ONE OF YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS AND WHY YOU VALUE IT?
My big boy, Leo. He’s a 150 lbs. Great Dane. He’s my best friend. We have had countless adventures and life experiences together.
FAVOURITE QUOTE OR MOTTO
That which we manifest, will be.
We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PAIR OF KAPOW MEGGINGS?
Taipan Performance Meggings (sold out) – reminds me of Slytherin from Harry Potter.
