While he didn't grow up dreaming of becoming a pro wrestler, Pearce was immediately struck with a passion for the industry when he began his training. The future "Raw" General Manager can even recall the exact date and location where he fell in love with the business.

"That happened on November 5, 1995 — the very first day I walked into that camp on the corner of Lawrence and Broadway in the north side of Chicago," Pearce continued. "When I walked in on that Sunday afternoon, Ace Steel ... was helping put the ring up, so I just jumped in."

Pearce immediately felt as though he was on a team, reminding him of his past in organized sports. The WWE performer felt as though he was a natural in the ring, and it didn't take long before he was given his first match. Fittingly, Pearce recalled that his former football teammates and many of his high school classmates came out to watch him perform in his debut.