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Released on: Feb 7th, 2023

 

ABHISHEK ANEJA
(abbymaniac)
Artist | Commentator | Analyst | Podcaster

Talk us through your background and your journey as an individual /professional /writer/ actor/entrepreneur?
I currently work as a Commentator, Podcaster, and On-Screen Talent in the Sports Entertainment industry. My path was not so straightforward. I went through my own trials and tribulations, just like any other person, before discovering this path.

In school, I studied Commerce, and my ‘destiny’ was set in stone (at least initially) by those around me to become a Chartered Accountant. I completed my B.Com at the University of Delhi and passed the CA Entrance Exam. I took the Inter Exam once, but when I was about to take it again, my father passed away in 2016 after a long illness, and I started thinking about myself and my life in a completely different light. And I came to the realization that something needed to change. Something is wrong. So, right then and there, I told myself that I was going to choose the path that would bring me the most fulfilment, i.e. peace and happiness, which was professional wrestling.
So I jumped into the path of ‘Acting on My Highest Excitement’ with both feet. I began working entirely with Wrestle Square. And, in my opinion, my life has changed for the better. Since then, I’ve grown a lot. I’ve worked in the professional wrestling industry in a variety of capacities, and it’s been a fantastic learning experience for me. My perspective on life, people, food, and many other things has shifted.
But, more importantly, I am now happier and more at ease. When I was working toward a goal/path chosen by others, I became dissatisfied, angry, sad, and who knows what else.
I’m still healing, learning, and growing; I’m not perfect, but I’m content. That is what is important.

Tell us how you started?

At the age of five, I began watching WWE and then WWF. I witnessed it during the height of the Attitude Era. And, somewhere in the middle, it just got away due to some issues with Cable and such. I lost touch  somewhere along the way because of my studies. However, my ‘real’ journey in the professional wrestling/sports entertainment industry began in 2011, when I began watching the sport again. I came across an interview/promo of CM Punk, who sat on the entrance ramp on WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw, and said some things that made headlines.
But what it did for me was that the words and the manner in which this man spoke literally took me or mesmerized me to the point where I was sold on the idea of doing it. Simple. Period. He sold me on the idea of doing professional wrestling and everything that comes with it, whether it’s doing promos/interviews, producing matches, training wrestlers/students, commentating, and so on. He persuaded me of his enthusiasm for the sport.
In 2016, around the time my father was in the hospital, I contributed a few articles to SportsKeeda. To avoid thinking about him and feeling depressed, I began writing articles for the aforementioned website. So, following my father’s death and my complete commitment to Wrestle Square, my initial role was Commentary and Creative Consultant. You must learn the ropes, just like any other job, i.e. orientation. I worked with the Director of Promotion, Mr. Vinayak Sodhi, and learned the ins and outs of the business from him. It includes everything, such as doing promos/interviews, producing matches, training wrestlers/students, commentary, and so on.
Since then, I’ve worked as a commentator, on-screen authority figure named AbbyManiac, and social media manager for Wrestle Square. I’m also grateful and blessed to be able to work as a Podcaster and Creative Consultant for Slamhub Wrestling and WrestleFanEnt, respectively.

What is the hardest challenge you faced in your career and how did you turn it into an opportunity?
Speaking in public! Yes, you would be surprised to consider that a challenge.
I was initially hesitant when I was offered the position of on-screen talent in January 2020. I was initially thrilled and overjoyed by the opportunity, but as with any amazing thing about to happen to you, doubts began to creep in.
Until that point, I wasn’t much of a public speaker. Yes, being the class clown in school and impersonating wrestlers in front of your friends or in front of the mirror is entertaining, but this was a whole new ball game. ‘Where The Big Boys Played,’ they said.
So I went there, and in my opinion, I did a pretty good job in my debut promo/interview during the tapings of an episode of Wrestle Square: WAR. Everyone in the audience applauded me. A few Wrestle Square veterans even asked if I had ever done public speaking before, to which ,I simply replied, “I’ve been watching this sport, i.e. professional wrestling or WWE, since I was five years old,” which is why I delivered the aforementioned promo/interview with such conviction and passion.
Following my promo/interview, I was offered a full-time role as an on-screen authority figure.
Since then, I’ve received recognition and appreciation for my work from notable industry figures all over the world. I am thankful and blessed.

What is your business / success mantra that you have embraced as you sought to establish your success story?
Bashar’s mantra of ‘Act on Your Highest Excitement’ guides my actions. Do what makes you the happiest. The funds will arrive sooner rather than later. It’s simply a matter of time. Your actions have an impact on the world. You believe you don’t matter, but you do.

One special Quote/message for all communities/brands.
“Doubt is a one hundred percent trust, in a belief you don’t prefer. You are never really actually in doubt. You are always completely trusting in something.” – Bashar
Only bet on the best possible outcome. Period. Let go of your mind’s limiting negative beliefs. They are only preventing you from obtaining the massive abundance that is available to you.
So, go with the flow and, for once, don’t second-guess yourself. Simply believe and have faith.

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