Mangler's Wrestling Blog Anniversay

 

Blog Anniversary

(random ramblings from the Mangler)

Today is the 5th anniversary of the rebirth of the Mangler Wrestling site.

You have Alex Miller (The Cave) to thank for that and I truly appreciate him for it.  While I was reading his site in 2020, he mentioned (The Cave: Firsts) that one of my stories, ( A Family Affair), was the first wrestling story he read, and he had many complimentary things to say.  Interestingly enough, he had some parts of the story he really didn't like (referred to them as yucky), but he mentioned what he did like: is so not my personal taste but the inter-character dynamics got me through that.

I found (and still find) that sentence very interesting. I think inter-character dynamics were the least successful part of my early stories, and while my newer ones are better, I still find them lacking. Alex does a way better job of that, and that is one reason I enjoy his stories so much. He brings his characters to life.

The New Job

 

The New Job

By

Gym Dude

I’ve always been a believer that Life Is Good!  Growing up, I worked hard in school and at sports.  I was never the best student but I was OK.  I wrestled in high school but didn’t win a lot.  At state college I made the football team but mostly played ‘bench’.

I was lucky to get a decent job right out of school and learned enough to start my own business.  It was hard work but eventually I started earning a fairly decent living.  My company required a lot of time and attention so outdoor activities, sports, the gym all began to fall by the wayside.  I have to admit that my weight began to climb, finally hitting around 190 which is a bit much on a 5’10 frame.  It’s embarrassing that my 36” belt is getting too tight.  I can’t even bear to look at that lean 167 pound frame in my high school yearbook wrestling picture.  I could even see decent abs then, but I guess that’s what happens when you see a birthday cake with 37 candles on it.  It’s shocking.

Resolving Differences

 

Resolving Differences

By

Gym Dude

I manage a crew of men at a warehouse.  These guys are typically in their late teens or early twenties and strong athletic guys.  Let’s face it, while many of these men are fairly bright, they weren’t hired for their brains.

Jerry has always been one of my best workers.  He is 21 and stands a little over 6 feet tall and weighs around 195.  A standout baseball player in high school, he still trains and maintains a lean, hard and strong body.  We belong to the same gym and I’ve seen him lift so I know the kid is uncommonly strong.  I’ve seen him outside catching some rays during a break and couldn’t help but notice that this kid’s body is nicely ripped.  No matter how hard we’re working I never see him look tired.  The guy is even tempered and always quick with a joke.  He is one of the most liked and most respected of my crew.  Which is why I was so amazed when I overheard him say he was going to get into it with one of my new hires.

Another Perspective

 

Mang, some time ago I was in contact with Calif. Kid about his first story "Miami Fight Club" which I thought was a really good story. He sent it to me before posting it and I suggested beefing up the fight scenes. He suggested I do that myself. I think I have found an avenue to do that while maintaining integrity with the original author. Here is my view from ....

Another Perspective (See Miami Fight Club by California Kid) With permission of original author.

Another Perspective

by
Gym Dude

You’ve seen the bumper sticker, “Shit Happens” and sometimes it even happens to ME. I just don’t understand it. I mean, I’m the kind of guy who is supposed to have everything go my way. Growing up on the farm in Nebraska was great with lots of hard work in the sunshine followed by plenty of good food. Guys like me grow up big and strong. The sun lightened my hair and tanned my body to the point that the girls couldn’t keep their hands off me. My high school years were the kind of thing most guys only read about. Playing football and wrestling meant that I just about lived in the weight room and my body showed it. Big, blond and ripped, who could ask for more?

Wrestle-Mania

 

Wrestle-Mania

by

Gym Dude

Rick Stevens or as he is also known, 'Rock Hard Rick', is about the closest thing to a 'work of art' you'll ever find on two legs. This kid, or MAN to be more precise, is what most people consider "perfect", that is if you're not counting personality. As sometimes happens when things come your way too easily, they don't get appreciated. Rick is a perfect example. Hi

Growing Up

 

Growing Up:

A True Story

by

Gym Dude

Growing up in the same neighborhood and being the same age, Steve and I spent a lot of time together and more often than not would end up rough-housing in the game room. Developing most of my height in grade school, I was hitting six feet by 8th grade, Steve was always on the short side, standing only 5'8". Naturally, we were both pretty slender, but he was always strong for a kid his size.

The Wrestler

 

The Wrestler

by Gym Dude

My job requires some travel and while I'm a people person and enjoy working with and helping new people I'm not crazy about the food. Not being one to frequent the "finer" restaurants and especially not wanting to take the time, I usually stop at "down home" style places or coffee shops. Driving home from a recent upstate conference would be no different.

Karate Man

Karate Man

by

Gym Dude

My name is Rick.  I’m six foot two and 225 pounds of weight-trained rock-solid muscle.  My 52” chest makes my 31” waist look even leaner than it is but it’s my 18+ guns that get the most attention.  All that has absolutely nothing to do with this story, but I’ve busted my ass working out and I really enjoy describing myself.  Anyhow, a few weeks ago I finally broke down and started taking Karate lessons.  You see, I work at this warehouse and even though I’m one of the biggest and strongest dudes there, this guy named Dave keeps kicking my ass, but that’s another story.

My First Boxing Lesson

 

 

My First Boxing Lesson

by Gym Dude

There comes a time in your life when people around you start to slow down. If you’re smart, you see the signals and start doing something about it. I manage an auto parts store and spend entirely too much time behind a desk. Luckily for me, the guys who work for me are a lot younger and that keeps me going.

The Ticket

 

The Ticket

by

Gym Dude

I absolutely love days like this. The sun is shining and I've just finished restoring my classic AC Cobra.  The hills make a perfect place to take her out for a spin and wind it up a little. I enjoy the wind blowing through my hair, what there is of it. My buds at the gym give me a bad time because my buzz cut black hair and deep dark tan damn near make me look like a "brother". Not that I mind a bit.

Like Father Like Son

 

Like Father, Like Son

By

Gym Dude

 Whenever I’m at the gym I am commonly ‘zoned’ and don’t even realize anyone else is there, but not long ago after working out, an acquaintance was talking to another guy about a problem that really had him steamed up.  I heard something about his kid getting beat up and it caught my attention.  Ron Steele looks to be in his late twenties but is really ten or fifteen years older.  The dude keeps himself in really great shape.  He is about 5’10” and looks like he weighs in at 180 or 185.  Ron is solid, lean and strong.

Building Supplies

 

Building Supplies

By

Gym Dude

There is just something about guys and their local home supply center.  It is somehow entertaining to just take a few hours and explore this giant building full of toys. It was getting to be that time of year for my annual visit to the garden center.  That means I’ve either finished or run out of plans for nearly everything else.  I’m not usually considered to be the ‘garden’ type but I’ve always wanted some kind of water feature near the patio in back and have never been able to find just the right thing. 

Pool Boy

 

Pool Boy

By

Gym Dude

I have to admit that I love to drive, but the commute into town each day finally got me down, not that I would call the commute 'driving', it’s more like intermittent parking. Anyhow, I finally gave up and started searching for a house in the city. After a few rounds of sticker-shock one of the guys at work suggested a condo. I'm not big on having neighbors right on top of me, but what the hell. Why not look?

My Education

 

 

My Education

by Gym Dude

 My name if Matt, and I’ve been in the Army now for about four months. Basic training was a breeze, but it did give me time to get accustomed to how the Army does things. My company is now in our fourth week of advanced training at Ft. Benning, GA and I love it. I just thank God that I was in shape before I started, there’s a lot of these guys who are really dragging ass by the end of the day.

Gang Warfare II

 

 

Gang Warfare II

By

Gym Dude

I have to admit, as I work my way through the soreness, I have a pretty good feeling about my performance during the confrontation with R.J. and his 'gang'. I work my body hard and my 223 pounds of beef shows it, but that night clearly demonstrated these big muscles are not just for show! Every time I think about it, I feel like Superman!

Gang Warfare

 

 

Gang Warfare

by Gym Dude

Every gym seems to be comprised of the same type of people. Most of the members stop by periodically, work through the machines for a while then head home so they can casually drop into conversations that they “work out at the gym”. It makes them feel good and they stay out of our way, so that’s cool with me, especially since they help pay the bills and keep the price down for those of us who really need this place.

Brian vs AJ

 

Brian verses AJ
By
Gym Dude

We’re at the gym where Brian is making one of his infrequent visits.  He is a fairly big boy and makes no secret that he is an NHB fighter.  He gets a charge out of throwing his weight around in an effort to impress the smaller guys.  Today he’s leaning on a machine while a ‘buddy’ is trying to get in some reps.  Brian is content to work out his jaw doing what he can to pass himself off as a rough tough fighter.  Brian shares a few stories about how he worked some guy over in the ring and how the guy never really had a chance against Brian’s superior skill and strength.

Seasonal

 

Seasonal

And to all a Good Night!

by

Gym Dude

 It's December and that means parties. Now I'm a social kind of guy and I enjoy parties as much as the next guy, but this time of year gets kind of crazy.  There are parties you really look forward to then there are those you feel obligated to attend.

I have a friend, well, let's say a client of mine who invited me to her holiday party last week. She is a business owner and has become a pretty important account of mine. It's an interesting relationship, most of the time she is very professional, but on occasion I think she is coming on to me. Things are fine if we are in her office or mine, but in a social setting she always finds a way to squeeze my arm or rub my chest or abs and make this "OOOOOhhhh" sound.  She comments on my muscles and how strong I must be, but it never goes any further than that. She is no school girl, but an adult lady in her mid-thirties and I'm only 22. I do work out every day and am proud to carry a very solid 196 pounds on my nearly six foot frame. Compared to the rest of the lifters in my gym, I would say I look pretty hot and Carol seems to appreciate a man who is put together right. Anyway, I appreciate her business, so when she invited me to her party I pretty much had to be there.

Workout In The Park

 

 

WORKOUT IN THE PARK

by Gym Dude

It’s a great day in the park, warm enough to work up a good sweat, yet cool enough that you really enjoy a good long workout. My name’s Chad. I’m 22 and a senior at state college. I’ve always been athletic and love working to stay in shape. It’s a great release for me from the grind of heavy class work and quite frankly I dig the effect my body has on the chicks. I stand 6’1” and weigh in with 198 lean and solid pounds.

Trick or Treat

 

Trick or Treat

by

Gym Dude

October 2003

While visiting in the west, I am invited to a Halloween party at the home of a friend of a business acquaintance in Malibu. My buddy has lined up 'dates' for us and since parking is nearly impossible at the house, we all meet at my hotel and take a cab.

They had scored costumes in advance so I wouldn't have to bother. Jane looks just like Cleopatra from the movies, Phillip is dressed as Mark Anthony while Michelle looks just like Mary Poppins and I am the chimney sweep. OK. OK, so I didn't pick it out, alright?