Funk'S Corner - What does it take to be a world champion wrestler?

In the words of Mad Dog Vachon, "You must love this business."

I am sure many others would echo the same opinion.

On Sunday February 11, 2007 at Against All Odds, Christian Cage will defend the most coveted title in professional wrestling, the NWA World Championship against the challenge of Kurt Angle.

How far has Christian Cage come?

Wrestling the independent circuit, Cage used to travel to shows in an old white panel truck with no heat in the winter time. He would cut across frozen lakes and the frozen tundra in Canada to avoid the toll roads and save gasoline money.

Cage was a natural athlete and learned fast. Cage was an innovator and created his own wrestling moves and adopted a unique wrestling style that reminded me much of former NWA World Champion, Pat O'Connor in that every move was performed to perfection.

Cage wanted to become a wrestler, a champion, the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Now he is the NWA World Champion and must fight off all challengers.

Kurt Angle promised himself two things. He would train harder than ever in the two years leading up to the Olympics and he wouldn't be afraid of losing. That was all that mattered, He would just give his best.

It was intense, more intense than anything he had ever imagined. In the end, Kurt's hand was raised and the victory was his. He did it and the emotional floodgates opened up and He cried.

According to Kurt, even if he hadn't won, it would have still been worth it. "You see, winning isn't everything, It's whether you've given it your best shot. And not just during the match but in preparation for it too. Did you train as hard as you could? Just do your best and remember, don't quit!."

Both have had outstanding careers in professional wrestling in a relative short period of time. It was Kurt Angle that said that he thought Cage was the best athlete in the class and that if Cage had trained in amateur wrestling, he too could have been an Olympic Champion.

These two wrestlers must go into the match at "Against All Odds with a tremendous amount of respect for each other.

Christian Cage vs Kurt Angle for the NWA World Championship should be one of the greatest NWA World Championship matches ever.

From their Coach to both of these great athletes, "Do Your Best! Has Lo Mejor Que Puedas! Ganbate Kudasai!

Dory Funk Jr. - Coach of the Funking Conservatory - www.dory-funk.com

TNAWrestling.com