Category Archives: FSM Editorials

A Raw Tribute to Mr. Brodie Lee

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Mr. Brodie Lee recently reminded me to never stop betting on myself, so I felt compelled to dedicate this month’s editorial entirely to him. As a preface, this piece is going to be a little raw (no pun intended).

Professional wrestling is one of those interests that became part of my life along the way. I think it’s a misconception that older wrestling fans are all die-hards. People don’t realize that wrestling is simply another item on The List (pun intended) of things we enjoy, similar to watching the NBA, playing Fantasy Football, or binge-watching new shows.

People who don’t like wrestling will always think it’s stupid and weird. They’ll adopt the generic, stereotypical position that people who enjoy wrestling are stupid weird. Well, my response to this lately has been, “You know what? I think people simulating rape and murder on shows like Criminal Minds is pretty fucking weird.”

If people just knew how many deaths the longtime wrestling fan must endure, maybe they’d leave us alone. When I was barely a teenager, the great Owen Hart plunged to his death during a live WWE show. I thought it was tragic and rare at the time. Now I know it was just tragic.

Fans react differently to the passing of wrestlers based on their own histories of reinforcement. Perhaps they remember watching their favorite wrestler on WCW Saturday Night with their father or maybe they have a special WrestleMania memory involving close friends. Add to this the often tragic, abrupt, and unexpected nature of deaths in wrestling, and it’s easy to see why adult wrestling fans have such strong emotional reactions to events like Brodie Lee’s recent passing.

Personally, my history of reinforcement with Mr. Brodie Lee was very brief – like 6 months of being an All Elite Wrestling (AEW) fan brief. For whatever reason, I was in one of those life phases in which I wasn’t paying much attention to wrestling when Lee was big bootin’ people as Luke Harper. I knew of his existence, but not much beyond what he looked like. But when Mr. Brodie Lee debuted on AEW Dynamite last year in the midst of COVID-19, I was paying attention to wrestling. I loved Lee’s look and mischievous energy. Watching from home, his charisma was palpable in that empty stadium.

Fortunately, due to the pandemic, I was in a life phase where I could watch AEW Dynamite every Wednesday. This meant getting weekly doses of Mr. Brodie Lee as leader of The Dark Order. I wasn’t quite sure the direction in which Lee would take this group of misfits but I was excited to find out. Then it happened. After a Dark Order segment to end Dynamite, I did a google search of “Brodie Lee” and “WWE”. The fact that I did this search outside of my allotted TV watching time signaled to me that I was now an official fan of Mr. Brodie Lee.

The articles and podcast transcripts produced by my Google search only made me a bigger aficionado of the Exalted One. I learned that Lee, real name Jon Huber, decided to leave the WWE and safe money behind to pursue new opportunities in AEW. The decision didn’t seem to be made on whim, however. After years of giving his blood, sweat, and tears to the WWE, Huber concluded he was not going to receive a huge push or promotion in the company any time soon. I got the impression he wanted to stay there – until he didn’t. Maybe he saw AEW as a more realistic path to his desired spotlight. Whatever his motivations, Huber took that path and became an AEW champion rather quickly. I must admit, seeing him destroy Cody Rhodes in a blink of an eye was pretty damn awesome to watch.

Luke Harper or Brodie Lee were never a part of my greatest memories (unless you consider watching wrestling during a pandemic good times). So why is the recent passing of Jon Huber hitting me extra hard if I was only a true fan of the man for about 6 months? Our history of reinforcement together was brief to say the least.

Perhaps it has to do with Huber’s path to that TNT Television title.

Perhaps, as a grown-ass fanboy closing in on four decades of life, I know what it feels like to scratch and claw and give everything you have – and still not achieve a desired result.

Perhaps it’s because I know what it feels like to take a leap of faith while trying to outrun father time.

And how it feels like to have to provide my credit score to people less credible than me.

Perhaps it’s because some days I want to give up.

Or perhaps it’s because Mr. Brodie Lee reminded me that it’s never too late to raise that strap.

Yang Picks Fight with WWE

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It feels like former presidential hopeful Andrew Yang is trying to pick a fight with the WWE. He has been vocal in recent months about the company’s treatment of its pro wrestling superstars who are actually independent contractors.

While Yang never gained serious support in his bid to win the democratic nomination for president, he became somewhat of a sensation and acquired a group of enthusiastic followers known as the Yang Gang. More relevant to this article though, Yang has always been a huge fan of professional wrestling. He also has never been one to hide his disdain of WWE owner Vince McMahon.

Yang’s main beef with McMahon is his treatment of his workers. As independent contractors, they are forced to cover their own health and travel expenses. Think about that for a second. The Undertaker has to pay for his own health insurance.

Wrestlers are also not allowed to use third party platforms like Twitch and Cameo. In fact, one recently got fired for defying this rule.

And then there are the many accusations of bullying and pressure to work in unsafe environments.

Yang suggested the solution may be as simple as the wrestlers joining an existing union like the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) to protect themselves. He has been much more vocal and passionate about this lately. The timing is a bit curious. Could he be taking this up as his cause?

More on this issue:

Andrew Yang Slams WWE on Talk is Jericho

Andrew Yang Discusses SAG with Wrestling, Inc.

Forbes talks about Andrew Yang calling out the WWE      

FSM Editorial: In Free Solo, Conquering Fear Is Not the Goal

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An abridged version of the recent award winning documentary Free Solo goes something like this: Man climbs giant rock in Yosemite with no safety equipment for first time in history. The longer version involves a man with poor social skills, elite climbing skills, and a small circle of really patient friends. Instead of spoiling the journey for those who have not watched this epic documentary yet, I just want to focus on something simple said by protagonist Alex Honnald when he was discussing the danger of free soloing the famously tall El Capitan:

“YOU FACE YOUR FEAR BECAUSE YOUR GOAL DEMANDS IT.”

I physically moved, well flinched actually, upon hearing that quote for the first time (I’ve watched the film many more times since then). So simple yet so profound – one of those obvious tidbits of information I hear once in blue moon that completely changes my way of looking at something.

For so long, I’ve conflated conquering fear with the ultimate outcome of a goal. Consider for example, a swimming goal for a child who is afraid of the water. The goal itself is recording if the child gets in the pool or not, not necessarily if they are afraid. In that sense, conquering the fear of water isn’t the ultimate goal – getting in the pool is! Not being afraid is just a benchmark to hit along the way.

Or think of a person who wants to visit someone in another country but is too afraid of flying. If the goal is to fly to another country, they will have to learn more about flying than just how to manage their fear. Being unafraid won’t guarantee the individual makes it to his or her final destination. Imagine showing up in the wrong country? Then we’ll have new fears to deal with. Another example is a first time entrepreneur who finally overcomes their fear of taking out a large loan. They were just loaned the money, now what? 

Alex Honnald’s goal was never to conquer his fear of dying. His goal was to free solo El Captian. When he was confident enough in his skills and preparation, his fear of making a fatal mistake subsided. But he still had to climb the darn rock!

You face your fear because your goal demands it. So I’m moving forward with this new mentality of looking at conquering fear as more of a benchmark, or a dragon to be slain along the way, than the end result.

To purchase Free Solo on amazing 4K, click here.

FSM Editorial: Top 5 Reasons LeBron Ain’t Trump

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Sports shock jock (and professional LeBron hater) Jason Whitlock made a big fuss about King James recently, comparing him to the president and calling him “Black Trump”. Whitlock pointed to a few similarities between Lebron and the Donald (mostly the incoherent curse-filled tweeting) but presented a pretty weak case overall. Keep in mind, Whitlock recently left Fox Sports because they wouldn’t pay him so he may just be trying to be extra provocative to generate buzz for himself (insert sarcastic shocked face emoji here).

Here is a taste of Jason Whitlock’s comments:

“LeBron fashions himself as a dignified statesman, role model, political activist and champion of racial equality. He is every bit as crude, undignified and inarticulate as our sitting president.”

To read the full editorial originally posted on OutKick, click here.

Now then, being the sports junkies that we are, we thought we’d do a little counter punching on the King’s behalf. Free Sports Mag is not a political publication in any sense so please read the following Top 5 Reasons LeBron Ain’t Trump as if you were reading The Onion or MAD Magazine.

5. Lebron James has 3 children with the same woman

4. Blaze Pizza > Trump Steaks

3. Lebron James has never been bankrupt

2. I Promise School > Trump University

1. Lebron James is a billionaire   

FSM Editorial: The Collectors Are Restless

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Since this is an editorial piece, we have the freedom to vent and go on tangents at times. This article will be more of a polite vent. With COVID-19 shutting life down since March 2020, collectors have been itching to buy, sell, and trade in person. The card flippers are in paradise though, inflating card prices before selling them online to us desperate shut-ins.  

Do we sound bitter? Maybe a little. The flippers are taking advantage of events in the environment. It’s capitalism 101. We live in the USA. So, we aren’t full bitter. But bitter, yes.

Perhaps the most frustrating part of being a collector of memorabilia (or dare we say a “picker”) these days is that we cannot see, feel, and hold these valuable collectibles as we consider purchasing them. How does it make you feel to pull that Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie card in and out of your desk drawer? Is that feeling worth $3,000 or a lower PSA grade? Is the card you’re holding obviously a fake?

But even more heartbreaking to the FSM staff than not being able to walk into their local hobby shops is the disappearance of garage sales. It’s quite a felling to find a rare gem, collectible, or piece of memorabilia on a sunny Saturday morning. If you’re really lucky, you’ll get a cool story about the item to take with you as well. Garage sales are also one of the last places where people can actually negotiate a fair price for the things they want.

We recently came across a story in which someone found a lot of Patrick Mahomes rookie cards at a local thrift shop. The story was encouraging because it’s indicative that stores are opening and collectors are venturing out to search for treasure. We’ll end on that positive note. The collectors are restless – but not for much longer.

P.S. If the title of this editorial is familiar it’s because it was inspired by this Far Side collection.

FSM Editorial: COVID & Angels

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With COVID-19 forcing people to social distance, our country’s beloved national parks have received a much-needed boost in foot traffic. One of these parks offers a healthy dose of danger and excitement and is more accessible than you might think…

Angels Landing located at Zion National Park in Utah is perhaps the most semi-famous hike in the United States. Many hikers I’ve encountered during my travels have “kind of” heard of it. Common responses are, “That’s the one with the big walls right?” or “The one where people always fall off and die?” My answer to these and similar questions is usually, “Well…kinda.”

Anyone in half decent shape shouldn’t have trouble completing this hike. There is nothing overly strenuous about this trail. The switchbacks leading up to the final leg of the trail are steep but they are also paved which is extremely helpful (not to mention a rarity on this kind of trek).  This section is affectionately known as Walton’s Wiggles. As you hike up the wiggles, you will have solid canyon wall to your left.  To your right, you will have a sliver of a view of the bigger canyon you find yourself in. Depending on the time of day, you will see a different mix of orange, red, and maroon in the rocks with random greenery sprinkled throughout. An avid hiker would probably spend no more than 60 minutes completing this trail through the end of Walton’s Wiggles.

The WW switchbacks lead to a narrow trail that eventually ascends like a staircase to the point of the trail known as Scout’s Lookout. This is where first timers will have an initial glimpse of the behemoth they are about to take on. This is also where people usually start thinking about turning back. I mentioned earlier that this hike is not strenuous which is true. The emotional component to completing this hike cannot be understated however. When you are standing on Scout’s Lookout, gazing at the thin strip of trail that leads up to Angel’s Landing, looking at the thousands of feet of drop-off on each side, there is a good chance your nerves will make the decision of quitting or going on for you. Don’t make a hasty decision though. Use the random outhouse at the lookout if you need a second to compose yourself. Take reassurance knowing that the number of people who have died trying to reach the top is not even in double digits. My point is that’s an extremely low number.

Admittedly, there are a few spots on the way to the top of Angels Landing that could use some chains. But the final portion of trail is well constructed and safe overall. Hold on to the chains whenever available, watch where you step, and resist the urge to take in the scenery until you summit. Once you make it to the top, there is plenty of space to relax safely and admire the beautiful views: giant walls of multi colored rock on both sides with a river curving its way through the canyon floor.

Don’t let any initial fears at Scout’s Lookout prevent you from completing this hike. If you exercise caution and respect your environment, you should be fine. The payoff for crossing the finish line is twofold. You get treated to unimaginable views that few will ever see form that vantage point and you gain the satisfaction of completing what most consider a daunting task. The trail is properly named. If a landing strip for angels really exists in Utah, there is good chance this is it.

FSM Editorial: How Much is Enough for Roy Jones Jr.?

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This article was originally published in March 2011. With Roy Jones Jr. set to fight Mike Tyson by the end of 2020, the folks at FSM thought it was appropriate to share this editorial once again. Enjoy!

Here we go again – again. The announcement was made this month that fading boxing star Roy Jones Jr. will lace up the gloves for yet another questionable fight.

Exactly how much is enough punishment for a man to take in the ring? Unfortunately this is not a question a boxing fan can answer. Well I guess they could answer but it wouldn’t make much difference to Roy Jones Jr. who will travel to Russia on April 22 to face hot prospect Denis Lebedev (21-1, 16 KOs).

Lebedev is bigger, stronger, and 11 years younger. His only loss was a controversial decision in an opponent’s backyard. There should be no doubt that Roy Jones Jr. is being used as a stepping stone.  Check any Las Vegas sports book if you think the Russian guy is the underdog this time (yes that was a Rocky IV reference).

Roy Jones Jr. has lost two fights in a row. One of them was an embarrassing first round knockout to an Aussie journeyman and the other was a beating at the hands of Bernard Hopkins. Even before these two bouts, concerned citizens in the boxing community were pleading for Jones to stop fighting. His diminished skills were apparent in the fight against B-Hop. When fighting a younger contender like Lebedev, there will be potential for serious harm. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Jones get knocked out in the style of the Glenn “Road Warrior” Johnson fight.

So back to my original question – how much is enough punishment for Jones Jr. to take? When a question like this is asked it usually means the person has already taken enough.

The truth is that it doesn’t matter what you or I think. And as much as I hate to see former greats blocking punches with their face, I’m not going to be the one to tell Roy Jones Jr. that he needs to quit boxing. I would loathe it if someone told me I had to stop doing something I love, especially if I was the best in the world at doing it at one point in my life.