Today we’d like to introduce you to AC Mack.
Hi AC, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve just recently retired from pro-wrestling. For as long as I could remember, I’ve wanted to wrestle professionally. I did great in school, but ultimately, I knew all I wanted to do was wrestle. In 2007, I started researching how to become a wrestler. I was only in middle school but I wanted to start mapping out my future. I found a school here in Atlanta called the WWA4, and I also found out that their students put on a free show every Thursday. I went to those shows religiously every week for years before I was finally able and ready to join myself in February of 2016. From then until June of this year, I was able to accomplish things beyond my wildest dreams. I was able to make history in the one thing I’ve loved the most my entire life. Within wrestling, I became one of the most decorated wrestlers in my region’s history, I was ranked as the highest independent wrestler in the world in 2022 and above all else, I became the first openly gay male World Champion in all of pro-wrestling’s history. (WWE, AEW, Japan, Mexico, Independent, etc.) I was at peace leaving pro-wrestling this past June. I truly feel like I’ve left my mark.
Right now, I’m looking forward to what’s next! I’m currently in the process of getting certified to become an official for MMA fights. With this, I’ll still be able to remain in the world of combat and still be under those bright lights in front of hundreds and thousands of people, but with this, I will have greater longevity and be in a lot less pain!!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, not at all. Pro-Wrestling, for so long, was dominated by Straight, White men. While a lot of their stories were great and inspired a great deal of us, it was imperative that we showed them those weren’t the ONLY stories that could be told. I was told by a few promoters and other wrestling associates that I would have a hard time due to my skin tone – that it’s just easier to market fairer skin across the world. And although I officially came out in November of 2014, a certain prominent Georgia wrestler told me once I started training that I should keep my sexuality under wraps so it wouldn’t cost me bookings or so that other wrestlers wouldn’t feel uncomfortable around me in the locker room. It’s crazy to think about, but this was only seven years ago. It took a few years but once we all looked around and realized the numbers, we knew that there HAD to be a market for us. We took a chance on ourselves and began throwing our own shows and booking our own wrestlers – both for the Black community and the Gay community. Because of it, so many people from both communities have become wrestlers and are telling even more stories now. The business is growing. That’s what’s important.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Outside of wrestling, I’m also a Claims Specialist for State Farm. I deal with bodily injury claims. So if a person gets in an accident and is badly injured, we negotiate with their lawyers on reimbursing for medical bills, wage loss, and pain and suffering. It’s both a rewarding and taxing job – you’re either giving bad news to the lawyers or making the insured whole again after the accident or something in between! I handle just over 200 claims at the moment, and no day is ever exactly like the other.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me specifically, I think that answer’s simple. What’s been my most important characteristic is my willingness to take a chance on myself. Before beginning to train to wrestle, I was mainly doing it because I loved it – not because I thought I’d be great or because I was the strongest, fastest, biggest, etc. I was none of that. NONE of that! I simply took the 1st step because of my love for pro-wrestling. That’s what drove me the most. I would’ve never been able to have done all this without being willing to take that chance. You never know what could happen or what you’re capable of – you HAVE to take at least try. You have to see. Take that 1st step.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: ac_mack
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mack927
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amenramackey/
- Twitter: AC_Mack
Image Credits
@ohsnapalliemac @jayleephotographyac
