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What Was Your Favorite Wrestling Christmas Gift?

What Was Your Favorite Wrestling Christmas Gift?

Here are some of FloWrestling and friends' most memorable wrestling-related presents.

Dec 24, 2017 by Mike Mal
What Was Your Favorite Wrestling Christmas Gift?

When I was growing up, I was obsessed with the sport of wrestling. Not much has changed. I was sitting with my kids today while they were opening up some gifts, and I thought about how many gifts I've gotten throughout the years and, more importantly, how many of them were wrestling related. 

Some of them were complete throwaways, but some helped shape the wrestler, and ultimately, the person that I became. I know I'm not the only one who asked Santa for wrestling stuff, so I asked a few friends.

Mike Malinconico, Associate Producer, FloWrestling.com

Blank VHS Tape


I've spent the better part of my adult life studying human motion and applying it to wrestling. I never really thought about this until I started writing this article, but the roots of this obsession started a long time ago. 

When I was young my dad would get me a pack of blank VHS tapes. This was a yearly occurrence. The first year that he got them for me I really didn't mention it. I just figured that it was one of those stocking-stuffer-type gifts that were put out specifically to make the gift count look higher under the tree on Christmas morning (a pack of socks are great for this). The second year that my dad gave me a pack of VHS tapes I can distinctly remember asking him, "What the heck are these for?" (I'm sure I didn't say "heck," but it was NJ in the '90s, don't be too judgy.) 

When I asked him, I was half joking. I really believed that they were a throwaway gift. He turned to me and said "You should have someone tape your matches so that you can watch them later." We didn't have a video recorder, but some of my friends' parents did. That gift seems to have kindled a fire in me that hasn't gone out.

Connor Boike, Owner, Wrestle Boutique

Brand New Orange Gables


"My best wrestling-related gift would probably have to be the pair of brand new orange Gable wrestling shoes I got three years ago. Looked for them everywhere and couldn't seem to find a pair. Guess Santa had a way of getting stuff done."

Jake Herbert, 2012 Olympian

2lb


"Two-pound weight allowance."


Lee Roper, Assistant Coach, University Of Northern Iowa

2lb

"I'm sure everyone replies… two-pound growth allowance!"

Cliff Fretwell, Owner, Compound Clothing

Granby Camp


"One year I got a trip to Granby Camp. Keith Lowrance changed my life and my wrestling career. He put together one of the best camp/technical systems

Kendall Cross, 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist

A Scale


"Dad got me this piece of...truth and honesty when I was about 12 years old."

Andy Hrovat, 2008 Olympian

Nothing

"I can't remember any." 

Christian Pyles, Site Manager, FloWrestling.com

"A Season On The Mat"


"I got 'A Season On The Mat' in 2004. My girlfriend, now wife, Katie, gave it to me. It poured gasoline on the fire of my wrestling fandom."

Coleman Scott, 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist

Kendall's Adistars


"I think that it was the winter of '97. I got a pair of Kendall's Adistars. Kinda boring but man I loved them." 

Jeff Zannetti, Owner, Wrestling Mindset

"Train Like A Madman" Posters


"(My brother) Gene and I probably got this one and the Brands Brothers one in fourth and fifth grade. They are still hanging up in our parents' basement." 

Eric Guerrero, 2004 Olympian

Perspective 


"I can remember when I was in 10th grade. It was December 23, and I had off from school. I was planning on going to my friend's house to hang out. My dad asked if I had worked out at all that day. I simply replied, 'No.' 'You mean you didn't go for a run, no pull-ups, nothing?' my father added. I could only say the word 'No.' My dad thought for a minute and said, 'It's not Christmas yet, son. Mary and Joseph were on the move until the 25th. Get up and do something.'"