Watkins living his dream as professional wrestler

John Lebsock
Contributing writer

David Watkins

Everyone has a dream that they want to accomplish or become someone great in life.
    David Watkins has accomplished his dream. He is known as the Rowdy Knight in the professional wrestling circuit.
Knight is a very accomplished veteran in Colorado, wrestling for well more than 10 years now.
    “As a kid at the playground, I earned the name ‘Rowdy,’ since I would fight like Hot Rod Rowdy Piper,” Watkins said. “When I was about to turn pro, I took the name Knight to honor my father. He is a great chess player and taught me to use my mind and stay a couple moves ahead. This advice works with everything in life actually.”
    One of Watkins’ training stops was in Brighton, but it wasn’t the only one. His first spot was at a shop in the Five Points section of Denver.
    “I was visiting a friend when I was about 12 years old, and they were watching wrestling on T.V.,” Watkins said. “I saw wrestlers on there including the Road Warriors and Ricky Steamboat. Once I saw the Championship match, I wanted it.”
    Watkins learned the tricks of his trade from the likes of Bo Dacious and Gary Goffinet. When he came back to Denver, Watkins worked with Robert Amador and Glynn Tayor.
“They taught me how to put the skills together,” Watkins said.
    Rowdy had his most successes in Rocky Mountain Championship Wrestling. He became the first ever RMCW TV champion and become what he always dreamed of, becoming a world champion. He did that twice.
    “Every night in the ring is a highlight looking back.” Watkins said. “I faced a lot of guys, I pride myself facing bigger opponents, not always the best win/loss record – guys like Plague, Big NY’er, Super Destroyer, and Outcast David Taylor. There were guys I faced a lot, so it was hard to change it up – guys like, Super Destroyer, Mr. Unbelievable Tiger Smith, and Ragin’ Romeo, who is one of my favorite all-time opponents.”
    Wrestling isn’t just a sport, it’s also a art form. Only the very talented become great in wrestling. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be a pro wrestler. Those who made the grade have to leave behind some special things – including family and relationships to become top-of-the-line performers.
    Wrestlers have to learn to act for the entertainment standpoint and know the psychology of wrestling to be a success. Most everyone involved in the sport agrees. It’s a hard sport to try and get into.
    For those who want to try, Watkins has some basic advice.
    “First off, the basic. Get your education first,” he said. “The body only has so many bumps in it. It won’t last forever. Make sure you know a trade when it’s over. As far as in the ring, learn the psychology of wrestling.    Don’t just learn the moves and the big bumps but learn why and when to do them. Learn how to tell the story in the ring, the story of good vs. evil, right vs. wrong, David vs. Goliath. That is what captures the attention of the fans.
    “Speaking of which my last piece of advice is don’t forget what it was like sitting in the audience,” Watkins continued. “Regardless of the promoter, the fan is the one you are working for. “

Contact John Lebsock at sports@metrowestnewspapers.com