Nobe Bryant: A Texas Wrasslin’ Hero

What makes someone worthy of respect? Is it the time they put in working? Is it the attitude they live by? Is it that you can trust them when they look you in the eye? There are not many people in this world worthy of respect, and that is even more prevalent in the world of professional wrestling. Then, there’s Nobe Bryant.

He’s a throwback talent in the very best sense of the word. He embodies the best of professional wrestling.

Nobe Bryant is a student of the sport. At 4 years old, he watched World Class Championship Wrestling on television with his grandfather. He cut his teeth on the Von Erichs and began learning the ropes, literally, at the age of 16. Getting his start by tagging along with his best friend’s brother to wrestling classes, he often ended up on the receiving end of holds and hooks. Every week, he was challenged to get out of some new stretch or suplex. He rarely succeeded, but that was all part of paying his dues.

He learned that wrestling was more than hitting someone, it was more than just earning a paycheck. Wrasslin’ was about proving who had more guts!

In the subsequent years, from getting started under a mask in Alvarado, TX to tagging with Deion Sanders and Nate Newton, Nobe Bryant made a name for himself. Competing across the “Lone Star State,” he learned just who he was. At times, he was tempted to turn his back on friends or betray a partner, but he never gave in to those temptations.

Hearkening back to those early days of watching wrestling, he turned to his heroes. First, he began wearing sunglasses to honor Bret Hart (who he has also modeled his physique and style after). Then, he donned the tassels to remind himself of “Macho Man” Randy Savage (who inspired him on the microphone). Finally, Bryant adopted the bright colors of a young Sting. He also oozes charisma, connecting with fans in a way that is just not seen in modern wrestling. The closest comparison is that of Ricky Morton. As soon as he steps out of the locker room, fans cheer, scream and rush the ring in hopes of getting an autograph.

While wrestling in Paris, TX in October 2021, Bryant was attacked, mid match, by no less than three other wrestlers.

Mike Gunner and his associates from Hart International, a wrestling management company that focuses on profits above all, took the opportunity to assault Bryant. Fans, children and grandparents all began to scream and hurl insults at the attackers. An 8-year-old girl was so overwhelmed that she screamed for someone to “help Nobe” through tear-stained cheeks. When Bam Bam Malone, a friend of Nobe’s, ran in to even the attack, the young lady leapt from her folding chair in glee. It was a scene straight out of the Dallas Sportatorium!

“Our world is starving for heroes,” says Bryant. “Sometimes all a young person needs is someone to look up to. That’s what I want to be, a hero to the kids.”

This mentality has been recognized by the likes of Tajiri and Ultimo Dragon. Just before the COVID-19 pandemic began, All Japan held an open tryout in San Francisco. Betting on himself, Nobe Bryant bought a plane ticket and a dream. Of course, the tryout was grueling, as he was given only a short amount of time to work and show his skill. Bryant, 10 cups of coffee deep, had come in workout gear.

Out of 40 of the best competitors in North America, he was the only one chosen for a two-month, three-tour sojourn through All Japan Wrestling. There were no easy nights working in Japan and he used the experience to grow and learn even more. When he finally returned to the States, he had a new focus, a new determination.

He would be the best in Texas.

On Saturday, April 23, in Leonard, TX, at 7 p.m., Nobe Bryant squares off against Mike Gunner for the King of Sports Heavyweight Championship. This is more than just a pro wrestling match – this is a battle of honor versus greed. Gunner has “guaranteed” victory.

Will Nobe Bryant once again prove the doubters wrong?