IWA Television???

Were you aware that there’s more wrestling in Memphis than Memphis Wrestling?  Okay.  Were you aware that this “other group” were actually aired on television every week?  Well, they are and they’re also aired on Saturday morning.  That’s right!  Just like the classic Memphis Wrestling we all know.

But wait, it gets even stranger.  Not only is there another wrestling company in Memphis.  Not only do they have a television show on Saturday morning… But they are also on the SAME station!  How ironic is that?

Some of my statements were a bit sarcastic and tongue-in-cheek.  But the fact of the matter is that many of the wrestling fans out there are currently unaware of the show’s presence.  You can tell that by looking at the ratings.  Not to mention the fact that the show isn’t the greatest quality out there… Nor is the talent.

I’m not here to bad mouth the IWA (still unsure of the meaning of the initials).  Rather, I’m here to let you know they exist and… Well, they’ve apparently set their sights of ME.

The problem with the IWA is simple I they’re new.  They don’t have the production quality that a major independent wrestling “player” should have.  But then again, how many major independent “players” are even out there any more?  None, to my knowledge. 

After a few days, I feel GOOD!

So, we are a few days into my Diet Journal (posted on the right-hand side of the page) and I feel great!  Physically, mentally… And I feel as if I look better already!  All in my head?  Sure, it is.  That’s half the battle.  But the bottom line is – the way I feel will keep me geared up and pressing on.  When that happens, you find the success your looking for!

Let’s take a look at the first few days, shall we?

Thru two days and working thru the third, I really do like my consistency.  That’s very key in any diet.  Mass gain or cutting – you have to have the frequent meal intake.  I have that.  So, there’s a plus.

No candy!  That’s right!  Not one single piece of candy has entered my mouth in the last three days!  After Halloween’s candy consumption, I’m very proud o report that I’m candy-free.  I did have a few sips of milk shake after last night’s hockey game, but hey – who wouldn’t sip a little shake with a pretty girl?  It’s my weakness.  I only had a few sips though, but I also felt that I needed to report it.  Honesty should be brutal when you’re keeping up with your daily plan.

Diet Journal

Take a look to the right-hand side of the page.  You’ll see the section that is entitled “Diet Journal”.  I will be updating this every morning / afternoon with what I had to eat the day before.  If you’re interested at all, please check back daily.  I will NOT be keeping every single day up.  Tomorrow, I will replace Monday’s schedule with Tuesday’s (today!)  So, you will have an updated look at what I had the previous day.

Also, along with the meal in-take… I’ll be posting my cardio activity.  What I did I do?  How long did I go?  How many calories did I burn (according to the machine?)

If you’re looking to get on track, this might just help you out.  If you can’t do it exactly the way I do… then, you can get a good idea of where you’ll need to be.  Remember – this doesn’t work for EVERYONE!  It works for ME and MIGHT help you!

Before & After – My Diet Journal

On June 2nd, I finished up my bookings with World Wrestling Entertainment.  After having been evaluated, I knew something just wasn’t right.  They liked me but for some reason just wouldn’t pull the trigger and sign me.  So, I took a step back and had a good, long, hard look at what I needed to do to get where I needed to be.

BOOM – it hit me.

What if I did something that I had never done before?  What if I concentrated on getting LEAN instead of getting BIG.  Heck, I’m never going to be a “big guy.”  My height IS what it IS.  Right?  I can only hold so much weight.  Afterall, I had gone into the WWE booking much lighter than the norm.  I weighed in at 215 pounds in June.  So, I decided to shift my focus.  Shift my training.  Adjust everything about my eating, training, cardio – MY WAY OF LIVING.

I certainly had a lot of help along the way (especially with the food!), but I also put in the hard work and dedication to make it happen.  So, from those dates in June… I looked at a calendar and made my plans. 

Stella Marris Coastal Cuisine & Lounge

Last night, I was out and about enjoying myself at a brand new lounge in Cordova, TN.  I don’t get out that much for various reasons, but after hearing all the fluff surrounding this place – and having an invitation to go – I decided to see what all the fuss was about.

After several unique delays, Stella Marris Coastal Cuisine & Lounge finally had its VIP opening, last night!  Did I say unique?  What exactly does that mean?  Well, apparently there were problems with the fire alarm… which went off a few times last night.  Then, there was the issue with the dishes not arriving on time.  Could you imagine not opening your restaurant on time because your dishes had not arrived?  It happened to Stella Marris… but fortunately, the dishes were there last night.  The food that went along with the dishes was AMAZING.  That’s not all the unique controversy, though.  Don’t forget all the fact that Steve Cooper, the owner of Stella Marris, has other business ventures that had people talking – like Gold Club.

All in all, with all of that said, Stella Marris was amazing.

Yes, that’s right.  I was in attendance for last night’s VIP opening at Stella Marris and I must say – I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  The place was put together very well.  There was a TON of money spent on the design and decorating.  From the marble floors and statues, to the immaculate chandeliers

Hockey & Wrestling

It’s that time of year again.  Hockey calls shotgun and wrestling takes the back seat.  Well, let me rephrase that… local wrestling takes the back seat.  How do I feel about it?  I’m actually psyched!

The approach that I’ve taken the last year or so is simple.  Work towards big events.  Train towards the events that have the grandest opportunity.  Not necessarily money-wise.  But certainly long-term, big time event-wise.  I am training towards those big opportunities and trying to make the best of them.

So, now it’s that time of year where the Riverkings take over my priority, as far as bookings are concerned.  It’s time to rest my body a little bit from all the wear and tear.  It’s time to put a major focus on my training.  I’m never where I want to be or need to be – training-wise.  I must stay in the best shape possible.  And being less sore and less banged-up will help me get in the gym and bust out some very good workouts.  Plus, it’s always good to just take a little time away from the ring and focus on other vehicles for my success.

With that being said, I will still be wrestling locally – namely Ripley, TN.  Heck, I’m the EWE Heavyweight Champion… I have to be there to defend the belt.  But if you do not see me around from time to time, I’m sure there’s a hockey game going on.  I really do enjoy the hockey experience, as it gives me something other than beating my body around the ring.

Look out folks, there’s a ton of other stuff going on with me right now, as well.  There’s talk of commercials.  There’s talk of bigger wrestling opportunities.  There’s writing opportunities coming up (more on that tomorrow!)  And just to give you a hint on what the future holds for good ole Dustin Starr – I’m not only gearing back up for a competition-quality workout regimen… I’m also setting my future up for a big move.

And no… I’m not talking about, to quote Corey Maclin, “A BIG MOOOOVE!!“

What a Celebration!

It was a great celebration, indeed!  No, I’m not talking about the Yankees returning to World Series glory.  No, I’m not talking about the start of the NBA season, tonight.  No, I’m not even talking about the wrestling return of Hulk Hogan!

I’m talking about my Birthday celebration, last week!  Oh my goodness, what a week it was!  I couldn’t have asked for a better Birthday… and it lasted from Thursday til Sunday!  Now, THAT’S how you throw down!  But I didn’t get too carried away… I have just been surrounded by people who seem to really care about me and they really and truly show it.

Thursday, I had lunch with my mother and my angel.  Hibatchi was amazing and the gift that I received during that lunch was even better.  Have you ever received a gift that you could never put a price tag on?  A piece of memory lane that I will not only never forget but one that I have to hang in my home, now.  Awesome, indeed.

Thursday night, I was lucky enough to enjoy an Alabama steak dinner (in Memphis, TN though).  Check out my Twitter page and you can even see a picture of the meal!  Steak, sauteed mushrooms, turkey bacon-wrapped asparagus, baked potato and Caesar salad.  Then, just when I thought it was all said and done… I was presented with a mini-Birthday cake where the candles whistled a Birthday song!  Not only that, but I had a very sweet girl sing to me, as well!  I will never, EVER forget that. 

Thank You All!

As many of you know, last week I turned twenty-seven years old.  October 22nd is the date.  To me, it’s a national holiday.  I celebrate it all week long.  Or as long as I’m allowed to celebrate it, anyway!  I typically get a little down in the dumps when my birthday rolls around.  It just means I’m getting older and the window of opportunity in life is getting smaller and smaller.  It’s hard to explain… but it’s true.

But this post is not to dwell on the fact that I’m a year close to the dreadful THIRTY.  This post is to thank all of you who made this birthday one of the best ones in years.  I received so many text messages, phone calls, tweets, e-mails, comments… you name it!  I received so many birthday wishes that it just blew me away.  So, thank you all for making this birthday very special to me.  The support is overwhelming from friends and fans alike.

At this point in my life, things are so much different than they were even one year ago.  I never would have imagined that I would have met some of the folks that I have met.  I never thought I could see and feel some of the things that I can now.  My life has changed so dramatically over the course of the last few years that I’m experiencing things that are new to me… and I’m twenty-seven years old.  I’m learning everyday how to be a better me.  I’m learning everyday how to consistently be a better person, altogether.

Boys and girls, thank you all for a great birthday.  I hope this year beats out last year by a mile.  2009 isn’t over yet.  I still have one more shot to make it happen.

New Photos Posted!

A big THANK YOU goes out to Brittany from Ripley, TN for turning in all the newest photos! Awesome job! If you keep up the good work, you could very well become Five Starr’s personal photographer!

Seriously, thank you so much. If anyone else has photos that I may be able to post on this site, please feel free to send them over. I appreciate every picture I can get because I typically do not have a photographer in-house. Unfortunate, but true.

Check them out by clicking the photo to the left or just take a look to your right at the FIVE STARR PHOTOS section!

Health & Training Tips – PART III

Here’s a few tips regarding everyone’s weakness – SWEETS!  Oh man, anyone that knows me well enough, knows that I enjoy my candy.  Can’t live without it!  But recently, I’ve really had to cut back.  I’ve had to put it in moderation, so to speak, to get where I  need to be physically.  So, I assume that many of you probably have the same problem.

So, without further ado, let’s press on with the tips!  There are really good ones too!

SNACKS & DESSERT: This is a major problem with all of us.  It is only human nature to want to eat things that tastes good.  It is only natural to like sweets.  We love to eat!  But you have to keep it under control.  How do I do it?  Simple.

- Here’s the secret ingredient:

GRAPES!

That’s right!  Grapes are a great snack that will not put pounds on you or take you off your health schedule!  When I’m done with a meal and I feel as if I need another small serving, I eat grapes for dessert!  If I’m in between meals and I need a small snack to curve the sweet tooth or appetite – I eat grapes!

- As for dessert, treat yourself to.  Nice, big, juicy naval orange.  Or perhaps an apple.  If grapes won’t do the trick – try these other fruits and they’ll fill you up the rest of the way… And not take you off your planned regimen.

- Want a REAL dessert?  I do too, at times.  So, what do I do?  I get it!  I usually have a cheat meal once per week.  It won’t harm you, unless you go overboard with it.  It’s all right to reward yourself every now and then.  Just be sure you don’t do it too much.  If you do think you’ll go overboard or know you can’t handle it – don’t do it!

CARDIO: Running on a treadmill is boring to you too, huh?  I hate it.  There’s nothing more boring than running on a treadmill!  So, consider your choices!