There are very few great wrestling trainers out there on the independent level.  Sure, WWE producers and trainers are made up of the best of the best.  Past, present and future – they’re loaded with legends to teach the younger talent of the future.  But where I stand, there weren’t many options walking into this business.

A great trainer doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re going to create great wrestlers.  It doesn’t even mean they’ll create GOOD wrestlers.  A guy can be given the best training ever and still not take in the information needed to be good.  Furthermore, they may not even have the TALENT to do it.

I’m currently working out in a facility that is housing the best training I’ve ever received on this level.  Other than the WWE workouts with the likes of Jamie Noble, Fit Finley, Arn Anderson and several others – it is the best training I’ve ever gotten.  I’m not knocking any of the other training I’ve ever received, I’m just merely stating that I’m being trained on a much higher level at this point in my career.  During this point in my career, I need it more than ever.

I’d like to thank everyone involved with helping me get where I need to be.  All the trainees.  All the boys.  The facility owners.  EVERYONE.  Thank you so much.

For those of you who were concerned before, take a look at the photos.  I’m trying, as I type this, to get my files converted to post actual video on the site.  Or better yet… maybe I should just make you all wait to see it in person.

Regardless, the images speak for themselves.  “Dustin Starr can’t work the cruiserweight style”… “Dustin Starr can’t do the necessary things to impress”… Whoever has been making statements like that – you better take them back! 

In image one (to the left), you’ll see me landing a standing moonsault.  That’s right, folks.  Dustin Starr, ME, standing flat-footed and hitting a perfect back flip.  I climbed in the ring… thought about it for two seconds… had a little inspiration and demonstration from T@2… and BOOM.  Nailed it.

In image two (to the right), you’ll see me finishing the standing moonault with a nip-up the likes of British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith.  Front flipping from the ground, up to my feet.

This blog is not meant to brag.  It’s not meant to be written out of spite.  It’s not even meant to be written out of retaliation to what some of you have been saying.  It’s being written to let you all know what I’ve been telling you for months and months.  I’m doing anything and everything that it takes to MAKE IT.

5:30AM running sessions?  Check!  Seven day per week workouts?  Check!  Strict eating habits?  Check!  Back flips… which I’m scared to death of?  CHECK!

If you want it bad enough, you’ll TAKE it.  That’s what I’m in the process of.

Btw, my legs hurt like hell today.

It’s time to really step it up a notch.  My cardio is up.  My workouts are strategic and they’re on a great pace to get where I need to be.  The only thing I’ve been lacking is actual time in the ring…

Until now.

I’ve been in conversation with several facilities that house wrestling rings.  I’ve also been in discussion with a few of my very close friends, who happen to be the very best wrestlers in this area.  All of them have come through for me, as of right now.  I certainly have the support I need on that end… I just need to make good use of the time I still have left.

It’s pretty simple, folks.  I’ve been doing this a long time.  Sure, I haven’t been inside of a wrestling ring for several weeks.  Actually, it’s been over a month now.  Along with that, I am not scheduled to step inside the squared circle until the first week of December.  But I’ve gone a lengthy period of time before without being in the ring… then, once I walked down that ramp – I was good to go.  It’s not something you forget.  It’s not something you have to make yourself re-learn.  It’s something that’s in your blood.  WRESTLING is in your blood.  I just need to polish up on a few of my skills.

Tonight marks the first of several training sessions I have scheduled.  You wouldn’t believe where I was going to work out, even if I told you.  But that’s besides the point.  I’ll be in the ring two to three times per week for the next three weeks.  Honing my skills.  Making myself better.  Preparing physically and mentally for what needs to happen.

For all of you who have been worrying about my career – this has been in the making for quite a while.  It’s all part of the grand-plan.  Train my body.  Train my mind.  Educate myself on what I need to do.  Then, work it all out inside the ring.

For all of you who are helping me… or willing to help me – THANK YOU.

From the meals I eat, the weights I lift, the phone calls of encouragement I receive… it all means so much.  You all know who you are.  I appreciate every ounce of it.

I’ve heard a few concerns over the past couple of months that I would like to address.  Whether it is concern with the focus I have put on other areas of my career and life… Or concerns about how hard I’ve been working to get as fit as possible for opportunities that I have approaching.  Am I wearing myself too thin?  Do I have all the tools that I need to succeed in the ring, now that I’ve cut so much weight?  What about focus on wrestling for the WWE?

I’ve heard it from all directions, folks.  I’ve heard it from friends, family and even read about it columns on the web.  I appreciate the concern…

But I’m doing just fine.

I had my very best friend tell me that WWE would never sign me.  This is a guy I’ve known since I was five years old.  A guy that I thought would be supportive no matter what the circumstances were.  And maybe he still is supportive.  Maybe he’s just giving his honest opinion on the matter.  He thinks I’m too small for WWE.  He says TNA would love to have me though.

Let me put a few things to rest.

Everything I’ve done to transition my body style… Well, it was done on purpose.  I’ve been there and I know what impresses.  I received high praise for the shape I was in, in September.  So, I’m taking the next step – kicking it up a gear.  I’m ready to make it happen.  Cutting weight was no mistake.

As far as my in-ring capabilities are concerned – no one has seen the full potential of Dustin Starr.  NO ONE.  Do you expect me to break my neck out in Ripley, TN?  Nothing against the company or fans, but that stage isn’t the place for me to be trying springboards, huracanranas or flips.  When the time is right and the setting is upon me… There will be a Five Starr Showcase.

My “big man” style works well where I’m at because the fact remains that very, very few guys show up to indy shows in shape.  Thus, making my appearance that much better.  But when you arrive to THE show… And by that I mean the big time… You are merely another body that always seems to be a step below the rest.

I’m tired of being a step back.  So now, for the first time in my career, I feel like I’m THERE.  I’m READY.  It’s put up or shut up time.

If you’re not in this business to work in for the WWE or TNA, you need to step aside.  Get out of my way.  If you’re content, fine.  I’m not.  I’m hungry.  I’m starving, actually.  I’m determined, driven, dedicated, OBSESSED with being successful.

If you have a problem with that, you need to reevaluate yourself and your goals.

Any questions?

Well, I’m full.  My schedule, that is.  I haven’t been inside a wrestling ring in about three weeks.  Working on my fourth.  I feel great, by the way – but the question still remains.  When will I step back into the squared circle?

Hmm… What a question, huh?  Seems like an easy answer.  At least a few days ago, it seemed pretty easy.  I had an opening on November 28th, which was going to be filled by EWE’s Thanksgiving Throwdown.  But since then, it has been brought to my attention that Thanksgiving itself is that very weekend.  I will be out of town with family that weekend.  How obvious?  And how did I not think about that?

Well, that certainly throws a wrench in things, now doesn’t it?  Speaking of throwing plans off schedule… Think of how badly this mis-scheduling is messing with EWE’s programming.  Good lord, they’ve stuck by me thru it all and I can’t even commit to attending their shows.  It isn’t out of spite, at all.  There aren’t any hard feelings because of my scheduling conflicts, either.  The higher-ups within EWE know of my plans and completely understand them.

So, what now?  What about the EWE Championship I currently hold?  When will I be back in the ring?  What’s the story, Five Starr?

I can hear you all asking yourselves, right now!  And I’m going to answer you all, right now!

I’m in talks with EWE, right now, to find a solution.  So, it’s either looking like a mid-December return… Or I just forfeit the Championship.  There aren’t any other choices, really.

My return to the ring will definitely be the first week of December.  All of this training… All of this scheduling… All of this hard work culminates on the first week of December.  Root for me, folks this is it!

Until then, you can find me at the DeSoto Civic Center for Riverkings hockey.  I’m at every home game.  Come say hello.

( New picture from a photo shoot with Dennis Copeland! )

Well, if you haven’t read it yet – CLICK HERE – and take a look.  It’s a pretty interesting take on what I’m posting on the site every day, regarding my Diet Journal.  For those of you who haven’t seen it yet, take a look at the right-hand side of the page.  You’ll see an activity log of what I’ve been eating and when I’ve been eating it.

Sure, it won’t work for everyone.  Sure, not everyone will care.  But I’ve received so many e-mails, texts, direct messages and even comments on this website asking questions about how I’m doing what… and why I’m doing what – I just thought I’d give everyone a little insight on what I’m doing personally to get in WWE-shape.

I never said this would work for everyone.  I revealed that up front, right off the bat.  So, let’s just get that out of the way right now.

When I read Jamie’s “Food for Thought” I thought most of it was tongue-in-cheek… written in a joking manner.  But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to respond.  Here’s a bit of what he said that I feel I need to correct:

“That’s right, you’ve got to take in the carbs & protein to give you the energy & supplements for building muscle! It really just depends on what that person is looking for, losing weight, gaining weight, getting ripped? There’s lots of things to take in consideration! But, it all comes back to eating! You’ve got to eat & eat plenty! You don’t however have to eat what Dustin Starr in putting in his diet journal! If you want to put on muscle & get ripped at the same time, you don’t want to do what Dustin is doing! Dustin is losing weight & getting ripped!“

Then, he goes on to say:  “I’ve think I’ve figured out the key thing to getting in shape or staying in shape!“

Really?  All right… he continues:

“Here’s three of my tips, if you want to gain weight – EAT, WORKOUT, you wanna lose wieght – EAT HEALTHIER, CARDIO, WORKOUT, you wanna get ripped – EAT REAL HEALTHY, CARDIO, CARDIO, WORKOUT!!!“

Jamie’s right.  You have to eat and take those supplements.  There are also many things to consider.  You don’t have to eat what Dustin Starr’s eating?  Nope.  You don’t.  But if you’re going to follow my plan – you BETTER.  If you want to put on muscle and get ripped at the same time… you DON’T want to do what I’m doing?  I’m confused now.  Maybe we should get on the Jamie Jay plan on “bulking” up?  Yeah, that’s it!

In all seriousness… I’m just trying to get in the very best shape I can possibly be in.  I’m trying to earn a spot on the WWE roster.  That’s it.

Here’s a very good analogy that everyone can certainly understand:  You know that one personal trainer in the gym that’s out-of-shape?  You know, the one who always asks you to let them train you?  Yeah, that one!  So, this out-of-shape trainer can’t look good themselves… but they think they can whip you into shape!  I never understood that.  Why in the world would I let someone who’s in WORSE shape than me teach me how to exercise and work out?  I wouldn’t!

Here’s another that I love:  When you’re in GNC and you’re talking to the sales associate about supplements.  The guy’s not in good shape at all.  Actually, he’s in BAD shape.  But he continues to tell you the great results and gains that he’s seen off the certain product that he’s trying to sell you.  I love that one.  “So, that supplement did THAT to YOU?“  I know right then that I’m not buying it.

Take your pick.  Either take my advice or don’t.  It’s all up to you.

Thank you for reading.

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.  Not to mention, much of the talent are without ring gear, look like kids, don’t have much experience and are apparently nameless (back to experience).

So, they have their eye on me, huh?  They want me to come work… They want me on their television show?  I’m flattered.  I really am.  But the fact of the matter is this – I don’t think I want to do it.  And that goes against much of what I’ve learned during my ten years in this business.

I have always been told that whenever you can get your face on TV – DO IT!  But this show’s a little different.  With all the activities that I have going on in my life right now, indy wrestling is having to take that back seat that I discussed a while back.  At this point in time, I haven’t been in the ring in several weeks.  I’m not actually free to wrestle until the 28th of November.  And that’s going to be a stretch, seeing as I’m training towards the 1st week in December.  The last thing I will need is an injury.

So, should I or shouldn’t I?  I have my eye on the larger picture… So, at this point in time I will say NO.  However, if my fans would like to see me on the show… And the offer is just right… I might, just MIGHT consider it.

Now, it’s time for the cheap plug.  Check out IWA television this Saturday morning at 12PM on My Network 50.  This is a special time, as they typically air at 10AM on Saturday mornings.  Let me know what you think of the show!

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.

It was brought to my attention, after reviewing the last few days… I take in a lot of caffeine!  Geeze… The coffee, Speed Stacks, diet soda – I drink a LOT of coffee.  I’m not sure if it is necessarily a bad thing but I do stay pumped up, usually.  Also, my coffee has zero sugar added.  My sodas don’t either.  And Speed Stack is a dietary energy supplement, so I’m not worried there either.  So, I drink a lot of caffeine… So what?  Maybe I need to work on that.

Fruits supplement the typical “snack foods”.  Shakes fill the roles of actual meals, when there’s not enough time to actually eat.  And protein bars help give me the “candy bar” I need, as well as the extra calories and protein.   Zero Impact bar taste excellent and have everything you need in a meal.

Moving forward, I will continue to eat more and more.  Of course, I will work out hard.  I have a full month of this, so I’m anxious to see how it all works.  Especially, with Thanksgiving right around the corner!  Special Birthdays along the way aren’t helping either!

Let’s see how this goes.

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!

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. 

On August 1st, I was going to make the  necessary changes and adjustments to get where I needed to be.  I knew WWE would be back in my area in September… and I wanted them to call me back to wrestle for them again.  The biggest adjustment I made was putting my cardio first… and weight training second.  Yes, I know.  Deadly sin, huh?  Well, it has proven to be the best thing that I ever decided on, body-wise.

From August 1st (or June 2nd, depending on how you look at it) until September 21st I had dropped 30 pounds!  Along the way, I had professional pictures made that brought out the best in me and I sent them to WWE headquarters.  From there, it is all history.  I wrestled for WWE again on those September dates and have a very strong relationship with them even now.

So, the same way I did that – I want to give it another go, now.  I have big plans coming up and I need to be ready.  Only difference this time is… I want to share the entire experience with all of you.  Take a look for yourself.  The before and after pictures tell it all (BEFORE picture was taken in Feb. ‘09)  From today until the second week in December, I will chronicle my dieting and cardio for you all to read about.  I will be posting other stuff, as well.  But the primary focus will be on my training.

With the success of the Health & Training blogs that I posted a few weeks back, I’m sure that many of you will enjoy this just as much as I will.

Thank you for reading.