A Wrestling Dream Come True
How 'Triple V' brought real life magic to the mat
What a week for sports. There’s so much that we could have talked about: From the men and women’s Final Fours to Opening Day, the NBA’s homestretch, the Frozen Four (go Minnesota State!), and the Masters, it’s a full on sports bonanza. But I wanted to take the opportunity to share some news that isn’t getting much attention. It’s about ‘Triple V,’ the best wrestler you’ve never heard of…
This story starts like many others. While Vincent Mejia worked his two jobs, he dreamed of becoming a professional wrestler. The 25-year-old watched the WWE religiously. He practiced moves. He came up with a nickname, Triple V. He even had something worth fighting for: His sister became wheelchair bound after an accident, and the money from a wrestling career could help his mom pay to renovate the house to be wheelchair accessible.
But here’s where it gets unique. Mejia has Down syndrome. And there had never been a professional wrestler with Down syndrome before.
At least not until last week.
With the help of influencer Charlie Rocket’s Dream Machine and the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida, Mejia became the world’s first professional wrestler with Down syndrome last weekend when he starred at Dream Mania, a wrestling show that raised $250,000 for others with disabilities.
Just three weeks ago, the idea couldn’t have seemed more far-fetched. But when the Dream Machine learned of Mejia’s wrestling aspirations, they saw an opportunity to help. They introduced Mejia to Hulk Hogan and Wrestlemania champion Mojo Rawley, who organized a practice session. “We found out within thirty seconds he didn’t need any trainings,” Mojo said. “He knew all the moves.”
The plan followed quickly from there. The group booked a venue, the 3,000 seat Phillips Center in downtown Orlando, and put tickets for sale online. The arena sold out in less than an hour. They needed a musical act, and Flo Rida agreed to participate. Then they worked on Mejia’s routine. “He was commanding the ring like a pro,” said Mojo. “He was going to tag out at one point, and he went, ‘No! One more move!’”
The night of Dream Mania, Mejia entered the ring to pyrotechnics and pump-up music. When he body slammed his opponent and earned the victory, the whole crowd chanted “Triple V! Triple V!” over and over. Mejia smiled big. He put his hands over his head as a champion. It was like Peanut Butter Falcon in real life.
The story doesn’t end there, though. Last weekend was Wrestlemania, and Mejia was in attendance thanks to a donation from a ticket company that learned about his story. Maybe one day, Mejia won’t be watching wrestling’s biggest event from the stands. He just signed a three fight contract with an independent promotion. He found a manager who represents many of the top performers in the sport. There’s a petition going around with 26,000 signatures (and growing! Sign it now!) to tell Vince McMahon to sign Triple V to his roster.
Let’s make it happen. The WWE has always had heroes and villains. But they’ve never had somebody like Triple V. It’s a story so good, they won’t need to script a thing.
🏆 A huge congratulations to our team for being nominated for two Sports Emmys this week for their work on Man in the Arena and Simone Vs Herself.
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