BOOK REVIEW: WRESTLING WITH ADVERSITY by Marc Copani I recently had the pleasure of spending the day with @mcopani1 the Director of Human Resources for the Fulton City School District, while speaking at Fulton High School and Fulton Middle School in New York. Marc was kind enough to present me with a copy of his book, Wrestling With Adversity: How to Deal With Life’s Challenges. What an incredible and inspiring read! Marc shares a powerful message about overcoming adversity, finding strength during life’s toughest moments, and never allowing our struggles to define our future. Having faced my own share of challenges, I could truly relate to the heart behind his words. One thing I’ve learned in life is that it’s not what happens to us that defines us, but how we choose to respond. Marc, thank you for sharing your story, your wisdom, and your heart. Your book is a beautiful reminder that no matter what life throws our way, there is always hope, and we should NEVER GIVE UP! I highly recommend Wrestling With Adversity to anyone who needs encouragement, inspiration, or a reminder that they are stronger than they think. Two guys named Marc, two former professional wrestlers, and one shared passion: helping others overcome life’s challenges! Although our journeys have been different, we both understand that some of life’s greatest victories don’t happen inside a wrestling ring. They happen when we find the courage to get back up after life knocks us down. If you’re looking for inspiration, I encourage you to check out both of our books! Wrestling With Adversity by Marc Copani link.amazon/B01t0MCYN Badd to Good by Marc Mero link.amazon/B03ZLnrH5 Different stories. Shared purpose. One powerful message: Your past does not determine your future, and it’s never too late to become the person you were meant to be! ❤️🙏

Birthday Celebration #4! 🎂❤️ What a beautiful way to end an incredible day celebrating my Queen! Tonight, we enjoyed a delicious and romantic birthday dinner at Canoe Restaurant in Atlanta. ❤️ Seeing Malissa’s beautiful smile, hearing her laughter, and watching the joy she’s experienced throughout her nonstop birthday celebration has truly warmed my heart. Malissa, your happiness means the world to me. Seeing you smile is one of my greatest joys, and making beautiful memories with you is something I’ll always cherish. Happy Birthday, my beautiful wife! I love you more than words can express, and you deserve every moment of happiness this world has to offer! ❤️😘🥰

Happy Birthday to my beautiful wife, Malissa! 🎂❤️ Today is all about celebrating this incredible woman! Not only is she beautiful on the outside, but her heart is even more beautiful. Her kindness, compassion, laughter, and love make life so much sweeter. She brings so much joy into my world, and seeing her smile is one of my greatest blessings. I’m so proud to call her my wife! Would everyone please join me in wishing my beautiful Malissa a very Happy Birthday! Let’s fill her day with love and birthday wishes! ❤️🎉🥰

One year ago today, I got down on one knee and asked Malissa to be my wife. It was one of the happiest moments of my life, and little did I know just how much more happiness was ahead of us! 💍❤️ Finding true love later in life is something I will never take for granted. I truly believe God brought us together at just the right time. Malissa, you have brought more love, laughter, peace, and happiness into my life than I ever imagined possible. You’re not just my beautiful wife, you’re my best friend, my favorite person to spend time with, and the one who makes every day better just by being in it. Looking back at these pictures brings the biggest smile to my face. I remember that moment so clearly, the excitement, the love, and the certainty that I was asking the most amazing woman in the world to share her life with me. Happy anniversary, my love. I love you more than words can express, and I’m so grateful for every moment we share and every beautiful chapter still ahead of us.

13 years ago, a young girl sat in a school auditorium, struggling with bullying and feeling like she had no reason to keep living. Today, she has a beautiful family and a future she once thought she’d never see. ❤️🙏🏼 Yesterday I received this incredible message from Mariah, who attended one of my Champion of Choices presentations at Sandy Creek School 13 years ago. She gave me permission to share her story in hopes of reaching someone who may be struggling just like she was. Her message brought tears to my eyes. Here’s what she wrote: “Hello friend! I’m not sure if you remember me but you saved my life 13 years ago. I was one of those kids in Sandy Creek auditorium ready to end it all due to bullying. My parents are so grateful for you & I thank you for taking the time to take my call when things got really bad. Even when times get tough, I still think back to your presentation, now being almost 28 years old, I still use your ‘show me your friends & I’ll show you your future’ when meeting new people. I still use a goals chart every single year. I love you my friend, thank you for being you. You changed my life.” WOW! What a blessing to receive a message like this 13 years later! When I look at this beautiful family picture, I don’t just see a happy family. I see a young girl who found the strength to keep going when life seemed unbearable. I see a woman who refused to let bullying define her future. And I see the beautiful life that was waiting for her on the other side of her darkest days. This is why I continue traveling to schools and sharing my story. You never know what someone is going through, and you never know how a few words of encouragement might change the direction of someone’s life. Mariah, thank you for trusting me with your story and allowing me to share it. You are living proof that your darkest chapter does not have to be the end of your story. To anyone reading this who is struggling, especially our young people, please don’t give up. Reach out to someone you trust. Ask for help. You are loved, you matter, and your life has incredible value. Just think of all the beautiful moments Mariah would have missed if she had given up 13 years ago. God has blessed me in so many ways, but messages like this remind me that the greatest rewards in life aren’t trophies, championships, or money. They’re knowing that somehow, someway, you’ve made a difference in someone’s life. Never underestimate the power of kindness, hope, and one person who cares. You never know whose tomorrow you might be helping to save. ❤️🙏🏼 #ChampionOfChoices #NeverGiveUp #YouMatter #ChooseHope #BullyingPrevention

Some memories bring a smile to your face, while others bring tears to your eyes and a heartache that never truly goes away. 💔 Five years ago, our family was devastated by the sudden and heartbreaking loss of my precious great-nephew, Zander Alan, who was just 16 months old when he passed away from SIDS. There are no words to describe the pain of losing a child, and no amount of time can ever erase the love or the memories. Today, my heart and prayers are especially with my niece Cristin and her husband Cody as they remember their beautiful little boy. These precious pictures were taken at his grandparents’ lake house, with my brother Joel (Grandpa Joel) and sister-in-law Kathy (Grandma Kathy). Zander may have only been with us for a short time, but the love he brought into our family will last forever. Forever loved, forever missed, and forever in our hearts. Until we meet again, sweet Zander. 🙏🏼❤️🕊️

Being a Buffalo Bills fan is NOT for the faint of heart! ❤️ I’m emotionally invested in EVERY play, EVERY snap, and EVERY second of the game! One minute I’m jumping off the couch celebrating, and the next I’m pacing around the living room questioning every decision the coaches have ever made! The highs are incredible, the lows are nerve-racking, and my blood pressure probably deserves its own scoreboard! But I wouldn’t trade it for anything! There’s nothing more exciting than being part of Bills Mafia! Win or lose, I’m ALL IN! GO BILLS! ❤️🦬 Anybody else feel like they’ve aged 10 years after watching a Bills game? 😂🏈

IT’S GAME DAY, BILLS MAFIA!! Malissa and I are getting pumped up and ready to cheer on our Buffalo Bills as they take on the Las Vegas Raiders! You know I’ve been a Bills fan through the good times, the tough times, and everything in between! Once you’re part of Bills Mafia, you’re FAMILY! My prediction: BILLS 31 – RAIDERS 17! Now I want to hear from YOU! What’s your final score prediction? Let’s see who gets it right! LET’S GO BUFFALO! 🦬❤️💙 #BillsMafia #GoBills #BuffaloBills #GameDay

I met this incredible woman at a time in my life when I least expected to find love again. ❤️ There were moments when I wondered if I would ever experience the kind of love I had always dreamed of. After all the ups and downs, heartbreaks, and challenges life had thrown my way, I sometimes questioned whether that kind of happiness was still possible. And then came Malissa. ❤️ She reminded me that love doesn’t have an expiration date, that happiness can find us at any age, and that sometimes the greatest blessings come when we least expect them. I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter how many chapters of your life have already been written. God can still surprise you with a beautiful new beginning. So if you’re single, have been hurt, or have started believing that love has passed you by, please don’t give up. Your story isn’t over, and your best chapter may still be waiting to be written. Sometimes love is worth the wait, and sometimes the wait makes you appreciate the love even more. I’m living proof that it’s never too late to love and be loved. ❤️ Do you believe true love can find you at any age?

48? YEARS LATER… SAME GUY, SAME FEDORA! 🎩😂 Here’s a little throwback to 1978! The black-and-white picture on the left was my actual senior picture at Liverpool High School in New York. Believe it or not, that was the last time I shaved my head bald! Fast-forward 48 years, and here I am, back to the bald look and sporting the same style fedora! 😂 A lot has changed over those years. I’ve gained a few wrinkles, a white goatee, and a lifetime of memories. I’ve experienced incredible highs, heartbreaking lows, and more blessings than I could ever count. One thing I’ve learned is that life isn’t about staying young. It’s about growing, learning, loving, and making the most of every day we’re given. The hair may be gone, but the heart, the dreams, and the determination are still going strong! ❤️

❤️ HOME SWEET HOME! WHAT AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY! ❤️ Malissa and I arrived home late last night after an unforgettable few days in Central New York! What an amazing tour filled with incredible students, wonderful educators, and moments we will never forget! ✈️ On our flight home, Malissa and I spent much of our time reading the heartfelt posts and messages from students who attended our presentations. Some brought tears to our eyes, others made us smile, but every single one reminded us why we do what we do. When a student tells you that your message gave them hope, helped them believe in themselves, or inspired them to make better choices, there is no greater reward. ❤️ It’s not about how many people we speak to. It’s about how many hearts we touch and lives we help change. To everyone who made our Central New York tour so special, THANK YOU! You have touched our hearts just as much as we hope we’ve touched yours. And we’re not slowing down! 💪 NEXT STOP: ALBANY, NEW YORK! Then we’re heading to TEXAS! ✈️ As long as there are young people who need hope, encouragement, and someone to remind them that their lives matter, we’ll keep showing up! One school. One student. One choice at a time. God is good, and the journey continues! 🙏❤️ #ChampionOfChoices #ChoicesTour #NeverGiveUp #MakingADifference #Hope

What an AMAZING day at General Brown Junior and Senior High School in Dexter, New York! ❤️ These students were LOUD, PROUD, and full of energy! What an incredible experience sharing my story and message of hope, kindness, and the power of making positive choices! One of the highlights for Malissa and me is always meeting the students afterward. Today was extra special! A huge thank you to Principal Brett Fingland, who made sure the students were lined up so everyone who wanted a picture could get one. The hugs, smiles, conversations, and heartfelt stories are moments we will never forget. I have to share something from my heart. Earlier this year, I thought it might be time to make this my farewell tour. But days like today remind me WHY I started Champion of Choices nearly 20 years ago. Seeing the impact these presentations have on young lives made me reevaluate that decision. I’m not done yet! ❤️ As long as I can continue reaching hearts, changing lives, and giving young people hope for a brighter tomorrow, I want to keep going! Thank you, General Brown, for reminding me that sometimes the people you set out to inspire end up inspiring YOU! Malissa and I are heading home with full hearts and wonderful memories! ❤️🙏 ThinkPOZ.org

What an incredible and unforgettable day at Fulton Senior High School and Fulton Junior High School! ❤️ Malissa and I had such a wonderful time sharing our Champion of Choices presentation with these amazing students! As much as I love being on stage, our favorite part is always what happens afterward. Today, so many students stayed behind to share their personal stories, shake our hands, give us a hug, or simply say thank you. Those are the moments that truly touch our hearts and remind us why we do what we do. ❤️ A HUGE thank you to my friend and former WWE Superstar Marc Copani, who is now the Director of Human Resources for the Fulton City School District, for helping make this special day possible! It’s wonderful to see someone from the wrestling world continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of others! Today was about so much more than a school assembly. It was about hope, kindness, making better choices, and reminding every student that their life matters, their story matters, and their future is worth fighting for! Fulton, thank you for welcoming us with open arms. Malissa and I will never forget the hearts we connected with today! ❤️🙏 One choice can change a life. One kind word can save one.

From the long-haired Wildman to the bald and bold! 😂💪 Two different looks, same Marc Mero! Back in my wrestling days, the long hair was part of the Wildman image. Fast-forward a few years, and I’ve traded the flowing locks for a clean-shaven head! Malissa has always loved me no matter what hairstyle I’ve had, but she’s definitely a big fan of the bald look! ❤️ And I have to admit, I’m really liking it myself! They say some things get better with age, and at 66 years young, I’m still feeling strong, confident, and enjoying every chapter of life! Now here’s the million-dollar question: Which Marc Mero looks more BADASS? The long-haired Wildman or the bald-headed version? 🔥💪😂

✈️ Central New York, here we come! What an exciting few days ahead! Malissa and I were up bright and early this morning, got our workout in at the gym, and now we’re at the airport! 💪✈️ Tonight, I have a special private autograph signing, and tomorrow is what I’m really looking forward to! Two exciting Champion of Choices presentations, one at Fulton High School and another at Fulton Junior High School! 🎤❤️ Then on Wednesday, we’ll be visiting General Brown Junior High and Senior High School for another exciting presentation! After all these years of speaking to students, I still get excited about every opportunity to make a difference. You never know what a young person might be going through or how one message of hope and encouragement could change their life. And having my beautiful wife Malissa by my side makes these trips even more special! ❤️ Fulton and General Brown, we’re coming your way! Can’t wait to meet the students, teachers, and staff and share a powerful message about choices, kindness, and never giving up on yourself! Here’s to making memories, touching hearts, and hopefully changing lives, one school at a time! 🙏❤️ #ChampionOfChoices #ChoicesTour #CentralNewYork #NeverGiveUp #MakingADifference

What a beautiful way to start our Sunday! ❤️🙏 This morning, Malissa and I had the blessing of attending @nsckennesaw Church together. There’s something so special about starting the week in God’s house, worshiping together, strengthening our faith, and being reminded of what truly matters in life. One of the greatest blessings in my life is having a wife who shares my love for God. Life isn’t always perfect, but when you put God at the center of your marriage, you have a foundation that helps you through whatever life brings. As we begin another week, our prayer is that God fills your hearts with peace, your homes with love, and your lives with blessings. Remember, no matter what you may be facing, you’re never walking alone. God is always with you! From our hearts to yours, Malissa and I wish you a beautiful, blessed Sunday! ❤️ God is good, all the time! 🙏❤️

😂 HUSBANDS, PLEASE TELL ME I’M NOT ALONE! 🤣❤️ After an intense workout at the gym, I thought Malissa and I were heading home to relax. WRONG! 😂 Malissa casually says, “Honey, I just need to stop by the mall for a few things.” Now, taking Malissa to the mall is like taking a kid to Dave & Buster’s! Her eyes light up, the excitement kicks in, and there’s absolutely NO telling when we’re leaving! 🤣 Next thing I know, I’m following her into Sephora. Ladies, I had NO IDEA makeup shopping was an Olympic sport! That place was PACKED! After what felt like three hours of shopping, we finally got in a checkout line that seemed to stretch into another ZIP code! We were ONE PERSON away from freedom when I noticed Malissa looking around the store. Then came the words every husband dreads… “Oh no, honey! I forgot something!” 😩 OUT OF THE LINE WE GO! 😂 And here’s the best part. After searching for that one last item, she tells me THEY’RE OUT OF IT! 🤦‍♂️🤣 I just looked at her and laughed. What else could I do? I survived 14 years of professional wrestling, but apparently I’m no match for a trip to Sephora! 😂 All joking aside, I absolutely LOVE spending time with my beautiful wife. We laugh together, enjoy the little things, and somehow turn even a shopping trip into a fun memory. ❤️ Now, fellas, PLEASE tell me I’m not the only husband going through this! 🤣 And ladies, be honest. Does “I just need a few things” EVER mean just a few things? 😂❤️

Getting older doesn’t mean your best days are behind you. Sometimes the greatest blessings, happiness, and purpose come in chapters we never expected. I’ve learned that ever too late to reinvent yourself, find joy, and fall in love with life all over again! ❤️Remember, you’re not finished. Your story is still being written! Who’s ready for their next chapter? ❤️

Saddened to hear of the passing of legendary Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka at the age of 86. 💔🙏 Known to millions as “Iron Mike,” Ditka was more than a football coach. He was a larger-than-life personality, a fierce competitor, and a true icon of the game. From making history as the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame to leading the unforgettable 1985 Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl championship, his impact on professional football will never be forgotten. As a former professional athlete, I’ve always had tremendous respect for those who dedicate their lives to their sport and leave a legacy that inspires generations. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, former players, and the entire Chicago Bears organization. Rest in peace, Coach Ditka. Legends may leave us, but their legacy lives on forever. 🏈🙏❤️

Malissa and I had a wonderful meeting today with Awtrey Middle School Principal Jeff Crawford! We had a great conversation about exciting opportunities to bring our Champion of Choices presentation to both middle and high school students. I truly believe that when we come together with a shared purpose, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. Stay tuned, Cobb County Georgia! Great things are coming your way! ❤️🙌 Remember, you don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great! 💯