Young Bucks: Killing the Business from Backyards to the Big Leagues

Young Bucks: Killing the Business from Backyards to the Big Leagues

Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson

4.23(1748 readers)
"The Young Bucks are two guys who not only beat the odds to become one of the greatest, most popular tag teams ever, but also two industry changing visionaries. Matt and Nick are two of the smartest, hard-working, passionate individuals I’ve met during my 28 year career. With the creation of AEW, The Bucks will definitely leave the pro wrestling industry in a much better place then they discovered it in." —Matt Hardy, multiple-time world tag team champion


The electric and daring independent wrestling tag team tells their inspiring story, revealing how two undersized, ambitious amateur athletes from Southern California became the idols of millions of popular sports fans and coveted among the ranks of AEW’s elite wrestling lineup. 

Famous for their highflying moves, Superkicks and viral videos, Matt and Nick Jackson are two of the hottest and most talented competitors in professional wrestling today. Known as the Young Bucks, this pair of ambitious brothers are an inspiration to both fans and aspiring wrestlers worldwide due to their message of resilience and determination. That they are also faithful family men devoted to their loved ones gives them additional appeal. 

A warm, heartfelt story of hope, perseverance, and undying ambition told with the brothers’ wit and charm, Young Bucks begins in Southern California, where two young boys grew up dreaming of success and fame. Matt and Nick look back on the sacrifices they made to achieve their ambitions, from taking odd  jobs to pay for their own wrestling ring to hosting backyard events with friends. They share their joy at being recruited into the independent California wrestling circuit and the work it took to finally make it professionally, and speak frankly about what it means to have the support of millions of fans cheering their talents in arenas nationwide. The Young Bucks talk endearingly about their sport, their faith, and their families, sharing personal reflections and behind-the-scenes anecdotes while paying tribute to the wrestling acts and inspirations that came before them. They also elaborate on this historical time in the evolution of wrestling, as the sport and its culture dramatically change day by day.

Alternating between each brother’s perspective from chapter to chapter, this entertaining memoir is a complete portrait of what it means to grow into—and give back to—wrestling, the sport and profession they embody and love. 

Young Bucks features approximately two dozen photographs.

Publisher

Dey Street Books

Publication Date

11/17/2020

ISBN

9780062937834

Pages

304

Categories

Professional Skills

About the Author

Matt Jackson

Matt Jackson

Librarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Questions & Answers

The Young Bucks, Matt and Nick Jackson, evolved from backyard wrestling enthusiasts to influential tag team stars through passion, hard work, and innovation. Starting with a homemade ring in their backyard, they honed their skills and formed the tag team "High Risk Wrestling." Their dedication led them to train at Rudos Dojo, where they learned from experienced wrestlers. They embraced the independent wrestling scene, honing their craft and gaining popularity. Their unique style, combining high-flying moves with humor and a strong connection with fans, set them apart. Their success in independent promotions like PWG and ROH, and later in NJPW, cemented their status as one of the greatest tag teams. Their influence expanded with the formation of Bullet Club and their impact on the wrestling business, including their role in AEW's "All In" event.

Independent wrestling promotions played a crucial role in the Young Bucks' development. They started their careers in backyard wrestling, then moved to local independent promotions like WPW and High Risk Wrestling, where they honed their skills and gained recognition. These promotions allowed them to experiment with their style and develop signature moves like the More Bang for Your Buck. They navigated challenges like financial constraints and the need to balance their wrestling careers with other jobs, and they capitalized on opportunities like appearing at Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, Chikara, and Dragon Gate, which helped them gain a broader audience and led to their signing with TNA and ROH. The Young Bucks also leveraged social media and merchandise sales to build their brand, allowing them to navigate the industry's challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

The Young Bucks leveraged social media and merchandise to create a unique fanbase and build a successful business model by embracing their individuality and engaging with fans directly. They used Twitter to connect with fans, sell merchandise, and promote their brand, becoming early adopters of online marketing. Their merchandise, like custom T-shirts and Funko Pop figures, allowed them to express their creativity and connect with fans on a personal level. They also used social media to share their lives and struggles, humanizing themselves and fostering a loyal community. Their innovative approach to merchandise and social media, combined with their in-ring charisma, allowed them to build a successful business outside of traditional wrestling organizations, creating a sustainable career and a lasting impact on the wrestling industry.

The formation of the Elite and All In events significantly impacted the wrestling industry by introducing a new, independent wrestling company that challenged the dominance of established organizations like WWE. The Young Bucks, as key figures in both, used these platforms to challenge traditional wrestling dynamics in several ways:

  1. Breaking Tradition: They embraced a more free-spirited, less conventional style of wrestling, incorporating high-impact moves and breaking away from traditional heel/babyface roles, which was refreshing for fans.

  2. Empowering Independent Wrestlers: By showcasing independent wrestlers alongside major stars, they highlighted the talent outside of WWE, giving these wrestlers a platform to shine and earn a living wage.

  3. Engaging with Fans: The Young Bucks utilized social media and the Elite's YouTube channel to create a direct connection with fans, sharing personal stories and building a community around their brand.

  4. Creating New Opportunities: All In, with its unique format and high-profile talent, demonstrated the potential of independent wrestling events, leading to increased interest and investment in the industry.

  5. Shaping the Industry: By challenging the status quo and successfully competing with WWE, the Young Bucks helped reshape the wrestling landscape, encouraging innovation and competition.

The Young Bucks' personal lives significantly influenced their careers. Their passion for wrestling began in their backyard, shaped by their family's support and encouragement. This early foundation allowed them to develop their unique style and brand. Balancing family, business, and wrestling was challenging, but they learned valuable lessons:

  1. Family Support: Their families' unwavering support was crucial in their journey. They provided a stable environment and encouraged their passion for wrestling, which became their career.

  2. Entrepreneurial Spirit: Their early experience in selling merchandise and organizing shows taught them the importance of self-reliance and business acumen.

  3. Resilience: Facing setbacks, such as injuries and failed opportunities, taught them resilience and the importance of perseverance.

  4. Community Building: Their connection with fans and fellow wrestlers fostered a sense of community, which has been central to their success.

  5. Self-Reflection: They learned to be open about their struggles and share their personal stories, which helped them connect with fans and build a loyal following.

From their experiences, one can learn the value of family support, the importance of entrepreneurship, resilience in the face of adversity, community building, and self-reflection in balancing personal and professional lives.

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