EASLEY — Most young people when finished with high school go one of two routes: they go to college or they get an entry-level job and hope to advance.

One kid from Easley has taken the latter road, but not in the way most people expect …

Eighteen-year-old Bret “The Crippler” Watson made his pro-wrestling debut with American Pro Wrestling (APW) out of Spartanburg where he now wrestles every Saturday night.

“I think I’m probably a little younger than average for getting into the business,” said Watson. “Most of the guys I’ve talked to said they were in their early 20’s. But I come from a wrestling family, I’ve always wanted to do this so I figured, ‘why wait?’”

Watson won his debut in the ring on July 23 but that was followed by a loss in his next match.

“The one I lost was a three-man match, but this last one was me against Tyler Storm. I won,” he said.

You wouldn’t know it to look at him — Watson is only billed at 150 pounds — so when asked how he holds his own against bigger, stronger opponents in the ring, Watson said he relies on his speed and techniques.

“I use a submission style that most people aren’t very familiar with. And I’m fast. So I can get in there and break a few legs,” he said and laughed. “I love wrestling, I always have. I train once or twice a week and this isn’t just a passing thing with me — I want to stick with it and I want to advance.”

When asked if spectators could expect any aerial stunts with his wrestling like jumping and flippy ticks off the top ropes, Watson said absolutely not.

“No, I like to keep my feet on the ground as much as possible and do as little ‘flippy tricks’ as you called it as possible,” he said. “As it turns out, there’s not much of a demand for wrestlers in a wheelchair. And I’m just getting started.”

Bret “The Crippler” Watson wrestles every Saturday night with APW at the arena located at 122 Builders Court in Boiling Springs.

Eighteen-year-old Bret “The Crippler” Watson made his pro-wrestling debut recently with American Pro Wrestling out of Spartanburg
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Bret1.jpgEighteen-year-old Bret “The Crippler” Watson made his pro-wrestling debut recently with American Pro Wrestling out of Spartanburg Courtesy photos

Bret “The Crippler” Watson wrestles every Saturday night with APW at the arena located at 122 Builders Court in Boiling Springs.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_wrestle1.jpgBret “The Crippler” Watson wrestles every Saturday night with APW at the arena located at 122 Builders Court in Boiling Springs. Courtesy photos

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.