CREDIT: DHAIRYA SHAH
Fanshawe alumnus, James Hogan (right), is living out his dream as a wrestler, most recently working with the Smash Wrestling company, who put on shows each semester at the College.

“I've always loved professional wrestling. It's something that I've always bonded with my dad over when we would watch it [on TV] when I was very young,” said James Hogan.

When Hogan was six-years-old, he turned towards his father during the middle of a wrestling match that was on TV and told him that one day, he was going to become a professional wrestler.

Hogan's dream stuck with him all throughout his childhood and adolescence and since 2009, this Fanshawe Alumnus has been living out his dream as a professional wrestler.

Hogan is currently participating in wrestling events across Ontario. Hogan was born and raised in London and started his post-secondary education at Fanshawe in the radio broadcasting program 10 years ago.

When discussing Hogan's program choice at Fanshawe, he explained that he was unsure what he wanted to take in college.

However, he knew that he was very articulate and loved to talk. One day someone suggested that he should go into radio, and as a result, Hogan chose to pursue radio broadcasting.

Hogan explained that when he started his first year at Fanshawe, he did not know anybody at the College since his friends from high school were either attending a different post-secondary school or joined the workforce.

He ended up landing a serving job at the Out Back Shack on campus.

“I thought to myself, the best way to get to know people is to work at a restaurant,” Hogan said. Hogan explained that his job at the Out Back Shack turned out to be more than just a job for him, because of the relationships he made with his co-workers and customers that would visit on a regular basis.

After graduation, Hogan explained that while he was predominantly developing a wealth of knowledge regarding the technical side of radio broadcasting from his time at Fanshawe, he also learned how to capture an audience with his voice, which later helped with his wrestling career.

Hogan had the opportunity to work for SUN FM out in the mountainous region of Penticton, B.C.

Originally, Hogan signed a one year contract to work at the radio station, but his contract was eventually extended to four years. He also had frequent opportunities to do wrestling events in British Columbia and Alberta while he lived out west. During the week, Hogan explained that he would work at the radio station, but also drive to Calgary for wrestling events that took place on Saturday.

In the ring, Hogan is known as professional wrestler Dillon Andrews.

Hogan is currently part of the active roster for Smash Wrestling, a company from Toronto that delivers long-form storytelling wrestling events. “People can come out [to our events] and bring the whole family. It's an opportunity to live a real-life action movie!” Hogan said.

According to Hogan, Smash Wrestling recently signed a deal with the Fight Network, which airs in over 30 countries. Additionally, Smash Wrestling recently hosted an event in Forwell Hall on Sept. 14.

Smash Wrestling started hosting events at Fanshawe last March, and has one event at the College each semester. Some of Smash Wrestling's future events in the London area include an event at the London Music Hall on Oct. 1 and at the London Comic Con Oct. 13, 14 and 15.

When asked what his favourite part about being a wrestler is, Hogan explained that there are so many good things about his job, such as the opportunity to captivate an audience, be a larger than life character and be a role model for kids.

Hogan said that it is important to tell people to live their dreams.

“It doesn't matter how old you are or what you're trying to do. I know Fanshawe has a few mature students and if they have been holding off on doing something because they feel like they are too old or the time has passed, the time has never passed. Don't worry about your age, just worry about getting it done.”