JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Making it onto a show like “American Ninja Warrior” shows you’re an amazing athlete and competitor. But to make it on the last seven seasons means you’re on a different level.
And that is the story of Jacksonville native R.J. Roman.
“I’ve been in the national finals every time. I have a tie for the record of the most appearances in the final stage,” said Roman.
GOING RINGSIDE: Roman’s interview on our latest episode comes right after The Boogeyman. Press play below to watch.
Since finding acclaim on the hit NBC show, Roman has competed on several continents.
And the story about how he wound up on “American Ninja Warrior” started in Jacksonville.
“I decided to do ‘American Ninja Warrior’ because someone rented out one of the trampoline parks in Jacksonville to host a ninja competition, and I was working at that trampoline park,” said Roman. “So I was practicing on that course. I didn’t even want to be a ninja at first. But I ended up doing well.”
About a year ago, Roman moved back to Northeast Florida and set his sights on a new venture. Something similar but very different: Professional wrestling.
Roman learned a new wrestling school -- Hatchet Pro Wrestling -- had opened in St. Augustine. It’s owned by Nease High School grad Sam Shaw, who wrestles in WWE under the name Dexter Lumis.
Hatchet has been profiled on Going Ringside several times.
Roman thought this would be a good new journey for him.
“I’m six weeks into my first beginner course right now,” said Roman.
He’s learning despite his past success on “American Ninja Warrior,” he still has a lot to learn.
“They’re definitely a lot different. For both, you’re using your body. So there’s not.. not like going into the weightlifting gym and lifting weights,” said Roman. “With wrestling you’re lifting other people. That’s a huge difference.”
But there’s a similarity between the two because of Roman’s nature. He’s extremely driven.
And that could mean considerable success in the world of pro wrestling.
“I’ve always been trying to push myself further and further and further,” said Roman. “So now switching gears from Ninja Warrior, which is an entertainment show, I’m trying to push to the next level and wrestling kind of fits in that category.”