On a recent edition of his “Enter Sandman” podcast, former WWE, WCW, and ECW star The Sandman recalled receiving a unique job offer after a stint in prison. He said,
“I get out of jail in 1984, I’m out of a job. I was in jail from January 23 to July 7 and I was in the hole the whole time because my first day in there, I punched a guard in the face and then they threw me in the hole.
“This good-looking blonde grabs me [at a nightclub] and she starts walking me away and I’m like, ‘Alright, I’m in.’ We get up in her office, she goes behind the table and sits there in a seat and says, ‘Take your shirt off.’ I’m like, I guess she wants to be in control.
“She takes me down the hall, walks me into Nick De Noia’s office, the guy that started the Chippendale, looks right at me and goes, ‘He’s starting tomorrow night, isn’t he?’ And she goes, ‘Yes, he is, sir.’ Next thing you know, I’m a Chippendale.”
The Sandman is best known for his stint in the original ECW, where he became a five-time ECW World Champion. He also appeared in WCW as Hak.
Former professional wrestler The Sandman recently shared a unique job offer he received after serving time in prison. In a recent episode of his podcast, “Enter Sandman,” the former WWE, WCW, and ECW star recounted his experience.
The Sandman explained that upon his release from jail in 1984, he found himself unemployed. He had been incarcerated from January 23 to July 7, spending the entire time in solitary confinement after punching a guard on his first day. However, his fortunes took an unexpected turn when a blonde woman approached him at a nightclub.
Describing the encounter, The Sandman said that the woman led him to her office. Once inside, she instructed him to remove his shirt, indicating that she wanted to be in control. The woman then escorted him down the hall and into the office of Nick De Noia, the man who started the Chippendales.
To The Sandman’s surprise, De Noia looked at him and asked, “He’s starting tomorrow night, isn’t he?” The blonde woman confirmed this, and before he knew it, The Sandman had become a Chippendale dancer.
The Sandman is best known for his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he achieved great success as a five-time ECW World Champion. He also made appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) under the name Hak.
The Chippendales is a male revue show that originated in Los Angeles in 1979. It quickly gained popularity for its combination of male striptease performances and choreographed dance routines. The show became a cultural phenomenon and has since expanded to various cities worldwide.
The Sandman’s unexpected transition from professional wrestling to Chippendales highlights the diverse career paths that individuals may pursue after leaving prison. While many ex-convicts face challenges in finding employment due to their criminal records, The Sandman’s story serves as a reminder that opportunities can arise unexpectedly.
This anecdote also sheds light on the resilience and adaptability of individuals who have experienced incarceration. Despite his troubled past, The Sandman was able to seize an opportunity and embark on a new career path.
The Sandman’s journey from prison to professional wrestling to Chippendales demonstrates the potential for personal growth and transformation. It serves as a testament to the power of second chances and the ability to overcome adversity.
Overall, The Sandman’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that individuals can find success and fulfillment in unexpected places. It encourages us to remain open to new opportunities and embrace the potential for change in our own lives.