From recovery to the ring: a Cape Breton wrestler's comeback story
'To hear the crowd chant 'Chezenko' over and over, it was pretty surreal', Chezenko said. 'It was like something I'd dreamt of as a kid.'
Chezenko says he put his dreams on hold for years because of addiction.
'I stopped drinking in August 2023, so I'm over twenty months alcohol-free and over a year clean from cocaine use', Chezenko said.
The road to recovery started with a meeting at Loaves and Fishes in Sydney, N.S., he said.
'There was a lot of times when I didn't really want to live', Chezenko said. 'I'm just grateful that I found my way into the rooms of recovery because a lot of people have wrapped their arms around me.'
Chezenko's wrestling journey began during his recovery when he made it onto a reality TV show in Nova Scotia called 'Wrestle Centre Boot Camp.' On May 3, he made his debut at an East Coast Pro Wrestling card in New Waterford, N.S., before a supportive crowd.
'The whole cliche, 'It's never too late' - it's not really a cliche, if you're willing to do the work', Chezenko said.
Chezenko's next appearance in the ring will be June 14 in New Waterford and his reality TV appearances will air in September.
'Your dreams are possible,' Chezenko said. 'They really can become reality. They don't have to stay dreams. I'm one of the lucky ones.'
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
14 minutes ago
- CTV News
iHeartRadio Weekenders: Aug. 14, 2025
Events in Ottawa this weekend include RBC Ottawa International, Ottawa Greekfest, and the Russell Fair.
CTV News
14 minutes ago
- CTV News
Masters Indigenous Games are underway
Ottawa Watch CTV's Jackie Perez is at TD place, where the Masters Indigenous Games are underway.
CTV News
44 minutes ago
- CTV News
From the PNE Fair to RibFest, here's what's happening in Vancouver this weekend
There's plenty to do in and around Vancouver this weekend – but with light rain in the forecast, you might want to pack an umbrella. The PNE Fair Saturday marks the opening of the PNE Fair, where you can munch on Lobster Tail Poutine, cheer on the SuperDogs, and take in Summer Nights Concerts performances featuring artists from Counting Crows to Flo Rida. The Fair runs from Aug. 16 to Sept. 1, with gates opening at 11 a.m. and closing at 10 p.m. daily. Advance tickets and the full 2025 lineup are available on the PNE website. New West Pride Over in New Westminster, Columbia Street will be bursting with colour this Saturday for the annual Pride Street Festival, with performances from Wan-Ting Moi, The Hillbettys, the Rainbow Chorus and many more. This year's event has expanded into the Anvil Centre, and will feature two stages, several activity tents, food trucks and other attractions – with organizers expecting 'thousands of queer and allied folks from across the Lower Mainland' to turn up. The free event runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Superflux's 5th Brithday Craft beer lovers can head to Superflux this Saturday for the Clark Street brewery's fifth birthday. The celebration is happening from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and will feature DJ sets, food from Taqueria Chicatana and Superflux Cabana, wine from Pamplemousse Jus, and some new beer releases to mark the occasion. Entry is free, but attendees must be 19 years old or older. RibFest Langley Calling all carnivores: The annual RibFest Langley event is back this weekend, with more live entertainment, another fun-packed KidZone, and a fresh helping of award-winning barbecue. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, then 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Admission is by donation, with all proceeds going to Rotary Service Projects and local charities. Eastside Flea Friday night will mark the opening of the Eastside Flea Vintage and Handmade Emporium, a seasonal pop-up featuring dozens of vendors offering a diverse selection of clothing, collectibles, plants, artisanal foods and more. Visitors will also find 'coffee, food trucks, an amazing playlist, lots of seating and a yummy season bar menu,' organizers say. The emporium will be open on Venables Street from Wednesdays to Sundays,12 p.m. to 6 p.m., until Oct. 5. – and admission is free.
