The history of TNA cannot be told without the legendary man who broke the ring on the first show: Cheex! Learn the story of Mike Staples AKA Rolling Thunder, who he was, what happened to him and more. We delve into what we know, what we think we know and personal tragedy he overcame.

Sources:

Taylor Loyal "Wrestler Prepares to Throw in the Towel" The Roanoke Times 6/1/01
Reprinted: https://classicwrestlingarticles.wordpress.com/2014/05/26/wrestler-prepares-to-throw-in-the-towel/

Jen McCaffery "Man Wrestles Recovery, Bills" The Roanoke Times, 2/7/06 http://www.roanoke.com/webmin/news/man-wrestles-recovery-bills/article_7dafb990-8ed1-510e-a131-ea794a53f146.html

Mid Atlantic Gateway " With Great Honor Brad Anderson talks about his mentor Nelson Royal" http://www.midatlanticwrestling.net/andersons/sections/bradanderson/nelsonroyal/nroyal_interview.htm
Cagematch.net Mike Staples profile https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=4602&page=4