Ryan Lemond, second from right, hasn't been able to do KSR remotes like this on at The Still in Danville during the pandemic with his KSR team but he will be getting into the wrestling ring in July as part of a KSR/Ohio Valley Wrestling promotion. (Larry Vaught Photo)
When I first heard that Kentucky Sports Radio co-host Ryan Lemond was contemplating making his professional wrestling debut, I thought it might just be a rumor. However, Lemond says it is indeed true.
“That’s what everybody tells me. I really didn’t have too much of a say in this, but I’m being told that ‘YES’ I’ll be in the ring in July,” Lemond said.
Kentucky Sports Radio founder Matt Jones recently purchased a majority interest in Ohio Valley Wrestling and The CW Lexington and WKYT will start airing matches three times per week in May.
So what prompted Lemond to think he could do something like this? He said basically KSR tries to do a lot of “crazy stunts” that could involve him, Drew Franklin, Shannon “The Dude” Grigsby, and Jones.
“One year I spent over a week in KSR jail for missing some putts. Last summer Shannon walked 50 miles,” Lemond said. “Most of our big hair-brained ideas fall by the wayside and never get done. Unfortunately for me, this wrestling stunt is probably for sure going to happen.”
It has to happen because Lemond says as soon as the idea was mentioned, he started getting asked about it daily.
“Just like leading up to the putting challenge, everyone is excited and ready to see me fail,” he said. “I get it. It’s good for the show and gives us lots of great content during the slow summer months. I don’t really want to do it, but I know it will help the show grow, so why not?”
What about the possibility that he could get hurt in the ring?
“I honestly get sore from just rebounding and trying to play defense on (my son) Josiah when we go work out, so yes I will probably be very sore and probably get hurt from all of this,” Lemond said.
“We are researching a trainer and a wrestler to prepare me for it. I’ve started a very minor running program. Above all, I need to get back in shape, so if nothing else, this wrestling stunt has forced me to shed some pounds and get back into shape a little bit.”
His wife, Amanda, does not always approve of his KSR stunt and he does not expect her to be in his corner when the match happens in July.
“She will probably root for the other person,” Lemond said. “She’s a little concerned that I might get hurt or have a heart attack. But I think she will enjoy seeing me get my butt kicked.”
At least he’s probably being realistic. He failed miserably trying to make short putts for charity on statewide TV that resulted in him going to KSR jail. There’s no “jail time” involved, but whoever his opponent is could inflict some physical punishment on Lemond.
Of course, this could also be his chance for redemption after the putting fiasco.
“Yes it’s my chance, but come on. Everybody knows this isn’t going to end well for me,” he said. “It’s amazing how many people watched that putting exhibition. I got really really nervous and obviously choked under the pressure.
“I’m going to go into this wrestling gig with the intent to just have fun with it. That’s what it’s all about. I want to enjoy the fact that it’s forcing me to get back into shape, but at the same time, I have absolutely no expectations of success like I did in the putting debacle.”
