Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike D.
Hi Mike, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey with Wrestling from the 313 started from a lifelong passion for professional wrestling and a desire to give independent wrestling a bigger platform. Growing up in Metro Detroit, I’ve always loved the sport and appreciated the incredible talent we have here in Michigan. I realized there were so many wrestlers, referees, promoters, and creators with amazing stories that weren’t always getting the recognition they deserved, so I decided to create a platform where they could share their journeys.
Like many creators, I started with limited equipment and learned everything through trial and error. I balanced building the podcast while working a full-time job, often recording interviews, editing content, and creating social media posts during my free time. There were moments when growth felt slow, but I stayed consistent because I believed in the vision.
Over the past few years, Wrestling from the 313 has grown into much more than a podcast. I’ve had the opportunity to interview independent wrestlers, referees, promoters, and fellow content creators from across the wrestling industry while building an incredible community of fans. My YouTube channel has grown to more than 10,500 subscribers and over 6.6 million views, opening doors to collaborations, live watch-alongs, merchandise, and new opportunities to connect with wrestling fans.
What motivates me the most is helping others. Whether I’m introducing fans to an independent wrestler they’ve never heard of, giving another podcaster a chance to reach a new audience, or simply creating a place where wrestling fans can come together, I want Wrestling from the 313 to be a positive space that celebrates the entire wrestling community.
Today, I’m continuing to grow the brand while staying true to the mission that started it all: highlighting great people, telling meaningful stories, and proudly representing Detroit’s wrestling scene. I believe this is only the beginning, and I’m excited to see where the journey leads next.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has taught me something valuable. One of the biggest obstacles has been balancing everything while working a full-time job. There have been plenty of days when I’d work all day and then spend my evenings scheduling interviews, editing videos, creating social media content, and responding to guests. Building a brand while maintaining a career requires discipline and consistency.
Like many independent creators, I’ve also dealt with self-doubt and wondered if all the hard work would eventually pay off. There were times when videos didn’t perform the way I hoped or opportunities didn’t work out, but I learned that success isn’t built overnight. It’s built by showing up consistently, even when no one is watching.
Another challenge has been growing with limited resources. I didn’t start with a professional studio or a large production team. I learned by doing, improving a little with every interview, every livestream, and every piece of content I created. As the brand has grown, I’ve been able to invest back into it and continue raising the quality of the show.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that setbacks don’t have to define your journey. Every obstacle has pushed me to become more creative, more patient, and more determined. Looking back, I’m grateful for those challenges because they’ve helped shape Wrestling from the 313 into what it is today.
Today, when I look at more than 10,500 YouTube subscribers, millions of views, and the amazing people I’ve had the opportunity to interview, I’m reminded that consistency really does pay off. The road hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth every step.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the creator and host of Wrestling from the 313, a Detroit-based wrestling podcast and media platform dedicated to highlighting the people who make the wrestling industry special. While I cover major promotions like WWE, AEW, and TNA, my passion is giving independent wrestlers, referees, promoters, podcasters, and other creators a platform to tell their stories and connect with new audiences.
Over the years, Wrestling from the 313 has grown from a passion project into a recognized brand with more than 10,500 YouTube subscribers and over 6.6 million views. Beyond interviews, I’ve expanded into live watch-alongs, community discussions, merchandise, and collaborations that bring wrestling fans together. I’m also a member of the Wrestling Society Network (WSN). My goal has always been to create a welcoming space where fans from every corner of the wrestling world can enjoy the sport and discover new talent.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the growth—it’s the relationships I’ve built. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing incredible guests, helping introduce independent talent to larger audiences, and creating opportunities for creators within the wrestling community to connect with one another. Seeing guests gain new fans or hearing that someone discovered a wrestler because of my show is incredibly rewarding.
I think what sets me apart is my genuine love for people and storytelling. Every guest, whether they’re a nationally recognized name or someone making their debut on the independent scene, receives the same respect and enthusiasm. I want every interview to feel like a real conversation rather than just a list of questions.
At the heart of everything I do is one simple mission: to shine a spotlight on the wrestling community while proudly representing Detroit. Wrestling from the 313 is about more than covering wrestling—it’s about building relationships, celebrating people’s journeys, and creating a platform where everyone has a chance to be heard.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I think the next 5–10 years are going to be incredibly exciting for wrestling media and independent creators. Traditional media will always have its place, but podcasts, YouTube channels, livestreams, and social media have given fans more ways than ever to connect with the people they admire. Creators now have the opportunity to build their own communities instead of waiting for opportunities from larger outlets.
I also believe independent wrestling will continue to grow. Fans today are more willing to discover new promotions and support local talent, and social media has made it easier for independent wrestlers to build their own brands. That creates more opportunities for creators like me to help tell those stories and introduce audiences to people they might not have found otherwise.
Another trend I see is collaboration. Instead of viewing one another as competition, more creators, podcasters, and wrestling personalities are working together to grow the community as a whole. I’ve always believed there’s room for everyone to succeed, and I enjoy bringing people together through interviews, watch-alongs, and conversations about the industry we all love.
Looking ahead, I want Wrestling from the 313 to continue evolving into more than a podcast. My goal is to build a respected media brand that showcases great stories, supports independent wrestling, and creates meaningful opportunities for creators and wrestling professionals. If I can continue inspiring people, helping others gain exposure, and representing Detroit with pride, I’ll consider that a success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wrestlingfromthe313.shop
- Instagram: @wrestling_from_the_313
- Facebook: Wrestling from the 313
- Twitter: @313Wrestling
- Youtube: @wrestlingfromthe313
- Other: https://www.wsnplus.tv
