How Hangman Page is inspiring people to get “full gear”

When he’s not putting boots to faces, Hangman Adam Page is inspiring wrestling fans to reach their personal bests with the #FullGearChallenge.

Episode 135 of Being the Elite, aptly titled “Full Gear,” started with a tight shot on Adam Page’s face as he gave appreciation to Cody and The Young Bucks for being at his side. When the camera zoomed out it found Page standing in his ring gear while everyone else remained in street clothes. Confused, the guys asked him why he was in full gear and Page reminded them how they loved seeing PAC do it at the AEW rally. To that Cody Rhodes responded it was cool when PAC did it because of how shredded he is.

It was an amusing segment but it spawned something truly inspiring. On February 25, Page announced the “Full Gear Challenge” via his Instagram and Twitter accounts. Page needed to get himself ready for the Double or Nothing event in Las Vegas on May 25 and he took the opportunity to include the wrestling community in the journey using the hashtag #FullGearChallenge to document their progress.

His profiles were immediately flooded with comments from fans accepting the challenge. What could’ve been a lot of people blowing hot air turned into an actual thriving community of fans who took the challenge seriously and head on.

Everywhere online people posted updates, videos of their workouts and encouraged each other to press on when they were having rough days.

https://twitter.com/datila__/status/1102716132924874752

Adam Page inspired a movement. The simple hashtag became a place to go to get answers to questions, gain support, even meet some new virtual friends. And let’s not forget about the fitness aspect of the Full Gear Challenge. People participating in the challenge were getting in shape for the first time in their lives, or getting back in shape after setbacks. Jay Walker, a wrestler himself on the independent scene, saw the Full Gear Challenge as extra motivation to get himself back into a routine:

"“Once I’d seen the #FullGearChallenge was starting up, I could very much relate to Adam Page wanting to get into better shape for better opportunities. And then it blew up on Twitter and to have a community of like-minded, positive-thinking people, it just made it that much easier to commit to a plan.” – @iamjaywalker"

Wrestling fans have often been looked upon in a strange way by those who don’t follow the product. But the passion for pro wrestling brings fans together from all over the world to enjoy the entertainment and athleticism. The Full Gear Challenge has highlighted the camaraderie unique to the wrestling community.

If you want to jump on board the #FullGearChallenge it’s not too late. Double or Nothing takes place on May 25 in Las Vegas, NV.