Adorned in ink, I wear my story proudly, each design a chapter of my journey. Some admire the artwork, others raise an eyebrow, but beneath the tattoos lies a man on a quest for growth. Don’t judge the canvas, for beneath the ink is a heart striving for kindness, a mind seeking wisdom, and a soul yearning for betterment with each passing day. Judge me not by the markings on my skin, but by the depth of my character and the sincerity of my actions.

PRE 2011

Granden Galen Goetzman, born amidst the historic charm of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the prodigious son of Monte Goetzman and Robin Sieger, and the brother of the Gretchen Goetzman. The family’s journey took them to the tranquil town of Rochester, Minnesota, for a brief sojourn lasting just over a year. Seeking to nurture their children's athletic potential, they then ventured to the sun-soaked realms of Florida, enrolling Granden and Gretchen at the prestigious IMG Academy to chase tennis dreams. However, the allure of the baseball diamond soon captured Granden's heart. Abandoning his tennis racket, he took to the bat and ball, where his innate talent and relentless drive soon marked him as a rising star destined for the heights of Major League Baseball.

2011

Granden Galen Goetzman attended Palmetto High School, where he spent four years on the varsity baseball team, showcasing his remarkable talent. An intellectual force as well, Granden finished at the top of his graduating class, catching the eye of prestigious institutions such as West Point and Harvard. His prowess on the baseball field did not go unnoticed either, as he was heavily recruited by all the major Division 1 baseball programs in the country. Regarded as one of the top amateur players in the nation, Granden excelled as an outfielder and was celebrated for his impressive power-speed combination. Ultimately, he chose to stay close to home by signing with Florida Gulf Coast University. His exceptional skills led to his selection as the 75th overall pick in the second round of the MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. Upon signing, Granden reported to the Rays' Gulf Coast League team, but his season was cut short due to shoulder surgery.

2012

In 2012, Granden embarked on his first spring training and full season of professional baseball. He participated in extended spring training before playing for the Princeton Rays of the Appalachian League in Princeton, West Virginia. Granden was having an outstanding season, demonstrating his exceptional talent and potential. However, his progress was abruptly halted by a back injury, suffering an L2 stress fracture in his lower back. This injury necessitated a return to Port Charlotte for rehabilitation, cutting short what promised to be a stellar season.

2013

In 2013, Granden faced a tumultuous year marked by both personal and professional challenges. During his second spring training, his father passed away from peritoneal cancer after battling the disease throughout the offseason. Granden and his family visited him in the hospital every day, making his loss particularly hard to bear. Remarkably, Granden reported for spring training on the same day as his father's passing, knowing it was what his father would have wanted. Due to the harsh cold weather of the Midwest League, where he was initially set to go, Granden was kept in extended spring training to avoid aggravating the back injury he had suffered the previous season. A month or so into the season, he was sent to the Bowling Green Hot Rods once the weather warmed up. Unfortunately, he did not perform to his potential there. Seeking a fresh start, the Rays moved Granden to the Hudson Valley Renegades in the short-season Low-A New York Penn League for the remainder of 2013.

2014

Granden Goetzman began the 2014 season with the Bowling Green Hot Rods, where he played exceptionally well, showcasing elite batting skills. His outstanding performance earned him a spot as the starting left fielder in the Midwest League All-Star Game. This success led to a promotion to the High-A Port Charlotte Stone Crabs of the Florida State League. Near the end of the season, Granden's talents were further recognized when he, along with three other Rays players, was selected to play winter ball in the Australian Baseball League with the Brisbane Bandits.

2015

After the Australian Baseball League wrapped up in February, Granden returned home for a brief respite before heading right back to spring training. In 2015, he spent the season with the Port Charlotte Stone Crabs in the Florida State League. His efforts contributed significantly to the team's success, culminating in capturing the Florida State League Championship.

2016

In 2016, Granden Goetzman reached a new milestone in his baseball career by advancing to Double-A for the first time. He played in the Southern League with the Montgomery Biscuits, continuing to develop his skills and proving himself at a higher level of competition.

Cloaked in the intricate tapestry of ink, my body serves as a living canvas, narrating stories of resilience, introspection, and evolution. While some may admire the visual symphony etched upon my skin, others may raise an eyebrow, failing to grasp the complexity beneath the surface. However, beyond the aesthetic allure lies a man steeped in contemplation, a scholar of self-awareness and perpetual growth. I extend an invitation to transcend the superficial, to engage in discourse that transcends appearances, and to judge not by the external, but by the depth of character and the unwavering commitment to personal development.

2017

In 2017, Granden Goetzman started the season back in Double-A, playing at the top of his game. His outstanding performance earned him a quick promotion to Triple-A with the infamous Durham Bulls of the International League. Proving himself right away, he batted leadoff and played center field daily, ranking among the league leaders in batting. However, after a game in Norfolk, he was unexpectedly sent back down to Double-A. This setback, after such a rocky journey and playing the best baseball of his career, was heartbreaking. Despite this, Granden continued to excel in Double-A until a hamstring pull marked the beginning of a tumultuous period. Another hamstring strain and a major oblique strain further tainted his performance. As his seven-year contract with the Rays concluded, he became a Minor League Baseball free agent for the first time. Granden then signed a one-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals for the 2018 season, ready for a new chapter in his career.

2018

In 2018, Granden experienced his first spring training with a team other than the Rays, joining the St. Louis Cardinals in the picturesque West Palm Beach area. Following a stellar spring, he was assigned to Double-A Springfield. However, his performance in Springfield fell short of the Cardinals' expectations, particularly in terms of home run production, leading to his release at the All-Star break. Returning home, Granden was quickly signed by the Houston Astros to a two-year contract covering the remainder of 2018 and 2019. Per the contract, he did not play for the rest of 2018 but focused on retooling his swing to hit the ball in the air more consistently. Recognizing his elite exit velocity, the Astros aimed to harness his potential by transforming his swing. Granden spent the rest of 2018 working to recreate himself and resurrect his career, with hopes of making a significant impact in the future.

2019

In 2019, Granden Galen Goetzman was assigned to Double-A Corpus Christi in the Texas League, where the retooling of his swing seemed to be paying off. He quickly rose to the top of the league in home runs, proving he could be a power hitter. However, his promising season was derailed by a severe case of plantar fasciitis, which ultimately led to a tear of the fascia as he rounded third base in a game, scoring from second. An MRI revealed the tear, necessitating foot surgery. Following the 2019 season, Granden once again found himself a free agent, facing the challenges of recovery and the uncertainty of the next step in his baseball career.

2020

In 2020, Granden Galen Goetzman faced significant uncertainty about his baseball career. Despite being fully recovered from foot surgery, the only interest he received was from the Oakland Athletics, who ultimately decided not to sign him after reviewing his medical records. At 27 years old, Granden was unsure if any club would sign him. Interestingly, he received a tryout offer from WWE, which he turned down, remaining hopeful for a baseball opportunity. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters by shutting down the world and canceling the minor league season, making it even harder for him to get re-signed. Coping with this uncertainty, Granden took up shot put, training under Olympian Kibwe Johnson, and seriously considered pursuing an Olympic career in the sport. However, a unique opportunity arose when a facility in Seoul, South Korea, offered to host and promote him for the KBO. Granden seized the chance, working out for the SK Wyverns and the Lotte Giants, but without big league experience, he didn't secure a position. He also re-signed with the Brisbane Bandits but couldn't enter Australia due to COVID-19 restrictions. Ultimately, Granden returned home, facing an uncertain future in baseball.

2021

In 2021, at 28 years old and once again unsigned at spring training, Granden Galen Goetzman faced unprecedented uncertainty about his future in baseball. He briefly considered signing with the independent Gastonia Honey Hunters, thanks to encouragement from his new agent, Oscar, who convinced him to give it another shot as the starting left fielder. However, Granden ultimately decided his heart was no longer in baseball and backed out. The very next day, he received an offer from the Tigres de Quintana Roo in the Mexican Baseball League. He accepted, but his stint in Mexico was short-lived as he struggled with performance and didn't enjoy the league, leading to his release. Deciding to end his baseball career, Granden returned home and was reinvited for a WWE tryout, preparing diligently at IMG Academy. Yet, WWE abruptly canceled his workout without explanation. A chance meeting with the former Jaguars strength and conditioning coach led to a connection with Tony Khan, owner of AEW and son of the Jaguars' owner. Granden had a successful workout with AEW in Orlando, where his athletic ability and exotic look impressed. By the end of 2021, Granden signed a one-year, six-month contract with AEW and moved to Atlanta to begin his training in professional wrestling.

2022

In 2022, Granden found himself in Buckhead, Atlanta, training at The Nightmare Factory to pursue his new career in professional wrestling. Much of the year was dedicated to training and learning the intricacies of professional wrestling, a major departure from his experiences in professional baseball and a significant culture shock. To further hone his skills, he also trained at The Wrestling Lab in Tampa. Despite the challenges, Granden made his pro wrestling debut on national TV alongside Swerve Strickland, Parker Boudreaux, and Rick Ross as part of The Mogul Affiliates. His debut was marked by a dramatic and fierce attack on Keith Lee, signaling his arrival in the wrestling world.

2023

2024

Draped in the tapestry of ink, my body tells tales of adventure, passion, and resilience. Some behold my vibrant canvas with awe, while others linger in uncertainty. Yet, beyond the intricate designs lies a man sculpted by life’s trials, a seeker of enlightenment and self-improvement. I invite you to look past the surface, to delve into the depths of my being, where the essence of my true self resides. Judge not by the brushstrokes of the tattoo artist, but by the richness of my experiences and the fire of my potential burning within.