For Mick Foley, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan and others, 'paying dues' pays off

These are just a few examples and there are so many other success stories that follow the same theme. More generally, the best WWE superstars are those who were also fans (other examples are The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin and John Cena). Beyond that, there are countless aspiring superstars who are pounding the pavement every day, helping to set up rings, put up posters and entertain maybe a crowd of 75 people for a $40 pay day before driving 500 miles to the next town, not knowing whether they will even get an opportunity to audition for an organization that could give them a steady pay check they could live off of. At a seminar at this year's Cauliflower Alley Club Reunion, Jim Ross noted that based on available spots, it's statistically easier to become an NFL Football player than a WWE Superstar.

So, to those who are chasing the dream, paying dues and working hard, I salute you.

Arda Ocal is an on air personality with theScore Television Network. Find his blog posts on the #AftermathBlog here and find his video interviews with several current and past WWE Superstars here.