GRAPPLING HOUR with Nathan Hawthorne

GRAPPLING HOUR with Nathan Hawthorne

From Grappling Hour by Raf Esparza

October 20, 2025 · 1h 37m · Season 7 · Episode 38

About this episode

Nathan Hawthorne shares his journey from a pro wrestling superfan to a fighter and casino dealer, discussing grappling, family influences, and the challenges of balancing combat sports with life.

Nate shares his journey from being a childhood pro wrestling superfan (complete with homemade matches, sibling rivalries, ER visits, and decked-out living rooms), to competing in MMA, kickboxing, jiu jitsu, and even teaching striking at 10th Planet Beaumont. The two dive into grappling for MMA, the importance of wrestling skills, and how sibling powerbombs almost set the stage for a fighter’s life. Nathan talks growing up in a wrestling-obsessed family, how injuries shaped his toughness, and what it’s like to balance fighting with being a high-stakes casino dealer. Hear stories about rolling and sparring with friends, learning from legends at Team Millennia and Team Quest, and why he’s chasing a full-time fight career. They swap tales of pro wrestling finishers gone wrong, MMA setbacks, the grind of fight camps, and throw in plenty of jiu jitsu—and gambling—wisdom along the way. Find out Nathan’s favorite wrestlers, what it’s like to fight with his family in the crowd, and the surprising skills being a casino dealer brings into the cage. All this plus behind-the-scenes banter, lessons for up-and-coming fighters, and some signature Grappling Hour laughs. Whether you’re a combat…

People in this episode

Guest: Nathan Hawthorne

Topics covered

  • pro wrestling
  • MMA
  • kickboxing
  • jiu jitsu
  • gambling

Keywords

  • childhood
  • sibling rivalries
  • injuries
  • fight career
  • Team Millennia
  • Team Quest

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Grappling Hour

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