WRAL’s Chris Lea on NC Sports History, Pro Wrestling (He was a Wrestler) & Covering the BIG FOUR

WRAL’s Chris Lea on North Carolina + Greensboro Sports History, Pro Wrestling, and Covering the Triangle Three On Bold North State, presented by NC Pork, host Mike Waddell talks with WRAL Raleigh weekday sports anchor Chris Lea, a UNCG graduate and former Five Star Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, about how his career shifted from entertainment hosting (including MTVu/MTV work) into sports media. Lea reflects on growing up in Greensboro and the legacy of the Greensboro Coliseum as a venue for ACC tournaments, concerts, and wrestling, as well as the venue's broader sports history. He shares TV influences like Mike Hogewood and Rich Brenner, early journalism experience at the Greensboro News & Record, and mentors in radio and TV. Lea explains how pro wrestling shaped his professionalism and helped him land TV roles, then discusses WRAL's challenge of covering Duke, UNC, NC State, and major pro teams with limited staff, fanbase dynamics, and his expectations for upcoming football and basketball seasons.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:59 Chris Lee Origin Story03:58 Greensboro Sports Roots05:33 Greensboro Coliseum Memories09:30 Why Greensboro Matters12:13 Sponsor Break Amedeos12:57 TV Influences and Heroes16:46 Newsroom Mentors and First Jobs21:32 Athlete to Pro Wrestling Path23:49 Wrestling Over Basketball24:23 Career Drift After College25:56 Wrestling Opens TV Doors27:13 Indie Title And Fire Star28:59 Unpredictable Match Finishes31:09 Indie Scene And Big Names32:11 Wrestling Lessons For TV35:44 Covering Triangle Sports Daily39:22 Fanbases And Market Realities40:59 Sponsor Break High Street42:11 Crystal Ball Season Predictions48:42 Thanks And Network SignoffWelcome to the North Carolina Sports NetworkYour home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState