YODER – On Monday, former WWE professional wrestler Chris Hollyfield spoke to Southeast students about his personal experiences with bullying.

Standing at only 4’4” tall, Hollyfield told the young people he didn’t have the easiest time during his childhood. Instead of becoming bitter, he decided to use his experiences to make a difference.

Urging students to pay attention and be there for their fellow students, Hollyfield told them in the room there is someone that is hurting. Speaking about different ways people are bullied, he connected with the students by talking to them about things that are relevant to them. 

He used the examples of social media that students use in their everyday lives as well as mentioning the way that others may be looked down upon for their appearance and apparel. 

“It’s about being the best you,” Hollyfield said. “I can’t do anything to change this (his size) but I can change my attitude.” 

Hollyfield also told the students, people have to be able to love themselves and respect themselves. You can’t respect others if you don’t respect yourself, he said. 

Hollyfield said that he never once looked towards self-harm to cope with others bullying him and credits the opportunities in his life to his attitude and mindset.

Hollyfield was a wrestler growing up and followed the WWE. He was in his forties when he was finally given an opportunity to be involved in it. Some may recognize Hollyfield from the WWE as “Little Boogeyman.” 

He also competed in an NBA three-point competition and is currently touring and visiting schools to talk about the importance of shutting down bullying. It’s a mission he has been on for 20 years. 

During his presentation, Hollyfield told students his story, including about the time a group at a gym hung him on a hook by his belt loops because he was short.

This story was the prelude to his message to students that if someone had stood up, it could have changed everything. That is when the decision comes to be “a nobody or a somebody.” 

Hollyfield says he chose to “be a somebody.” 

Following the events at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., in 1999, Hollyfield said he felt like he had to do something to help. Hollyfield spent a year in Canada with a company, sharing his anti-bullying message, but ultimately came back to start his own company.

Hollyfield also spoke at Torrington High School and Lingle Ft. Laramie High School.