Calvin Tankman: The Opera Cup Is The Opportunity To Prove That I Belong In The Main Event Scene

Calvin Tankman wants to prove that he is one of the best in the world and he plans on using the Opera Cup Tournament to do so.

So far, Calvin Tankman has advanced to the semifinals of the Opera Cup Tournament. Now, coming off of a loss in a recent MLW World Championship match to Jacob Fatu, he looks to utilize the tournament as a way to get back in the main event scene.

Speaking with Cageside Seats’ Shakiel Mahjouri, Calvin Tankman discussed the importance of the MLW Opera Cup.

“It’s the opportunity to get back into the main event scene and prove that I belong to be,” Tankman says. “One of the lasting things I hear a lot of people say is… ‘I watched your match with Fatu. It’s really good.’ To a lot of people that would be a compliment, but to me, it’s saying your lasting memory of me in your head is me failing to get the biggest win of my career.

“That cup is something that no one can take away from me. It’s something that proves on that night I am one of the best wrestlers in the world.”

Calvin Tankman also juggles parenthood in addition to his wrestling career. Admitting it’s not easy, Calvin uses it as fuel to get further in his wrestling career to provide the best life he can for his daughter.

“It’s not easy,” he admits. “Basically, I keep myself busy. It’s one of those things where if I’m not doing something where I’m making money — whether it be work or wrestling — then I should be spending time with my daughter and my family. I just try and spend as much time with her as I can. Between work and wrestling, there may be a week where I’m working six days of that week and I’m gone three of those days. Sometimes it’s seven days a week. Some weekends I have a couple of extra days. 

“It’s all about using your time wisely. Making sure that she knows she’s loved. And then when I go someplace, maybe I’m in Seattle, I Facetime her and show her what I’m doing. Letting her see the crowd, let her see that daddy is out making money so that he can come home and buy her a new game for the Switch or do whatever we need to do. I try and help her understand that this is daddy’s work now. He’s worked hard enough to where it’s not a hobby anymore. It’s a job. That allows me to take care of her in the way that I need to be able to.”

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