Biography

Mike Kinney (born March 16, 1982) is an actor, public speaker, and former professional wrestler, better known by his stage name "Cowboy" Gator Magraw. He lives in Minnesota with his family and earned a BA from Minnesota State University - Mankato and his MBA with the University of Phoenix. Mike is also a veteran of the Army National Guard.

Mike began his professional training in 1998. In 2002, he attended the Midwest Pro Wrestling Training Academy to further his ability within the sport under Terry Klinger, Dan Schaffner, and Arik Cannon. He later would go to an advanced training camp with Harley Race, Ricky Steamboat, and Les Thatcher. Notable accomplishments include an appearance on WWE programming in 2005 and touring with the Insane Clown Posse rap group and their wrestling promotion in 2007. Mike wrestled hundreds of matches throughout North America on the independent wrestling circuit until his retirement in 2007.

Most notably, Mike gave a viral TED Talk in 2017 about his days as a professional wrestlers and the lessons he learned about himself during that time.
- IMDb mini biography by: William Donald

Mike Kinney is an American sales director, motivational speaker, author, and former professional wrestler known by his ring name, "Cowboy" Gator Magraw. Kinney grew up in Minnesota, where he first discovered his love for professional wrestling. His journey into the spotlight began in the late 1990s when he started wrestling on the independent circuit, quickly building a reputation for his charismatic persona and compelling storytelling in the ring.

Over the course of his career, Kinney transitioned from wrestling to promoting events and producing his own shows. Behind the scenes, he became a mentor to aspiring wrestlers, showcasing his leadership and creativity. After retiring from active competition in 2007 due to injury, Kinney faced significant personal and professional challenges but emerged stronger, using his experiences to inspire others.

In 2017, Kinney delivered the TED Talk A Pro Wrestler's Guide to Confidence, which gained widespread attention for its heartfelt message of resilience and self-belief. He later authored a well-received book, further solidifying his reputation as a motivational force.

Beyond wrestling, Kinney is a devoted family man and a dynamic leader in the business world. He continues to inspire through his work, embracing every opportunity to share his story and motivate others to rise above adversity.
- IMDb mini biography by: Alex Ford