Meet Your Neighbor: Jonathan Fenton

The Lives and Journeys Among Us

“Meet Your Neighbor” is a column I am developing in collaboration with Fountain House and City Voices to celebrate the joy of meeting new people, listening to their stories, and sharing them with others. The goal is to inspire you to connect with the incredible individuals around you, to hear their experiences, and to share your own. Everyone carries a unique story, and there is magic in each person. Instead of judging a book by its cover, open it with curiosity and kindness, and discover the richness within.

Jonathan Fenton, also known in the spirited world of professional wrestling as “John Revai the Third,” is a remarkable individual whose life story is filled with extraordinary challenges, determination, and a resilient spirit. Born stillborn and revived 15 minutes post-delivery, Jonathan’s life began with a battle against the odds. From the onset, he was confronted with the complexities of mental health, facing visual hallucinations from a young age that he later learned to navigate.

At a tender age, Jonathan grew up in a close-knit family that was economically fortunate, despite residing in a trailer park. He describes his childhood as feeling like “the rich kid in a poor neighborhood.” His family life, though supportive, was complicated by his mental health challenges. Jonathan recalls the vivid hallucinations of monstrous creatures that haunted him during his early childhood—strange visions that led to confusion and isolation. However, he also experienced the warmth and laughter of a loving family, which provided a stark contrast to his internal struggles.

Education played a significant role in Jonathan’s upbringing. Early on, he showed promise in the Catholic school system, excelling in acting and reading despite an odd literacy test that deemed him “illiterate.” He describes the educational experience as frustrating yet pivotal in laying the groundwork for his love of storytelling and the arts. Unfortunately, the switch to public school proved detrimental, where he faced bullying that escalated throughout his formative years.

Jonathan’s bullying experience was severe and pervasive. He recalls being hunted down by peers who would taunt him relentlessly. It left him afraid and isolated, at times too terrified to even leave his room. “It was practically terrorism,” he reflects, as he recounts the emotional scars that shaped his teenage years. When he began to fight back, he developed a reputation as a dirty fighter, drawing upon his love for professional wrestling to channel his anger. By high school, he had become notorious for defending himself with whatever means necessary—whether it was using makeshift weapons or simply fighting back with ferocity.

Jonathan’s interest in professional wrestling deepened during these turbulent years. Inspired by his favorite wrestlers, he trained to join the wrestling team, unfortunately encountering bullies among his teammates. His venture into wrestling wasn’t just a release but a way to connect with himself and assert his identity.

However, a severe injury during a backyard wrestling match—resulting from a botched maneuver—left Jonathan at a low point. This accident led to a significant spinal injury, intensifying his ongoing struggle with pain and mental health. For nearly 24 years, he lived with excruciating chronic pain, relying on over-the-counter medication as he sought to manage his symptoms despite being allergic to stronger alternatives like opioids and cannabis.

As he navigated through life, Jonathan faced various employment challenges. Job hunting was tough, especially coming from a background where he felt ostracized. His father once helped him secure a position at Rite Aid, and he found camaraderie in a criminal justice program where he excelled. It ignited a desire within him to pursue a career in law enforcement, albeit initially born from a place of revenge against his bullies.

Yet, his aspirations took a different turn after a brief stint with the sheriff’s department, where he encountered resistance and hostility due to his outspoken nature—eventually leading him to leave the field entirely. His life seemed a continuous struggle against the remnants of bullying and the expectations of others, leading him to bounce from job to job.

Jonathan’s luck began to change when a blind date, pushed by friends, opened a new chapter. On that fateful date, he met his future partner. Their relationship blossomed, and he moved in with her—a turning point that allowed him to escape the bullying he had endured for years. “It was fate,” he reflects, acknowledging how their union showed him the unconditional love he had long missed.

However, building a relationship didn’t come without hurdles. Jonathan dealt with the cumulative trauma of his past, which often manifested through severe outbursts. His partner’s unwavering support proved crucial; she saw the good in him and helped him navigate the complexities of his mental health challenges. He credits her with being a steadying force as he struggled to find his footing in life after years of pain and bullying.

Jonathan’s experience with Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) emerged from a complex backdrop of being bullied and the social isolation and hostility from peers. Despite his interest in the game, he found it difficult to engage with D&D as his high school “friends” often misled him about their gaming sessions. However, this changed when he met his now-partner, who is an avid player herself. Their shared passion for D&D has since become a cornerstone of their relationship, allowing them to connect on a deeper level through storytelling and creativity. This gaming experience not only serves as an enjoyable escape but also fosters a bond that has positively influenced Jonathan’s life, helping him process his past traumas while offering an avenue for mutual support and stress relief.

At age 37, he fulfilled a long-held dream of becoming a pro wrestler, embracing the moniker he had created years prior. His passion for wrestling, fused with years of unresolved pain, became a stepping stone for him to inspire others. During this period, he also sought medical intervention for his chronic pain, finally receiving a surgery that left him pain-free for the first time in years.

Today, Jonathan serves on a mobile crisis team, supporting individuals in distress. His lived experiences empower him to connect deeply with those he helps, treating each person as an individual rather than a diagnosis. Jonathan embodies the message that healing is a journey—a sentiment he passionately conveys to those around him. In his work, he’s dedicated to fighting against the bullying he encountered, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and love in healing.

His journey stands as a testament to resilience. As John Revai the Third, he continues to embrace challenges, advocate for those struggling with mental health, and inspire others to rewrite their stories. Jonathan’s life is not just a narrative of struggle; it’s a powerful example of overcoming adversity, finding love, and helping others along the way. His journey is far from over as he continues to share his insights and experiences, advocating for acceptance and understanding—one story at a time.