Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joel Dabis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Joel , thanks for joining us today. Everyone has crazy stuff happen to them, but often small business owners and creatives, artists and others who are doing something off the beaten path are hit with things (positive or negative) that are so out there, so unpredictable and unexpected. Can you share a crazy story from your journey?
The craziest positive thing that happened to me so far in my journey chasing down a dream in stand – up comedy happened on May 5, 2025 in Austin, Texas.
I made the travel from Massachusetts for a two week stay in Texas, attempting to get on “The Kill Tony Podcast “show and getting on as many open mic shows as possible on 6th street, the hotbed for stand up comedy.
When l arrived in Austin, Texas the first text message l received was that my good friend another stand up comedian Jim “Biggie” Smalls had passed away.
Jim’s wake was on May 5th, the same night my name got pulled in a sign up of over 300 comedians for the Comedy Mothership Open Mic comedy show ( Joe Rogans club) only 16 selected and l was #5 on the list.
Joel , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Joel De Andrade, in 1991 l became “The Real Deal” Joel Davis in the professional wrestling world.
I held 5 championships including the National Wrestling Alliance Light Heavyweight Championship.
I trained at the late great Walter “Killer”
Kowalski’s with greats such as HHH, Perry Saturn and the late Chyna.
My career spanned from Debut Oct 25,1991 to 2003, and comeback in 2009 to 2013.
From 2010 to 2013, l was an MMA cage fighter.
Over the years, l have been a personal trainer, Motivational Speaker, Promoter of sports autograph guests also attended a modeling agency, applying for commercials and Television programs.
On November 1,2022, l began my journey in stand up comedy. I have been blessed to perform in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York City, Connecticut and Texas.
Some bigger shows have been in Austin, Texas 5/5/25 , Rodney Dangerfield Club in NYC April 17, 2024 , August 14,2025 in Stamford , CT New York Comedy Club ( Guest spot for Golden ticket winner “Funny” Charlie Mac and ( Headliner) on Oct 19,2025 at the “Whiskey Cellar” for Bryan Stoops.
On April 12, 2025 , l started up my stand up comedy promotion “ Keeping It Real Comedy”
On November 1,2025, l started as the host of the podcast “ Wrestling with Comedy “
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In stand up comedy the saying is “The Grind is Real”
This is a fact, Three years going into four years as a stand up comedian, the let downs come fast and furious, there is basically no pay days, if it is it’s basically gas money, the loss of money invested is on a regular basis, the chase is 24/7.
I have never stopped, just gained speed.
I believe this is because l want this bad and willing to “ Pay my Dues”
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think promoters have come to know, they can count on me to be on time, promote their shows on social media platforms and give it my all every gig.
As a promoter my staff always can count on being treated with respect and payed what they are promised.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeldavisde?igsh=cHE1cWh1eGZ1OTd2&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1B7sDMG2Gc/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: https://x.com/thedeal1969?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wrestlingwithcomedy?si=FBPCXX-Z1sDgdBcG
- Other: Email [email protected]
