Tony DeAnda grew up in South Sioux City, Neb. His wrestling career took off at Augustana College where he received All-America honors in 1992-93. He was also a five-time Mexican national champion and a three-time U.S. National's place winner. In 2005, he became Real Pro Wrestling's first Champion at 60kg.

DeAnda started coaching in 1996 at Lincoln East High School in Lincoln, Neb. In 2000, he coached at Briar Cliff College, but returned to his alma mater, Bishop Heelan Catholic High School, in 2004. He took the assistant coaching position at the U.S. Olympic Education Center in the summer of 2005 until fall of 2011. In 2010 he conducted an Olympic Solidarity Coaches Seminar for the International Olympic Committee in Guayaquil, Ecuador.  

DeAnda earned a degree in Spanish from the University of Nebraska in 1996. He enjoys playing chess, reading and listening to music.