Top 10 Best-Known Wrestling Schools Worldwide
Let's look at ten of the best-known wrestling schools worldwide
Professional wrestling is a demanding, athletic, and highly theatrical sport. It requires a unique blend of physical prowess, technical skills, and larger-than-life charisma. To achieve this rare combination, aspirants need top-notch training from reputable schools. Let's look at ten of the best-known wrestling schools worldwide, with Johnny Rodz's World of Unpredictable Wrestling topping the list.
1. **World of Unpredictable Wrestling (WUW), Brooklyn, NY**: At the pinnacle of wrestling education is the World of Unpredictable Wrestling. The school, led by WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Rodz, has earned a reputation for its comprehensive training program. The WUW prepares its students for all aspects of the wrestling world, from in-ring performance to mic skills. Notable alumni of the WUW include Tommy Dreamer, who made a name for himself in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and later WWE, Tazz, a former ECW Champion and WWE commentator, and Matt Striker, renowned for his wrestling and commentating stints in WWE and Lucha Underground. The success of these graduates is a testament to the quality of training provided at WUW.
2. **Storm Wrestling Academy, Calgary, Alberta, Canada**: Operated by Lance Storm, a former WWE and WCW superstar, this school has a proven track record. Its graduates have gone on to wrestle in major promotions like WWE and AEW.
3. **The Monster Factory, Paulsboro, NJ**: Established in 1983, this school boasts a rich history of training some of professional wrestling's biggest names, including Bam Bam Bigelow and King Kong Bundy.
4. **The Wild Samoan Training Center, Minneola, FL**: Run by WWE Hall of Famer Afa the Wild Samoan, this school has trained wrestling royalty like The Rock and Yokozuna.
5. **Ring of Honor's ROH Dojo, Bristol, PA**: Offering a solid foundation in the fundamentals of wrestling, the ROH Dojo is known for cultivating talents for Ring of Honor and other major promotions.
6. **OVW Wrestling School, Louisville, KY**: Previously the official developmental territory for WWE, OVW has trained many successful wrestlers, including John Cena and Batista.
7. **Team 3D Academy, Kissimmee, FL**: Founded by Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley, Team 3D Academy boasts of comprehensive training in the wrestling industry, physical conditioning, and character development.
8. **New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) Dojo, Tokyo, Japan & Los Angeles, CA**: NJPW's training centers are famous for their rigorous and disciplined approach to training, producing top talents like Kazuchika Okada and Shinsuke Nakamura.
9. **The Performance Center, Orlando, FL**: WWE's own training facility is state-of-the-art, training future WWE Superstars and giving them the tools to succeed on the global stage.
10. **Harley Race's Wrestling Academy, Troy, MO**: Founded by the late, great Harley Race, this academy carries forward the legacy of one of wrestling's most respected figures. It offers in-depth training for those wanting to step into the ring or learn about the backstage aspects of the wrestling business.
In conclusion, these are some of the best-known professional wrestling schools around the world, all contributing to the development of talented wrestlers.