Suplex lifts and burpees are not exactly how most people would choose to spend an evening, but at EVO Wrestling Academy, they are part of the journey towards becoming a professional wrestler.
The location of the Features of Wrestling interview with wrestler and trainer Rogan was followed by a mixed-ability training session. With rock music blaring through a hot gym, echoed by the sound of running the ropes and practice bumps, the walls are covered in EVO history. Championship titles are in glass cases, along with past event posters featuring UK standouts such as Joe Hendry and Will Kroos, who now performs in WWE as Mason Rook.
Notable names such as Robbie X, Nathan Cruz and Grimsby’s own Scotty Rawk have also previously led classes. With all three finding success both locally and around the UK, their experience can provide valuable insight for those attending the seminars.
While some students were ready for a live match, others were still honing their craft in the hope of earning their opportunity further down the line. EVO has also been granted a one-hour slot at an upcoming BWR show, giving the students the opportunity to perform to a larger audience. The academy also regularly hosts in-house shows at the school. With a stage next to the ring, everything is considered to help the class be as ready as possible for their first or next match. The building may be small, but the fundamentals remain the same no matter how large the crowd becomes.
As the students arrive, it is clear that this is a group built on camaraderie and mutual support. There are some light-hearted jokes among the group, but everyone is here to lift each other up and give advice. When it was time for the warm-up, however, that phrase took on a much more literal meaning…
Crunches, suplex lifts and burpees were part of the cardio warm-up before things moved into the ring for the next phase. The trainees then moved into the ring, working through rolls, drop downs and running the ropes — key components of any wrestling match.
It’s very clear that the supportive mindset of EVO starts right at the top. Alongside Rogan, referee Scott Bell also trains and motivates the class. Encouragement is heard throughout, and no one is belittled based on their experience.
As an added bonus for the attendees, Rogan gave the class an extra assignment in the form of an impromptu promo class. One by one, the wrestlers were faced with basic questions, such as “What’s the last film you watched?” Answering in character, the students had to think on the spot as the camera was rolling. One of the most memorable responses was from Mason Blake, who instantly snapped into character when asked about his favourite sports team:
“Do you know who I am? I’m Mason Blake. The only sport I indulge in is wrestling. So if that’s not good enough for you and your little camera, so be it.”
At the end of our time at the school, the wrestlers were split into groups to put together a match based on the skill level of all involved. There was no emphasis on simply putting inexperienced wrestlers into matches for the sake of it. Here, the focus was firmly on development.
“EVO Is About Bringing People Together”: Rogan
After spending time watching the session, it became clear that the wrestling itself was only part of what EVO was trying to teach. Speaking to Features of Wrestling, Rogan explained that the academy’s philosophy extends beyond learning how to perform inside the ring:
“EVO is about bringing people from all different walks of life and bringing them here. They can get away from reality for a few hours, get immersed in becoming a professional wrestler, a character, and becoming somebody else. Also, a really good workout.”
Rogan has previously spoken about the importance of branding and social media when it comes to building a wrestler’s profile, but those lessons come later. For someone walking through the doors for the first time, the message is much simpler: come along, learn and have fun.
EVO hosts training sessions in Grimsby on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. More information on the academy, upcoming shows, or to ask any questions can be found here.
