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ESW Training Academy now open

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Wed, Aug 10th 2022 12:35 pm

Western New York’s top independent wrestling promotion has its own training center

As Empire State Wrestling (ESW) prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, it is fitting for Western New York’s premier wrestling promotion to announce formal plans for training the next generation of ESW stars.

ESW announced the official opening of the ESW Training Academy – its own wrestling school.

Organizers said, “Anyone interested in becoming a professional wrestler can now learn the craft under the tutelage of some of the most knowledgeable wrestlers in Western New York. Training is available for non-wrestling roles such as referees, managers and behind-the-scenes work, as well. The ESW Training Academy is also open to established wrestlers looking for additional ring time.”

The ESW Wrestling Academy trainer is 12-year wrestling veteran "Invincible" Vince Valor. As an ESW roster mainstay for the past nine years, Valor is the current holder of the Ilio DiPaolo Memorial Cup and previously held the ESW Tag Team Championships. A native of Niagara Falls, he trained at the NEO Dojo in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Outside of ESW, Valor wrestled in promotions across New York and in Ontario, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Georgia. He wrestled on All Elite Wrestling's “Dark: Elevation” show in April.

The ESW Wrestling Academy is located at 2425 Hyde Park Blvd., Niagara Falls. The class schedule is 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Training fees for new students are $250 as a down payment, which includes the first month of training. Monthly training fees are $125 thereafter.

Anyone interested in enrolling at the ESW Wrestling Academy should email [email protected] or message the ESW Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ESWwrestling/ to begin the training process.

As Western New York’s premier independent professional wrestling promotion, ESW has hosted many of pro wrestling’s top up-and-comers and biggest legends.

Many current AEW stars wrestled for ESW, including Matt Hardy, Billy Gunn, Dustin Rhodes, MJF, Adam Cole, Orange Cassidy, Eddie Kingston, Ruby Soho, Jay Lethal, Colt Cabana, Lucha Bros, Best Friends, The Butcher and The Blade, Daniel Garcia, Brian Pillman Jr., Allie, Matt Sydal, Ethan Page, Evil Uno, Private Party, Shawn Spears, Bear Country, Bobby Fish, Brody King, Tony Nese and Mark Sterling.

Current World Wrestling Entertainment stars Kevin Owens, MVP, Jinder Mahal, Cedric Alexander, Tommaso Ciampa, Damian Priest, Joaquin Wilde, Robert Stone, Joe Gacy and Josh Briggs all wrestled in ESW’s ring.

Pro wrestling legends Kevin Nash, Brutus Beefcake, Sgt. Slaughter, X-Pac, The Honky Tonk Man, Jim Duggan, Koko B. Ware, Bushwhacker Luke, Demolition, D-Von Dudley, Raven, The Sandman, Bob Holly and several others appeared at previous ESW events.

Founded in 2002, ESW is run by Brett Stymus. Over half of ESW’s performers reside in the Western New York area. ESW runs regular shows throughout the year that draw several hundred fans with some events being attended by up to 1,000 people.

Connect with ESW on the following platforms: