ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Hatchet Pro Wrestling was opened early this year by WWE Superstar Sam Shaw. He performs in WWE under the name Dexter Lumis. Shaw is a Nease High School graduate. Shaw’s school has taught numerous local students who dream of a career in the unique industry of professional wrestling.
On Saturday morning, the school hosted an open house for members of the community to see what the school was all about. It operates on Ellis Street.
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This was a chance for their students to get their first opportunity to wrestle in front of an actual crowd which is critical for students who are learning to perform either on TV or in front of large audiences.
“It’s sort of to show the community what we do here,” Sam Shaw, owner of Hatchet Pro Wrestling said. “We wanted to give sort of a stage for our students to practice their craft and be in front of a crowd and get the butterflies, get the nervousness.”
He’s spent the past year teaching local students how to succeed in this unique industry like LoRon Green from St. Augustine.
“It’s been phenomenal,” Green said. “The training I’ve gotten here from quite literally the best people in the industry. It’s been great. These coaches care so much about us.”
Hatchet has been overwhelmed with support from both the general public and the wrestling community like former WWE star Victoria Crawford.
“[People] are pretty surprised that it takes this much effort to develop our skills,” Crawford said. “I think it’s nice to have a school here because then the community can grow with the industry too.”
Hatchet Pro Wrestling has been highlighted on the Going Ringside With The Local Station Podcast.
Going Ringside and The Florida Man Games were two partners in the event which drew a good crowd to see what this new St. Johns County School is all about.