Pro wrestler Orlando Jordan (middle) will be casting his watchful eye over our next generation of young wrestlers. 85399 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
BUDDING wrestlers will be heading to Brooklyn over the next 12 weeks with the Orlando Jordan School of Professional Wrestling opening its doors on Monday 20 August.
Jordan, a US pro wrestler, is in town to nurture those who would like to pursue a high level of wrestling, but he stresses his 12-week training course will not be a walk in the park.
“It’s going to be demanding, it’s going to be physically strenuous and it’s going to be something that is going to have to be a priority to each individual that comes in here and wants to be a part of this and wants to train,” Jordan told Star.
“It’s not something to take lightly. It’s going to be very demanding, as is this industry, very demanding.
“This is a genuine first step to the top right here, and this is it, there’s no mucking around (and) there’s no other place that you’re going to find someone with the background of Orlando Jordan in Australia.”
“I’m a professional wrestler, I’m a sports entertainer, I’m a performer and also I’m an athlete. This facility is to meet needs and meet that purpose for individuals.”
Jordan has toured Australia in the past and says he loves coming back, yet the idea behind his school was to give hopefuls a chance to learn their craft directly from somebody who has succeeded at the top level.
“I got to talking to some of my peers in venturing out here and just communicating with some of the locals around Australia and what I realised is that the industry isn’t where it should be,” Jordan said.
“I thought it would be a good thing to bring what I know to the industry around Australia and see what I can do to help it grow and bring a product that I’m used to and to the level I’m used to.
“I’ve heard a lot of rumours saying that this is something that I’m not going to be around for, but trust me, I’m going to be here and I’ll be very active in everything I do.”
Local wrestler Chris Tralongo, who was born and raised in Melbourne’s west, goes by the name of Chris Trance in the ring and will be helping Jordan throughout the course.
Tralongo says the wrestling course offered a more advanced package than what was usually on offer in Australia.
“At the moment with the sort training we get in Australia, it’s just come and keep learning until someone wants to put you on one of their shows, until they think that you’re ready, so this is actually structured,” Tralongo said.
“I think that’s something that’s been lacking from Aussie wrestling. “Some of the promotions are run by people who book their friends on the show that aren’t of good quality, so this is going to be a more professional outfit. And because Orlando’s been there, he knows how things have to be.”
The level of professionalism this course provides is how Jordan intends to improve the local talent base for the sport.
“Everyday we’re going to talk about nutrition and health, talk about socialising around their age group and stuff like that, bullying, being positive and being motivated and doing what they want to do in life, all that,” Jordan said.
The course runs every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and is open to interested wrestlers aged 16 years and over.
