One big thing: Pete Dunne teams up with ex-WWE talents to revive wrestling school
WWE star Pete Dunne is partnering with former WWE wrestlers James Drake and Zack Gibson to relaunch the Fighting Spirit Wrestling School in Sanford, Florida, after a four-year hiatus.
The details:
• James Drake announced the school’s return on Twitter, inviting aspiring wrestlers to “start your professional wrestling journey.”
• The school’s new location is in Sanford, Florida, moving from its previous UK base.
• Drake and Gibson, formerly known as the Dyad in NXT, left WWE in September 2023.
• Pete Dunne currently performs on WWE Raw and NXT as part of the New Catch Republic alongside Tyler Bate.
Why it matters:
This collaboration bridges the gap between WWE and the independent wrestling scene, potentially creating a pipeline for new talent. It also showcases the ongoing relationships between current and former WWE stars, highlighting the interconnected nature of the wrestling industry.
By the numbers:
• 4: Years the Fighting Spirit Wrestling School was inactive
• 3: Number of trainers involved in the school’s reopening
• 2: WWE brands Pete Dunne currently appears on (Raw and NXT)
What they’re saying:
“FIGHTING SPIRIT. After a 4 year hiatus, we’re proud of announce the return of @FSWrestlingUK,” Drake tweeted, adding, “Do you want to start your professional wrestling journey? More details coming, soon!”
The big picture:
This move could signal a trend of active WWE performers expanding their influence in the wrestling world beyond the company’s borders. It also provides a unique opportunity for aspiring wrestlers to learn from a mix of WWE and independent circuit experience.
What do you think about WWE stars collaborating with former talent to train the next generation of wrestlers? Leave a comment below with your thoughts on how this might impact the future of professional wrestling.
