Santino Brothers Wrestling presenting show at Downey Elks Lodge

Photo taken from Santino Brothers Wrestling Academy Facebook page

Loyalty will be tested when Santino Brothers Wrestling Academy presents Heavy is the Crown at the Downey Elks Lodge on September 22.  

Tucked in a small warehouse in Bell Gardens, Santino Brothers Wrestling Academy began training the next generation of professional wrestlers seven years ago. Academy owner Joey Munoz was a wrestler himself before being sidelined by injury.

“I’m training the guys with a torn ACL,” said Munoz. “It’s more coaching from outside the ring…to be a really great trainer, you gotta make a decision if you wanna be a part of it in wrestling or be a trainer. If you’re a wrestler and you’re still trying to train people you’re not giving your students the utmost attention.”

Munoz says that while he was a “really good wrestler,” he is “a way better trainer.”  

The school has seen the likes of former WWE Superstar Eva Marie, current Lucha Underground and AAA star Johnny Mundo (formerly WWE’s John Morrison), and current WWE 205 Live competitor Brian Kendrick step between its ropes. One of the school’s former students - who goes by the ring name Zeda - will be competing in the WWE’s highly anticipated Mae Young Classic, which recently began airing on the WWE Network streaming service.

While mostly functioning as a wrestling school, the academy hosts live shows around every six weeks to give their students an opportunity to work in front of a crowd, gain experience, and potentially get their name out into the business.

The next event will see Santino Brothers Champion Tyler Bateman put his championship on the line against his fellow Violence Unlimited faction-mates.

“We're moving into the next show on September 22 which we’re calling Heavy is the Crown,” said Munoz. “We all strive to dream the impossible dream, to accomplish the impossible dream, to win the title, but we never think about the burden that the champion carries.”

For more information on Santino Brothers Wrestling Academy and their upcoming events, please visit santinobros.net