BRADENTON (SNN-TV) – Last week, powerhouse sports entertainment company, WWE visited IMG Academy to hold a three-day tryout in search of the next WWE Superstars.
WWE has implemented a new recruiting process when searching for the next crop of superstars, and that’s to find elite college athletes at the end of the line in their respective sports.
Last week, at the world-renowned IMG Academy in Bradenton, WWE put 30 athletes to the test over a course of three days, testing their in-ring abilities as well as their mic skills. Evaluating these athletes were WWE coaches and personalities, among them former WWE Champion and Tampa-native, Ettore “Big E” Ewen. The former Univ. of Iowa football standout, made the transition in a similar way to this tryouts participants.
“I really just connect with these athletes now, who might be done with their athletic careers in college, and now are trying to figure out what to do next with their life. It was such a no-brainer for me, because I see myself, I see younger me when I look at them.” – Ettore “Big E” Ewen
Bringing their athleticism to the table is expected, but what lies beneath when developing a character is also vastly important to WWE. Former WWE Superstar and current NXT Head Coach, Matt Bloom says while there prior accomplishments got them to dance, the little things helped each athlete standout.
“I take a lot of notice of what talent are doing when they’re not drilling. Are they supporting other talent? How are they acting when they think no one’s looking? That plays a big role for me. Typically, we’re dealing with those accomplished athletes, to be able to get invited to a tryout you had to do something in your previous space that made you stand out. They all have this desire and willingness to get better at what they do.” – Matt Bloom
With former football players, track stars and bodybuilders in the mix, this tryout was the first of its kind with all involved being collegiate athletes. Among the talent represented were Stetson University defensive end Hunter Smallback and University of Tampa alum, Melanie Brzezinski.
The former says the excitement of receiving the invite to tryout and the whole experience therein was something he’ll never forget.
“It’s just excited, another rush you know? The WWE is such a first class organization. They bring smiles to people’s faces, it’s fun, it’s entertaining, who wouldn’t want to be apart of something like that?” – Hunter Smallback
As for the karate black belt and cross fit athlete, Brzezinski, coming from a family of WWE fans, and seeing her favorite superstars perform under the brands umbrella, fueled her to jump at this opportunity.
“I’m a huge fan of The Rock himself. I think he’s awesome. I also love the Bella Twins and Ronda Rousey. Ronda Rousey, she’s really the one who mainly introduced me to WWE. I was a huge UFC fan with her in it. When she moved to WWE, I’m like, I’m going to watch that, if she’s on it I’m definitely going to watch it more.” – Melanie Brzezinski
From watching the brand to enveloping her life around it, Brzezinski had only one thing on her mind coming in last week’s tryout
‘I went up to a coach at my local gym, and I said, I have one goal…I want to be in WWE.”
Since the tryouts conclusion, both Brzezinski and Smallback have been offered developmental contracts. WWE Smackdown returns to Tampa’s Amalie Arena, Friday, Dec. 30th at 7:45pm.
