Gilroy
– Endless repetition of falls, slams and throws can break down
the toughest wrestler, but for Abraham Reyes, this combined with
strict dieting, weight training and intense cardio is simply his
first step to a successful career in professional wrestling.
Gilroy – Endless repetition of falls, slams and throws can break down the toughest wrestler, but for Abraham Reyes, this combined with strict dieting, weight training and intense cardio is simply his first step to a successful career in professional wrestling.
From the Gilroy High School wrestling mats, to the canvas ring in the All-Pro-Wrestling garage in Hayward, Reyes acquired a foundation in wrestling and is now learning the basics of pro-wrestling.
“I believe in following my heart,” said Reyes, 20. “I’m not just going to look at pro-wrestling as a fan and dream of doing it. I’m going to get out there and do it.”
His determination brought him to the APW wrestling garage seven months ago, where he stood alongside a dozen young men with the same dreams. Only he and two others survived the intensive training.
APW Boot Camp has been a Pro-Wrestling Training School since 1991. The prestigious garage turned out wrestlers Spike Dudley from San Jose, Crash Holly, the Great Khali, Vic Grimes, and more.
At 15, Reyes watched one episode of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Monday Night Raw, which is all he needed to get him to try out for the Gilroy High School wrestling team. It wasn’t until his wrestling hero Eddie Guerrero known as “Latino Heat” passed away, that he became serious about pursuing a career in pro-wrestling. Guerrero, a Mexican-American legend in the wrestling business inspired Reyes by showing him that this dream is possible.
With this in mind Reyes began to train. He gained 60 pounds in six months and mentally prepared himself for the sport. Training at the wrestling garage consists of a mile run to warm up, sprints back and forth, and wrestling maneuvers.
But good physical condition is only part of what a wrestler needs to be successful. One must have humility and desire to make it in this business, Reyes said.
“When I started I was shy, and I didn’t fully understand the business enough to respect it,” he said. “Now I’m a lot more humble,” said Reyes, who keeps himself driven by watching wrestling videos of Eddie Guerrero.
“It’s not fake. That’s a slap in the face to all pro-wrestlers,” said Reyes. “The hazards and dangers that happen in the ring are real,” he said.
Although the outcomes of WWE matches are predetermined, the maneuvers are rehearsed and executed cooperatively and their effects upon the opponent are exaggerated, but the moves cause genuine pain. That doesn’t stop pro-wrestling from being on of the most popular programs on cable.
One wrestler Reyes trains with is Mario Camacho of Oakland. Camacho has seen Reyes progress throughout the year.
“He’s really the most athletic of the group. When he does certain moves where you have to get higher in the air, it’s usually him doing it best than all of us,” said Camacho.
Another wrestler, Lenny Thomas of San Jose, who trains with Reyes, described his efforts as paying off.
“He’s one of the better people in the class, and he has the longest commute,” said Thomas. “He knows what his goals are, and he’s trying to achieve them.”
Although some people tell him to get over his dream, Reyes has the right attitude to succeed according to one of his trainers Joseph Rodriguez.
“His attitude is good, he asks many questions and he’s willing to learn all the new stuff that comes his way,” Rodriguez said. “I think he’s going to be one of the better people to come out of this school.”
Currently, Reyes is attending Gavilan College and will graduate this semester. He will transfer to a university and get a bachelor’s degree with hopes of opening his own gym.
“At least I’m trying,” Reyes said. “Even if it’s not meant to be, I will have no regrets in the future.”
But Camacho believes that Reyes has what it takes to make it in the competitive business.
“He’s gonna be one of the first of any of us to debut, to start having matches,” Camacho said. “His potential to succeed is great, and I can’t see him not making it.”
For Reyes, his pursuit is fueled by four little words- “Just follow your heart,” he said.
