A PAIR of Blackwood wrestlers have graduated from the prestigious Florida Pro Wrestling Academy after going through the pain barrier in the heat of Tampa.

Luke James and George Johnson were the first international trainees and also competed in The Malenko Memorial Cup Battle Royal.

FPWA is run by Frank Reyes, a former referee in WWF, WCW and ECW who was taught by the Malenko family - Joe, Dean and their father, the legendary Boris.

George and Luke endured the toughest training they have ever done, cramming the 10 months normally required to become a pro wrestler into 90 days.

They suffered knee, groin and back strains but persevered to train in 100 degree temperatures and unbelievable humidity, sometimes for up to six hours a day.

Luke said: "I have so much respect for Frank Reyes and all the coaches. It was tough but also very enjoyable when you're fulfilling a dream.

"They looked after me like family. Thank you to James Morrison for my graduation match."

George said: "They pushed me past my comfort zone, which is what you have to do to become a professional wrestler.

"Frank Reyes and all at Florida Pro Wrestling Academy follow the old tradition of pro wrestling. I have so much respect for them all. Like Luke they looked after me like family. Thank you to Tony Storm for my graduation match."

Luke and George began their dream to become professionals at Impact Pro Wrestling School at Unique Health and Fitness in Blackwood, which is run by Andrew James, who was trained by Boris Malenko in 1993.

Andrew James said: "I had no hesitation sending Luke and George to Tampa to learn with Frank Reyes, who has so much knowledge and respect in this business.

"In this business you always learning, I knew Florida Pro Wrestling Academy was the next step for the boys and I have two more trainees that will be making the journey next year."

For more information about wrestling in Blackwood contact: impactprowrestlingblackwood@hotmail.com