This Week in Wrestling: Week 48 of 2025

Brian Damage

This Week in Wrestling: Week 48 of 2025

This week it was announced that the world-famous Monster Factory wrestling school is ceasing operations after over 40 years in business. The school was started by journeyman wrestler Larry Sharpe and former WWWF world champion ‘Nature Boy’ Buddy Rogers in 1983. It was reportedly the first publicly open wrestling school in history. Before the Monster Factory opened its doors to everyone wanting to become a professional wrestler, individuals had to seek out veterans and prove themselves physically and mentally in some backroom or empty gym. The Monster Factory changed the way hopefuls were trained and learned the business inside and out.

Perhaps the most famous graduate of the Monster Factory in its early years was ‘The Beast from the East’ Bam Bam Bigelow. The combination of Bam Bam’s huge size and amazing athletic abilities helped bring worldwide attention to the Monster Factory school. It saw several of its graduates go on to compete all over the world and become stars in places like the WWF/WWE, WCW, ECW, Ring of Honor and TNA. 

In 2011, Danny Cage became co-owner of the school and eventually took over complete control once Sharpe retired. Cage brought in his own trainers like the Blue Meanie and also invited scouts from the WWE and other promotions to sit and evaluate talent. The Monster Factory held shows in and around their home in New Jersey. They even had a series that aired on Apple TV. Some other notable graduates of the Monster Factory include Tatanka, the Big Show Paul Wight, Balls Mahoney, Raven Scott Levy, The Godfather Charles Wright, the Pitbulls, Matt Riddle, Damian Priest and Sheamus.

It is definitely the end of an era and a remarkable long run for arguably one of the most successful wrestling schools ever. 

Photo Gallery

Paul Heyman and Logan Paul anime style

Brock Lesnar with the Shockmaster vibes

The young Brothers of Destruction

Former ECW/WWE valet Dawn Marie and daughter at a recent AEW show

Harley Cameron

Jade Cargill

Lola Vice

Priscilla Kelly

Kayla Becker

Video Gallery

Whataburger commercial featuring pro wrestlers circa 1995…