Rochester Born, Rochester Bred
Upstate Pro Wrestling Academy
FKA Flower City Wrestling Academy
Our Values
Safety: The number one rule in our wrestling school is safety. We understand that professional wrestling can be extremely dangerous, but the staff at UPWA do everything in their power to help minimize the risk of injury while maximizing the rewards of learning
Respect: Everyone training at UPWA is expected to respect not only their trainer, but also their peers. Professional wrestling is built on the foundation of respect to your fellow workers, the fans, and the business that gives us this opportunity.
Fun: At UPWA what we strive to do is create a FUN learning environment, but we never sacrifice safety for fun.
Head Trainer: Chris Cayden
Chris Cayden started his journey in professional wrestling in July of 2001. Training all over the NY/NJ area to begin and in various aspects; ranging from hard hitting strong style to lucha libre. Chris' strongest suit is the fact he is an entertainer. Not only will he help you develop a move set but he will help you create and establish a character and/or a gimmick!
Chris has held many titles in countless promotions spanning all over the United States. Cayden has wrestled in 16 different states as well as Canada. Has been booked multiple times in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
Cayden's motto to which he believes in and tries to instill on others:
Being Snug, Staying Safe and Always Remaining Strong!
Chris Cayden runs training on Monday
Assistant Trainer: Da Latin Soldier
An Alumni from the Kayfabe Dojo Wrestling School. Trained by Hellcat, Soldier brings 26+ years of knowledge to the UPWA and the students. His "Old School" thinking makes him a perfect candidate for our expanding school, bringing vast knowledge to the table and combining each of our trainers' different styles together. A unique way to learn both newer styles as well as traditional styles.
Soldier runs training on Tuesday
Assistant Trainers: Matt Lawson & Troy Cooper
Matt Lawson and Troy Copper stated training at The Upstate Pro Wrestling Academy over 5 years ago. They have been honing their craft, learning from the best and brightest minds Rochester wrestling has to offer. As a team known as "American Strong Style" they have won tag team gold in Upstate Professional Wrestling on three separate occasions and also won the "Upstate 8 Tag Team Tournament." Troy Cooper as an individual brings a level of technical efficiency that few in the ring can rival. Matt Lawson is a true student of the sport, through his years of studying he has been able to cultivate a mind for wrestling that few appreciate until they fully experience it. Together they are able to combine their shared experiences and help form the next generation of "Upstate Professional Wrestling."
Lawson and Cooper run training on Thursday
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Assistant Trainer: Brian Milliman
Brian Milliman started his Pro Wrestling journey back in 2013 under the training of Hellcat, Colin Delaney, and Marc Hauss. The Leader of the 'Fractured Eclipse' has accomplished many of accolades in his time here at UPW, including being a former UPW No Limits Champion and FCWA Heavyweight Champion. Milliman uses his high-flying and fast paced style to push students to not only better themselves as far as basics go, but to better themselves on the cardio side of things as well.
Milliman runs training on Sunday and is temporarily running things on Monday during Cayden's recovery
Coach: Johnny Kayfabe
​21 years in business experience, 6 years as WBGT MY18 as sports producer, production assistant and editor of Wrestlevision TV 2003-2019. Veteran manager and referee. Has been involved in matches with some big names as well as officiated some including Ted DiBiase, Jimmy Snuka, Rikishi, Samoa Joe, Abyss, and Brodie Lee!
Coach supervises training on Sundays.
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