CBS 58's Hometown Athlete: House of Headlocks school teaches pro wrestling
BUTLER, Wis. (CBS 58) -- "And when come up, your feet should be spread," owner Eddie Brown Jr. says.
This is your school. These are your assignments.
"Lock up, headlock takedown," Brown says.
And Eddie Brown Jr. is your instructor. This is House of Headlocks.
"You wanna start over, please..." Brown says. "Head scissors."
No stranger to the ring himself, Brown founded the Butler-based school wanting to help high-flying hopefuls learn the ropes.
"It's hard work. A lot of people think it's easy. Everybody's like, 'anybody can do it.' It's not as easy as people think," Brown says.
"I remember my first day of camp," trainer Mike Schuknecht says. "I couldn't get out of bed the next day."
Schuknecht should know. He's been in the business for more than three decades and understands what it takes to find success in this squared-circle classroom.
"I got in at like 38 years old, so every single thing hurt," Schuknecht says.
"I call him the granddad of House of Headlocks," Brown says with a laugh.
"If you really listen, you're going to be a main eventer on TV. If you want to roll your eyes, you're going to be a $10 guy forever," Schuknecht says.
But it takes more than a good attention span to determine if students become superstars or jobbers.
"You do need athleticism because you're moving around in there. You're running. You're jumping, you know, doing all that stuff," Brown says.
"This is not smoke and mirrors. It's not smoke and mirrors. Do I kick you in the throat? No. Do I punch and hit you? Yes. Do I body slam you? Yes," Schuknecht says.
It's real and painful, because as it turns out, taking bumps leads to bumps and bruises.
"You're gonna go in there and it's gonna hurt. You're gonna be sore, but after a while, you'll be alright," Brown says.
But what happens if you don't fit into the sports side of sports entertainment?
"There's also a pro wrestling manager, commentator, referee. So, there's pretty much a role for anybody," Brown says.
Brown and Schuknecht have the know-how. And know how to pass it on.
At this school, progress isn't graded. It's measured on the mat.
"It's amazing when, you know, they come in here and they can't do a simple forward roll. And then all of the sudden they're doing forward rolls and backwards rolls and handstand rolls and things like that. And it's great," Brown says.
So if you have the passion, and patience needed to succeed, then class is in session.