Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Oct 11, 2014 10:42:14 GMT -6
www.newsday.com/sports/pro-wrestling/curt-hawkins-former-wwe-superstar-mixes-pro-wrestling-show-with-art-exhibit-1.9488286
Beer free, art for sale at pro wrestling show in Hicksville
Complimentary beer and wine for an art exhibit is standard fare.
Adding in a six-man tag team match shakes things up a bit. But Glen Cove native Brian Myers is enjoying doing things a little differently these days.
Myers, who wrestles as Curt Hawkins, was released earlier this year from WWE after an eight-and-a-half year stint. But the former WWE tag-team champ is far from despondent. He’s taking advantage of the opportunity to spend more time at Create a Pro Wrestling Academy in Hicksville, which he co-founded earlier this year. And tonight, he’s combining grappling and art with the help of his brother, Pat.
Pat Myers works with a group of artists in New York City who experiment with different themes. Tonight, their wrestling-themed art will be for sale at Create a Pro while some of Brian Myers’ students take to the ring to show their stuff. The first match will feature his pupils in a six-man tag bout.
“To be honest, the highlight of the night is going to be seeing my guys wrestling,” Brian Myers said. “I’m going to be like a proud dad. And then the next week we’ll break it down and see what they did good and what they did bad. It’s all a part of the learning experience.”
While Myers is enjoying teaching, he’s getting some new learning experiences of his own. Unlike many pro wrestlers who toil in independent promotions for years before getting a shot at the big time, the 29-year-old was signed by WWE around the time he was hitting legal drinking age. While he feels fortunate for that and adds that he’s “not upset or bitter” about being released, this new chapter is allowing him to check off some bucket list items.
He’s a longtime fan of the now-defunct Extreme Championship Wrestling, and on Nov. 15, he’s going to square off with ECW alumnus Christian York at the old ECW Arena (now known as the 2300 Arena) in Philadelphia.
“I’ve never been able to do this before, this alternative pro wrestling life, which is just fun,” said Myers, who added he’s booked on shows just about every weekend.
Myers also likes being his own boss, allowing him to experiment with events such as tonight's show while still using his WWE moniker to promote what he’s doing.
“Luckily, Curt Hawkins is somewhat of a household name,” Myers said, “and I can live off that name and do a lot of stuff.”
Create a Pro Wrestling Academy is located at 95 Engineers Drive in Hicksville. Doors open at 8 p.m., with the wrestling beginning sometime after 9. Admission is free. For more information email createaprowrestling@yahoo.com.
Beer free, art for sale at pro wrestling show in Hicksville
Complimentary beer and wine for an art exhibit is standard fare.
Adding in a six-man tag team match shakes things up a bit. But Glen Cove native Brian Myers is enjoying doing things a little differently these days.
Myers, who wrestles as Curt Hawkins, was released earlier this year from WWE after an eight-and-a-half year stint. But the former WWE tag-team champ is far from despondent. He’s taking advantage of the opportunity to spend more time at Create a Pro Wrestling Academy in Hicksville, which he co-founded earlier this year. And tonight, he’s combining grappling and art with the help of his brother, Pat.
Pat Myers works with a group of artists in New York City who experiment with different themes. Tonight, their wrestling-themed art will be for sale at Create a Pro while some of Brian Myers’ students take to the ring to show their stuff. The first match will feature his pupils in a six-man tag bout.
“To be honest, the highlight of the night is going to be seeing my guys wrestling,” Brian Myers said. “I’m going to be like a proud dad. And then the next week we’ll break it down and see what they did good and what they did bad. It’s all a part of the learning experience.”
While Myers is enjoying teaching, he’s getting some new learning experiences of his own. Unlike many pro wrestlers who toil in independent promotions for years before getting a shot at the big time, the 29-year-old was signed by WWE around the time he was hitting legal drinking age. While he feels fortunate for that and adds that he’s “not upset or bitter” about being released, this new chapter is allowing him to check off some bucket list items.
He’s a longtime fan of the now-defunct Extreme Championship Wrestling, and on Nov. 15, he’s going to square off with ECW alumnus Christian York at the old ECW Arena (now known as the 2300 Arena) in Philadelphia.
“I’ve never been able to do this before, this alternative pro wrestling life, which is just fun,” said Myers, who added he’s booked on shows just about every weekend.
Myers also likes being his own boss, allowing him to experiment with events such as tonight's show while still using his WWE moniker to promote what he’s doing.
“Luckily, Curt Hawkins is somewhat of a household name,” Myers said, “and I can live off that name and do a lot of stuff.”
Create a Pro Wrestling Academy is located at 95 Engineers Drive in Hicksville. Doors open at 8 p.m., with the wrestling beginning sometime after 9. Admission is free. For more information email createaprowrestling@yahoo.com.