For aspiring wrestlers, Larry Sharpe's Monster Factory school has long been one of the premiere destinations. Opened in 1983, it is widely considered to be one of the first real facilities created specifically to train the next generation of bone benders. The great Bam Bam Bigelow may be the school's most recognizable product and star pupil (at least for its first two decades) but the longtime journeyman wrestler can add another superstar to the list of men he helped progress and evolve in the industry: Sheamus. Though the Celtic Warrior was raised thousands of miles away, he arrived in the New Jersey-based school on the advice of Bret "Hitman" Hart. There, he fine-tuned his craft and joined other stars such as D'Lo Brown, Charles "Godfather" Wright, Virgil, Tatanka, Rocco Rock, Sonjay Dutt and others who went on to make very good livings for themselves, thanks in large part to the lessons instilled in them during their time there. While Sharpe does not carry the name power that someone like Booker T or The Dudley Boyz (three stars of the 1990s and 2000s who have opened schools in the last 10 years) might, but it is difficult to look at the stars that have emanated from his centre and not recognize him as one of the most influential trainers in the business.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
