The Proving Grounds, in addition to professional wrestler training, will offer training as a manager, valet, referee, ring announcer, and professional wrestling commentator. To inquire about any of these programs, feel free to contact us to setup an appointment to discuss things further.

Our facility is over 5000 square foot in size. The majority of this area will be designated for both in ring training and a venue for Defiant Pro Wrestling to showcase it’s roster in both DPW and DDW (Defiant Divas Wrestling) events. There will also be monthly TV tapings from this location as well. This will, in essence, give our students several different brands to hone their skills in front of live audiences.

We also offer a fully loaded gym with everything needed to build a prospective students body to meet the challenges of today’s industry. The option of personal weight training is also available.

The Proving Grounds is owned and operated by Mike E. Milano. Milano has been involved in the wrestling industry on a regional level for seven years. He became a key player in the success of his trainer, Jason Knight's Assault Championship Wrestling as a personality, and a manager. He realized his lifelong aspiration by creating his own company, Defiant Pro Wrestling. DPW has become the premier independent wrestling promotion in Connecticut. Milano has done this, by utilizing as many local, and semi local talents as possible. He has enlisted the services of those he knew would fit the bill as trainers for a venture such as this. It was imperative that he get the right trainers for the job.

The senior trainer is Jason Knight. Jason is a true veteran of the industry. He was initially trained by WWE Hall of Famer, Johnny Rodz. He has traveled all over the world during his twenty five year plus career. He was worked for such notable promotions as World Wrestling Entertainment, World Championship Wrestling, Florida Championship Wrestling, and numerous Japanese companies. He is perhaps best known for his tenure in the original ECW, dating back to the days when it was known as Eastern Championship Wrestling, and later on as Extreme Championship Wrestling. During his time in ECW, Jason became the last Eastern, and first Extreme Championship Wrestling Television Champion. He later became part of the unit known as THE IMPACT PLAYERS, alongside the great Lance Storm and Dawn Marie, and of course, Justin Credible. Jason brings an old school style and approach to The Proving Grounds. His unique style of training and teaching have been responsible for many careers in this business, such as, Mercedes Martinez, Talia Madison, Pat Gunner, Del Tsunami, Bull Dredd, Avil Graves, Bobby Ocean, and DPW owner Mike E. Milano.

The assistant trainer is the before mentioned Justin Credible. Justin is a fifteen year veteran of the industry. He was trained by the highly respected Hart family. He began his career with World Wrestling Entertainment, as Aldo Montoya. He rose to international prominence under the auspices of Extreme Championship Wrestling as Justin Credible. He was a brash cocky performer who had tremendous battles with the likes of The Sandman, Tommy Dreamer, Shane Douglas, Rob Van Dam, Sabu, The Great Sasuke, and many others. He became one of the few performers in ECW to attain both the World and Tag Team championships alongside Lance Storm as The Impact Players. Credible's presence at The Proving Grounds bridges the gap between old school and new school approaches to the industry, and is a valuable member of the training team.

Rounding out the staff of trainers is a very accomplished veterans in Ron Zombie and. Zombie is a 12 year veteran of the regional independent scene. His training began under the guidance of WWE Hall of Famer, Killer Kowalski. He has become one of the most popular performers in New England, and has honed his skills against opponents such as Balls Mahoney, Raven, New Jack, Tommy Dreamer, Justin Credible, Jason Knight, Tony Devito, Monsta Mack, Homicide, and many more. Ron is without question, one of the most respected veterans around, both in, and out of the locker room.