WWE dream on track for Dandenong North wrestler brothers fighting in Thornbury

Two Dandenong North sibling wrestlers have been hand-picked to join an exclusive Japanese dojo. But now they face a phenomenally tough training regimen for their shot at the international professional circuit.

Stevie and Tome Filip will head to Japan to forge their fortunes. Picture: George Salpigtidis

A dynamic wrestling duo from Dandenong North are pulling out all the moves in an effort to join one the world’s premier wrestling leagues in Japan.

Brothers Tome and Stevan Filiposki have been hand picked by wrestling royalty to train at the exclusive New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo, a pathway to the coveted Japanese league and possibly the pinnacle of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).

The duo will quit their jobs to join the revered training system, under which wrestlers eat, sleep, work and train at the dojo full-time.

Students can spend years training before making it into the ring.

The Japanese league has produced countless WWE performers, including wrestling superstar A.J. Styles.

‘The Natural Classics’ wrestle out of Thornbury and Thomastown.

The brothers were scouted by New Zealand professional wrestler and New Japan founding member Bad Luck Fale, who trained them for three months using the same Japanese techniques.

Tome Filiposki said it was old-school hard work, but worth it to chase his dream of wrestling at the highest level.

“We lived and breathed it for three months. It was exhausting but we walked away with a whole lot of knowledge,” he said.

Every morning students wake up early to clean the dojo, sweep floors and scrub toilets before a five-hour training session.

Training includes wrestling, martial arts, and challenges such as 1000 squats a day.

Mr Filiposki said the whole experience made him physically and mentally tougher.

“We gave everything we had,” he said.

Performing as Tome ‘Future Classic’ and Stevie ‘The Natural’ Filip, the brothers wrestle out of Thornbury and Thomastown with Melbourne City Wrestling.

MCW Academy trainer James Mitchell said the pair caught his eye from day one and were “potential stars”.

Mr Mitchell said Stevie was “tremendously” gifted athletically and “like lightning in a bottle without the cap on”.

While Tome is dark, brooding and calculated.

The intense training program will have them doing more than 1000 squats a day.

“He’s dangerous because you don’t see it coming,” he said.

Mr Mitchell said the “special” pair were destined for success, as long as they continued to work hard.

“I think they will be signed (to WWE) one day. No doubt in my mind,” he said.

MORE NEWS: TONGUES WAGGING OVER NORTHERN CASH SPLASH

$70,000 SHORTFALL FORCES CHARITY SHUT

SHOPPING CENTRES PLAGUED BY CRIME

Tome Filip said his goal was to make wrestling his full-time job and would wrestle anywhere to do it.

He said the Australian wrestling scene was growing, and Melbourne City Wrestling posted some of the best content out there.

“We’re so grateful they’ve given us a platform to show everyone what we’re capable of,” he said.