SA pro-wrestler Damian Slater chosen for WWE tournament

ADELAIDE professional wrestler Damian Slater has devoted almost half his life to his craft — now his dedication has paid off with a historic opportunity to dazzle millions for World Wrestling Entertainment.

14/06/16 - Adelaide born-and-based professional wrestler Damian Slater has been invited to the US to compete for World Wrestling Entertainment in a televised 32-man tournament against performers from all over the world. It could lead to a permanent spot with the multimillion-dollar company. Pictured at St Claire training centre with Jonah Rock. Picture Dean Martin

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DAMIAN Slater has devoted almost half his life to the craft of professional wrestling, and his dedication has paid off in historic fashion.

Slater, 29, is the first South Australian chosen to compete at a live, televised World Wrestling Entertainment event and will debut next month in front of one million people in 10 countries.

For the Semaphore grappler, who leaves for Orlando, Florida on Sunday, the opportunity to showcase his skills for the $725 million-a-year global juggernaut is a dream come true.

“It still feels surreal ... when I first found out, I didn’t believe it at all and, even now, I still don’t,” he told The Advertiser.

Adelaide professional wrestler Damian Slater, who will compete in a live, televised WWE tournament next month, comes to grips with fellow performer Jonah Rock. Picture: Dean Martin.

“It’s such a strange feeling, knowing you’re going to be where, as a kid, you dreamt of being but never thought would actually happen.”

Slater began his wrestling training in 2002, aged 15, and had his first match a year later.

He has since become one of the most respected performers with Adelaide’s three major companies, WrestleRampage Australia, Riot City Wrestling and Snakepit Adelaide Pro Wrestling.

Having wrestled in the US, New Zealand, Japan and Myanmar, Slater made it onto WWE’s radar in 2014 at a two-day tryout camp in Melbourne.

“At the time (WWE) told me ‘maybe in the future, so stay in touch’ ... recently they told me they had an opportunity for me,” he said.

That opportunity was the Cruiserweight Classic, a tournament featuring 32 performers from the world independent wrestling scene, airing on WWE’s 24-hour live-streaming network.

Cruiserweight wrestling focuses on high-flying, high-speed action. Picture: Dean Martin.

The tournament breaks with WWE’s usual business practice of hiring independent performers and putting them through its in-house training system before showing them on TV.

Slater said he was humbled to have received such a high-profile chance to represent his country.

“It’s pretty crazy ... it’ll be my first match in a WWE ring and it’ll be in front of millions of people,” he said.

“I’m so incredibly grateful to be considered among a field of the world’s elite and to be able to represent the Australian pro wrestling scene.”

Cruiserweight wrestling emphasises high-flying action, and competitors who wow the audience could earn a permanent spot with the company that made The Rock a household name.

“I know this is an opportunity to stand out, but I also know that it’s up to me to make the most of it,” he said.

“It’s not like there’s 32 contracts on offer ... it’s a tough field to crack but there’s no better experience nor exposure.”

To watch the Cruiserweight Classic, visit WWE.com/wwenetwork. WWE’s World Tour is at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Friday, August 12. Tickets available from Ticketek.

Follow @SeanFewster

Originally published as SA pro-wrestler Damian Slater chosen for WWE tournament