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SCHOOL'S IN SESSION: Eubanks reflects on wrestling school, recent success

Posted: Apr 12th 2024 By: Jake Sermershein

In Cherokee County, some of the schools in the area are Tahlequah High School, Keys, Hulbert and more, but now there is another school to add to that list: United Wrestling Entertainment’s Ground Zero Wrestling School.

Started by UWE co-founder Brad Eubanks, the school is looking to give back to the Cherokee County Community. Classes are held on Thursdays and Fridays, along with every other weekend.

Lasting a year, students will have a chance to learn from some of UWE’s best. The school will teach students everything they need to know about professional wrestling, from picking a finisher to the basics of running the ropes.

“When we started UWE in 2009 we have just been focused on producing shows, now since we have evolved and gotten older we are looking more toward the future,” Eubanks said. “Now that we have gotten older and have the NSU Fit, we are able to train, so why not start this? We are officially starting a wrestling training school and it secures the future of UWE.”

Held at the Jack Dobbins Field house on Northeastern State’s campus, Eubanks is looking to teach the future generation 22 years after starting his own career. Since starting in 2002, Eubanks has competed in the ring as the Man They Call Fuel. Since 2009, Eubanks has been running UWE and wrestling under his alter-ego.

“I remember the opportunity of living my dream of being a pro wrestler and the feelings I experience,” Eubanks said.

Throughout the process of launching the school, Eubanks says there have been numerous inquiries. With the school opening on April 4, Eubanks has his first student. While there will be more coming soon, there have been some difficulties signing up for some. The Oklahoma Sporting Commission requires a physical from a doctor before anyone has been able to start. Eubanks says the turnaround time for those has not been quick and has delayed the start of at least two students.

“We have a lot of inquiries and I have a couple of guys that should be starting next week. We had one turn up and he has already taken it like a duck to water,” Eubanks said.

Students must be at least 18-years old and is open to both male and female students.

The rise of UWE’s popularity has made it possible for Eubanks to open Ground Zero. Over the last year, the promotion has partnered up with NSU, returned to the Markoma Gym and has seen attendance rise. UWE was also able to recently crown their first ever Apex Women’s Championship during the Spring Breakdown event in March.

“We are on a great momentum push right now, our audience continues to grow and the entire wrestling business is on its biggest boom in history almost. We are expecting a great turnout and fun for the entire family,” Eubanks said.

The recent success has been partially because of the product in the ring, but also because UWE has become a community attraction.

“I was talking to a friend and we were talking about UWE and he even pointed out that it is not just a professional wrestling show anymore,” Eubanks said. “We have created the community event that has wrestling in it and that struck my heart. We are all about giving back to the community that has given us so much. Everything that we built and continue to build is thanks to the entire community.”

Eubanks and UWE’s next event, Rez Rules, takes place on Saturday, April 20 at the Markoma Gym. Rez Rules’ doors open at 6 p.m. with the shoe starting at 6:30. The event will feature UWE wrestlers Koko, Killbane, The Man Called Fuel and more.

Before the event, some in UWE will be a part of Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.