From Davenport to the Big Stage

From Davenport to the Big Stage: Iowa’s Black and Brave Wrestling Academy and the State’s Thriving Indie Wrestling SceneIowa’s wrestling legacy isn’t confined to the amateur mats—it extends to the bright lights of professional wrestling, where performers captivate audiences with athleticism, storytelling, and larger-than-life personas. At the heart of Iowa’s pro wrestling scene is the Black and Brave Wrestling Academy in Davenport, a training ground that’s launched stars onto the WWE roster and fueled the state’s vibrant independent promotions. For fans in Des Moines and across Iowa, this is a golden era to celebrate homegrown talent and the indie circuit that keeps the Hawkeye State’s pro wrestling pulse strong.Black and Brave Wrestling Academy: A Launchpad for WWE StardomFounded in 2014 by Davenport native Colby Lopez—better known as WWE superstar Seth “Freakin” Rollins—and independent wrestling veteran Marek Brave, the Black and Brave Wrestling Academy has become a premier destination for aspiring pro wrestlers. Located at 508 W. 3rd St. in Davenport, the academy’s 12-week program offers rigorous training in ring skills, character development, and the mental fortitude needed to succeed in the high-stakes world of professional wrestling. With Rollins’ global fame and Brave’s deep roots in the Midwest indie scene, the school has earned a stellar reputation, recently amplified by a 2024 partnership with WWE’s Independent Development (WWE ID) program, which scouts and supports top prospects for potential WWE careers.

The academy’s most prominent graduate is Seth Rollins himself, a cornerstone of WWE’s Raw brand and the current holder of the Men’s Money in the Bank contract. Born in Davenport in 1986, Rollins honed his craft on Iowa’s indie circuit under the ring name Tyler Black before signing with WWE in 2010. His accolades include 16 WWE championships, two Money in the Bank wins (2014, 2025), the 2019 Royal Rumble, and topping Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s PWI 500 list in 2015, 2019, and 2023. Praised for his in-ring mastery and ability to reinvent his character, Rollins is a living testament to Black and Brave’s training philosophy: to be the best, you must train with the best.

Another standout is Nathan Frazer, a 23-year-old high-flyer currently tearing up WWE’s NXT brand. Originally known as Benjamin Carter, Frazer traveled from the UK to train at Black and Brave, making a name for himself on the indie circuit before signing with WWE. His appearances on All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and other promotions showcased his potential, and today, he’s considered one of NXT’s top prospects, blending technical skill with electrifying athleticism.

While Rollins and Frazer are the most visible success stories, Black and Brave has trained over 250 wrestlers, many of whom perform across the Midwest’s indie scene, with some eyeing future WWE contracts through the WWE ID program. The academy’s focus on proper training and professionalism ensures its graduates are ready for the spotlight, whether in Davenport or on Monday Night Raw.

Iowa’s Independent Wrestling Promotions: The Lifeblood of the SceneIowa’s indie wrestling scene is a crucible where talent is forged, and the state boasts a handful of promotions that keep fans engaged and wrestlers sharp. These organizations provide platforms for Black and Brave graduates and other local performers to hone their craft, often in front of passionate crowds in venues like American Legion halls and community centers. Here’s a look at some of Iowa’s key indie promotions:

• SCW Pro Wrestling (Quad Cities): Based in the Quad Cities, SCW Pro is Iowa’s longest-running active promotion, celebrating over a decade of action-packed shows. Known for its blend of local talent and guest stars, SCW has been a proving ground for Black and Brave students and a favorite among Quad Cities fans. The promotion’s events, often held in Davenport and Moline, draw strong support, reflecting the area’s deep wrestling culture. Marek Brave, co-owner of Black and Brave, has been a fixture in SCW, both as a performer and mentor. SCW’s ties to the academy make it a vital part of Iowa’s wrestling ecosystem.

• 3XWrestling (Des Moines): Operating out of Des Moines, 3XWrestling has been a staple since 2005, delivering family-friendly shows with a mix of homegrown and regional talent. Known for its monthly events at venues like the Forte Banquet Center, 3XW showcases wrestlers like “The Midwest Monster” Duke Cornell and “The American Viking” Xander Kelly, alongside occasional appearances from bigger names. The promotion’s accessibility makes it a great entry point for Des Moines fans, and its open-door policy for tryouts has attracted Black and Brave graduates looking to break in.

• Magnum Pro Wrestling (Cedar Rapids/Waukee): Magnum Pro brings high-energy wrestling to eastern and central Iowa, with shows in Cedar Rapids and Waukee. Founded by wrestler/promoter Shane Magnum, the promotion emphasizes storytelling and athleticism, featuring stars like “The Iowa Icon” CJ Parker and “The Prodigy” Ethan Everheart. Magnum Pro’s smaller, intimate venues create electric atmospheres, and its roster often includes wrestlers trained in the Midwest, including Black and Brave alumni.

• Impact Pro Wrestling (Waterloo/Cedar Falls): Serving northeastern Iowa, Impact Pro Wrestling runs events in Waterloo and Cedar Falls, drawing crowds with its mix of gritty brawls and technical showcases. Wrestlers like “The Anarchist” James Alexander and “The Natural” Ryan King have built followings here, and the promotion’s proximity to Black and Brave allows for crossover talent. Impact Pro’s commitment to affordable tickets and community engagement keeps it a fan favorite.

These promotions, while smaller than WWE or AEW, are the backbone of Iowa’s pro wrestling scene. They offer wrestlers—many trained at Black and Brave—opportunities to perform regularly, develop their characters, and catch the eye of scouts. The Midwest’s wrestling hotbed, particularly the Quad Cities and Chicago area, ensures a steady flow of bookings, with Iowa talent often traveling to nearby promotions like AAW, Freelance Wrestling, and Black Label Pro in Illinois.

Notable Iowa Indie Wrestlers to WatchBeyond WWE’s Rollins and Frazer, Iowa’s indie scene is brimming with talent, some of whom have ties to Black and Brave or perform in the state’s promotions. While specific Black and Brave graduates dominating Iowa indies are harder to pinpoint without recent rosters, here are a few names making waves:

• Marek Brave: A veteran of Iowa’s indie scene, Brave is more than Black and Brave’s head trainer—he’s a former SCW champion and a respected figure in Midwest wrestling. His feuds in promotions like AAW, including a legendary No Rope Barbed Wire match against Tyler Black (Rollins), showcased his toughness. Today, he focuses on training but occasionally steps into the ring, inspiring the next generation.

• JT Energy: A Quad Cities native, JT Energy is a rising star in SCW Pro, known for his high-flying style and charismatic promos. Trained in the Midwest, he’s a regular at Iowa and Illinois shows, embodying the hustle of indie wrestlers chasing the big leagues.

• Koda Hernandez: A versatile performer in 3XWrestling, Hernandez mixes technical wrestling with a hard-hitting edge. Based in Des Moines, he’s a fan favorite for his underdog spirit and could be a future Black and Brave recruit.

These wrestlers, alongside countless others, keep Iowa’s indie scene vibrant. Many aspire to follow Rollins’ path, leveraging Black and Brave’s WWE ID connection and the exposure of local promotions to reach greater heights.Why Iowa’s Pro Wrestling Scene MattersIowa’s pro wrestling scene thrives because of its community-driven spirit. The Quad Cities, Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Waterloo are hubs where fans pack venues to cheer local heroes and jeer villains. Black and Brave’s partnership with WWE has elevated Davenport’s profile, making it a destination for wrestlers worldwide, while promotions like SCW, 3XW, Magnum Pro, and Impact Pro keep the state’s wrestling culture alive.

For Des Moines fans, catching a 3XW show or tuning into WWE to see Seth Rollins cash in his Money in the Bank contract is a chance to celebrate Iowa’s contributions to pro wrestling. The state’s indie promotions offer affordable, accessible entertainment, often featuring wrestlers who train just a few hours away at Black and Brave. As the academy continues to produce talent and Iowa’s promotions nurture the next wave, the Hawkeye State remains a vital part of the pro wrestling landscape.Stay tuned to DesMoinesWrestling.com for updates on Iowa’s pro wrestling scene, from Black and Brave’s rising stars to 3XW’s next big show. Whether you’re cheering at ringside or streaming WWE, you’re part of Iowa’s pro wrestling story.