The prospects are put through the paces inside the WWE Performance Center’s world-class weight room. With all six men boasting stellar athletic pedigrees, they’re no stranger to hard work.
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Michael Boykin wrestled heavyweight at North Carolina State University. He's a two-time NCAA Division I tournament qualifier.
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NXT signee Daniel Vidot and coach Hartley Jackson keep an eye on former University of North Carolina grappling star Cory Gilliland-Daniel as he completes the tiring "Baldo Bag" drill.
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This is the second time that Zech Smith, a 7-footer who's played college and professional basketball, has been invited to the WWE Performance Center.
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Throughout the year, WWE holds several exclusive tryouts geared toward high-level beginners who have no prior experience in sports-entertainment.
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Vidot, a former pro rugby player, and fellow NXT recruit Denzel Dejournette, a former collegiate wrestler, join the camp to assist with the in-ring drills.
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Head Coach Matt Bloom assesses the field as they perform rolls.
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A longtime coach in WWE's talent development system, Norman Smiley knows exactly what to look for when a new prospect enters the ring.
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U.S. Marine Corps veteran Seville Hayes wrestled for California Polytechnic University. Cal Poly is considered a powerhouse program among collegiate wrestling enthusiasts.
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Coach Robbie Brookside keeps the athletes motivated while also keeping a close eye on their form.
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Jesse Gomez crisscrosses Smith as they run the ropes. Gomez is a former All-American grappler from California who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 265 pounds.
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Dejournette demonstrates the proper form for a bodyslam.
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Derek Hillman was a consummate threat in the 197 weight class in the Mid-American Conference. He wrestled at Eastern Michigan before transferring to Ohio University.
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It takes a special athlete to power through the inevitable fatigue that comes with attending a WWE tryout.
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Could the NXT Universe one day see these athletes in action at an NXT TakeOver?