10 Things You Should Know About Apple TV's Monster Factory TV Show
Matthew Cannon
The pro wrestling scene is one of the most interesting forms of entertainment in the world. A cross between combat sports and theater, wrestling requires physical athleticism and a great acting ability. As fans continue to look to be more connected with the product, companies continue to pull back the curtains on the regular with behind the scenes looks.
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While many fans are used to WWE's own similar program in the form of Breaking Ground or Tough Enough, Apple TV+ would debut their own look at the training process of wrestling with Monster Factory, a docu-series showcasing one of the premiere wrestling schools in the world. Looking at The Monster Factory Pro Wrestling School in New Jersey, here are some things fans should know about the new show!
10 All Episodes Are Available On Apple TV+
Debuting in March 2023, Apple TV+ would launch their Monster Factory series on the streaming service. Rather than dropping on a weekly basis, Apple would release all six episodes of the show at once, allowing fans to binge watch the product. The show follows Danny Cage, the head trainer of The Monster Factory wrestling school in Paulsboro, New Jersey, as well as a number of trainees including Bobby Buffett, The Notorious Mimi, Gabby Ortiz, and Twitch, as they look to become the next generation of wrestling superstars.
9 The Monster Factory Came To Prominence Through Bam Bam Bigelow
While the TV show showcases the current version of The Monster Factory wrestling school, it does also paint a picture of the past state of the school. Prior to Danny Cage taking over the school, the former head of the school was Larry Sharpe.
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Debuting in 1974, Sharpe would wrestle across America before launching the Monster Factory in 1983, known as the first public wrestling school. Under Sharpe, the school would train a number of big stars, though the first truly huge name would be The Beast From The East, Bam Bam Bigelow.
8 The Show Is A Great Look At Wrestling Schools Outside Of The WWE Performance Center
For many wrestling fans, the only real look behind the scenes at wrestling training that we have seen is from WWE documentaries showcasing the behind the scenes of the Performance Center. Whether it be through Breaking Ground, Tough Enough, or any of the WWE 24 specials, this has been the only truly great look at the training process of becoming a pro wrestler.
Now, Apple TV+ has given wrestling fans a new look at the training behind becoming a pro wrestler. Through showcasing an independent, public wrestling school like The Monster Factory, the show gives a deep and well-rounded look at what goes into creating a pro wrestler from scratch. For those who may be considering becoming a pro wrestler, this is a great place to start.
7 It Paints A Great Picture Of The School's Teacher, Danny Cage
While a lot of the focus in Monster Factory is on some of the trainees at the school, the show also puts the spotlight on the current head trainer of Monster Factory, Danny Cage. Telling the story of a bright independent star who unfortunately had his career cut short due to injury, Cage shines in this series as a great teacher who seems to truly care about his students and helping to create the next generation of wrestling stars.
While some wrestling trainers seem to have the mindset that only certain people can make it in the business, Danny Cage has the approach that he will never be the one to crush or end the dreams of hopeful students. As long as you show up and put in the work, he will do everything he can to make the wrestling dream come true. In short, pro wrestling needs more industry leaders like The Monster Factory's Danny Cage.
6 The School Is Still Taking New Applicants
For those who may have watched the show or for fans who are considering trying to enter the wrestling business, Danny Cage's teaching ability seems to be held in high regard. Through his own words, he is not one to crush anyone's dreams, and if someone is determined to make this work, he will be there for them. In turn, The Monster Factory is still accepting applications for new trainees into the school, with more information being available on the school's website.
5 The School Trained Big Names In AEW, Impact, & WWE
For those that are unfamiliar with The Monster Factory, the wrestling school has given birth to a number of big names across the current wrestling landscape. Whether it be WWE, Impact Wrestling, or AEW, a number of big-time stars got their start through The Monster Factory, either under Danny Cage or Larry Sharpe.
Some noteworthy names that were taught in the factory include WWE Superstars Sheamus, Damian Priest, & Matt Riddle, AEW wrestlers Paul Wight (fka The Big Show) & QT Marshall, and Impact Wrestling star Steve Maclin. Who knows who could be the next breakout star from The Monster Factory's current class of trainees?
4 The Monster Factory Streams Their Shows On Their YouTube Channel
There is more wrestling available today than ever before. With AEW and WWE always producing more and more content, there are other companies like Impact, ROH, Stardom, NJPW, TJPW, & MLW that are all increasingly available for new fans to watch. In turn, Monster Factory has begun airing their own show over on the company's YouTube Channel. For wrestling fans looking to add more to their schedule, check out the Monster Factory Pro Wrestling YouTube to watch shows from the school and get a look at some bright young prospects in the wrestling world.
3 The Show Features Notorious Mimi Getting Signed To WWE
One of the most interesting aspects of The Monster Factory is the fact that within the first two episodes of the show, one of the trainess at this New Jersey-based wrestling school gets signed to WWE. During the first episodes, The Notorious Mimi attends a WWE Tryout in Florida before being called back and offered a contract, showing just how quickly this process can come together.
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For fans of NXT, they may recognize Mimi as the women's wrestler Sloane Jacobs. After appearing on AEW Dark, she was signed to NXT and began appearing for WWE's developmental brand, though she would unfortunately be released months later as part of a large roster cut. At just 20 years old, Mimi has returned to the independent scene and the sky is the limit for the young redhead who could become a future star in promotions such as AEW, ROH, or Impact Wrestling.
2 Gabby Ortiz Comes Off As A Captivating, Hot Free Agent
Looking at another one of the young wrestling hopefuls featured in Monster Factory is Philadelphia native, Gabby Ortiz. With her debuting in 2016, Gabby would breakout in ROH and Stardom, with her almost securing a WWE contract. Following the passing of her mother, she herself admits in the show that things took a downward spiral for her career.
After getting back on the horse, Ortiz has turned herself into a proper promising free agent once again, with the Monster Factory helping her get to where she is today. Gabby appears to be injured, with her last match taking place in December 2022. With Ortiz having already wrestled a few times for AEW and having been on WWE's radar in the past, Gabby Ortiz could be a future star for AEW, WWE, or ROH in the coming years.
1 Twitch Could Be The Next Great Promo Guy In Wrestling
One of the most emotionally devastating stories in Monster Factory stems from the wrestler Twitch. Real name Lucas DiSangro, this young star is notable for dealing with so many hardships in his life from Tourette's to depression, the show details his struggles and telling the story of how he almost took his own life but was saved by pro wrestling.
During the show, fans are treated to a number of promos from Twitch, with him coming off with such natural charisma that it becomes clear as day that he DiSangro could one day be the next great talker in pro wrestling, along the likes of MJF, Christian Cage, & Cody Rhodes. For those looking for the next breakout star of the independent scene, Ortiz and DiSangro could very well be those names.