Multiple independent stars will reportedly be receiving WWE tryouts later this week including notable names like former MLW Tag Team Champion Richard Holliday as well as former NWA World Women’s Tag Team Champion Madi Wrenkowski. Just over a dozen wrestlers from across the US independent scene are said to be headed to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida this week for a chance to be signed by the promotion.
Bodyslam.net first reported twelve names that would be taking part in this week’s tryout and Fightful Select later corroborated the list. Those reported to be taking part include Copeland Barbee, David Goldy, Jay Malachi, Richard Holliday, Brogan Finlay, Jamie Stanley, Ray Jaz, Damaris Largo, Hollyhood Haley J, Kelsey Heather, Valentina Rossi and Madi Wrenkowski. Additionally, PWInsider reported that J-Rod will also be taking part in the tryout.
Of the 13 reported individuals attending the tryout, Holliday, Finlay, Haley J and Wrenkowski are the most notable. Holliday was an established talent in MLW and previously held the promotion’s Tag Team Championship alongside now-AEW World Champion MJF. Brogan Finlay is the son of the legendary Fit Finlay as well as the brother of NJPW star and current leader of Bullet Club David Finlay.
Hollyhood Haley J was one of the spotlighted talents in the recent Netflix docuseries ‘Wrestlers’ which focused on Ohio Valley Wrestling and also competes in Women of Wrestling. Finally, Wrenkowski was one half of the NWA Women’s World Tag Team Champions throughout most of 2023 and was previously a regular of AEW Dark before the show ended in April earlier this year.
Haus of Wrestling’s own Nick Hausman recently spoke to Richard Holliday and the two discussed his battle with cancer, his recent free agency following his departure from MLW as well as fan speculation regarding a potential move to either WWE or AEW.