But to many, the best wrestling school in California is one many may not have heard of, located in Bell Gardens near Los Angeles. Founded in 2008 alongside its sister promotion of the same name, the Santino Brothers Wrestling Academy is the baby of veteran wrestler Joey Kaos. Kaos is not a name most would be familiar with; despite being a 27 year veteran of the squared circle, his highest profile run in wrestling was as a member of the short-lived Wrestling Society X series on MTV, not counting dark match/squash match appearances for Lucha Underground and WWE. In fact, one could argue Kaos’ greatest contribution to the wrestling business wasn’t anything he did in the ring, but instead him coming up with the Young Bucks name for Matt and Nick Jackson, prior to them wrestling against Kaos on a 2005 indie show. 

Santino Brothers Wrestling Academy is proof that’s incorrect. Since it’s formation, Kaos and his school have developed a reputation as one of the top wrestling academy’s in the country. A closer look at the school’s list of graduates support that. Among the graduates that have gone on to achieve success are former Lucha Underground star Famous B, former WWE star Jake Atlas, and well known indie names such as Heather Monroe, Eli Everfly, Ray Rosas, Vandagriff, Viva Van, and Kidd Bandit. But the crown jewel of Santino Brothers is none other than emerging AEW star Brody King. Those who saw King break out some lucha moves in Arena Mexico for “AEW Grand Slam: Mexico City” will be surprised to know that King learned his appreciation for lucha from Kaos and the Santino Brothers Wrestling Academy. And it’s those skills that seem poised to lead King to singles superstardom as he continues his AEW journey.