Dom Vitalli, the seasoned wrestling veteran and co-owner of Phoenix Championship Wrestling (PCWAZ) as well as the head trainer at the Arizona Wrestling Training Center (#traininAZ), recently shared his inspiring journey and vision for pro wrestling in a detailed interview on the Wrestling Epicenter podcast hosted by James Walsh on August 14, 2025[2][3][4]. With nearly 25 years in the ring, Vitalli blends reverence for wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan and Shane Douglas with a modern, holistic approach to training wrestlers into not only skilled athletes but well-rounded individuals.

Inspired by Wrestling Legends Hulk Hogan and Shane Douglas

Dom Vitalli openly credits Hulk Hogan as the greatest of all time and draws inspiration from his charisma, influence, and lasting impact on the industry. He emphasized how Hogan’s legacy shaped his understanding of what pro wrestling is all about—connection, entertainment, and legacy-building. Similarly, Vitalli honors the “Franchise” Shane Douglas, a pivotal figure in ECW who revolutionized wrestling storytelling and character work in the 1990s. This blend of old-school respect and new-school awareness deeply informs Vitalli’s promoter and trainer mindset[2].

“Being inspired by icons like Hulk Hogan and Shane Douglas sets the foundation,” Vitalli told Wrestling Epicenter. “They showed me how wrestling is more than just moves—it’s passion, personality, and purpose.” This reverence also drives PCWAZ’s commitment to honoring wrestling’s rich history while forging a bright future[2][3].

Elevating Wrestling in Arizona Through PCWAZ and #traininAZ

After starting his wrestling career in New York in 2001 and relocating to Arizona in 2009, Vitalli co-founded Phoenix Championship Wrestling alongside Wolfgang, focusing on grassroots building and respect for the sport[1]. Their mission is simple yet profound: to build wrestling from the ground up with homegrown talent, creating a passionate local fan base deeply connected to the wrestlers.

The promotion runs shows approximately every two months to maintain excitement without oversaturation, a strategy that quickly turned PCWAZ into the fastest-growing wrestling promotion in Arizona[1]. Their events are community-driven affairs, held in venues like Skyline High School in Mesa and filled with talent trained at their own facility, giving local wrestlers their chance to shine.

The Arizona Wrestling Training Center (#traininAZ) complements this by serving as both a gym and incubator for wrestling talent—training not just moves but also life skills, professionalism, and work ethic. PCWAZ’s subsidiary project, Slam U, empowers students to take ownership of the wrestling show experience, from booking to charity partnerships, preparing them for all facets of the wrestling business[1].

Training Wrestlers Into Quality, Well-Rounded People

Vitalli’s philosophy extends beyond in-ring ability. He believes wrestling is “a catalyst for developing inspiration in the hearts of young men and young women” and stresses the importance of character development. According to him, quality wrestlers must become quality people—disciplined, respectful, and responsible.

This holistic approach is reflected in the training curriculum at #traininAZ, which emphasizes fundamentals of wrestling, physical conditioning, storytelling, crowd interaction, and behind-the-scenes knowledge. Students are given real-world experiences such as managing events through Slam U, equipping them with skills necessary for long-term success in the industry both on and off camera[1][2].

PCWAZ’s Growing Fanbase and Upcoming Record-Breaking Show

The results of Vitalli’s leadership and vision are evident in PCWAZ’s expanding audience. Last year, their anniversary show drew an impressive 1,600 fans, signaling growing demand for quality wrestling made locally[2]. This year, on September 13, 2025, PCWAZ aims to break the 2,000-fan mark at their show hosted again at Skyline High School in Mesa, Arizona[2].

The event promises high-caliber matches, including a World Championship bout, a star-studded women’s tag team match featuring NWA’s Natalia Markova and rising star Zamaya, and a tag-team title defense by fan favorites CLAS and Devin Reno against a formidable young team challenging the Pretty City Express’s reign[2]. According to sources close to PCWAZ, these cards are designed both to showcase homegrown Arizona talent and attract wrestling fans from a wider region, solidifying the promotion’s reputation as a rising force[2].

A Source Close to PCWAZ Speaks

According to a WWE insider familiar with the independent scene and regional promotions, “Dom Vitalli is the quintessential builder—a guy who respects wrestling history but understands what today’s fans want. He’s not just training wrestlers to perform; he’s preparing them for life, which is rare in pro wrestling.” This insider also noted PCWAZ’s increasing fan turnout as a sign that “the groundwork they’re laying in Arizona could produce some of the top talents in wrestling over the next decade.”

Why PCWAZ Matters to the Wrestling Industry

Phoenix Championship Wrestling under Dom Vitalli’s stewardship exemplifies the ideal of grassroots wrestling—nurturing local talent, maintaining direct fan engagement, and providing wrestling with integrity and heart. As the wrestling industry continues evolving with major companies like WWE and AEW expanding, regional promotions like PCWAZ serve as vital talent pipelines and cultural hubs that keep professional wrestling vibrant at its roots[1][2].

Vitalli’s approach of blending historic inspiration with contemporary training techniques and business acumen offers a blueprint for how independent wrestling promotions can succeed in today’s competitive landscape. His focus on training wrestlers to be quality, well-rounded individuals aligns with modern wrestling’s emphasis on character, storytelling, and audience connection.

Final Thoughts

Dom Vitalli’s journey from inspired young wrestler to prominent promoter and trainer highlights the enduring power of wrestling legends like Hulk Hogan and Shane Douglas to shape future generations. Through PCWAZ and #traininAZ, he is cultivating not only the next crop of wrestling stars from Arizona but also upholding the values of professionalism, dedication, and community impact.

As PCWAZ aims to set new attendance records and continue elevating wrestling around the Valley of the Sun, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely. The combination of veteran wisdom, hands-on training, and fan-first promotion sets PCWAZ apart as a model for independent wrestling success in 2025 and beyond[1][2][3].

Article based on exclusive interviews and coverage from Wrestling Epicenter, Wrestling Headlines, Phoenix New Times, and firsthand sources close to the professional wrestling industry.