[MEDIA] Rocky Mountain News 7.31.08 Mixed martial arts veteran Trigg trains for wrestling ring
Evad Seltzer
Mixed martial arts veteran Trigg trains for wrestling ring
By Alex Marvez, Scripps Howard News Service
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Frank Trigg remembers when two of pro wrestling's biggest stars were
nobodies in the same gym where he trained for mixed martial arts
competition.
Now, Trigg is the one hoping to follow in the footsteps of grappling
stars John Cena and "Samoa Joe" Seanoa.
A top-tier MMA fighter and commentator, Trigg has started working for
TNA Wrestling (7 p.m. Thursdays, Spike TV). He provides guest analysis
while training behind the scenes for a future in-ring debut. He
already is getting physically involved in TNA matches by interfering
on behalf of longtime friend Kurt Angle.
Before every TNA television taping in Orlando, Trigg spends three
hours under the auspices of renowned trainer Scott D'Amore. The
sessions are MMA-flavored, as Trigg has an Aug. 24 bout in Japan.
"They're not trying to teach me stuff that just looks good for the
camera," Trigg said in a recent telephone interview. "I'm learning a
legitimate-looking, strong style of pro wrestling so I can try and be
a career guy in this. Whether I'm good enough and can figure out how
to do this is the question."
Trigg already has proven himself in the MMA world, posting a 16-6
record that includes high-profile bouts for the Ultimate Fighting
Championship. Trigg has gradually segued into announcing, where he and
Jay Glazer have called matches for PRIDE replays on FOX Sports Net and
the recent Affliction pay-per- view show.
Trigg's gift of gab caught TNA's attention. He was hired in April when
the promotion was trying to give an Angle vs. Samoa Joe pay-per-view
match a more realistic, MMA-style feel.
Before one taping, Trigg and "Curry Man" Christopher Daniels horsed
around in the ring. Trigg flashed so much promise that he was
approached by TNA founder Jeff Jarrett about training to become a pro
wrestler.
Were he asked earlier this decade, Trigg probably would have declined
the offer. When the Ultimate Pro Wrestling academy moved into his gym
(the R.I. Center) in El Segundo, Calif., Trigg felt that industry was
declining after the "Monday Night Wars" between World Wrestling
Entertainment and World Championship Wrestling had ended.
Two of UPW's students were Cena, who Trigg recalls being a "6-foot-2,
175-pound guy called The Prototype," and Seanoa.
"I remember going to some of their shows and thinking, 'I really don't
see what they're doing,' " Trigg said. "Suddenly, I watch the
Prototype grow up to become John Cena and Joe make it big in TNA."
Despite his tough-guy credentials, the 36-year-old Trigg admits having
apprehension about whether he can make the transition from MMA to pro
wrestling. His biggest concern is physical size. Although he is
significantly heavier before cutting weight for MMA fights, the 5-
foot-8 Trigg has primarily competed in the 170-pound welterweight
division. But with TNA placing less emphasis on behemoth performers
than WWE, Trigg has a real shot at success.
Even if he doesn't pan out, Trigg has prepared for life after fighting
by launching multiple business ventures, including his own
"Triggonomics" clothing line (triggonomics.com).
Trigg also is cherishing his TNA experience. Besides rubbing elbows
with some of his favorite performers, Trigg has gained a newfound
respect for what it takes to step into the ring.
Alex Marvez writes a syndicated pro wrestling column for Scripps
Howard News Service.