Since he was 20 years old, Isaiah Berra has laid claim to a number of titles as a filmmaker – actor, writer, director, producer among them. Now immersed in the rough and unpredictable world of professional wrestling, he hopes to add another prestigious title to his resume – WrestleAcademy 2024 winner.
Berra, who has generated a swell of support under the nomme de guerre “The Prospector” Wes Barker – an homage to the larger than life characters of northern B.C. legend – was announced on Saturday as one of 20 wrestlers nationwide who will participate in the WrestleAcademy 2024 tournament next summer in Montreal.
The tournament, developed by WWE wrestling legend Jacques Rougeau, features a cross-section of the country’s career-minded wrestlers to attract attention from the top wrestling companies in the United States. The 2023 tournament winners recently appeared on All Elite Wrestling (AEW) television tapings in Montreal. In addition, four participants – two men and two women – will walk away with a $10,000 prize each. Judges for the competition include the Rougeau brothers, as well as their Hall of Fame manager, “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart.
With wrestlers announced for the tournament with more experience, “The Prospector” may be up against the biggest challenge of his career, but to be selected among the top 20 qualifiers from a pool of 55 wrestlers who applied for the program, speaks to his strong first impression.
“Primetime Wrestling is very proud to share that 5 outstanding wrestlers from our roster over the past year have made their way into Rougeau’s top 20,” said Primetime Wrestling’s CEO Davy Greenlees. “Former heavyweight champion “Mr. Beefy Goodness” Vance Nevada, Bobby Sharp, Mentallo, and female wrestler Rylie Rose will be joining The Prospector in the chase for the Title.”
The opening night of the tournament takes place on August 24 in Montreal. But local fans here will have their next opportunity to see Wes Barker in action on February 16 and 17 when Primetime Wrestling debuts at the Prince George Civic Centre.