Andy Baker Wrestling Journey: The Friends Who Became Family Around the World

 When I began my pro wrestling journey in 1999, I never imagined how many incredible friendships would shape my life. Wrestling was never just about stepping into the ring. It was about the people beside me through the grind, the travels, the setbacks, and the shared goal of one day reaching WWE.

As Andy Baker the wrestler, my path took me from rings in the UK to the renowned OVW system in Louisville, Kentucky. I was chasing a dream that many only talk about, and while the journey itself had its highs and lows, the people I met along the way made it unforgettable.

One of my earliest and most loyal friends was Domino. We became close during the early 2000s, and he even made the trip to train with us in Louisville. He was supportive, dependable, and just a good human being. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but his friendship has never left me.

In 2003, when I was trying to return to OVW after being offered a training place, Tim Ash stepped up and helped me tremendously. He and his wife Angela became lifelong friends, and their support during that chapter of my life meant everything.

Traxx (Jerry Penders) and I came through OVW together, pushing each other day in and day out whilst supporting each other’s dreams. We caught up again years later in Philadelphia, and it reminded me how some bonds in wrestling truly stand the test of time.

When I got the chance to wrestle in Japan in 2013, I was introduced to Ryuji Walter by friends I had made in Florida. Ryuji welcomed me with open arms, treated me to incredible meals, and helped me settle into Tokyo when everything was unfamiliar. His kindness made a lasting impact.

Florida was another major part of my story. When I first arrived in the Tampa area, I was fortunate to have promoters like Frankie Reyes and Brian Gould take chances on me. I had so much fun wrestling on their shows, and those early opportunities helped me find my footing in a new scene. Florida also became a place where I was surrounded by truly solid people, especially Rey Ayala my primo and Anthony Devlin.

These two always had my back, whether it was offering advice or simply being good, reliable people during times when I needed it most. Their loyalty and belief in me went far beyond wrestling, and I will always be thankful for their support and friendship.

Over my 20 years in the business, I was lucky to have coaches and mentors who genuinely wanted the best for me. Two of the most influential were Rip Rogers and Dr. Tom Prichard.

Not only did they train me during my time in the United States, but they also travelled to my schools in the UK on a number of occasions to share their knowledge with the next generation. These two are among the best in the world. They pushed me hard, taught me how to think like a pro, and gave advice that has stuck with me to this day. They wanted everyone they worked with to succeed, not for personal gain, but because they genuinely cared about our growth and about the business as a whole.

Jason Ayers, a WWE referee I met during my NXT tryouts and still speak with at times, was another standout. He always treated me with respect and offered advice and tips, whether it was during camp or when I made an appearance on WWE NXT in 2013.

Chris Russo, who I met through WXW and Afa The Wild Samoan while wrestling in Florida, was another genuine person. He was down to Earth, hardworking, and came through the FCW/WWE system himself. I’ll never forget when I returned to the UK, and he deliberately changed his flight whilst in another part of Europe so he could stop off in England just to visit my RWA Wrestling schools. He came to give back to the next generation and asked for nothing in return. That kind of humility and generosity is rare, and it meant a lot.

Over the years, one of the most rewarding things this business has given me is the chance to earn the respect of people I once looked up to. Being recognised by those in influential positions, whose opinions I always valued, means more than words can say and in some cases even led to genuine friendships.

Back home in the UK, there were three people who were there when I needed them the most: Des Robinson, Liam Shelbourne, and Peter McDermott aka The Locust. During one of the most difficult periods of my life they never left my side. When it felt like the world had gone quiet, they stood with me without judgment or hesitation. I will never forget that kind of loyalty and friendship.

Voodoo Child Dan Monroe played a huge role at RWA for many years. He helped guide talent with character and storytelling, while Mel provided acting coaching that shaped many of the trainees confidence and creativity. I was always close to Dan, but when everything happened with RWA and I stepped away from social media, we lost touch. During that time, Dan had already moved to Australia. Recently, he found me again and reached out while on a flying visit back. It was so good to catch up after everything we had both been through. Sometimes life pulls people apart, but it’s amazing how it can also bring them back together at just the right time.

Over time, wrestling teaches you who is real and who is not. You start to see who genuinely cares about you and who was just along for the ride. Some of those lessons are hard, but they help you appreciate the people who truly matter.

There are far too many names to mention, but if you supported me, worked with me, trained with me, still speak with me, or even shared one moment of the journey, thank you. Whether it was in Japan, Florida, Kentucky, or back home in the UK, I see and appreciate all of you. You are part of the story of Andy Baker wrestling, and I will always be grateful.

Andy 💙

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