Trevor Murdoch Still Calls WLW Home

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WLW Graduate

& WWE Superstar

Trevor Murdoch

Still Calls WLW Home

For as much as his life has changed since last June when he signed a developmental deal with the WWE, Trevor Murdoch says much has stayed the same. “I still call Eldon and World League Wrestling home”. “You’ll still find me down at the gym a couple of nights a week” and it was our own Trevor Murdoch spotted driving B.J. Race around Eldon on his new dune buggy.

Murdoch with BJ Race

Trevor Murdoch (who WLW fans may recall as Trevor Rhodes) has come quite a long way since 1999 when he began his training with Harley Race. On April 11, 2000 Trevor defeated Meng to become the WLW Heavyweight Champion. A feat he was able to accomplish for a second time when, on November 19, 2004 , he defeated Rick Steiner to begin his second Heavyweight Title reign. Trevor also held the WLW Tag Titles on two occasions; once with Bull Schmitt and once with “Wild” Wade Chism.

Trevor says, “Harley Race provided me with the tools I needed and the fans of WLW offered me an opportunity to learn my craft.” And learn his craft he did. Trevor’s opportunity with WWE came a little quicker than expected. Initially Trevor was scheduled to head to Louisville , KY and some additional training in Ohio Valley Wrestling. After a few house show matches it was clear to the WWE Agents and Johnny Ace that Trevor was already prepared to start with WWE full-time. Harley jokes, “I guess he learned a thing or two while he was here”.

Trevor locks up with Harley Race in the gym

On August 22, 2005 a promo was shown showcasing Trevor’s debut along with Lance Cade. On September 5, 2005 the two won their Raw debut beating Hurricane and Rosey in a non-title match. That set up a title match for them at Unforgiven where they became the WWE World Tag Team Champions.

“Our schedules can get a little crazy” says Trevor. “I fly out on Thursday, wrestle Friday, Saturday, Sunday and do TV on Monday then it’s back on a plane headed home. At first it was a huge adjustment but, now things are becoming a little easier. My wife has been great through all of this. I’m very thankful for her help. B.J. and Harley have made the transition much easier. It’s nice to still be able to ask Harley for advice and to bounce ideas off of him.”

Trevor Murdoch back home

I was somewhat surprised that Trevor suggested the WLW gym as the place to meet to discuss this article. You’d think that would be the last place he would want to be on his days off. Quite the contrary he says, “I try to come in a couple times a week and help out with the younger guys. Try to give back some of what I’ve learned. I also realize all of these guys here would like my job and I need to stay on my toes.” He adds, “In all seriousness, this is what I consider home. My wife and family are here, Harley and B.J. and the rest of the guys are great friends and Eldon’s not a bad place to raise a couple of kids.”

(article written by Ty Dalton)

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