The History of the WWE / UPW Association

During 1999-2000, UPW/Ultimate University enjoyed a contractual relationship with World Wrestling Federation Entertainment (WWFE) as WWE’s West Coast developmental territory. During that time period, approximately 65 prospects were signed to WWE developmental agreements from the hundreds of schools throughout the world.

14 OF THOSE 65 CAME FROM ULTIMATE UNIVERSITY!

12 of those 14 stepped into the ring for the first time ever at Ultimate University.

Assuming there are 100 schools in the world, the other 99 schools delivered 51 developmental prospects to WWE. UPW delivered 14, or nearly 25%! An amazing statistic to be sure. Here’s who went from UU/UPW to WWE, in order of signing:

Tom Howard (started w/Bill Anderson & Jesse Hernandez)

Stefan Gamlin

Russ McCullough

Sylvester Terkay

Caryn Mower

Aaron Aguilera (started w/Martine Marin)

Basil Bozinis

John Cena

Diane Klimaszewski

Eliane Klimaszewski

Frostee Moore

Lisa Marie Varon

Jon Heidenreich

Nathan Jones

Brian Kendrick (started w/Shawn Michaels)

Mike Bucci (started in New Jersey)

Matt Wiese (started w/Steve Islas)

Ryan Sakoda (started w/Jesse Hernandez)

Chris Mordetzky

Additionally another 25 UPW talent/Ultimate University students appeared in dark matches and other paid try-out positions in WWE events or in the WWE training camp. In order of appearance, these individuals include:

Rick Bassman, “Big Time” Hank Hill, Mikey Henderson, Shane Ballard, Shannon Ballard, Brett “Big Schwag” Wagner, Gil “El Jefe” Aguilera, Justin “Just inSane” McCulley (offered contract), Aaron Baker, “Mad Dog” Mike Bell, Sacha “Savvy” Bryant, Jenny “Looney” Lane, Oleg Taktarov (offered contract), Andrew Bryniarski, Christopher Daniels (offered contract), Tim “Real Deal” Damien Steele, Cassandra “Sadyst” Ferragamo, Frankie Kazarian, Nova, Mark “Smelly” Bell, Brian “Al Katrazz” Fleming, Mike “Outlaw Mike Knox” Hettinga, Steve “Navajo Warrior” Islas, Ryan “Keiji” Sakoda and “Samoa” Joe Seanoa.

During this same time period, many WWE Superstars appeared on UPW shows. To name a few…..Kurt Angle, The Hardys & Lita, William Regal, Ivory, Edge & Christian and HHH!

Although Ultimate University/UPW no longer maintains a contract with WWFE, we are still actively in contact and enjoy a strong working relationship WWFE Talent Relations. We expect that these relationships will result in future opportunities for UU/UPW talent.

To:

Jim Ross, Bruce Prichard, William Moody, Gerald Brisco, Dennis Brent, Bob Clark, Kevin Kelly, Nicole D’Orazio, Lynn Brent, Ed Kaufman, Liz DiFabio, Steve Taylor, Bret & Erin H., Howard Finkel, Jimmy Korderas, Dave Hebner, Tony Garea, Jack Lanza, Michael Hayes, David Sahadi of course to Vince, Linda, Stephanie and Shane and to everyone at WWE…….

With thanks and appreciation for all you’ve done!

As of October, 2002, UPW renewed an active association with the venerable WWE. First up -- UPW's LOONEY and SAVVY in "HLA." Next, a whole lot of activity involving one NATHAN JONES. We're confident this is just the very beginnings of what should prove to be a very exciting association. All in all, we're glad to be back with our friends at WWE!

CURRENT WWE / UPW HAPPENINGS