World Wrestling Entertainment's (WWE) quest for global domination continues with the announcement of a new training facility in London, England.
It will be the first WWE Performance Centre (PC) located outside the United States - the sports entertainment giant hoping it will help take a significant step in localising their content around the world.
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With 1580 square metres, two training rings, a world-class strength and conditioning equipment and versatile content creation infrastructure, the UK PC will enable WWE to train athletes through a comprehensive program including in-ring training, physical preparedness and character development.
Kiwi WWE contracted star Dakota Kai has spent close to two years training at the PC in Orlando, Florida - the Aucklander now a fixture on NXT, WWE's development brand.
WWE executive and in-ring superstar Paul 'Triple H' Levesque told media on Saturday (NZ time) that the venue in London will be the first of many international bases.
"You can have the best athletes in the world, but if you can't show them to the world it doesn't do you any good," Levesque said.
"This facility allows that to take place at a level we've never been able to do here in the UK before, 24/7.
"We are incredibly proud to open the UK Performance Center and provide our NXT UK superstars the same world-class coaching and development programs that we deliver at the Performance Center in Orlando, Florida."
UK-based Kiwi Travis Banks is among 30 athletes signed to NXT's UK brand, and will train at the PC in London.
WWE's new approach to recruitment by championing the outstanding facility that is the PC has seen the arrival of elite athletes across many international sports.
Former Brisbane Broncos winger Daniel Vidot is on WWE's books, as is former Super League player Luke Menzies, who had stints at Hull, Salford, Halifax and Toronto Wolfpack.
Catch WWE NXT UK featuring Kiwi Travis Banks every Wednesday afternoon on the WWE Network.
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