No one is simply given a TV show on NBC, a star on Hollywood Boulevard, a role in a major motion picture or a WWE championship belt. These accomplishments by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson were the results of hard work and dedication.

Johnson's success had its beginnings inside of a ring inside of a warehouse inside of the WWE studios with world-renowned wrestling trainer Tom Prichard.

Prichard and Knox County Mayor Glenn "Kane" Jacobs are now looking to develop the next wrestling superstar in Knoxville at the Jacobs-Prichard Wrestling Academy, which will hold its first class Jan. 7.

Jacobs is an investor in the school and will not be involved with day-to-day operations, his spokesperson Rob Link said.

Jacobs won 18 WWE titles as Kane, one of the most-recognized characters in professional wrestling history.

"Glenn is totally focused on his duties as County Mayor, and he wants everyone to know that," read a Facebook message from the wrestling academy. "He (has) chosen a top notch team for the day-in day-out activities of the school, and he will be there only during windows of time that aren't dedicated to his job as mayor."

Prichard, the former head coach and talent relations manager for the WWE developmental systems, will train the students. His former trainees include The Rock, Edge, Kurt Angle, Mark Henry, Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt.

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"This whole thing really started because Tom was traveling around the country training people and thought, 'Why not just do it here?'" Jacobs said at the academy's open house Thursday. "It's like going to Harvard. Where would you rather go? If you are going to learn something, you want to learn from the best."

The school is located next to D1 Knoxville Sports Training & Therapy, at 10258 Hardin Valley Road. The facility is owned by Devin Driscoll, operator and performer for Knoxville's Bandit Wrestling, who will provide strength training for the academy.

What will students learn?

The school is not designed for those who are casually interested in professional wrestling. According to its website, the academy is "looking for serious students who have a goal (to) be trained in a way that makes success possible and the course is priced in that way."

"No one can guarantee you're going to be successful, but we want you to be successful," Jacobs told prospective students. "It doesn't do us any good if we run a bunch of guys through. We want people who are serious and are going to put in the work to be successful."

For $2,900, the first group of students will receive 16 weeks of training five nights per week. Professional wrestling matches are predetermined, but wrestlers must have a combination of athleticism and acting skills to advance storylines and safely make each maneuver appear real.

JPWA's program will include strength, condition, fundamental, character development and ring psychology training. Sean Hayes, a former WWE strength and conditioning coach, will work with Driscoll to instruct exercises that improve mobility and prevent injuries.

"Our objective is to make you guys feel better and more flexible and mobile," Driscoll told potential students. "You're not going to get trained like a body builder. You're not going to get trained like a power lifter. You're going to get trained like an athlete."

One night each week will be dedicated to promos and character development. Wrestling maneuvers will be taught inside a standard 20-foot ring.

"There's never been a better time in the business," Prichard said. "You have to have a solid foundation to build on."

Why Knoxville?

Tennessee, specifically Memphis, has a rich wrestling culture. However, Knoxville's now-defunct Smoky Mountain Wrestling, founded by legendary wrestling personality Jim Cornette, is known for developing many well-known superstars.

Notable SMW wrestlers include Chris Jericho, Al Snow, Balls Mahoney, The Road Dogg, D'Lo Brown, Hardcore Holly and The Rock 'n' Roll Express — not to mention Jacobs and Prichard themselves.

JPWA's website lists travel, living, jobs and culture as reasons for choosing Knoxville as a location. The academy is expecting people from out of town to join.

"Training in a new town allows you to leave your distractions back home," reads the JPWA website.

Alex Lopez, 24, did just that. He left his life behind in California and moved into his new Knoxville home Thursday to attend the academy.

"I was tired of my previous life — that was landscaping," he said. "I had some money saved up in my bank account. I heard about the wrestling school from a podcast."

Lopez made the decision to join the academy just one month ago. Prichard's reputation was one of the main reasons for the move, he said.

"I want to entertain the fans," Lopez said. "I want to go out there and feel the people cheering. I want to experience all that. (Prichard's) resume speaks for itself. He's trained the best. ... I'm hoping, one day, that will be me."

Want to apply?

Applications can be submitted at jpwa.weebly.com/apply. Class size is limited to 20, and no one will be added to the inaugural class once training begins Jan. 7, Prichard said.

The 16-week program will continue through April. Each group of students training after that will have 12 weeks of instruction. Advanced sessions will be taught in the future, Prichard said.

The non-refundable deposit is $500, and students will pay the remaining $2,400 in $800 monthly installments. The cost includes a membership to D1, Driscoll said.

"The value of an industry education that can get you booked and even noticed by large organizations far outweighs the cost," reads the academy's website. "Think of this training like a college course and understand that if you are a chosen applicant, we have outlets to get students booked once they complete the course and if they are qualified."

To learn more about the academy, visit jpwa.weebly.com.

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