Thanks to the research of a good friend and You Tube, I have compiled a collection of matches and promos featuring the WWE 2011 Tough Enough cast wrestling on the independents prior to entering Stone Cold’s ring. Just how far have some of these kids come? Watch these 24 videos and judge for yourself.

The difference between the 2011 WWE Tough Enough and past seasons is the amount of pro wrestling experience that the fourteen cast members prior to entering the contest. Most of the kids have experience inside of the ring, yet other than Matt Cappiccioni, most fans have never seen them in action. That changes today.

So check out the collection of videos featuring Tough Enough 2011 contestants; Ivelisse Velez, Eric Watts, Ryan Howe, A.J. Kirsch, Christina Crawford, Matt Cappiccioni, Luke Robinson and Martin Casaus from their independent pro wrestling days prior to Tough Enough. There are plenty of other videos out there on You Tube if you want to do some research.

It is interesting when you watch these videos and keep in mind at some of the other well known independent pro wrestlers who were turned down for the show. Former Ring of Honor champion Austin Airies, well respected women’s pro wrestler Mercedes Martinez, and PWG and So Cal wrestling veteran Joey Ryan were all turned down in favor of these contestants.

As for the videos. I think Ivelisse Velez (as Juliet the Huntress) really had and still does have a lot of potential to do big things in the WWE. She has charisma and looks real solid in some of these matches. Unfortunately the injury bug bit her at the wrong time and she was sent home simply because she was physically unable to perform. Those are the breaks, although by watching these matches it would appear that the WWE will bring her in at some point with a developmental deal.

Luke Robinson can cut a pretty decent promo. The quality of his videos aren’t all the best so it is hard to really get a feel for him overall although he looks decent. I think that Austin and the Tough Enough coaches made the right decision on Eric Watts. He is certainly a big kid but he looks real sloppy and slow in some the matches featuring the big man. A.J. Kirsch really blew me away because he showed more personality in his promo I found on You Tube than he has all season on the show.

Martin looks awesome and after watching some of these videos it really is not hard to believe that he is the current front runner in the competition and my pick to win Tough Enough. It also doesn’t hurt that he comes from that southern style which helped him develop a lot of the intangibles that the coaches are looking for.

Check out the full Camel Clutch Blog Pro Wrestling and MMA store for videos, t-shirts, books, and more.

Thanks to Josh Howard for the tip!

MTV’s Behind WWF Tough Enough DVD

WWE – ‘Cause Stone Cold Said So DVD



WWE – Austin vs. McMahon – The Whole True Story DVD

Grab discounted WWE DVDs, merchandise, t -shirts, figures, and more from the WWE Shop on Amazon.com

Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1,372 Easy Steps – Chris Jericho autobiography







(Visited 46 times, 1 visits today)

Eric G. Eric is the owner and editor-in-chief of the Camel Clutch Blog. Eric has worked in the pro wrestling industry since 1995 as a ring announcer in ECW and a commentator/host on television, PPV, and home video. Eric also hosted Pro Wrestling Radio on terrestrial radio from 1998-2009. Check out some of Eric's work on his IMDB bio and Wikipedia. Eric has an MBA from Temple University's Fox School of Business. More Posts - Website Follow Me:

