The Journey and Legacy of Wrestler Vinnie Massaro

Pro wrestler Vinnie Massaro may not be a household name for those who watch televised wrestling weekly. However, Massaro has spent nearly three decades in the ring, starting in Hayward, California, and making his mark in top Japanese promotions. He’s a fixture in the independent wrestling scene and is committed to training and wrestling with up-and-coming talent at West Coast Pro, Pandemonium Pro Wrestling, and other promotions.

Massaro understands that the dream of reaching WWE or All Elite Wrestling (AEW) might not materialize for him. Speaking with Fox News Digital, he expressed his love for helping the next generation of wrestlers evolve in their craft. “Honestly, the dream isn’t WWE or AEW. Those dreams have passed,” Massaro shared. “I’ve reached an age where nobody would hire me as a professional wrestler. But I love teaching young people to wrestle, assisting backstage, and serving as an agent. That’s a better outcome for me.”

Massaro revealed that his initial dream wasn’t to join WWE or WCW. His goal was to be part of Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) as it gained popularity in the Northeast. However, that ambition faded when WWE acquired ECW. He shifted his focus to wrestling in Japan, particularly at the renowned Korakuen Hall.

His love for Japanese wrestling was evident: “My favorite wrestler was Mitsuharu Misawa, and I wanted to meet him, wrestle him, and perform for All Japan Pro Wrestling. Eventually, I wrestled for Pro Wrestling Noah at Korakuen Hall and achieved those dreams.” Massaro recounted how wrestling in Japan and performing at iconic venues like Arena Mexico and the ECW Arena were significant highlights.

Massaro found fulfillment in teaching new wrestlers from scratch. “Seeing my students, like Miko Alana, who joined with no experience, now wrestling at Korakuen Hall is my definition of success. That’s what ‘making it’ means to me,” he said.

Discussing his style, Massaro admitted that he focuses on hard-hitting moves and strength displays, unlike high-flying maneuvers. He described his career as having two possible paths. “I could be like Ole Anderson, set in my ways, or like Terry Funk, adapting to various wrestling styles worldwide,” he reflected.

Massaro embraces challenges and believes in continuous exploration. He has trained in Japan, Lucha Libre, and with renowned wrestlers like Lady Apache. He will soon partner with Japanese wrestling star Shigeo Okumura in a six-man tag match against Lucha Libre legend Blue Panther at Pandemonium Pro’s End of Summer Event in Phoenix, Arizona.

“I’m thrilled to face Blue Panther, one of the few names I recognized in Lucha Libre,” Massaro expressed. “Tagging with Okumura, who has such a pivotal role in CMLL, adds to the excitement. It’s an honor to be a key part of Pandemonium Pro Wrestling.”

Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.