We
met Spencer on a warmer than usual evening in November outside of
Connecticut's premier training facility, Professional Wrestling Academy
in New Haven, CT. The facility is small, but has all the character of a
Boxing Gym that is tucked away deep in a Philadelphia industrial
area. At first glance Spencer could be mistaken for an NFL Lineman, 6"4', 330lbs plus. His demeanor is quite far from that expectation. Our initial meeting was to get to know him as a performer in the art of wrestling, but we learned more about who "Wrecking Ball" Legursky is. That's Spencer's alter ego in the wrestling arena.
Spencer attended Southern Connecticut State University. He played football as an offensive lineman until an injury sidelined him for most of his senior year. Like many athletes in his position, the show must go on, making his education the primary focus. He held a few odd jobs during his college years, as a pizza delivery driver, warehouse worker, and at Target. He is no stranger to the Customer Service Industry. Now working on his Master's in Social Work, Spencer is currently an intern at Hamden High School, working with At Risk Youth. Spencer also works part time at Continuum of Care in a Mental Health and Drug Dependency Care Center.
"Spencer is a gentle giant. He is very kind, not intimidating in any way despite his size," says Kristen Tassiello, a Hamden High School Social Worker. "He is younger and has an athletic background, which our male students can often identify with."
"I really love helping people who are less fortunate," Spencer told me.
Who is Wrecking Ball Legursky?
We met the person, we took a look at his ring attire, but it takes more than a certain look to sell us or "sell the crowd." We spent a few hours at the PWA-CT facility to see the training, the technique and the attitude.
"To gain perspective, you really have to climb on the ring apron and feel what is going on in the there," says Todd Kean, Freelance Photographer.
As Todd found several angles to shoot Spencer in training, we realized that the training is just as much about the physical stamina, as is the trash talking. Wrecking Ball Legursky is a working man's wrestler. His persona is based on his ideals.
We spoke to Spencer outside of the facility. "I'm a Face (good guy), but I am your everyday Blue Collar worker that is trying to make ends meet," Spencer told us. "You really have to make people believe that you believe it too. I believe that I can help people in my real life, just by being true to myself."
Spencer has been at the PWA-CT facility for 9 months. His training program is due to end in January. After that he can continue to train while taking gigs outside of the PWA-CT promotion.
"I've wrestled in Maine, New Jersey, even Ohio. We go where the crowds demand. Each event is a melting pot of people. All ages, races, shapes and sizes," Spencer said as he gazed back into the facility. I could feel him yearning to get back in the ring.
We were able to get some really good shots of Wrecking Ball in action, training with a tight rope, performing fundamental maneuvers, and some turnbuckle work. The conditioning involved is similar to boxing, with some martial arts technique thrown in to increase balance.
Social Worker by day, Professional Wrestler by night. Spencer Charette or Wrecking Ball Legursky. Alter egos, both on a mission to: help, educate, and entertain! Vote for Spencer!
Yertip Suggests: Our tip for you is to support performing arts. Like Spencer, people that develop their character, put their body and soul into every act. Attend one of his performances!
See him in action, December 7th, 2013 in Bristol. Click Here for event information.
We want to thank Josef Von Schmidt, owner of PWA-CT for allowing us to film inside of his facility.
Click Here for more information about the school and upcoming events.
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