UPW’s Rick Bassman announced today that two of UPW’s and Ultimate University’s best and brightest, Ryan Sakoda and Chris Mordetzky, are joining the WWE roster.
Sakoda has been a solid contributor to the UPW roster for over 3 years, as one its most colorful and popular Superstars, “The Japanese Assassin, Keiji Sakoda.” In addition to shining at UPW, Keiji became a star in his own right at Zero-One in Japan. Between trips to Japan, Ryan has also often filled in as an instructor at UPW’s Ultimate University, lending a hand to guide some of today’s most promising prospects in the business. Mordetzky first joined Ultimate University at 17. He left shortly thereafter, in a quest for self-improvement. Chris returned to UU a year and a half ago with a vengeance and “Superfreak” quickly became one of UPW’s most popular wrestlers. Still early in his development, Chris has developed great dedication, toughness and possibly, the best physique in the business.
Along with others at UPW/Ultimate University, WWE Talent Relations had been looking at both Ryan and Chris carefully over the past few months. After several dark matches for Ryan and pre-show workouts for Chris, as well as review of tapes and promotional materials for both, UPW Owner Bassman got the word late Wednesday from WWE’s John Laurinaitis.
“Ryan and Chris are great guys,” Bassman said. They’ve overcome alot of challenges and both have worked very, very hard for this. I’m confident that giver their toughness, personalities and talent, they’ll go far in this business. We’ll absolutely, positively miss them here at UPW and Ultimate University, but I couldn’t be any happier for them.”
Over its nearly five year association with World Wrestling Entertainment, more UPW/Ultimate University talents have gone on to WWE than any other promotion/school in the industry, bringing the current total to 20.
For more on Ryan Sakoda, Chris Mordetzky and the 20 who have gone on to WWF/WWE, visit www.upw.com.
From everyone at UPW and Ultimate University, CONGRATULATIONS RYAN & CHRIS!
