Cristiano Argento Traces 2017 Move to U.S. Wrestling Career From 35,000-Person Italian Town
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 17
Cristiano Argento Traces 2017 Move to U.S. Wrestling Career From 35,000-Person Italian Town
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 17
Cristiano Argento said his path to the NWA began in Osimo, Italy — a town of about 35,000 — and took him across Europe before he decided he had to reach the U.S. to advance.
Canada became his first North American stop, where he trained with Lance Storm despite speaking almost no English; Argento said a friend translated and he likely missed half the instruction.
Texas then gave him his first U.S. work visa and debut at Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, before a second visa took him to Pittsburgh, where he has lived since 2017.
Family members initially thought he was "nuts" for moving alone across the world, but Argento said they became supportive as his career grew and the sacrifices became clear.
Argento now calls the U.S. a real "land of opportunity," saying the move opened more doors than staying in Italy as he also works shows outside NWA this year.
He sacrificed everything for his American dream, only to lose his NWA title shot. What comes next for 'The Italian Royalty'?
Is the grueling path to the U.S. wrestling scene worth it, or could stars find greater success in Japan or Europe?
Beyond the ring, what are the hidden costs for foreign wrestlers chasing fame and fortune in the United States?