From the sunny beaches of Australia to the wrestling rings of Japan, Zeke Andino’s journey is not just a tale of becoming a professional wrestler; it’s a saga of surpassing insurmountable odds to chase a nearly impossible dream. Today, Andino isn’t just a wrestler; he’s a beacon of hope and an inspiration to countless young athletes around the world. His story is about resilience, unwavering commitment, and the raw passion that drives one to leave an indelible mark on the world.
Zeke’s love for wrestling ignited early, around the age of five, when the drama and athleticism of WWE captured his imagination on television. It was during the 2015 WWE Royal Rumble, however, that his fate was sealed. Opting out of a family friend’s BBQ to watch the event, a specific high-flying move by Seth Rollins clinched Zeke’s decision to pursue wrestling as a career. This moment spurred him to immediately search for “How to become a Pro Wrestler” on his phone, marking the start of his relentless pursuit towards wrestling stardom.
Embarking on this path wasn’t easy, especially hailing from a country where wrestling isn’t a mainstream sport. Despite these challenges, Zeke moved states right after high school, worked in a factory to save money, and began training in earnest in 2016. His dedication was palpable, as he trained on thin gym mats—a testament to his willingness to endure pain for his passion. Zeke’s commitment paid off when he made his wrestling debut later that year.
Zeke’s aspirations soon took him far beyond local gyms and rings. In 2017, he traveled to the United States to train under his inspiration, Seth Rollins, at the Black and Brave Wrestling Academy. The intense three-week camp was grueling but transformative, refining Zeke’s skills and preparing him for the global stage. Following this, he wrestled nearly every weekend from 2018 to 2019, continuously learning from notable wrestlers at various seminars.
The year 2020 marked a pivotal moment for Zeke as he ventured to New Zealand to train at the Fale Dojo, a feeder for New Japan Pro Wrestling. His preparation was rigorous; waking at 4 a.m., commuting for hours, and enduring long workdays before training. This grueling schedule exemplified his mantra, “Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Unfortunately, the global pandemic cut this chapter short, leaving Zeke to reconsider his path in wrestling.
However, after a 10-month hiatus, the wisdom of an old teacher echoed in his mind, encouraging him to return to the ring for one more match—to avoid future regrets of what could have been. That match reignited his passion, confirming his lifelong dedication to wrestling. This comeback led to an extraordinary opportunity in December 2023 when Zeke was booked for a six-week tour in Japan with Big Japan Wrestling, fulfilling one of his lifelong dreams.
Today, Zeke Andino is not just known for his athletic prowess in the ring but also as “The Dark Horse” of professional wrestling. This moniker symbolizes his journey: consistently underestimated but perennially surpassing expectations. His story is a vivid illustration of what it means to fight for one’s dreams, against all odds.
Off the ring, Zeke’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through “The Dark Horse Lifestyle,” his clothing line, further extending his influence beyond wrestling. He envisions himself at the pinnacle of major wrestling promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling, AEW, ROH, and eventually WWE. Zeke’s dream is to not only become a champion but to inspire and influence the next generation of wrestlers and fans.
Zeke Andino’s tale is more than just a wrestler’s journey; it’s a narrative of never giving up, of transforming dreams into tangible realities. It serves as a potent reminder that with perseverance and passion, even the most far-fetched dreams can be realized. As Zeke continues to wrestle, train, and inspire, his story will undoubtedly encourage others to step into the ring of their own challenges, equipped with the belief that they, too, can achieve greatness, no matter the odds.