Josh Alexander is taking on a major new role outside AEW.
The AEW star has been named head coach of Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s new wrestling academy, which is set to open in October 2026 in Windsor, Ontario. Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling announced that the Can-Am Dojo is returning inside a new 4,000-square-foot facility, with Alexander taking charge of the training side of the operation.
Alexander is still an active AEW wrestler and currently holds the MLP Canadian Championship, so he’ll now be balancing his own in-ring career with helping develop aspiring wrestlers. The academy will offer both beginner and advanced classes, but MLP says the goal goes far beyond teaching moves.
“The Academy will offer a full spectrum of training, including both beginner and advanced courses, welcoming aspiring wrestlers at all stages of their journey. In addition to regular classes, the MLP Academy will host specialized seminars and clinics featuring top names from across the wrestling industry.”
Students will also be taught the parts of wrestling that happen outside the ring, including promos, character development, branding and professional conduct.
“These sessions will cover critical aspects of a professional wrestling career, including in-ring technique, promo skills, character development, brand building, etiquette, and professional conduct – ensuring students are prepared for every part of the business both inside and outside the ring.”
MLP is also planning regular trainee showcase events, giving students the chance to wrestle in front of live crowds instead of spending all of their time inside the gym.
“To further enhance the real-world experience, the MLP Academy will also hold regular trainee showcase events, giving athletes the opportunity to get valuable ‘game day reps’ in front of live audiences.”
The school already has some serious history behind it. Previous Can-Am Dojo alumni include Rhino, Motor City Machine Guns, Moose, Bobby Roode, Eric Young and Petey Williams. Now Alexander will be one of the main people responsible for trying to produce the next group of names to come out of the school.
For Alexander, this gives him a much bigger role in wrestling beyond simply competing in AEW and MLP. He’ll now have a direct hand in training the next generation while continuing his own career in the ring.
Do you think Josh Alexander is a good fit to lead MLP’s wrestling school while still competing for AEW? Let us know what you think in the comments.
