Meet Andre (The D.R.E.) | Pro Wrestler, Gym Owner, & Actor
We had the good fortune of connecting with Andre (The D.R.E.) and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Andre (The D.R.E.), why did you pursue a creative career?
Honestly, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve always pursued the arts since I was a kid – starting to play the drums at 8 years old, writing and performing in a skit for my Sunday school at church (which was AWFUL), and making my own short films in high school.
Now, I’m a pro wrestler and I’ve never been more fulfilled in my life. Any time I step in the ring, I feel at home. I feel like I was meant to be there.
It’s a huge risk that I take to do this; I even got injured a month ago! But I wouldn’t be anywhere else. Wrestling feeds the soul and allows me to connect with others in a way that is hard to describe.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The best thing about where I’m at right now as a wrestler is that I’m still so new in the scene. I started training in January 2024 and made my debut on February 6th 2025.
The biggest doubt I had was my age (30) and I definitely felt imposter syndrome when all the other trainees are in their late-teens and early-20s doing flips at ease. But that meant I had to work harder in the dojo and at my own gym with strength and conditioning.
This road has NOT been easy. It has been filled with grueling training, injury after injury, but it’s been so rewarding. I learned not to quit and take every chop, bump, and slam with pride. I look back at my journey at Santino Bros with gratitude and it has made me a better wrestler and person today.
I’m not the best or flashiest wrestler, but I think what sets me apart from everyone is my character, The D.R.E. who is a Hollywood actor-turned-wrestler. Not only do I put a ton of energy to tell a story in the ring, but I also take advantage of social media to tell stories as my character. That allows me to connect with fans in a very special way.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ooof this is a hard one. I’m usually a low-key guy and a homebody, so I’d vote for us to stay home!
But if I’m being a good friend, I’d take them out to the Meat Cellar in Claremont, one of my favorite steakhouses ever.
I’d also vote to go to the Huntington Library, although this would be more of a romantic date with my fiancé, so maybe we cross this one out.
And as a film nerd, we’ll catch a screening at the Vista Theater!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My goodness, I could be here for hours writing down everyone who has helped me in my journey.
My Fiancé, Paige Hunter, has been my absolute rock, from running our own business together to making sure she is front row at my matches. I struck gold with her.
My parents. They are the ones who have helped ignite my passions and pushed me to work hard and never quit. They have been at every show decked out in my D.R.E. merch.
All my coaches at Santino Bros. Wrestling Academy!! Joey Kaos, Mongol Santino, Eli Everfly, Hoss, Primo, Pinky, Abdul, Zokre, Slice Boogie, Alec Thomas… It takes a whole village to raise this knucklehead.
Instagram: @drerunseveryone
Other: TikTok: @drerunseveryone
Also follow my gym’s Instagram!
@straightupfitness.hg
Image Credits
@oldirtycamera
Danny Amoros
@patdinco
Pat Dinco
@cfflymolo
Robert Collin
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