Photo by Scott Lesh
By: Brian Fernandes
In the bustling world of professional wrestling, Joakim Morales stands as a beacon of inclusivity, mentorship, and unwavering dedication. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Morales has ingrained himself deeply within the fabric of the wrestling community, not only as a promoter but as a nurturing force behind the scenes, shaping the next generation of professional wrestlers.
His journey into the world of wrestling began with childhood memories of electrifying matches watched on VHS tapes featuring legends like Randy Savage and Tito Santana. Enthralled by the spectacle, Morales found himself drawn to the world of independent wrestling, driven by a passion to highlight the positives within the sport.
With people on social media always finding a reason to complain about something in wrestling, he wanted to create a Facebook group where fans spoke about the positives about wrestling. “We all took the things we enjoyed, shared what we liked, and didn’t bash anything”, he said.
However, it was his collaboration with Carlos Aristy, the founder of Battle Club Pro, that propelled him into the inner workings of the industry. Initially drawn together by a shared passion for the sport, Morales and Aristy embarked on a mission to foster a positive wrestling community.
A promotion aimed at showcasing top-tier wrestling in the Bronx, and eventually across venues in New Jersey and now Brooklyn. “He (Aristy) brought me on board, originally for commentary because he liked the way I looked at the business,” said Morales.
However, Morales’s vision extended beyond mere entertainment. In 2018, Aristy handed over the ownership of Battle Club Pro to Morales. Embracing his role as a promoter, Morales made it his mission to uplift underrepresented voices within the industry. He wanted to be inclusive to what he knew growing up— people of color, Black, Hispanic, and the LGBTQ community.
“I would just love to see the people that I saw growing up be super successful. Any way that I can help to make that happen, I will, he said.”
For him, Battle Club Pro isn’t just about putting on shows, it’s about providing a platform for wrestlers of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and orientations to thrive. “For me, this is honestly a stepping stone for people to be more successful through us. I’d like to see women, queer people and people of color be prosperous, productive, and successful through wrestling and predominantly through Battle Club.
This commitment to diversity and inclusivity was further solidified with the establishment of The Fallout Shelter, Battle Club Pro’s training facility. Inspired by the Speaking Out Movement, Morales and his team sought to create a safe space where aspiring wrestlers could learn and grow without fear of discrimination or harassment. In creating The Fallout Shelter, Morales states that he wants to put the ‘professional’ back into professional wrestling. “We want to make it a space where you don’t have to worry about that disgusting side too much because we’re pushing those things out, those kinds of people out, those behaviors out. We’re building the best talent, coaches, trainees and people that we can.”
The Fallout Shelter became more than just a school; it became a sanctuary for those passionate about the craft, guided by experienced mentors who shared Morales’s vision. “We hope it creates that ripple effect and grows outward across the country and even worldwide.”
Under Morales’s stewardship, The Fallout Shelter emerged as a vessel of excellence, attracting esteemed coaches and guest instructors from across the industry. From WWE’s Mia Yim to TNA’s Masha Slamovich to seasoned veterans like Mike Law, Jorge Santi & Steve Pena, each mentor imparts a wealth of knowledge and experience to enrich the next generation of talent.
Brian Bomb, a student of The Fallout Shelter said Morales’s leadership fostered an environment of acceptance and support. To him, Morales has always been an approachable, sweet guy. “He’s kind of like a father figure in some ways. I remember he had told me about a cousin who he’s really close to and admires and who is openly gay and that, for me, was a really nice thing to hear.”
Morales’s dedication to creating a safe space resonated deeply, earning him the trust and respect of those under his tutelage.
Likewise, Mike Law, a fellow wrestler and coach at The Fallout Shelter, lauded Morales’s integrity and unwavering support for his peers. To Law, Morales epitomized the qualities of a true mentor, a steadfast ally committed to the success and well-being of those around him. “In 23 years of being a part of the wrestling business, I’ve dealt with a lot of people, but I will honestly say that Joakim Morales is one of those people that I trust with my life.”
For Morales, the challenges of being a promoter in New York City are myriad, from navigating strict regulations from the New York State Athletic Commission to ensuring the welfare of talent.
Yet, through it all, his resolve remains unshaken. For him, the biggest challenge in independent wrestling, especially if you’re still finding your way, is making sure you draw a house that’s good enough so that everything is taken care of and there are no issues.
Morales’s passion for uplifting others, coupled with his tireless work ethic, fuels his determination to overcome obstacles and pave the way for a brighter future in wrestling. “ I always do my best to take care of people,” he says with a smile.
As Morales reflects on his journey, he remains steadfast in his commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of inclusivity. For him, Battle Club Pro and The Fallout Shelter are more than just organizations; they are embodiments of his vision for a wrestling community built on respect, diversity, and shared success.
In the busy landscape of professional wrestling, Joakim Morales stands as a guiding light, a champion for change, a mentor to many, and a visionary leader shaping the future of the sport.
“As we look towards the future, I see endless possibilities,” Morales reflects. “With Battle Club Pro and The Fallout Shelter leading the charge, I’m confident that we can continue to shape a wrestling community that’s inclusive, equitable, and empowering for all.”
