Before the establishment of some of the most renowned wrestling companies like World Wrestling Entertainment and All Elite Wrestling, theatrical wrestling could be seen in a more local setting. As the sport grew in popularity and companies merged, independent leagues fell out of the limelight—but many still remain. Situated in the heart of West Oakland is a wrestling league that brings the historic sport of entertainment wrestling back to its roots—with some herbal additions. Wrestlers of all skill levels meet at Stoner U three times a week to learn, train, compete and often smoke marijuana together. Derek and Dustin Mehl, also known by their ring names Scott Rick and Rick Scott, have immersed their own lives and the lives of their students in the world of wrestling for over a decade. The walls of the warehouse where the brothers train students are teemed with vintage bobbleheads, event flyers and photographs of the theatrical sport. Stoner U is not only the perfect launch pad for anyone interested in the sport, but also pays homage to the early days of entertainment wrestling.
![Hashem Mishal using an angle grinder to cut a drill bit, in the SAE team’s garage at SF State on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. “We don't get anything from the school other than this workshop,” Mishal said. “Our advisor, he runs the shop, and he also works with us to try and get as [many] opportunities as possible. So it was really nice, in helping us get this space, but all the tools are just some of the guys’ or third parties’. I don't know where these tools came from, but a lot of it was sponsors, donations from alumni. Right now, all the hardware we’ve been paying out of pocket for the time being.” (Jonah Chambliss / Xpress Magazine)](https://xpressmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Chambliss_F1_001_LEDEPHOTO-1200x800.jpg)
