Early career (1990–1997)
In 1988, Shamrock trained as a professional wrestler under Bob Sawyer,
Buzz Sawyer, Nelson Royal, and
Gene Anderson.
[69][70] He debuted in 1990 in Royal's North Carolina-based Atlantic Coast Wrestling
promotion under the
ring name Wayne Shamrock. After ACW folded, he moved on to the George Scott/Paul Jones-run company
South Atlantic Pro Wrestling (which initially promoted under the banner of the North American Wrestling Association) and changed his ring name to Vince Torelli. Later he adopted the nickname "Mr. Wrestling" and a more villainous persona. In 1990, Shamrock traveled to Japan, where he competed in the
Universal Wrestling Federation and its successor promotion,
Pro Wrestling Fujiwara Gumi.