Inside the squared circle: A UM-Flint grad's unlikely path to the WWE

With a trio of weekly television broadcasts, numerous arena shows and premium live events throughout the year, the biggest names in the world of sports entertainment can often run afoul of a clean bill of health. However, should someone come out on the wrong end of Sami Zayn's "Helluva Kick," Becky Lynch's "Dis-arm-her" or receive an "Attitude Adjustment" from John Cena, they may very well be relying on a University of Michigan-Flint graduate to nurse them back to health and to professional wrestling's biggest stage. 

Clayton Tomczyk, a 2018 graduate of UM-Flint's Doctor of Physical Therapy program, works under the bright lights and high drama as a physical therapist at WWE's Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

Grounded in Sport

Originally from Lapeer, Tomczyk earned his undergraduate degree in biology at Siena Heights University, where he also played collegiate soccer, a foundation that shaped his clinical skills and his approach to athlete care.

"I always had an affinity for wanting to do something with sports, but also wanting to do something that involved helping people. So physical therapy kind of made sense," said Tomczyk. 

A Pivot Toward the Pros

After earning his DPT degree, Tomczyk stayed close to home, working as a physical therapist while coaching for the National Soccer Club. In 2021, he took a significant next step by joining a post-professional sports residency program in South Carolina. There, he worked with collegiate athletes and semipro teams through ATI Physical Therapy and the Steadman Hawkins Clinic, including the Greenville Liberty women's soccer team.

That hands-on experience proved pivotal. It sharpened his clinical skills and opened his eyes to new possibilities.

While looking for new opportunities to advance his career in professional sports, he spotted a unique LinkedIn posting for an opening within WWE. The role combined everything he'd built his career around—athlete care, injury prevention and high-performance rehab—with a new twist: the world of sports entertainment.

"I was always pretty set on working in sports. I just didn't have a clear path of how to break into the industry at the time. So I had to work hard and get creative to get accepted by a sports residency and find those opportunities," said Tomczyk. 

The job was a leap, but he took it. And it paid off.

Life at the Performance Center

Today, Tomczyk practices his craft at the WWE Performance Center, where he helps train and care for up-and-coming talent in the company's NXT program. Many of these athletes are former Olympians, Division I wrestlers, or pros from other sports who are now learning the ropes—literally and figuratively—in professional wrestling.

"It's similar to a college athletic training room," Tomczyk said. "The WWE's variety of competitions and training regimens requires a dynamic approach to physical therapy, focusing on both injury prevention and recovery."

According to Tomczyk, the work is dynamic and fast-paced but always centered on keeping athletes safe. Concussions, in particular, are a primary concern.

"We have a very extensive concussion protocol program. We have consultants from the Kutcher Clinic that confer with professional sports organizations, such as the NBA and NHL, and we have our trainers and physicians who are very knowledgeable on the topic of head injury," said Tomczyk. "We've developed a program that I would say is top-notch for managing concussions."

Staying Grounded, Looking Ahead

Despite the dramatic career change, Tomczyk still draws on his roots in soccer and his training in Flint. His advice?

"Find mentors and pursue opportunities that align with your passion for sports," he said. Reflecting on his time at UM-Flint, Tomczyk said, "The faculty were great, and the program really helped prepare me professionally." He especially acknowledged Ryan Bean, clinical associate professor of physical therapy, and Amy Yorke, professor of physical therapy, as important influences.

"Clayton consistently shows up and always gives 110% to help others," said Yorke. "He is quiet and thoughtful; always demonstrating respect for the patients he serves."

As NXT continues to bring fresh talent into the WWE spotlight, Tomczyk is proud to play a role in helping those athletes stay healthy and reach their potential. His story is proof that a UM-Flint physical therapy education—when paired with drive and adaptability—can take learners far beyond what they originally imagined.