Professional wrestler shoots on his independent show: "Let's take it a bit higher"

Dono Hefner, 20, former WWE star, called AEW "soft" while promoting his independent wrestling show Too Over To Care, set to take place for DC in 2027.

Pro Wrestler Dono Hefner Previews Upcoming Showcase Series For DC

Pro wrestler Dono Hefner talks to OutKick about his efforts to land his own show early next year.

Professional wrestling is one of the toughest sports to compete in. There are thousands of wrestlers all over the world hoping to make a name for themselves and transform themselves from a nameless job to a star that everyone knows.

Running a pro wrestling promotion and putting on a show together are completely different beasts. Up-and-coming independent wrestler Dono Hefner is looking to tame that beast.

Hefner, 20, bills himself as "the most independent pro wrestler in OverAF" on the scene right now. He will present Too Over To Care in Washington, DC on February 27, 2027. In a recent interview with OutKick Dropkick, Hefner previously called out the bear in hopes of bringing attention to his event. His first target? Former WWE star AGTJ (now known as Jay Ta Gawd) who called him "soft" and could prove it "anytime anywhere."

Without naming names, Hefner said he's looking forward to the challenge of running his own show.

"What made me want to start is that most of the time I like to challenge myself. I like to be under pressure," he said. "So, I thought, I'm already good at this wrestling thing, right? Let's be honest here. So, I was like, 'Well, you know what? Let's take it up a notch.''

"People don't get the opportunities they think they get. So, I'm really not just for myself, I'm really doing everybody a favor."

Hefner said one of the more difficult challenges he's faced trying to book shows is telling people "no."

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"Saying no to some people because you can't put everyone on one card," he explained. "It's really because when a new show comes out, everyone wants to be on it. Everyone wants to be a part of it. "Other than that, everything has been pretty smooth so far, not least because we still have a long way to go."

Jay Lucas and Terry Yackey, known as the top tag team, and Chulo Montana and Vickis, known as Sexy & Blessed, are among those billed for Too Over To Care.

In a perfect world, Hefner would have hoped to be welcomed by an independent legend.

"My dream match in India would be against Joy Janella," he said. "I feel like Joey and I could really do something and he could really put me away. You know what I mean? Like, after that match, a lot of people were talking about me."

Pro wrestler Dono Hefner will host his own show in 2027. (Provided to OutKick)

For now, Hefner will continue to fuel himself with pro wrestling fans flocking to Too Over To Care.