Breaking In: A No-BS Guide to Professional Wrestling
Let me be upfront. I've been a lifelong wrestling fan, a former media personality, and someone privileged to know many industry professionals. I don't claim to be an expert. True expertise comes only from years of direct involvement in the professional wrestling business. These are my observations and insights from years of observing and analyzing this industry, or "Brain Droppings" (as my spiritual mentor George Carlin would say).
How to Get Started
The territorial system that defined professional wrestling for decades is longgggg gone. Today's landscape consists of a few national promotions and many independent ones. If you're hoping to enter the industry, here's the typical path:
1. Start with proper training from QUALIFIED professionals - And I mean QUALIFIED. Not your buddy who watched some YouTube videos. Look for schools run by established veterans.
2. Build experience on the independent circuit - We're talking high school gyms and county fairs. You need to learn to work any crowd, anywhere.
3. Develop a distinctive character and reputation - Study acting techniques, improv, anything that helps you stand out.
4. Network and connect with industry veterans - And I mean REALLY network. Not just sliding into DMs. Get out there, help set up rings, and volunteer to sell merch. Make yourself useful.
Your Keys to Success
Wrestling success extends far beyond your physical abilities or appearance. The foundation includes:
1) Essential Components
Solid fundamentals - Learn to walk before you run. Master a headlock before attempting a 450 splash.
Professional attitude and reliability - Be respectful and on time.
Business acumen - Know your worth, but don't price yourself out of work. Start by learning to negotiate booking fees and travel expenses.
Consistent character development - The best characters are you turned up to 11. Look at how The Rock evolved from Rocky Maivia.
Strong promo skills - Record yourself. Watch yourself. Hate yourself. Improve yourself.
2) The Reality Check
Comprehensive training - MINIMUM 3-4 months for basics, true experts will recommend more. And those 3-4 months are JUST the basics.
Willingness to work small venues for minimal pay - Everyone starts here, so will you. Sometimes you will make gas money. Sometimes you will lose money. That's the game.
Significant investment in gear and self-promotion - You must invest in yourself. Good boots alone can run $200+. Then there are knee pads, gear, and professional photos.
Extensive travel and constant networking - Get ready for 6-hour drives for 10-minute matches. That's the life.
3) Behind the Scenes
Based on everything personally shared with me along with the countless wrestling books or guides I've read, the most crucial aspects of success almost always happen outside the ring:
Professionalism: Being early, prepared, and reliable. If you're booked in Chicago, you better have backup plans for your backup plans to get there.
Relationships: Building genuine industry connections. Help tear down the ring. Offer to drive veterans to shows. Be someone people WANT to work with.
Business Savvy: Managing bookings, travel, finances, and negotiations. Keep records of EVERYTHING. Mileage, expenses, merchandise sales. Treat it like a business because it is one.
As we've come to understand, professional wrestling is equal parts athletic performance, entertainment business, and relationship building. The most successful excel in all these areas.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my "Brain Droppings."
