I think that one of the biggest struggles faced by the independent wrestling business today is that the front line folks, the wrestlers themselves, have lost their focus. They don't know the foundation of their business. Without this understanding, it is no wonder that we so much rampant bullshit in the wrestling industry today.
This isn't wrestling-specific -- it can apply to anyone with a job. Ask yourself: WHO DO YOU WORK FOR? If someone is sitting at their computer reading this who works in retail - they WORK for the employer that signs the paychecks, they SERVE the store's customers. In the wrestling business, I think that many wrestlers lose focus on this concept ... they think that they WORK for the folks in the seats -- and this is where egos start to get out of control.
The wrestling business, and any business for that matter, is focused on making money. To make money, you need to build a strong client base and nurture those relationships. If you are fortunate enough to secure a contract with a single organization that allows for you to provide for your family, that's awesome -- but otherwise, you need to build relationships with the people that are driving the business -- the promoters. That could mean juggling relationships with as many as a dozen promoters at a time, considering the business interests of each of those promoters at all times.
As discussed in an earlier column about the business of wrestling - promoters put a lot on the line ... opening themselves up to financial risk, a plethora of legal risks (i.e. third party liability), as well as staking their reputation on every talent that they book. If one wrestler acts in a manner that is detrimental to an event, or the client (promoter's) business ... that can have a domino effect on others. Wrestlers need to understand the investment of promoters and respect that by abiding by the terms of their agreement.
In Winnipeg years ago, Tony Condello had province-wide television on the Winnipeg CTV affiliate. He had a weekly program, plus at his peak was running in excess of 100 dates per year across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Not only did he use local Winnipeg talent, but he imported top guys from Calgary and Toronto as well, offering opportunities for guys to network with other wrestlers of influence. His only condition for talent at that time was: Don't disrespect me by working for the other wrestling company across town. Seems simple right?
I can't pass judgment on why people made the decision that they did, or what may have been right or wrong for their careers and the path that they had set for themseves, but within six months of a competitive product opening up shop, guys started showing up -- often wrestling under masks -- thinking that they were being really sneaky. First of all -- Winnipeg is a pretty small wrestling community and word travels fast among locker rooms. Second, the diehard fans knew EXACTLY who was under those masks, and these guys weren't fooling anyone. Not surprisingly, within a year, Condello stopped using ALL local Winnipeg wrestlers ... and guys who were just coming up through the ranks, hoping to have an opportunity to work on his cards (me) were shut out by association. It took FIVE years to build a rapport with Condello and get my first booking there -- and as a referee at that.
You need to respect those relationships with promoters and be aware of their business. I think that it is also important, recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of any human, that you demonstrate that you respect that individual. Imagine how this scenario might play out:
You walk into your boss' office one day and you say:
"Listen, a lot of people in the industry give me a hard time about working here because they think that you are an incompetent asshole. I'm not saying that I disagree with their opinion, but I'll still take your money for as long as you're stupid enough to keep me on the schedule."
Believe it or not, I saw a message like this from a wrestler to a promoter this week. Not in those exact words, of course, but this was the message. If I was that promoter, my response would probably be something very similar to:
"I appreciate your honesty and understand that at this stage in your career that the impressions that the industry has as a whole of you and your credibility as a performer are very important to you. Best of luck in all of your future endeavours. I have taken the liberty to fill the vacancies created by your departure with talent that is appreciative of the opportunity."
Don't misunderstand, I have a great appreciation for wrestling fans. However, as wrestlers, there are very few guys active on the independents (in western Canada at least) that have proven to be such a strong draw that theirs is the only name and photo that needs to appear on the poster. In the ring, I strive to present matches that the fans will appreciate and contribute to the overall buzz from the card -- but the opinion of ONE fan is not as strong, or as impactful to my coming month's schedule as the opinion of ONE promoter. I might have a five star match that has the fans on their feet throughout (not really, that never happened) but if it's not in keeping with the promoter's expectations, I might not be asked back. The relationship between wrestler and promoter is fragile and needs to be nurtured.
Remember and understand this: THE ONLY EGO MORE FRAGILE THAN THE AVERAGE PRO WRESTLER IS THAT OF THE AVERAGE WRESTLING PROMOTER.
As wrestlers, you aren't without options. If you don't respect a promoter, or don't believe in his product -- dont work there. You can find another avenue to ply your trade. But once you make a commitment, honor that agreement. Show up to each event with an interest to contribute. If you see that you're not booked over a stretch of cards, think about what you bring to the table to be considered for future dates. If you're booked, show up. When circumstances arise that you can't make your date, let the promoter know as far in advance as possible -- perhaps even suggest a suitable replacement that you know might be available.
Without wrestling PROMOTERS, there are no wrestling shows. Be the big wrestling star on your block with no dates to work. No worries, you can still put your gear on and walk your dog so that people don't forget that you're the big stud in the neighbourhood.
Don't forget the importance of "thank you". This isn't a wrestling rule, it's just common sense etiquette that we all should have learned by grade school. If someone has done something for you, remember to thank them accordingly. This could be as small a gesture as grabbing you some water after a match, or taking care of your merchandise at the souvenir table to make sure that your inventory and money is all accounted for. Considering promoters - they are giving you an opportunity to gain experience, are staking their business on your ability, and may even be getting you some media attention or TV time. What is an appropriate thank you for that?
When I lived in Winnipeg, I used to pass this promotional novelties store every week on my way to Chalmers community club in Winnipeg. They had a sign posted outside, usually as Christmas approached that said: "What have you done to thank your best customers this year?" Well ... my esteemed peers in the locker room, what HAVE you done? How have you shown your gratitude to those promoters that have done so much for you over the past year? How are you fostering relationships that will ensure that your schedule stays as aggressive (or busier) this year.
Think about your business ... because if you're not, there are guys that are. And guess what -- they're taking YOUR spot!
Vance Nevada