Professional wrestling has evolved into a multi-million dollar industry, with athletes showcasing their athleticism, storytelling, and charisma in front of millions of fans worldwide. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the ring and becoming part of this exciting world, the journey to success starts with determination, preparation, and the right mindset. Here’s how you can get started in the professional wrestling business.
1. Understand the Industry
Before stepping foot in a wrestling ring, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what professional wrestling is all about. While the sport might seem like a combination of athletic competition and theatrical performance, it is a lot more complex than it appears.
Professional wrestling involves elements of:
- Athleticism: Wrestlers must be in top physical condition to execute complex moves.
- Storytelling: Matches often revolve around rivalries, personal stakes, and emotional investment from the audience.
- Character Development: Wrestlers adopt personas that are often larger than life, and their gimmicks are integral to the overall appeal.
Do research on wrestling promotions like WWE, AEW, NJPW, or smaller independent circuits to see what resonates with you. Watch matches, read interviews, and get a sense of the industry’s culture and language.
2. Get in Shape
Professional wrestling is physically demanding, so the first step is to get in shape. Wrestlers need strength, agility, and endurance to perform safely and effectively in the ring. A good fitness routine should include:
- Strength training (weights, bodyweight exercises) to build muscle and power.
- Cardio (running, cycling, swimming) to improve stamina and endurance.
- Flexibility exercises (stretching, yoga) to prevent injuries and improve mobility.
In addition to your regular fitness routine, wrestling-specific training will help develop the agility and coordination necessary for high-impact maneuvers.
3. Find a Wrestling School
The best way to break into the business is by attending a reputable wrestling school. These schools are run by experienced wrestlers and trainers who can teach you the fundamentals, including:
- Basic wrestling techniques (holds, strikes, and bumps).
- Ring awareness and how to perform safely.
- Cutting promos and developing a wrestling persona.
- Storytelling and match structure.
Some well-known wrestling schools include:
- Future Stars of Wrestling (Las Vegas, NV)
- The Monster Factory (New Jersey)
- Create A Pro Wrestling Academy (Long Island, NY)
- Santino Bros Wrestling Academy (Bell Garden, CA)
- Knokx Pro (Van Nuys, CA)
- The Al Snow Wrestling Academy (Louisville, KY)
- Reality of Wrestling (Texas City, TX)
Be sure to choose a school with a proven track record and experienced trainers. Training can be intense, so expect long hours and hard work.
4. Start Competing in Indie Promotions
Once you’ve completed your training, the next step is to get experience by wrestling in independent promotions. These smaller, local wrestling events provide an excellent platform for newcomers to build their reputations and develop their skills in front of live audiences. Many top WWE and AEW stars started in the indie circuit.
Here’s how to get started in indie promotions:
- Attend local wrestling events and network with promoters and other wrestlers.
- Submit your resume and demo reel (which should include videos of your wrestling skills) to indie promotions.
- Start with smaller roles and work your way up the ladder.
- Be persistent and patient – success often doesn’t come overnight.
5. Develop Your Wrestling Persona
A big part of professional wrestling is character work. You need to stand out not only as a skilled wrestler but also as a memorable personality. Consider your wrestling persona or “gimmick” – this is how fans will recognize and connect with you. You can create a gimmick based on a variety of factors, such as:
- Your real-life interests or alter ego.
- A larger-than-life persona that exaggerates your personality traits.
- Something that aligns with current trends in wrestling.
Take inspiration from wrestlers like The Rock, John Cena, or Becky Lynch, who have unforgettable characters that have become part of their identity in the ring.
6. Learn the Business Side of Wrestling
Success in the wrestling business is not only about wrestling but also about understanding the business side. This includes negotiations, contracts, building relationships with promoters, and networking with other wrestlers. Here’s what you should focus on:
- Branding: Social media, merchandise, and building a following.
- Negotiation skills: Contracts with wrestling promotions and sponsorships.
- Networking: Maintaining good relationships with other wrestlers, agents, and promoters.
Also, having a solid understanding of the business structure and the role of television, sponsorships, and marketing will give you a competitive edge in a highly competitive field.
7. Be Persistent and Keep Improving
In a competitive industry like professional wrestling, persistence is key. Success doesn’t come easily, and there will be setbacks and tough times along the way. Always strive to improve your skills, learn from your experiences, and adapt to changes in the industry.
Conclusion
Getting into the professional wrestling business requires a combination of hard work, physical training, networking, and dedication. It’s a tough journey, but with determination, passion, and the right attitude, you can make your mark in the squared circle. Whether you want to compete on the biggest stages or make a name for yourself in the indie circuits, starting your journey with the right foundation is key. Stay focused, keep learning, and enjoy the ride – the wrestling world awaits!
