1. Building Your Foundation:
Create a Video of You: Show your best in-ring work, showcasing your skills and character, and including a video of you doing a promo wouldn't hurt. Keep it concise and high-quality.
Professional Photos: Invest in professional photos that showcase you. These photos can be used as promotional materials by you and promoters who book you.
2. Networking and Connections:
Attend Local Shows: Go to independent wrestling shows in your area. Network with promoters, wrestlers, and other industry professionals.
Utilize Tech: Educate yourself on tech tools you need to know and streaming strategies. Technology is empowering talent and creating a more level playing field.
Make Industry Connections: As you build your social media presence, follow promotions (or the promoter's profile if they have an active one) and other wrestlers. Engage with their content and make connections.
Attend Tryouts and Seminars: Participate in tryouts to show your skills, as well as seminars with instructors who have worked in either a major promotion or wrestled internationally, to learn how to improve.
Build Relationships: Be respectful, professional, and reliable.
3. Reaching Out to Promoters:
Research Promotions: Identify promotions that align with your style and goals. Research their roster, events, and booking policies.
Contact a Promotion: Introduce yourself and your character. Let them know what promotion(s) you have wrestled in, and show them the pictures of yourself and video(s) of you.
Personalize Your Approach: Tailor your message to each promotion, showing that you are familiar with their brand.
Be Patient: It takes time to become known. If you experience dry spells, don't get discouraged. The wrestling industry is very competitive, and there are many more wrestlers than there are shows to get booked on. So, even if a promoter books you for a show, there is no guarantee that they will book you on a regular basis. This will affect you financially and perhaps even emotionally, making it hard to stay motivated and to keep believing in yourself when you're not getting booked on shows. It's important to remember that dry spells are a normal part of the industry and that you should keep promoting yourself.
4. What Promoters Look For:
Wrestling Skill and Fundamentals: Promoters prioritize wrestlers who are skilled and know how to bump, and take & perform wrestling moves properly.
A Good Look or a Good Gimmick: A distinct, marketable look or gimmick immediately grabs audience attention, drives merchandise sales, and creates an emotional connection that makes fans invest in them and pay to see them.
Strong Personality: Good crowd appeal and an engaging personality can make you more marketable.
Good Promo Skills: Being able to talk in front of a crowd and make people listen to you, whether as a face or a heel.
Charisma: Having the ability to instantly command attention and draw the audience's eyes the moment you step into the venue or come down the aisle.
Professionalism: Promoters value wrestlers who are professional, punctual, and reliable.
Social Media Presence: A strong social media presence can help promote events and attract fans. Promoters want wrestlers to provide promotional efforts, especially with a show approaching. Plus, informing your followers of ALL of your upcoming appearances would benefit you just as much as it would benefit the promotions.
Versatility: The ability to work with different types of wrestlers and adapt to various match styles is a valuable asset.
5. Preparing for Your Match:
Communicate with the Promoter: Discuss your character, match style, and any specific requirements with the promoter.
Prepare Your Gear: Ensure your wrestling gear is clean, presentable, and in good condition.
Arrive Early: Arrive at the venue early to warm up, familiarize yourself with the ring, and meet the other wrestlers.
Be Professional: Be respectful to everyone at the event, including promoters, others wrestlers, and fans.
Learn from the Experience: After your match, reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement.
6. Don't Give Up:
Rejection is Part of the Process: With the variety of styles, target audiences, and operational structures, no pro-wrestler is a fit for every promotion.
Stay Persistent: Keep reaching out to promotions and building your connections.
Focus on Improvement: Continuously work on your skills and character development.
If you are struggling to get booked on wrestling shows, I can help you find and reach out to promotions, as well as help you use social media to promote yourself. Contact me at info@harold-williams.com
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